Students are encouraged to apply for competitive scholarships each academic year by Feb. 1st. Most scholarships are based on the applicant’s academic or extracurricular record, while some are based on demonstrated financial need.
First Time Freshman Information
Start your journey at the Friendliest Campus in the South. With over 101 academic programs, 120+ student organizations, Division I athletics, and numerous student support services, JSU offers all the opportunities and resources you want as a college student in the comfort of a diverse and supportive community.
Apply
JSU makes the application process as easy as 1-2-3:
- Submit your Undergraduate Admissions Application
- Pay your $35 non-refundable application fee (or provide information for a fee waiver)
- Submit official high school transcripts through junior year
Admission Requirements
- JSU is Test-Optional for freshman admission, meaning ACT/SAT scores are not required. Students will be evaluated for admission based on their high school GPA.*
- While JSU is test optional for ACT/SAT requirements, all first year and transfer students who have not completed their first required math or English should complete JSU EdReady Math and English placement exams and work their study path.
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Although test scores are not required, JSU recommends students send test scores each time they take an exam. Test scores can be used for admission into specific academic programs, placement into courses, and for some scholarships.
*GPA will be taken from the high school transcript which must be complete through the Junior Year. Students will be provisionally admitted until the final high school transcript has been received by the Admissions Office. Once the final transcript has been received, the GPA will be reviewed again and must meet the required minimum for admission. In lieu of the high school transcript, successful completion of the GED is acceptable.
Dual Enrollment Students
If you've taken classes at JSU before as a Dual Enrollment student and this is your first time attending college after getting your high school diploma or GED, you'll need to fill out an Application for Readmission.
Scholarships & Financial Aid
View available scholarships and begin applying through your MyJaxState account, under View/Apply for Scholarships.
Next Steps
Next Steps for Admitted Freshmen Students
Need help with any of these steps? Connect with your Admissions Counselor!Find Your JSU ID Number
Your nine-digit JSU Identification (ID) Number is at the top of your acceptance letter. You will use this number to reference your personal student information when contacting offices on campus.
Log In to MyJaxState
Your username and initial password are at the bottom of your acceptance email. You will use this username and initial password to access your MyJaxState account. Here, you can access and view your personal student information, financial aid details, and explore various other options available to you.
Set Up DUO Mobile
To better protect against cybersecurity threats and online fraudulent activities, DUO Two-Factor Authentication is required to access your MyJaxState accounts. Visit MyJaxState and you will be prompted to enroll automatically. You may enroll a mobile phone or tablet.
Log In to Your JSU Email Account (GEM)
Each student is assigned a JSU e-mail account upon admission. The e-mail address is at the bottom of your acceptance email. Your password will be the same as your MyJaxState password. Please start checking this e-mail account frequently as important information from other offices on campus is communicated via this account.
Visit Campus
Get to know the Friendliest Campus in the South! We have a variety of options for visiting, including weekday campus tours, Preview Days, and Admitted Student Days. Cannot make it to campus? No worries! We also offer virtual events. If you need help scheduling your campus visit, contact your Admissions Counselor. They are glad to assist!
Visit the Campus Visit website
Send your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
- April 1 – priority deadline to send FAFSA (students can still send their FAFSA after this date)
Completing your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the first step to qualifying for grants, loans, and other funding for your education. Jax State does not require, but HIGHLY recommends completing your FAFSA each year
Apply for Scholarships
- September 1 – Competitive Scholarship Application Open
- February 1 – Competitive Scholarship Application Due (JAX App), Honors and Leadership Scholarship Deadline
- May 1 – Deadline to be considered for freshmen merit-based scholarship upgrades
At Jax State, we offer fantastic, automatically awarded merit-based scholarships, but we know that more funding is always a bonus! You can apply for over 250 competitive scholarships through the JAX App. Some competitive scholarships, such as the Honors, Leadership, and International House scholarship require their own application.
Apply for Housing
- October 10 – Housing Application Opens
- April 1 – Housing Application Priority Deadline (students can still apply after this date but will not be eligible to select their own housing assignment)
First-Time Freshmen students are required to live on campus during their first year at Jax State (some exemptions apply). On-campus living provides opportunities for involvement, activities, and knowledge. We believe that learning does not end in the classroom but is enhanced by interacting with a diverse group of residents, participating in leadership opportunities, and engaging in life-learning activities.
Register for Gamecock Orientation (GO!)
- February 1 – Registration Opens
- May 1 – Priority Deadline to Register (students can continue to register after this date, session availability may be limited)
All first-year students are required to attend Gamecock Orientation. We understand that starting college can be both thrilling and overwhelming, which is why we have designed our Gamecock Orientation program to make your transition as smooth and enjoyable as possible. At orientation, students explore all the Jax State has to offer and meet with an Academic Advisor to register for classes. You will leave GO! with your student ID, class schedule, new friends, and excitement about starting your first semester of college.
Select Housing Assignment
More info coming soon!
Send Final Transcript(s)
- August 1 – Priority Deadline (Students will still be required to send if not received by August 1. A hold will be placed on the student account during the student’s first semester. The hold will be removed once the transcript is received.)
Jax State will need your final high school transcript with your graduation date listed to complete your admissions file. Have you earned dual enrollment or AP credit? You will also need to send official transcripts or score reports so we can ensure any applicable credit is awarded.
Complete EdReady Placement Exams
- Must be completed 2 weeks prior to orientation
EdReady placement exams allow us to place you in first collegiate math and English classes. Once the initial assessment is complete, you will work a customized study-path. Students are encouraged to work their study paths to a 100.
Complete Immunization Forms
- Must be completed before move-in/the first day of classes
Complete medical information and immunization forms so we can best serve you at the Student Health Center.
Attend Orientation
We understand that starting college can be both thrilling and overwhelming, which is why we have designed our Gamecock Orientation program to make your transition as smooth and enjoyable as possible. At orientation, students explore all the Jax State has to offer and meet with an Academic Advisor to register for classes. You will leave GO! with your student ID, class schedule, new connections, and excitement about starting your first semester of college.
Ensure Payment is in Place
Payment due dates can be found on the Academic Calendar.
After attending orientation and registering for classes, students will be able to see their account balance on MyJaxState. Find answers to payment FAQ’s.
Move-In
Start Classes
The Academic Calendar has important dates listed for each semester including when classes start, and payment is due. Do not forget about all the great resources offered through Student Succes to help you on your academic journey.
Find your Place
Each year, Jax State hosts “J-Week” to build camaraderie between students and celebrate the beginning of a new academic year. Join us for a fun-filled week as you start your academic year at Jax State
Need to update your info before getting started at Jax State? Use these forms!
Important Dates
February 1: Competitive Scholarship Deadline, Gamecock Orientation Registration Opens
April 1: Housing Priority Deadline
August 17: Classes Begin - Late Registration Fee Charged
August 23: Payment Due
August 23: Last Day to Register or Add a Class
Contact Us
Want to learn more? Our friendly staff and Admissions Counselors would love to help!