Navigating Admissions at Bethune-Cookman University: GPA, SAT Scores, and More
Bethune-Cookman University (B-CU) seeks to enroll a diverse group of learners who demonstrate the potential and desire for intellectual, spiritual, and social development. Each applicant undergoes individual evaluation, with a strong emphasis on academic performance at the secondary education level. Understanding the university's admission requirements, including GPA expectations and standardized test score considerations, is crucial for prospective students.
Understanding the Academic Benchmarks
GPA Requirements
To be considered for admission, students must have satisfactorily completed or earned a standard diploma from an accredited high school. Applicants should possess a cumulative grade point average of 2.25 or greater on a 4.0 scale. While the university seeks students with solid academic achievements and leadership development, it also acknowledges that high school programs and grading systems vary.
Standardized Testing: SAT and ACT
All entering freshmen must have taken either the SAT I: Reasoning Test or the ACT Assessment Test. The University encourages prospective students to take one or both of these tests in their junior year and again early in the fall of their senior year.
Many schools say they have no SAT score cutoff, but the truth is that there is a hidden SAT requirement. The 25th percentile SAT score is 830, and the 75th percentile SAT score is 1000. In other words, a 830 places you below average, while a 1000 will move you up to above average.
The average ACT score at Bethune-Cookman University is 16. The 25th percentile ACT score is 15, and the 75th percentile ACT score is 17.
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When you send ACT scores to colleges, you have absolute control over which tests you send. You could take 10 tests, and only send your highest one. This means that you have more chances than you think to improve your ACT score. To try to aim for the school's ACT requirement of 15 and above, you should try to take the ACT as many times as you can.
Bethune-Cookman University considers the SAT Essay/ACT Writing section optional and may not include it as part of their admissions consideration.
Coursework Expectations
While a secondary school program cannot be rigidly prescribed due to variations in high school programs, the University is most interested in students with solid academic achievements and leadership development activities during each of the four years of high school. A recommended curriculum includes:
- Four units of English
- Three units of mathematics
- Three units of natural science (at least one laboratory)
- Three units of social science and history
- Six academic electives
Two units of foreign language and one computer literacy course are strongly recommended but are not required for admission to the University.
The Admissions Process: A Closer Look
Acceptance Rate
The acceptance rate at Bethune-Cookman University is 88.2%, which means it is not selective. Because this school is not selective, you have a great shot at getting in, as long as you don't fall well below average.
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Holistic Review
Admissions decisions are holistic and based on the total student portfolio and demonstrated potential for contribution to the university and probability for success at Bethune-Cookman University. Each applicant is evaluated individually. Academic performance at the secondary education level is extremely important.
Application Requirements
Every school requires an application with the bare essentials - high school transcript and GPA, application form, and other core information. Many schools, as explained above, also require SAT and ACT scores, as well as letters of recommendation, application essays, and interviews.
Each applicant is evaluated individually based on their academic performance at the high school level. Disclosure Statement: The student must disclose all institutions attended. To be considered for admission to Bethune-Cookman University, you must be a graduate from an accredited high school or a candidate for graduation with a standard high school diploma and a cumulative grade point average of 2.8 or better on a 4.0 scale.
Application Deadlines
To take advantage of the Fall Semester Deadline, student credentials must be received no later than May 1. The deadline to get credentials in for the Spring is November 30. The student seeking admission to Bethune-Cookman University should apply prior to the December 1st Scholarship Deadline, for full consideration for all scholarship opportunities.
Special Considerations
Bethune-Cookman University has always reached out to students which other institutions of higher education might have considered unprepared for college-level work. The Legacy of the University’s founder is one that compels the institution to reach out to students who are genuinely seeking higher education but whose application materials reveal the need for additional academic support. The University’s Office of Admissions has the authority to consider indicators in individual applicants that would place them at academic risk, including having a cumulative grade point average of less than the required 2.25.
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An Application for Re-Activation, obtainable from the Office of Admissions, must be submitted by June 1st for the Fall Semester or by November 30 for the Spring Semester. Students who are inactive (not registered) for one Semester must complete an Application for Re-activation. When a student fails to enroll for classes at the University for two consecutive Semesters, he or she must apply for re-admission.
Transfer Students
A transfer student is defined as a candidate for admission who has attended a regionally accredited college or university. The following credentials must be received by the June 1st deadline for Fall Semester admission.
Students holding A.A. degrees from a regionally accredited College or University will be fully admitted and accepted as upper-level transfer students. Official transcripts from all Associate degree recipients will be reviewed course by course to determine if courses previously earned qualify the students for full admission with upper-level transfer status. The transfer students must also satisfy any other requirements unique to the selected Bethune-Cookman University academic school. Transfer grades are not included in computing a student’s grade point average at Bethune-Cookman University. Transfer credits based on CLEP scores will be accepted if the scores meet Bethune-Cookman University’s standards for the minimum required score. Not more than six Semester Hours of credit may be earned in any one area. Not more than 30 Semester Hours of credit may be earned by examination. If a transfer student wishes to transfer without an A.A. degree, transfer credit will be awarded only for coursework with the grade of “C” or better. Transfer students with 30 or more credits will be exempt from Freshman Seminar. No developmental, preparatory or basic skills courses (non-degree credits) can be transferred into Bethune-Cookman University. They must be satisfied at this institution. In order to earn a degree from Bethune-Cookman University, at least 25% of the credit Hours required for the degree must be earned at the University (25 percent rule). Of this minimum amount of work, the last Semester must be taken at the University. A transfer student must complete at least 30 Semester Hours of coursework in residence to receive a degree from Bethune-Cookman University. Of this minimum amount of work, the last Semester must be taken at the University. An Application for Re-admission, obtainable from the Office of the Registrar, must be submitted by July 30 for the Fall Semester or by November 30 for the Spring Semester. Students who are inactive (not registered) for one Semester must complete an Application for Re-admission. When a student fails to enroll for classes at the University for two consecutive Semesters, he or she must apply for re-admission. Students who have not enrolled at the University for five or more years are responsible for completing the most recent curriculum in their major area.
Non-Degree Seeking Students
Application for admission as a non-degree seeking student must include records of previous educational experience (high school or college transcript), a statement of studies to be pursued, and evidence of the ability to pursue studies as may be prescribed by the Office of Admissions. An undergraduate student enrolled at another accredited collegiate institution may be permitted to enroll at Bethune-Cookman University as a non-degree seeking student in order to complete work for transfer back to the home institution. Credit earned by a student while in non-degree status will not automatically be applied to a Bethune-Cookman University degree program. Should the student be admitted as a regular student, he or she may petition the University to have such courses applied to the major area, if the courses are a part of the student’s required program of study.
Veterans
Bethune-Cookman University is approved as a provider of educational benefits for the nation’s veterans and veterans with disabilities. The University is also approved to provide educational benefits to active service personnel and qualified dependents of veterans (widows, war orphans, etc.). Veterans who seek admission should follow the established admissions procedures. Students who are using veterans’ educational benefits to attend the University must maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average. Veterans, as well as, widows, war orphans, etc. If your cumulative grade point average fall below the minimum acceptable standards to meet Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP). To continue to receive Federal Aid and/or VA Educational Benefits for the upcoming semester, you are required to see your Student Success Coach in the College of Undergraduate Studies in order to file an appeal. Once your appeal has been approved, you must bring a copy of your A/SAP form to the VA School Certifying Official to continue receiving your VA Benefits. Failure to improve your Academic Progress may result in your Educational Benefits being suspended. Students must meet both the cumulative GPA and PACE requirements. If the veteran or veteran spouse/dependent(s) has not made contact with the University’s Certifying Official, he or she should report to the certifying official during Admissions check-in. Only student’s receiving Post 9/11 Educational Benefits name will be placed on the approved veterans’ recipient list to receive educational benefits from the Department of Veterans’ Affairs. Bethune-Cookman University is a participant in the Yellow Ribbon Program. The Yellow Ribbon Program was established by the Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2008. This program allows institutions of higher learning (such as colleges, universities, and other degree-granting schools) in the United States to voluntarily enter into an agreement with the Veterans’ Administration to fund tuition and fee expenses that exceed the tuition and fee amounts payable under the Post-9/11 GI Bill. To receive veteran educational funds you must first complete an application thru VONAPP (Veterans Online Application Process). To apply for educational benefits (chapter 1606, 1607, 30, 31, 33), you must complete a 22-1990 form. Students applying for Tuition Assistance must request TA through www.GoArmyEd.com prior to the course start date or before the school’s late registration period but no later than seven (7) days after the course start date. TA is requested on a course-by-course basis. GoArmyEd will notify the Soldier whether the TA is approved or not. If the TA request is not approved, GoArmyEd will advise the Soldier of the reason and next steps. All drops/withdrawals must take place through GoArmyEd. Soldiers who do not successfully complete a class will be required to repay the TA. Soldiers who are unable to successfully complete a class due to military reasons must request a Withdrawal for Military Reasons through GoArmyEd and complete all required steps to ensure that they will not be charged. If the Soldier wishes to take a class at a school that does not participate in the electronic GoArmyEd class schedule, a TA Request Authorization form must be completed in GoArmyEd. The TA Request Authorization will be routed to an Army Education Counselor to be reviewed and approved. Soldiers must print the approved TA Request Authorization form in GoArmyEd, provide it to the school and enroll directly with the school. Soldiers must submit a signed TA Statement of Understanding (TA SOU) each year. Soldiers in the rank of E7 or above do not need their commander’s signature. However, by signing this document they agree to the terms of this TA SOU. Soldiers in the rank of E6 or below must have their commander’s signature. If you are registered for classes when you apply for benefits, an enrollment certification (22-1999) can be submitted along with the application for veteran’s and veterans’ spouse/dependents receiving educational benefits under chapters 30, 31, 35, 1606, and 1607. Once you are approved by the VA to receive benefits, the VA will have the application needed to release your funds. All veterans and veterans’ spouse/dependents under Post 9/11 Educational Benefit, the school certifying official must receive approve Certificate of Eligibility (C.O.E) before an enrollment certification can be submitted. You must be enrolled for a minimum of 12 credit Hours (undergraduates) and 9 credit Hours (graduates) to qualify for full-time benefits. If you are a new student or returning student applying for educational benefits under Post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33) and have received your approve Certificate of Eligibility (C.O.E.). It is important that the VA certifying official is informed of any changes in your status that may or may not affect the rate of pay you are receiving, such as drops, withdrawals, etc. When this is not done it sometimes may result in overpayments. Your local VA Certifying Official is located in the Office of the Registrar. All other chapters (30, 35, 1606, and 1607) are responsible to pay Tuition and Fees out-of-pocket. W.
International Students
The University is authorized under Federal law to enroll nonimmigrant students. International students must complete the Application for Admission and meet all applicable requirements for admission into the University. The application process includes a $25.00 nonrefundable application fee and certified or official final secondary school records and/or university transcripts. All freshman international student applicants must submit ACT or SAT I scores. If English is not the student’s native language or language of instruction, TOEFL scores must also be submitted. A score of 550 (paper-based) or 213 (computer-based) is expected for academic success. Lower scores may require special language assistance. The International Student applicant must also submit an official statement of available financial resources, including supporting financial documentation that shows the availability of sufficient funds necessary to cover the expenses associated with attending the University.
Students with Disabilities
Bethune-Cookman University provides equal opportunity to qualified disabled persons in accordance with the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). As these laws only apply to individuals with documented disabilities, it is required by Bethune-Cookman University that individuals provide recent documentation to establish their eligibility under these laws and to document their specific accommodation needs. Students without documented disabilities must also contact the Office of Student Accessibility Services regarding living and dietary accommodations. All documentation provided to the Office of Student Accessibility Services will be strictly confidential. The academic and technical criteria required for acceptance into a particular program or for approval to participate in a particular activity shall be carefully studied and findings documented by the program’s administrators in order to ensure reasonable access for persons with qualified disabilities. The interest and determination of the student, as well as the feasibility of providing necessary support, shall be weighed in deciding whether or not a disabled person can meet the required academic standards of the program or the activity to which they are seeking access. This auxiliary assistance must be arranged through the Office of Student Accessibility Services.
Placement Testing (Florida PERT)
L. Placement Testing (Florida PERT) - B-CU accepts and utilize the Florida Postsecondary Educational Readiness Test (P.E.R.T.) for college placement. Students are strongly encouraged to take the P.E.R.T. as soon as possible on campus or at an approved remote testing facil…
Additional considerations for international students
The student must have their secondary school credentials (high school transcripts and other national certification exam scores) submitted to one of the evaluation agencies listed below. These agencies will provide Bethune-Cookman University with a summary of the student's academic program and progress. If the student has also attended a postsecondary institution, those credentials should be submitted for translation as well to the evaluation agency for evaluation and a GPA calculation. Please note that there is a fee for the evaluation service. Contact the agencies directly for further information. The student must apply online to WES in order to have their credentials evaluated and pay the application fee for the evaluation from WES. The student must request that all educational institutions attended submit the forms to WES. Please note: If WES does not receive all transcripts from educational institutions attended by the student, it will delay the evaluation process. The student must apply online to ECE in order to have their credentials evaluated and pay the application fee for the evaluation from ECE. (Contact the agency for fees). The student must apply online to Josef Silny & Associates in order to have their credentials evaluated and pay the application fee for the evaluation from Josef Silny & Associates. The student must request that all educational institutions attended submit the forms to Josef Silny & Associates. Please note: If Josef Silny & Associates does not receive all transcripts from educational institutions attended by the student, it will delay the evaluation process. You will need to upload scans of your academic documents (e.g. All postsecondary students with fewer than 28 transferable credits must also submit an evaluation of high school transcripts, ACT or SAT score report directly to Bethune-Cookman University prior to consideration.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
Confirm your financial need with B-CU's Financial Aid Office PRIOR TO submitting your application by contacting Kevin T. APPLY for the (STUT-STEMEx) scholarship. Students selected as (STUT-STEMEx) scholarship recipients must agree to participate in B-CU STUT-STEMEx program activities and respond to any survey administered during the program and post-graduation. Program activities include a welcome orientation, faculty mentor meetings, special topic seminars and field trips (including NASA Kennedy Space Center), and an annual scholarship reception. Students who are awarded scholarships and fail to maintain the academic criteria (GPAs lower than 3.0), will be placed on probation for one semester. To regain eligibility after the probationary period, an individualized plan with the needed assistance and academic supports must be developed with the student's faculty mentor and approved by the STUT-STEMEx Coordinator. STUT-STEMEx students must demonstrate their academic eligibility each semester. A student who receives a scholarship for the fall semester and follows all requirements will be automatically granted a scholarship for the spring semester. Scholars must maintain an overall and major cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher. Any Scholar whose GPA falls below a 3.0 will be placed on program probation for one semester with additional mentoring and supplemental academic coaching and instruction. If he/she does not show improvement after one semester on probation, he/she will be dropped from the program.
Students selected as ADAPT-EI scholarship recipients must agree to participate in B-CU ADAPT-EI program activities and respond to any survey administered during the program and post-graduation. Students will be required to read and sign the Letter of Understanding (LoU)which will serve as a contract and agreement. ADAPT-EI students must demonstrate their academic eligibility each semester. A student who receives a scholarship for the fall semester and follows all requirements will be automatically granted a scholarship for the spring semester.
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