We know you have questions — Will I meet admission requirements? Can I afford college? What about financial aid? — but we have one question to ask you first: Are you ready to be a Redhawk?
If the answer is yes, we can help find the answers to all the rest. Our team of admissions experts are ready to help you succeed. We’ll support you, answer your questions, and encourage you along the way.
The college search journey is a big process, but at Southeast, we want you to know two things:
- If you’re interested in Southeast, we want you to apply. Period. We can help you figure out the details, but the application gives us a good place to start the conversation.
- We’re committed to offering an affordable education to anyone who wants to pursue a degree. A high quality education does not have to come at a high price.
Freshman Application Process
The process of applying to college should be easy for students and families, and for high school guidance counselors.
Freshmen admission options apply to students who are currently in high school or who have graduated from high school but not yet earned college credit. And while we’re a school that likes to say “Yes!,” there are a couple of “No’s” before we get started:
- There is no application fee. That’s right, it costs $0 to submit an application for admission to Southeast.
- There is no test score requirement. While test scores can give us insight into your academic aptitude, they’re not required. Southeast is a test-optional school.
- There is no essay required. It’s not that we wouldn’t enjoy reading your masterpiece, but we won’t need one to process your application.
| Cumulative hs gpa on a 4.0 scale | superscored act | superscored sat (erw+m) |
|---|---|---|
| 2.75+ | not required | not required |
| 2.5+ | and 19+ | or 990+ |
| not required | 21+ | or 1060+ |
Required High School Courses
If you’re going to embark on a higher education, there are some basics you’ll need to have covered. These are the 17 units of high school core courses you’ll need to complete before enrolling at Southeast:
- 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)
- 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)
- 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 & physiology or one unit of computer science acceptable)
- Visual/Performing Arts: 1 unit (art, dance, music, or theatre)
- Additional: 3 units (foreign language and/or combination from the above areas)
And even if you do not meet any of the above requirements, we still want you to apply. Southeast will do a holistic review and share information on a variety of admission options. Just send us an official high school transcript, and we’ll work to select the best admissions option for you.
Additional Requirements
Depending on your academic background, there may be additional notes on your application for admission as a freshman.
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.
For information on how your dual credit/early college credit will transfer to Southeast, visit our transfer course equivalency page.Students completing the Missouri Options Program must have a minimum score of 165 on each of the four sections of the GED if taken in 2014 or later, a minimum score of 500 on each of the five sections of the GED if taken in 2002 to 2013, 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 copy of GED/HSE scores must be submitted.
GED completers must have a minimum score of 165 on each of the four sections of the exam if taken in 2014 or later. If taken in 2002 to 2013, GED completers must have a minimum GED total score of 2500.
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.
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 completion of the GED/HSE must be submitted.
GED completers may enroll full-time with a minimum score of 165 on each of the four sections of the exam if taken in 2014 or later. If taken in 2002 to 2013, GED completers may enroll full-time with a minimum GED total score of 2500. 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.
There is also the possibility of credit for prior experience. More information is available on our Prior Learning Assessment page.
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Superscore
While you don’t need an ACT to be admitted to Southeast, if you take one, we think your score should represent when you did your very best. That’s why if you take the test multiple times, we’ll take your best subscores to create your superscore. A superscore will maximize your scholarship eligibility.
The Next Steps
One you’ve applied for admission, there are a couple of additional steps you’ll need to take. Some are important (like determining how much you can secure in scholarships or loans); some are fun (like picking out where you might want to live); and, some are just exciting (like registering for orientation). Be sure to go through them all to ensure a successful first day at Southeast.
You have questions. We have answers.
Your Personal Admissions Expert
We’re passionate about helping students find the perfect college. Let our support staff provide you the confidence to exceed your potential. An admission counselor is ready to talk virtually and answer any questions. It’s the kind of one-on-one guidance and attention that smoothes the way to an easy college transition.
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Cape Girardeau, MO 63701-4710