Freshman

 

An ordinary freshman year won't do.

You're ready and willing to take on challenges and change the world. As a freshman at GSU, you'll explore one of three overarching academic themes — Civic Engagement, Global Citizenship, or Sustainability. In your first two years, you'll fulfill general education requirements in full-time, day-time classes. You'll explore majors and programs through your sophomore year. This focus provides you with a solid foundation of values-based learning, preparing you for a world that changes almost daily. You deserve the best starting point for your successful university career: GSU welcomes you.

Ready to Apply?


  • Begin the process by creating an online account.

  • Submit your application fee, official transcripts, official ACT or SAT scores, and any optional supplemental materials (AP scores).

Admission Requirements

  • A high school diploma or GED
  • 2.75 unweighted high school GPA on a 4.0 scale.
  • Minimum ACT score of 18 or SAT score of 980.
  • Earned fewer than 25 semester hours of college credit

  • Application Fee

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    Application fee waivers can be requested by completing the Undergraduate Application Fee Waiver Request  and submitting the completed form to the Office of Admissions at admission@govst.edu.

    Application fee waivers can be requested by completing the Undergraduate Application Fee Waiver Request  and submitting the completed form to the Office of Admissions at admission@govst.edu.

  • Official transcripts

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    All applicants are required to submit their official high school transcripts to Governors State University.  Official transcripts from any previously attended colleges (if applicable) are also required for admission.

    International applicants are required to have their official transcripts evaluated by a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES).  

    School officials may send official documentation in one of two ways:

    U.S. Mail:
    Governors State University
    Admission Processing
    1 University Parkway
    University Park, IL  60484

    Email:
    apotranscripts@govst.edu

    Remember: Your application is not complete until official transcript(s) from all of your previously attended institutions have been received.

  • Official ACT or SAT scores

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    All applicants are required to submit their official ACT or SAT scores to Governors State University for admission. Request your ACT Score report using GSU's ACT School Code (1028). Request your SAT score report using GSU's SAT School Code (0807).

  • Optional Supplemental Items

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    Essay
    Governors State University considers a variety of factors when making admission decisions.  High school grade point average (GPA), course patterns, and standardized test scores are all important considerations.  Students who are near to or below our admission requirements may require further review, an optional personal essay may help us come to the right decision.  If you choose to submit a personal essay, it will be considered along with your transcript and test score information to determine your eligibility for admission.
    Your essay should be approximately 300-500 words and address the following:

    • State why you believe Governors State University is a good fit for your educational goals.
    • Identify and explain your academic strengths and weaknesses.
    • Explain any circumstances which affected your high school academic performance, if applicable.

    Submit your essay to the Office of Admissions at admissions@govst.edu.

    AP Scores
    Governors State University awards college credit for Advanced Placement (AP) exams with a scores of 3 or higher.  The AP chart linked here gives information about earned scores and associated credits earned for each examination. Be sure to list GSU on your College Board Account so that we can receive your score reports as soon as possible.  Our College Board Code is 0807.

  • Deadlines

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    Spring Semester
    Preferred Application Deadline December 1
    Enrollment Deposit Due January 2
    Fall Semester
    Priority Application Deadline November 15
    Preferred Application Deadline April 1
    Enrollment Deposit Due May 1

  • Admission Decision

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    Once all required admission documents have been received, your application will be processed.

    Students who have applied by the early decision deadline of November 15 will be notified by December 15 of their admission decision.
    Completed applications received after November 15 will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and students should expect an admission decision within 7-10 business days. You will be notified of your decision by way of letter from the Office of Admission.

    Please be sure to read your letter of admission carefully. It will include important information about next steps at Governors State University.
    Contact the Office of Admissions by email at admission@govst.edu or by phone at 708.534.4490 with questions.