Freshmen Student Admissions

Technically, yes. Whether you have them on your high school transcript or not doesn't matter, there are still options for admission for you.

The courses are:

• English: 4 units (two emphasizing composition or writing skills; composition, English I-IV, literature, and one unit of speech or debate acceptable)
• Mathematics: 3 units (Algebra I, Algebra II/Intermediate Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry, Statistics, Pre-Calculus, Calculus, Math Analysis acceptable)
• Science: 3 units (general science does not count; one must be a laboratory course; select from physical science, biology, chemistry, physics, botany, zoology, astronomy, environmental science, earth science, anatomy and physiology or one unit of computer science acceptable)
• Social Studies: 3 units (one unit of American history and one semester of government required; contemporary issues, business law, economics, philosophy, psychology, sociology, and world history also acceptable)
• Visual/Performing Arts: 1 unit (art, dance, music, or theatre)
• Additional: 3 units (foreign language and/or combination from the above areas)

Regular Admission 

If you meet the high school GPA and core curriculum requirements, you are regularly admitted. Additionally, some applicants will be offered regular admission after a holistic review is complete.  

If you are admitted with less than a 3.0 high school GPA we strongly encourage you to participate in the Peer Advising Support @ SEMO (PASS) program in your first semester of college. PASS will provide you with a supportive relationship with a Peer Advisor who will offer guidance, practical advice, and ways to connect to the campus. Every PASS student will develop an individualized Academic Success Plan.  

Alternative Admission Options 

Applicants who don't meet our regular admission requirements may qualify for one of the below alternative admission options. 
If you have questions, please contact us at (573) 651-2590 or admissions@semo.edu 

Admission procedures are subject to change at any time. 

Provisional Admission 

If you meet the high school GPA requirement but are missing more than one core course, you can take the courses with SEMO or a local college to make up the deficiency before the semester begins.   

Conditional Admission - Academic Coaching Program 

The Academic Coaching Program (ACP) supports students who show promise for earning a college degree. As an ACP student, you are paired with a professional academic coach/advisor who will track your academic progress and work with you to develop an individual Academic Success Plan.

Restricted Admission (Kennett and Sikeston) 

This admissions option is ideal if you live near the SEMO campus in Kennett or Sikeston, Missouri, and do not gain admission through one of the options listed above. An academic advisor will assist you in selecting up to twelve credit hours at the beginning of the semester. Upon completion of 12 credit hours with a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA, you can enroll at any University location, including Cape Girardeau, or online. A wide array of bachelor’s degree programs can be completed in Kennett and Sikeston.  

Home-schooled students should submit the home-school transcript with each course listed by academic year and grade. A cumulative GPA is also required. The home-schooled educator should sign the official transcript. 

When course titles do not reflect subject content, please include a description. Include an estimated graduation date. If your home school is using a transcript service, have the service send an official transcript. 

Please note that once a transcript is submitted, it is considered the official record of the student's completed work up to that date and cannot be resubmitted with modifications.

Students who have earned dual credit/early college credit in high school should apply as beginning freshmen. You should apply for beginning freshman admission and meet the published deadlines to be considered for admission and scholarships.

GED completers must have a minimum score of 165 on each of the four sections of the exam.

HiSET completers must have a minimum score of 15 or higher on each of the five sections of the exam. 

Students with High School Equivalency (HSE) from the GED or HiSET are not allowed to enroll in classes until after the date of their high school graduation has passed.

Students completing the Missouri Options Program must have a minimum score of 165 on each of the four sections of the GED, or a minimum score of 15 or higher on each of the five sections of the HiSET. 

Missouri Options students are not allowed to enroll in classes until after the date of their high school graduation has passed. 

An official high school transcript and a copy of GED/HSE scores must be submitted.

Applicants who are non-traditional for admission are 21 years of age or older, married, supporting a dependent child, or a veteran with qualified armed forces active duty. Documentation is required. High school transcripts, with proof of graduation or GED/HSE completion, must be submitted.

GED completers may enroll full-time with a minimum score of 165 on each of the four sections of the exam. HiSET completers may enroll full-time with a minimum score of 15 on each of the five sections of the exam. 

High school graduates will be evaluated based on cumulative GPA and core curriculum to ensure academic preparedness. In addition, a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA is required for full-time enrollment.

Students who do not meet these guidelines will be restricted to part-time enrollment (9 credit hours) during their first semester.

Most applicants are required to complete identity verification to finish the application process.

Click the "Verify Identity" step in the application to complete it. You will need an official identification document with photo such as a driver's license or passport to complete identity verification.