Admission Standards Links

What It Takes to Be Accepted

• Your GPA
• Your standardized test scores
• Your high school coursework

Our 2009 Admission File Review  

For regular admission at NKU we look for the successful completion of
Kentucky's Pre-College Curriculum (credit must be earned): 

• Four years of English
• Three years of math including Algebra I, Algebra II, Geometry or three integrative math courses
• Three years of science
• Three years of social studies
• Two years of the same foreign language

On the ACT, we look for scores of 18 in the subject sections of English, math and reading, and a 20 composite.  On the SAT we require a math and writing score of at least 430, a critical reading score of at least 480, and a 940 composite. 

If you meet (all of these requirements) NKU's admission standards you will be admitted regularly. If you have one deficiency – a low test score or are missing a Pre-College Curriculum course, you will be admitted, but will be required to complete a customized academic support program to ensure your academic success.  NKU may require students with two or more deficiencies to supply an essay, letters of recommendation and an activities portfolio before an admission decision can be rendered.  You will be contacted by the Office of Admissions if these materials are required for your application.

Students who have three or more deficiencies will be reviewed and considered for admission based on their high school performance. If a student has three deficiencies but has a 3.0 GPA or higher or is in the top 30 percent of his or her class, the student could still qualify for admission.  Students not offered admission may have the opportunity to attend the NKU Academy, a five-week, summer remediation program.

College Placement Testing
NKU's admission requirements for regular admission have not changed for 2009.   The Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education (CPE) has implemented new readiness standards for all students entering Kentucky public colleges and universities beginning Fall 2009.   If your standardized test scores fall below the CPE college readiness standards you will be required to take a College Placement Test(s) to determine proper placement in English, math, and/or reading prior to registering for classes. 

CPE Placement Standards           

ACT:  English 18, Math 19, Reading 20

SAT: Writing 430, Math 460, Reading 480

If your scores fall below the above mentioned, you must take a College Placement Test(s) in each of the areas in which you are deficient.  You will NOT be able to register for classes until your College Placement Test(s) have been taken. The College Placement Test is only available to admitted students.  You may choose to take the opportunity to re-take the ACT test to raise your subject scores.