Fisk University offers admission into undergraduate and graduate programs of study. Evaluation and decision-making for undergraduate programs is handled directly through the Office of Admission. Students are evaluated as their applications are complete beginning September 1 of each year. The types of admission available are:

 

• Regular Admission – Undergraduate 
• Conditional Admission 
• Non-Degree Seeking 
• Transfer 
• Re-Admit

 

The Office of Admission identifies and recruits talented students to comprise the entering class annually. We are looking for students of demonstrated academic acumen that possess strong records of leadership and service. Our holistic review process can be simply stated with one question: “How will Fisk be better if (fill in your name here) attends?” We begin to answer that question with a review of your academic record and a review of your demonstrated service. Within the last four years, our applicant pool has grown increasingly competitive. In fact, a better than “B” average is now the norm for students regularly accepted for study at Fisk.

 

Undergraduate Admissions

 

The undergraduate application process begins with submission of the following items:

 

• Completed, signed application*
• SAT 1 or ACT scores **
• 500-word essay 
• Guidance Counselor Recommendation
• Teacher Recommendation
• $25.00 Application fee

* Paper applications can be requested from the Office of Admission by contacting admit@fisk.edu or (615) 329-8665. 

 

** The essay should address one of the following topics:

·       Identify a Fisk alumnus that has shaped your beliefs

·       Regarding service and civic responsibility, what is your viewpoint and how has it been informed by an opportunity to serve?

·       An autobiographical sketch of yourself

 

 

Those seeking admission to Fisk are strongly encouraged to present the following academic profile: 

 

• Minimum, cumulative grade point of 3.0 (on 4.0 scale) or "B" average 
• ACT composite score of 21 
• SAT 1 composite (reasoning, math, writing) score of 1500

 

Students may also apply using the Common Application or through EDU, Inc. Please do not send a printed copy of the application. Teacher and Guidance Counselor forms are available as PDF files that can be printed, copied, and mailed to complete your application only. There is also the option to complete the forms online via the Common Application Online or the EDU, Inc. Online Application Forms system if they desire. There is no cost to you or the high school.

 

Once you have successfully completed all of the necessary documents, be sure to click the SUBMIT button and the material will be automatically sent to the Office of Recruitment and Admission for processing. The priority deadline for new, first-time students’ applications is March 1 (fall) and November 1 (spring). The priority deadline for prospective transfer and graduate students is June 1. Graduate applications are available in the PDF format.

 

Proper academic preparation for those seeking undergraduate admission, as determined by the Office of Admission, is as follows: 

 

• 4 years of English 
• 3 years of Math (to include Algebra 2 with Trigonometry)
• 3 years of science
• 1 year of foreign language
• 1 year of history

 

Students who are interested in science-related programs (Pre-Med/Dental/Pharmacy track, Physics, Math, Computer Science, Nursing, Dual-Degree Engineering) are encouraged to take the most challenging science and math courses their school has to offer.

Students who submit applications to Fisk University without fulfilling the above stated proper academic preparation requirements will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. There may be additional requirements for admission. Examples of additional requirements could include an on-campus interview, summer academic enrichment etc., all at the discretion of the Office of Admission and academic support staff (as needed).

 

International Students

Fisk is authorized under Federal law to enroll non-immigrant students. International students should follow regular admission procedures for new freshmen or transfer students. In addition, international freshmen applicants should submit both secondary school academic records, including all grade reports (transcripts), and national examination certificates. These records must be in both the original language and certified English translation. In addition to the aforementioned items, prospective International undergraduate students must also have their transcripts evaluated by independent audit. Fisk typically works with firms such as Josef Silny & Associates. For more information, visit www.jsilny.com. The transcript must be evaluated and the grade point average interpreted on the 4.0 scale before file review for admission can take place.The original language records must be official school records, sent directly to Fisk University by the school, and must bear the official stamp or seal of the school. Certified copies, sent by the school and bearing the stamp or seal of the school, are acceptable. Photostatic copies are acceptable providing an official of Fisk University makes those copies from the original. 

 

International students must demonstrate proficiency in English by scoring a minimum of 550 on the paper test or 213 on the computer version of the Test of English, as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Students not able to meet these required TOEFL scores should upgrade their English language proficiency at an English as a Second Language (ESL) center, where they must complete the certificate for the ESL level 112. Upon admission to the University, international students must pay a $500.00 enrollment deposit (which is applied toward tuition).

 

In addition, international students need to show evidence of adequate financial support and an International Student Certificate of Finances Form must be submitted before a Form I-20 will be issued. A parent's, guardian's, or sponsor's bank statement is usually required. If the student is to be supported by scholarship  funds from his or her country of origin, Fisk will accept official certification of the amount and stipulations of the scholarship, sent directly from the appropriate government official, in lieu of the enrollment deposit. It is only upon satisfaction of this financial requirement that the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Form I-20 (the Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant (F-1) Student Status- for Academic and Language Students) will be sent to the applicant. The student is then officially admitted to the university. Fisk University requires that international students pay the semester's tuition, room , board, and general fees at the time of registration or submit concrete evidence of support adequate enough to meet the financial obligations to Fisk University.  Students must provide proof of health insurance in compliance with the International Education Enrichment and Exchange Center (IEEEC).

 

While international students may qualify for some scholarships based on merit, need- based financial aid is not available. Priority application deadlines for international applicants are March 1 for the fall term and November 1 for the spring term.

 

Transfer Students

 

• Applicants wishing to be classified as “transfer” students should have at least 30 semester hours in college-level work at the time of application. “College-level” work does not include developmental or remedial course work.
• Students transferring to Fisk from other institutions must spend at least four (4) semesters in residence at Fisk, including the last thirty (30) semester hours. At least three-fourths (3/4) of the work in the major field must be taken at Fisk. 
• Only credit hours (not grades) are transferred to the University. 
• A student is classified (freshman, sophomore, junior, senior) at entrance, according to the credits accepted at that time.
• International transfer applicants should submit transcripts from all colleges or universities attended or currently attending. The records must be official school reports must be official school records, sent directly to Fisk University by the school, and must bear the official stamp or seal of the school. Certified copies, sent by the school and bearing the stamp or seal of the school, are acceptable. A syllabus for each course taken may also be required for transfer credit to be awarded.
  

 

Note: Adjustments in classifications may be made subsequently, if warranted.