Freshman Requirements - Undergraduate Admissions

Freshman and Transfer Freshman Application Steps

We are excited you are considering Kennesaw State University as your college home! We hope you find this information helpful. If you have any questions about completing your application for admission, you can find your counselor on the Contact Us page.

You should apply for Freshman Admission if you are:

A senior in high school, or
Graduated high school within the last 5 years and have not enrolled in another college or university after graduating.

You should apply for Transfer Freshman admission if you:

Graduated from high school in the last five years, or
Attended another college and have earned less than 30 semester hours or 50 quarter hours of transferable college credit.

Homeschool and Architecture applicants must meet additional requirements.

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November 2025 is free application month for all new undergraduate students who apply to Kennesaw State! Applying for Spring, Summer, and Fall 2026 is free for freshmen, transfers, international students, nontraditional adult students, non-degree students, audit students, and readmission students. This offer is not available for graduate students.

APPLY NOW FOR FREE!

Test Scores Required for Fall 2026

First-year students applying to Kennesaw State University for Fall 2026 and beyond are required to submit official ACT or SAT scores as part of the admission process.

Students applying for Spring 2026 or Summer 2026 may be admitted without an ACT or SAT score if they have a GPA of 3.2 or higher.* Applicants with a GPA below 3.2 should submit official test scores along with their high school transcript to be considered for admission. All students must be on track to complete the Required High School Curriculum to qualify for admission.

*Kennesaw State calculates your high school GPA for admission based on 17 required high school courses.

Note: Test scores are still required for certain scholarships (e.g., Zell Miller) and programs (e.g., Architecture). Scores may also be used for math placement (visit KSU Math Placement for more information).

Freshman and Transfer Freshman Deadlines

Semester	Application Opens	Application Deadlines	Document Deadline	Classes Begin
Spring 2026	August 1, 2025	November 17, 2025	December 1, 2025	January 12, 2026
Summer 2026	August 1, 2025	May 1, 2026	May 1, 2026	May 18, 2026
Fall 2026 - Priority Deadline*	August 1, 2025	November 3, 2025	November 3, 2025	August 17, 2026
Fall 2026 - Regular Deadline	August 1, 2025	July 1, 2026	July 1, 2026	August 17, 2026

*Apply by the Priority Deadline to have early access to Housing and Orientation sign-ups.

View Our First-Year Applicant Timeline

Average Entering Freshman Student Profile

High School GPA: 3.48

SAT

Evidence-based-reading: 568 | Math: 548
Average SAT Composite: 1111.1

ACT

English: 21 | Reading: 24 | Math: 21
Average ACT Composite: 22.27

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Admission Requirements

GPA Requirement

Minimum 2.5 with qualifying test scores
Minimum 3.2* test optional (through Summer 2026)
(Recalculated by KSU, in 17 units of required High School coursework)

Note: Test scores are still required for some scholarships (eg. Zell Miller) and programs
(eg. Architecture).

Test scores may also be used for Math placement (see Step 3 on the Math placement page)
*First-year students applying to Kennesaw State University through the Summer 2026 semester may be admitted without an ACT or SAT score if they have a GPA of 3.2 or higher.* Students with a GPA of less than 3.2 should submit official ACT or SAT scores and their high school transcript to be considered for admission.

*Test scores will be required at Kennesaw State University starting in Fall 2026.

Required High School Curriculum

4 units of English | 4 units of Math | 4 units of Science | 3 units of Social Science | 2 units of same Foreign Language, 2 units of American Sign Language, or 2 units of USG approved Computer Science

Please see the USG-Freshman Admission Requirements Staying on Course: The Required High School Curriculum.

If you are a homeschool student, please complete the Homeschool Portfolio.

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Testing Requirements

Kennesaw State accepts either the SAT or the ACT for freshmen and transfer freshmen applicants. Scores from the ACT and the SAT will not be combined. Applicants must meet minimum* English/Critical Reading and Math section requirements.

*Please note: Test scores will be required beginning Fall 2026 at Kennesaw State University for first-year applicants.

ACT: 18 - English or Reading | 18 Math

_{*Full ACT test score reports are required for any test score submissions. KSU does not accept ACT Superscores.}

SAT: 500 - Evidence Based Reading and Writing | 490 Math Section Score

Architecture Degree Program Applicants:

Please note that there are higher admissions requirements for the Architecture Degree program and seats are limited. Applicants are encouraged to complete their application and submit all required documents by January 31 for admission the following fall semester.

High School GPA: 3.0

SAT:
Evidence-Based Reading and Writing Score: 500
Math Section Score: 570

ACT:
English or Reading sub-score of 18
Math sub-score of 23

ACT Registration SAT Registration First-Year Timeline Apply Now

Testing FAQs

Is KSU test-optional?

First-Year students applying to Kennesaw State University for Fall 2026 or beyond are required to submit official SAT or ACT scores along with official high school transcripts.

Spring and Summer 2026 are the final semesters that students may be admitted without an ACT or SAT score if they have a GPA of 3.2 or higher.* Students who have a GPA of less than 3.2 should submit official ACT or SAT scores along with their high school transcript to be considered for admission. All students must be on track to complete the Required High School Curriculum to be admitted.

*Kennesaw State calculates your high school GPA for admission based on 17 required high school courses.
Are standardized SAT or ACT test scores required for admissions?

Yes. First-Year students applying to Kennesaw State University for Fall 2026 or beyond are required to submit official SAT or ACT scores along with official high school transcripts.

Spring and Summer 2026 are the final semesters that students may be admitted without an ACT or SAT score if they have a GPA of 3.2 or higher.* Students who have a GPA of less than 3.2 should submit official ACT or SAT scores along with their high school transcript to be considered for admission. All students must be on track to complete the Required High School Curriculum to be admitted.

*Kennesaw State calculates your high school GPA for admission based on the 17 required high school courses.
What if I have not taken the SAT or ACT yet?

Kennesaw State University will remain test-optional through Summer 2026 for students with a recalculated GPA of 3.2 but recommends all first-year applicants to take and submit official test scores.

Effective for students applying for Fall 2026 or beyond, all first-year applicants will be required to submit SAT or ACT by admissions deadlines. Students should plan to complete test-score admissions requirements.

Visit our First-Year Applicant Timeline to see available test dates prior to the Fall 2026 application deadline.
Do I need to submit official SAT or ACT scores if I have completed dual enrollment courses?

Yes. You will need to submit official test-scores even if you have completed less than 30 transferable credit hours of dual enrollment course work.
Can I self-report my scores on my application?

Yes. You may enter your scores on the application, but we will require official scores sent directly from the testing agency before we can make a final admissions decision. Please be sure to send your test scores prior to the admissions deadline.
How do I submit official test scores?

Official scores must be submitted electronically by the respective testing agency. Use the following school codes to submit your official test scores:

SAT school code: 5359
ACT school code: 0833
How to Send My SAT Scores How to Send My ACT Scores
Does Kennesaw State University superscore?

For the SAT, we will take the highest Evidence-based Reading & Writing section and Mathematics section if there is more than one set of scores.

For the ACT, we will take the highest ACT English or Reading and ACT Math scores if there is more than one set of scores.

KSU doesn’t superscore SAT with ACT scores.
If I take either the SAT or ACT more than once, what scores will you use?

We encourage you to send all your official test scores because we will utilize the top scores from various testing dates (called superscoring) to give you the most favorable scores for your admissions review.
I already sent my test scores. How do I know if you have received them?

You can check your application status via the Pathway to Enrollment Portal. In the Portal, you are provided with a checklist of items we have and have not received. If there is a green check mark next to "Official Test Scores," we have received your scores.
Check My Application Status
My application shows "incomplete" dur to missing test scores. What should I do?

Log in to your College Board or ACT account and send your official test scores to Kennesaw State. Use the following school codes to submit your official test scores:

SAT school code: 5359
ACT school code: 0833
How to Send My SAT Scores How to Send My ACT Scores
Do I need to take both the SAT and ACT?

No. You only need to submit scores from one test (ACT or SAT). However, if you take both exams, you are welcome to send all scores. We will use the scores that are most favorable to you under our admissions policies.
When should I plan to take the SAT/ACT?

We recommned that students test early! Start testing in your junior year of high school to provide sufficient time to see how you perform, if you want to consider taking a different test (ACT versus SAT), and if you would like to retest for the possiblity of higher scores. Since we allow superscoring, your highest section scores will be taken from all test dates. Be sure to submit all official scores in order to receive superscoring.

Visit our First-Year Applicant Timeline to see available test dates prior to the Fall 2026 application deadline.
How can I prepare for the SAT or ACT?

Free and low-cost practice resources are available directly from College Board (for SAT) and ACT, including full-length practice tests and personalized study tools.
SAT Practice Materials from College Board ACT Practice Materials
What if I am an international student? Do I still need SAT/ACT scores?

Yes. SAT and ACT scores are required for all incoming Freshmen and Transfer Freshmen (under 30 transferrable credit hours).
International Admissions Information

Freshman/ Transfer Freshman Application Process

Online application and fee
Submit your application and $40 application fee online by the deadline published for your desired semester of entry.
High school transcript(s)
Work with your high school to send us your official* transcript(s) documenting all coursework taken during your high school career. *Your official transcript(s) must come from your high school.

If you are a homeschool student, please complete the Homeschool Portfolio.

Official transcripts from high schools or colleges must be sent directly from the institution to:

Kennesaw State University
Office of Undergraduate Admissions
3391 Town Point Drive, MD 9111
Suite 1000
Kennesaw, GA 30144

ksuadmit@kennesaw.edu
All college transcript(s)
If you have earned any college credit (including dual enrollment credit) while in high school, it is your responsibility to request the college or university send official transcripts to KSU.
Standardized test scores
Kennesaw State accepts either the SAT or the ACT for freshmen and transfer freshmen applicants. Applicants must meet the minimum English/Critical Reading and Math section requirements.

Application Fee Waiver

Submission of the application fee waiver is completed within the Common Application. Please carefully read the fee waiver qualifications within the application and be prepared to provide the name of your high school guidance counselor and your guidance counselor’s email address.

NOTE: Selecting “fee waiver eligible” when you do not meet the requirements will delay processing your application. Ineligible fee waiver applicants will be required to pay the application fee before your application can be processed.

Students should contact their high school counselor if they have questions regarding eligibility.

Out-of-State Waivers and Scholarships

Each year, the Kennesaw State University Office of Undergraduate Admissions invites incoming out-of-state and international students that demonstrate academic achievement, community involvement and leadership skills to apply for an Out-of-State Waiver and Scholarship.

Home Educated Students

Applicants applying to Kennesaw State who attend a homeschool or high school not accredited by one of the accrediting associations listed below must document their Required High School Curriculum units through the submission of a curriculum packet.

The USG recognizes accreditation from the following accrediting bodies:

A regional accrediting association, such as the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Council on Accreditation and School Improvement (SACSCASI). Accredited schools can be found on:
Cognia (formerly AdvancedED) website.
Association of Christian Schools International
Georgia Accrediting Commission
Georgia Association of Christian Schools
Georgia Independent School Association
Georgia Private School Accrediting Council
Southern Association of Independent Schools

Applicants attending a non-accredited homeschool are required to complete the following steps in order: 

Complete the application.
Setup your NetID.
- 48 hours after applying, you will have your KSU# and NetID
Once you have set up your NetID, access and complete the homeschool portfolio and attach the following documents:
- Declaration of Intent to Homeschool
  - Georgia law requires parents or guardians who teach their children at home to submit to the Georgia Department of Education (GADOE) an annual Declaration of Intent form. A Declaration of Intent must be submitted to the Georgia Department of Education within 30 days after establishment of a home study program and by September 1 annually thereafter.
- Affidavit of Successful Completion
  - Note: Submit with this portfolio only after high school graduation. If your high school graduation date is in the future, your confirmation email will include a link to complete the form at that time.
Submit official SAT or ACT Scores.
Submit official college transcripts.