Application and Acceptance

General Undergraduate Application Procedures and Requirements

A student applying for admission as an undergraduate student is required to submit the following materials to Life University’s Office of Enrollment by the applicable deadline:

1.  A completed online application for undergraduate study accompanied by an application processing fee of $50.00. (The fee is non-refundable and constitutes part of the application file/record); 

Official high school and/or college transcript(s) from every secondary or post-secondary/institution of higher education attended (if applicable) showing courses, grades, and anticipated or actual date(s) of graduation should be sent directly from the institution where the coursework was completed to Life University’s Office of Enrollment. 
Where appropriate, a GED score report may be submitted/required. Unofficial transcripts may be acceptable for initial admission consideration. (International transcripts require an official international transcript evaluation conducted by an approved international evaluation service. These hours must be equivalent to courses taught at Life University. Equivalency is determined by the department.); 

2. SAT or ACT scores are optional.  If provided, official SAT or ACT scores must be sent directly to Life University’s Office of Enrollment from the testing agency. Life University’s ACT code is 0845; College Board (SAT, RSAT, and ACCUPLACER) is 7006. Applicants are urged to complete all testing well in advance of applying for admission to Life University; 

3. A signed Technical Standards Form for the applicable program (if required).

Application Schedule

A student may begin their course of study at Life University in any quarter as applications for admission are accepted throughout the year. All admissions requirements should be met, and all official documentation received in the Office of Enrollment (Admissions) 30 days prior to the beginning of the quarter of intended enrollment or 60 days for all international students. 

Criminal Record

All applicants must reveal whether they have a criminal record and provide complete information for review. All are encouraged to apply, regardless of conviction status.  Please know; however, that a record of criminal convictions may disqualify an applicant for admission.  Applicants with a conviction who apply for programs that support licensure or certification are responsible for ensuring that they understand the potential restrictions on licensure or certification in their state.  If you need support navigating and understanding restrictions on licensure or certification in Georgia, please consult the Georgia Justice Project by emailing Intake@GJP.org.

Admission Requirements

Admissions Process

For all categories of applications, admissions related documents/data are maintained by Life University’s Office of Enrollment, according to Retention and Disposition of Records guidelines established by the University and related AACRAO guidelines. 

Recommendations for admission status are sent directly to the Dean of the College of Graduate and Undergraduate Studies or through the Admissions Committee. Recommendations for Admission Status, including denial, are confirmed by the Dean. 

The curriculum within the Undergraduate Program is designed to be comprehensive, challenging and demanding. Every student is expected to exhibit professional leadership skills and serve as an example of good character and goodwill in the community. The University has, therefore, set guidelines, standards, and requirements for undergraduate admission. 

Freshman Admission Guidelines

Applicants with fewer than 36 quarter (24 semester) hours of transferable college credit must meet freshman admission standards. Earned transferable college credit by a freshman must meet the 2.0 minimum GPA standard.

Freshman Guidelines for Full Admission

The following are minimum freshman applicant academic standards for full admission to LIFE’s Undergraduate (UG) degree-seeking programs:

• An earned 2.0 or higher unweighted cumulative GPA (on a 4.0 scale), as indicated on an official high school transcript, or a passing GED score if a HS diploma is not earned.

Official test scores must be sent directly to Life University Office of Enrollment from testing agencies.

Life University’s ACT code is 0845; College Board (SAT, RSAT, and ACCUPLACER) is 7006.

Accuplacer Requirement: If a student is applying to UG with a cumulative unweighted GPA of 3.0 or higher, they do not have to take Accuplacer regardless of Carnegie units.  However, if they are more than a year away from graduation, they may be required to take Accuplacer depending on their final grades.

Incoming students not meeting the above criteria will be required to take Accuplacer placement testing for Resading, Writing, and Math.

For a student to be successful at Life University, the completion of the general college preparatory curriculum (CPC), as supported by various state educational guidelines, is highly recommended. The CPC course work pattern is comprised of the following subject area and units/years:

• 4 units of English
• 4 units of mathematics
• 3 units of laboratory science
• 3 units of social science

Freshman Guidelines for Those Who Do Not Meet the Full Admission Standards

Any first-year student applicant who does not meet the Full Admission requirements will be considered for Provisional Admission. You are considered for admission and may be admitted under these provisional guidelines:

• First-year students who earn below a 2.0 cumulative GPA (from high school transcript) and have less than 22.5 quarter (15 semester) credit hours of transferrable college credit.

Acceptance into the Undergraduate program does not imply acceptance into Graduate programs or the Doctor of Chiropractic Program.

Transfer Admission Requirements

A transfer applicant is a student who has earned 22.5 quarter (15 semester) hours or more of transferable college credits after having graduated from high school or equivalent. (*Note: if all college credit was earned by test score credit or credit by exam (AP/CLEP/IB), dual enrollment during high school, and/or the summer immediately following high school graduation or equivalent, the applicant will be considered for admission as a freshman.)

Transfer applicants must have official transcripts forwarded from all institutions of higher education attended. Life University is an active participant in the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) and the Georgia Independent College Association (GICA) Transfer Articulation Agreement providing educational opportunities for currently enrolled and prospective students of both TCSG and GICA member institutions.  This articulation agreement ensures transferability of selected courses from a SACS accredited TCSG college to participating GICA colleges and universities. A student having earned a grade of “C” or better in a course identified within the agreement is ensured that course will transfer to Life University. Transfer credit will not be granted for sub 100 level coursework.

CGUS Transfer Policy Regarding Associate Degree and General Education Core Requirements Policy  AS.033

CGUS Evaluation of Transfer Credit Policy AS.035 

Baccalaureate Transfer Policies

All undergraduate students accepted to Life University with prior college or university course credit will receive an official transfer credit evaluation showing how the courses completed at each previous school will transfer (if applicable).  Evaluations will include the total number of credits accepted, as well as a course-by-course breakdown indicating how each class may be applied toward CGUS graduation requirements.  Courses may be accepted as upper or lower division general electives, upper or lower division major or minor electives, or as directly equivalent University courses.

Life University uses the following policies to determine acceptability of courses in an undergraduate program:

• For undergraduate programs, an overall maximum of 75% of total credit hours required for the degree will be accepted.
• A maximum of 30 quarter credit hours, combined from the list below can come from alternative credit options:
  • College Level Examination Program (CLEP)
  • Prometric DSST Exams (DANTES)
  • Advanced Placement (AP)
  • International Baccalaureate (IB)
  • American Credit Evaluation (ACE) Military credits only
  • National College Credit Recommendation Service (NCCRS) approved credits
• Another 30 quarter credit hours maximum can come from military schools and training.
• All other transfer credits must come from accredited, Life University approved college transcripts.
• Transfer credits awarded under a semester system will be converted to quarter credit hours. Any conversion that has partial credit hour of less than .50 will be rounded down to the next whole credit. 
• The University will not accept transfer credits from a third-party transcript.  Each transfer course must be presented on the college transcript from which the course was completed. For International students, transcripts must be evaluated by a third party organization such as Global Education Group, Josef Silny & Associates, World Education Services, or a NACES approved organization.
• Courses with a grade of Pass (P) will be considered if “P” is equivalent to a “C” or better.  This is determined by reviewing the grade scale of the institution where the course was completed.
• The University will not accept any course for credit that is described as having remedial or developmental content.

If a student disagrees with the way credit has been awarded, they may appeal through the appeals process by submitting a transfer credit appeal form located on the Registrar Forms Page. If the student’s appeal is denied, they have the right to resubmit their requested course using the same form and have the dean of the college make the final determination on awarding the request. 

Transfer Guidelines for Full Admission

The following are minimum Transfer Applicant academic standards for full admission to Undergraduate degree-seeking programs:

• Official high school transcripts must be submitted for/by transfer applicants with fewer than 22.5 quarter (15 semester) credit hours of transferable college credit. Unofficial transcripts and test scores may be initially acceptable for admission consideration.
• Transfer applicants must have earned a cumulative college grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale as calculated by Life University. Life University’s Undergraduate programs use earned credits (or hours) from all nationally or regionally accredited colleges attended to compute the grade point average for admission to the programs.
• Transfer applicants who are not eligible to return to their last institution and/or those who have been dismissed from a previous institution will be considered for admission on a provisional basis.

For Transfer Students Who Do Not Meet Guidelines for Full Admission

Any transfer applicant who does not meet the Full Admission requirements will be considered for Provisional Admission. Students may be considered for admission and may be admitted under these provisional guidelines and required to fulfill requirements before and/or while attending.

• Transfer applicants who have earned a cumulative college grade point average (GPA) of lower than 2.0 on a 4.0 scale as calculated by Life University. Life University’s Undergraduate programs use earned credits (or hours) from all nationally and regionally accredited colleges attended to compute the grade point average for admission to the programs.
• Applicants who have a cumulative GPA below 2.0 will need to write an appeal letter, and their file will be sent to the Undergraduate Admissions Committee for review.
• Transfer Applicants who are not eligible to return to their last attended institution and/or those who have been dismissed from a previous institution must provide written   explanation and appropriate documentation in an appeal letter to the Undergraduate Admissions Committee.

Acceptance into the Undergraduate program does not imply acceptance into the Graduate programs or College of Chiropractic.

Returning Undergraduate Students

Any previously enrolled undergraduate student who left in good standing and who has not been enrolled at Life University for less than three consecutive quarters must first petition for reactivation through the Registrar’s Office. If this describes you/your scenario, you are expected to complete and submit to the Registrar’s Office the Reactivation Form.

Former Life University students that must apply for readmission through the formal admissions process include:

• Students who have not been enrolled at Life University for three or more consecutive quarters
• Students who last attended as a transient student
• Students who are returning after academic dismissal
• Students who wish to change their status (such as transient to degree seeking, degree seeking to non-degree) 
• A new application to the Office of Admissions (apply.LIFE.edu) must be submitted, reviewed and approved by the Undergraduate Admissions Committee and the Dean. 
• Undergraduate students who have been academically dismissed from Life University as a result of the Academic Standing Policy (AS.038) and the Dismissal Appeal Process may apply for re- entry into an undergraduate program after two academic quarters or one academic semester and pending satisfactory completion of a minimum of 12 semester credits/18 quarter credits with a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher from an accredited institution of higher education. Re- admission is subject to review and approval by the Undergraduate Admissions Committee and the Dean to whom the program reports. 
• Undergraduate students who are seeking reinstatement after being academically dismissed must follow the procedures outlined in the Undergraduate Reinstatement Policy AS.008.
• A reinstated student is automatically placed on academmic probation until a minimum cumulative 2.0 GPA is achieved. Academic requirements will be determined by the current academic year Catalog when the student re-enrolls at the University. For further information concerning reinstatement, students should consult with the Office of Admissions. 

Should a student be academically dismissed a second time, they will not be reinstated to any undergraduate program within the University. 

• F-1 visa international student who voluntarily or involuntarily remains out of the program for five (5) consecutive months or more, for any reason, must apply for readmission through the Office of Enrollment and submit all the required admissions documents and a new bank letter, sponsor letter, and pay a new SEVIS fee for the Department of Homeland Security fee to obtain a new I-20 Certificate of Eligibility for an F-1 visa (I-20) from Life University.

Admission Status

Accepted – Full: 
This status is assigned to each applicant whose completed record has been evaluated by the Office of Enrollment which subsequently recommends that the applicant meets the admission requirements and has submitted all required documentation. 

Accepted – Conditional: Applicants who have met minimum admission requirements but who are unable to provide one or more of the required application materials may be admitted conditionally in some instances and required to submit satisfactory final documents/credentials before explicit deadlines provided.

Applicants will be designated as conditionally accepted pending the receipt of their official transcripts indicating completion of prerequisite coursework and/or other required documentation. In cases in which coursework is completed but delivery of official transcripts and/or test scores is pending, enrollment may be permitted.

Upon completing conditions successfully, the applicant’s status will be, converted to an updated admission status if all conditions are met on or before the first day of classes.

Accepted – Provisional: This status is assigned to each applicant whose record has been evaluated by Enrollment who subsequently recommends that the applicant does not meet the admission requirements for full acceptance. This recommendation is presented to the Admissions Committee and/or the Dean of the College of Graduate and Undergraduate Studies. An applicant may be accepted by the Committee and/or the Dean with outstanding requirements.

Upon completing the provisions of acceptance successfully, the applicant’s status will be converted to an updated admission status if all provisions are met on or before the first day of classes.

Non-Degree Seeking Students

Accepted – Student-at-Large: Student-at-large status, which includes Auditing or Transient students, is designed for students who wish to take a limited number of undergraduate courses that are related to their personal interest, academic or professional background. Students who do not necessarily want to receive a degree from Life University or who do not meet the requirements for full standing or provisional admission acceptance may apply for student-at-large status and, at a later time, apply for full standing. Students accepted under this status are not enrolled as degree seeking students in an undergraduate degree program and, therefore, do not qualify for financial aid.

1. There is no limit to the number of hours that may be accumulated as a student-at-large, but if the student seeks to matriculate as a student in full standing and subsequently earn a degree, the last academic year of said degree must be taken as a full standing admitted student.
2. If a student seeks acceptance status to the undergraduate program as a degree-seeking student, all required admissions materials must be submitted for review. It is the prerogative of the Undergraduate Admissions Committee and/or the Dean to accept or reject the application for undergraduate study.

Accepted – Transient: Transient students are those who are admitted to Life University to take a selected course or courses, but who are not transferring credits from another educational institution toward a degree at Life University.

A transient student must submit the following to be admitted:

1. A completed Life University application.
2. A letter from the home institution indicating that the student is in good academic standing.
3. Documentation of completion of prerequisites required for specific courses to be taken.

Accepted – Auditing: Students-at-large wishing to audit classes at Life University may apply at the Office of Enrollment Services (Admissions). Auditing placement is based upon registration seating availability. Proper paperwork obtained from both the Office of Enrollment Services (Admissions) and the Office of the Registrar must be filed before the quarter begins. No credit is granted for courses scheduled on an auditing basis. Students are not permitted to change to or from an auditing status except through the regular procedures for admissions acceptance and registration schedule change. The grade for auditing is “AU” for Audit and students will not be permitted to have the audit grade changed at any future date.

Auditing is available to students, staff, and faculty as well as interested persons from the general public.

Students who are auditing are not allowed to take tests but may, at the instructor’s discretion, observe practical/lab examinations.

International students who need an F-1 visa cannot enroll in the non-degree programs. However, they can dual-enroll in the non-degree programs while enrolled in one of the degree programs at Life University.

Offer of Admission Acceptance and Confirmation

An applicant admitted to Life University is expected to enroll in the academic program and the quarter for which they have applied and been admitted.  The admitted student may request to defer their start term within 3 quarters from the quarter for which they were originally accepted.

• The deferral request must be submitted in writing to the Office of Enrollment (Admissions) a minimum of 30 days prior to the start of the quarter for which they were originally admitted. The request can be submitted by email to the student’s Admissions Counselor via email or mail, specifying their name and original term of admission and specifying the term for which they wish to defer their enrollment as well as a brief description of the reason for the deferral.
• All applicants requesting a deferral are required to reapply for admission, as well as resubmit any required documents and/or application processing fees. 
• Life University reserves the right to request any or all of the required admission materials, updated credentials or documentation, and/or application processing fees for reapplication. 
• In order to accept an offer of admission, confirm plans to enroll, and reserve a seat in the entering class, admitted students are required to submit the applicable $125 Enrollment Fee before the start of the term.  
• The Enrollment Fee is non-refundable and non-waivable. 
• The Enrollment Fee is non-transferable within 30 days of the quarter’s start date and can only be transferred once. 
• All newly admitted applicants and returning students are required to submit the Enrollment Fee. 
• The Enrollment Fee can only be paid online through the Application Portal at apply.LIFE.edu. 
• Late applications (completed after published deadlines) that are considered for and earn admission are required to submit the Enrollment Fee within 7 days of the admission notification.

Denied Acceptance

This status is assigned to each applicant whose file has been deemed complete and evaluated by the Office of Enrollment, presented to the Admissions Committee, and subsequently denied acceptance by the Dean of the College.

Course Placement

If a student is applying to UG with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher, they do not have to take Accuplacer regardless of Carnegie units.  However, if they are more than a year away from graduation, they may be required to take Accuplacer depending on their final grades.

Transfer Credit

Students shall receive transfer credit for transferable college courses that are substantially equivalent to those of Life University in content, quality and contact hours. In order for a student to receive transfer credit, the course(s) under consideration must have been:

1. Work equivalent to undergraduate college level or above (e.g., 100 level or above and/or not developmental, pre-college, or remedial; acceptable credit by exam scores)
2. Earned at or through a regionally or nationally accredited institution or approved testing agency if credit by exam. 

3. Satisfactorily completed with a minimum grade of “C” or better (grade “P” = pass may also be considered). 


International credits may be considered based on the submission of official international transcripts, and an official international transcript evaluation conducted by an approved international evaluation service. These hours must be equivalent to courses taught at Life University. Equivalency is determined by the Assistant Dean of the Division.