First Time Freshman Information

Freshmen at Burgess Snow Field

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:

  1. Submit your Undergraduate Admissions Application
  2. Pay your $35 non-refundable application fee (or provide information for a fee waiver)
  3. Submit official high school transcripts through junior year
*Already applied but never attended? Fill out your Application for Readmission

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.
    • 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

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.

Visit Financial Aid

View available scholarships and begin applying through your MyJSU account, under View/Apply for Scholarships.

View Freshmen Scholarships

Next Steps

Find Your JSU ID Number

Your nine-digit JSU Identification (ID) Number is located 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 MyJSU

Your username and initial password are located at the bottom of your acceptance email. You will use this username and initial password to access your MyJSU account to view personal student information, view your financial aid information, and access many other options.

Log In to Your JSU Email Account (GEM)

Each student is assigned a JSU E-mail account upon admission. The E-mail address is located at the bottom of your acceptance letter.  Visit Office 365 to log in.  Please start checking your JSU E-mail account frequently as important information is communicated via this account.

Get to Know JSU

JSU hosts special events as well as daily campus tours so you can be prepared for a smooth transition to the Friendliest Campus in the South. 

Apply for Housing

First-Time Freshman students are required to live on campus during their first year at JSU. Learn more about your options by visiting Housing.

Attend Orientation or Get Advised and Registered for Classes

We offer orientation sessions specially designed to help students get officially introduced to JSU and meet faculty, staff, and other Gamecocks. Students will end the day by registering for classes with an academic advisor. 

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 TBD: Payment Due
August TBD: Last Day to Register or Add a Class

Contact Us

Want to learn more? Our friendly staff and Admissions Counselors would love to help!

Contact the Admissions Team