Navigating Admissions: Understanding GPA and Test Score Requirements at Tennessee State University

Tennessee State University (TSU), located in the heart of Nashville, presents a variety of academic programs and athletic opportunities within a vibrant campus environment. For prospective students, understanding the university's admission requirements, particularly concerning GPA and standardized test scores, is crucial. This article breaks down these requirements to provide a clearer picture of what it takes to gain admission to TSU.

Acceptance Rate and What It Means

The acceptance rate at Tennessee State University is 70.2%, indicating that the university is lightly selective. This means that while not every applicant is admitted, a significant portion of those who apply do receive an offer. Meeting the expected requirements for GPA and SAT/ACT scores significantly increases your chances of admission.

GPA Requirements: What You Need to Know

The GPA requirement that really matters is the GPA you need for a real chance of getting in. The average unweighted GPA at Tennessee State University is 3.22 on the 4.0 scale. To achieve the average GPA for admission, you need to earn B letter grades and regularly score around 83-86 percent on tests and assignments in high school. It's OK to be a B-average student, with some A's mixed in.

If your GPA is at or below the school average of 3.38, you'll need a higher SAT or ACT score to compensate. Since Tennessee State University is a test optional college, extra focus will be placed on your GPA when the school considers your application.

Standardized Testing: SAT and ACT

Tennessee State University has indicated that the SAT or ACT is required for some applicants. If you're applying to this and other schools, it's safest to take the SAT or ACT.

Read also: Your Guide to ETSU Academics

SAT Requirements

The average SAT score at Tennessee State University is 960 out of 1600, with the middle 50% of accepted students scoring between 856 and 1068. Students who get into Tennessee State University score in the top 100 percent of all SAT test takers. You should target scoring 960 or above to be most competitive with other applicants. Tennessee State University regularly admits students with SAT scores down to 856 on a 1600 scale. However, three quarter of admitted students score higher. If you score below a 856, admission should be considered a reach. Some students may be accepted with minimum SAT's as low as 750, but scores this low are outside the normal range. Tennessee State University is a test optional school meaning do not have to submit SAT scores with your application.

The 25th percentile SAT score is 900, and the 75th percentile SAT score is 1030.

ACT Requirements

The average ACT score at Tennessee State University is 18, while the middle 50% of students (25th to 75th percentile) score between a 16 and 21. For the best chance of admission, you should have an ACT of 18. This will place you in solid competition against other applicants. At a minimum, you should aim for a 16 and score in the score in the top 75 percent nationally. You do not have to to submit ACT scores with your application as Tennessee State University is test optional. A typical applicant with a 18 score has around 93% chance of getting in. The 25th percentile ACT score is 16, and the 75th percentile ACT score is 21.

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. To try to aim for the school's ACT requirement of 16 and above, you should try to take the ACT as many times as you can.

Test-Optional Policy

Submission of SAT or ACT scores is not required for admission to Tennessee State University. If you optionally submit test scores, they will be considered with your application, but they are not mandatory.

Additional Factors in Admissions

Note: Your admission decision relies not only on your GPA and SAT/ACT scores, but also on your coursework difficulty, extracurriculars, letters of recommendation, and personal statements.

Application Requirements and Deadlines

Tennessee State University (TSU) requires that you either take the SAT or ACT. 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. Applications will be accepted from students transferring from other colleges, universities or other departments at Tennessee State University. Submission of application to the program is due by June 30 for Fall semester and December 1 for Spring semester. Too many students wait until the last minute to submit their application, and too much can go wrong during this precious time window. Since many students are applying on the last day, it’s possible that Tennessee State University (TSU)’s own system crashes. The cost for prospective students to apply to Tennessee State University is $25.

Programs with Specific Requirements

Nursing Program

All science courses must be completed with a grade of "C" or above at the first attempt. All general education courses must be completed before beginning junior level nursing courses. Without exception by Summer I term. Incomplete applications will be returned to the applicant. Students are admitted to the program on a space available basis. Students who are admitted must have a health examination which indicates satisfactory health, required immunizations, blood titers for measles, mumps, rubella, varicella, and hepatitis B and the two-step tuberculosis skin tests. Students must show evidence of current American Heart Association Health Care Provider BLS Status certification for two years with a copy of the certification card, clear criminal background credentials and liability insurance in the amount of $1000000/$6000000 prior to admission to classes in the nursing major (i.e. Programs in the School of Nursing are accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).

Cardiorespiratory Care Science Program

Students who wish to pursue the Bachelor of Science with a major in Cardiorespiratory Care Science (CRCS) must apply to the CRCS Admissions Committee for acceptance. Students must be formally admitted to the Cardiorespiratory Care Science Program in order to take professional courses that begin in the junior year. A minimum high school grade point average of at least 2.5 on a 4.0 scale. Students should have taken either the ACT or the SAT exam. An interview with the CRCS Admissions and Retention Committee or its designee (An interview does not automatically guarantee admission into the program. A specified drug screen and a designated criminal background check including both the state and federal levels are a requirement for student placement within clinical agencies. Based on the results of these checks, an affiliated clinical agency or site may determine to not allow a student’s presence at their facility. This could result in your inability to successfully complete the requirements of the Cardiorespiratory Care Science Program. Applicants must have an overall college grade-point average of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale to meet the program requirements for entering applicants. Transfer credits for non-major courses will be accepted according to University policy on admission. All transfer credits from accredited Respiratory Care programs will be accepted where evidence is provided that the content of the Respiratory Care courses previously taken are essentially the same as the content for courses in the curriculum. In addition to the above, a Tennessee State University student seeking a transfer to the Cardiorespiratory Care Science Program is required to complete a Change of Major form. The CRCS Admission and Retention Committee will make the final decision regarding admission to the program. Students who have a B.S. degree in Science may be admitted to the program if they meet the admission criteria. They may have already taken the science courses and the general education courses. They may be able to accelerate their studies. If they meet the general admission regular requirements, they may be admitted to the junior year of the program. Students are required to have a physical examination, to complete a criminal background check, and to obtain medical and malpractice insurance prior to clinical rotations. During clinical rotation, students may be assigned to off-campus facilities. Students are responsible for transportation costs, clinic attire, and other expenses related to clinical experiences. In order to complete the degree, students must pass two exit exams with a 70% or above in the following courses: CRCS 3110 and CRCS 4410. Students who earn a non-passing grade in any Cardiorespiratory Care Science (CRCS) course will not be permitted to take the next sequential course(s). A failed course may be repeated when next offered with the permission of the Department Chair providing there is space available in the class. Students who have been dismissed from the program due to poor academic performance must reapply for admission during the next application cycle and compete for space with other applicants.

Health Information Management (HIM) Program

A minimum composite test score of 19 on the ACT. First-time freshmen are required to have successfully completed any remedial or developmental courses before consideration for unconditional admission into the HIM program. Applications will be accepted from students transferring from other colleges, universities or other departments at Tennessee State University. courses before consideration for unconditional admission into the program. Applicants must have a minimum overall combined grade point average of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale. Students who already have a degree in health related and any other fields may be admitted to the program if they meet admission criteria. Submission of application to the program is due by June 30 for Fall semester and December 1 for Spring semester. Two letters of recommendation from persons (non-family member) who know the applicant. Applicants will be informed of the final decisions regarding acceptance into the program. Students are responsible for physical examination, malpractice insurance, criminal background check and drug test prior to professional practice rotations. A criminal background check and drug test may be required at some affiliated clinical sites for training. Based on the results of the check an affiliated clinical site may determine to not allow your presence at their facility. This could result in your inability to successfully complete the requirements of this program. Students must maintain a minimum overall combined grade point average of 2.0. Students must earn C or better in all major courses, supporting Science, Business, Health Care Administration, English, and Mathematics courses.

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Campus Life and Opportunities

Tennessee State University students go by the motto: “Think. Work. Serve.” But we also realize a little fun should be part of the collegiate experience to create a holistic approach to learning. Tennessee State University counts on the generous contributions of alumni and friends to fulfill our mission of providing a top-notch, affordable education to the best and brightest students. Tennessee State University is engaging in cutting-edge research to address critical challenges in our society. Our research arm supports faculty and students by taking their ideas from conception to fruition in critical areas such as biotechnology, homeland security and agriculture, to name a few.

Tennessee State University Athletics is part of the Ohio Valley Conference (OVC) NCAA Division Ⅰ and offers football, men’s basketball, women’s basketball, track and field, golf, tennis, softball and volleyball. We provide student-athletes with a positive academic and social environment to excel on and off the field. Our mission is to blend physical, emotional and intellectual development into one experience.

TSU loves parents! And we encourage you to stay involved with your Tennessee State University student. We strive to make the transition to college and beyond flow as smoothly as possible for everyone. We'll keep you up-to-date on campus happenings through a monthly eNewsletter, a helpful Parent Guide and through many other programs and events. At Tennessee State University, our blood runs blue! We enjoy connecting, socializing and sharing news about the great things our alumni are doing across the globe. From our annual Homecoming celebration to donor events and volunteer activities, TSU alumni always find time to celebrate what it means to be a Big Blue Tiger.

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