/Institutions/Cumberland-University/json/2014-2015/2014-2015-Undergraduate-Catalog-local.json

/Institutions/Cumberland-University/json/2014-2015/2014-2015-Undergraduate-Catalog.json

2014-2015 Undergraduate Catalog > Admissions/Enrollment Services > Admission Policy > First Time Freshmen

First Time Freshmen

Thank you for your interest in Cumberland University! The following steps will guide you through the application process, and what you can expect once your application is received.

1. Complete the application for undergraduate admission and submit a non-refundable application fee of $25 which must accompany the application form. Students may also apply to the University online at www.cumberland.edu. Students who apply online may pay their application fee online. The application form must have all the appropriate spaces completed. Failure to complete the application form or to submit the $25 application fee will result in a delay in processing and consideration of the application. Paper applications are available in the Cumberland University Office of Admissions or may be requested by calling the Office of Admissions at (615) 547-1246.
2. All students must submit a comprehensive personal statement along with their application. This statement should indicate why the student would like to attend Cumberland University and discuss an attribute he/she possesses that would help create a diverse student body. The personal statement may be mailed, faxed, or emailed to admissions@cumberland.edu. 
3. All students must be graduates of an accredited high school with an academic diploma and a minimum of a 3.0 GPA. 

   Graduates of public high schools must provide an official high school transcript showing credits earned and date of graduation. The transcript of graduates of Tennessee public high schools must include a notation indicating that the student passed the required proficiency examination.
   
   

   Graduates of nonpublic high schools (including private schools, home schools, and church-related schools) must submit an official transcript showing credits earned and date of graduation. The transcript of a Tennessee home school applicant must be an official copy from an affiliated organization as defined by state law (T.C.A. 49-50-801) or be accompanied by certification of registration with the superintendent of the local education agency which the student would otherwise attend. Out of state applicants should refer to the applicable state law of their home state; in lieu of applicable state law, Tennessee law (T.C.A. 49-50-801) will apply. Applicants who cannot provide a satisfactory secondary school credential may substitute acceptable scores on either the GED examination or the ACE examination. Applicants who have a passing score, 450 or higher, on the General Educational Development (GED) Test will also be considered for admission. NOTE: The high school transcript must be a regular or honors diploma. A Special Education Diploma or Certificate of Attendance does not meet this requirement.
4. All students must submit an official score report for an ACT or the SAT. The student must attend an official national testing date for  this score to be considered for admission purposes. The minimum scores that are required are a composite score of 21 on the ACT or 980/990 SAT critical reading and math combined score. The official score report must be submitted from the high school or from the ACT or SAT testing agency. ACT or SAT scores that have been manually entered on transcripts or self reported are considered to be unofficial and do not meet the official ACT or SAT score report requirement. This requirement is waived for persons who have graduated five years or more prior to their application to the University or are 25 years of age or older upon the beginning of their first semester at the University.
5. Students with a GPA or ACT/SAT score that does not fit the combination scale will be admitted only upon the recommendation and approval of the Cumberland University Admissions Committee.
6. All students must provide documentation of the required immunizations. For further information regarding current immunization requirements please contact the Office of Admissions.
7. Any student requesting special consideration or exception to these criteria may address his/her requests to: 

Office of Admissions
Cumberland University
1 Cumberland Square
Lebanon, TN 37087

When all admissions paperwork has been received by the Office of Admissions, the student will be contacted regarding his/her admission status.

Upon admission to Cumberland University, first-time freshmen are required to commit to attend Cumberland University and pay the one-time $100 Freshman Fee. The Freshman Fee should accompany the Commitment Letter and be submitted prior to April 1st. The Freshman Fee must be paid before Freshmen can attend a Freshmen Registration Session. The Freshman Fee is non-refundable after April 1st.

Freshmen Registration sessions are held prior to the start of the fall semester. All first-time freshmen must attend one of these sessions and pay the $100 freshmen fee prior to participating. During Freshmen Registration sessions, students will meet with an Academic Advisor to select their fall schedule. In addition, students and parents will participate in various activities to assist them in learning the services Cumberland has to offer as they begin their journey at Cumberland.