Admissions

Admission to the College

Arkansas Baptist College has an “open admission policy” that allows admittance to all persons who show the potential for college level work, who subscribe to the mission and purpose of Arkansas Baptist College, and who meet the admissions requirements. Students of all races, creeds, and national origins are welcome. New students are admitted in the Fall, Spring, and Summer.

First-Time Freshmen

All applicants who wish to apply for admission must submit the following items to the Office of Admissions and Recruitment:

Unconditional Admission

1. A formal application for admission**
2. An official “sealed” copy of the high school transcript that includes date of graduation or GED test scores
3. A cumulative high school grade point average of 2.00 or higher on a 4.00 scale is required
4. Proof of immunization. Regardless of age all applicants must submit proof of two immunizations against measles, mumps, rubella (MMR). International students must provide proof of CIVD-19 vaccination(s), measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) and tuberculosis (TB). International students may complete tuberculosis vaccination upon arrival to the United States with permission from the Office of Academic Affairs. 
5. ACT composite score of 16 or higher or combined SAT score of 720 or higher in critical reading and math for Unconditional Admission and placement purposes

Home Schooling 

Candidates who have completed a program of home instructions or home schooling instead of an accredited secondary school must present the following credentials:  

1.  Secondary school record if it exists. 

2.  GED test scores.

3. Official verification by state or regional public official of completion of approved home instruction/ home schooling program. 

4. Official results of standardized tests used for evidence of achievement or copy of annual achievement progress report submitted to an official in charge of state or regional home instruction/home schooling supervision. 

5. ACT composite score of 16 or higher or combined SAT score of 720 or higher in critical reading and math for Unconditional Admission and placement purposes.

Conditional Admission

Applicants who do not meet requirements for Unconditional Admission may be considered for Conditional Admission. Aptitude criteria for Conditional Admission will be evaluated on a case- by-case basis. The criteria would include previous academic recommendations. Students who fail to submit ACT or SAT test scores are required to complete the Next Generation Accuplacer Exam administered by the institution and must achieve the following minimum cutoff scores: 260 in Next Generation Accuplacer Reading Objectives, 262 in Next Generation Accuplacer Writing Objectives, and 236 in Next Generation Accuplacer Quantitative Reasoning Algebra and Statistics (QRAS) Exam. Applicants who fail to attain acceptable scores on the ACT, SAT, Compass, Classic Accuplacer, or Next Generation Accuplacer tests are required to complete enrichment courses or other developmental enhancements as needed. The Office of Admissions and Recruitment will notify applicants of their Unconditional or Conditional Admission status. Students who submit false information on the application for admission will be immediately withdrawn from the College.

International Students

International students must meet the same requirements as first-time freshmen and submit application materials by March 1 for the Fall semester and August 1 for the Spring semester. Enrollment during minimesters and summer is allowed on a case by case basis. International students who wish to enroll in Arkansas Baptist College must submit the following to the Office of Enrollment Management:

1. A $100 non-refundable application fee
2. Official academic transcripts of secondary school, college, or university translated in English
3. The applicant is required to show proficiency in oral and written expression as evidenced by achievement of a minimum score of 500 on the paper based test or 173 on the computer based Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) (except in countries where English is the official language)
4. Certified proof of the ability to meet financial obligations incurred as a student at Arkansas Baptist College
5. Proof of health insurance coverage

The I-20 form (Certificate of Eligibility) will not be issued until the applicant has been accepted by the Office of Enrollment Management and has submitted a financial statement indicating how fees will be paid while attending Arkansas Baptist College.

The U.S. Department of Justice’s Immigration and Naturalization Service rules governing non- immigrant “F-1” foreign students require all persons in this category to pursue a full course of study. This means that undergraduates must register for a minimum of 12 credit hours. Any modification of this requirement that results in a course load of less than the minimum must be authorized by the Registrar and the Vice President for Academic Affairs. Failure to satisfy these requirements will cause students to be ineligible to receive the I-20 form to support their nonimmigrant status.

Readmission of Former Students

Students separated from ABC more than one semester (excluding summer school) must submit a new application and receive approval from the Office of the Registrar, Business Office, and the Office of Financial Aid. The student should also request official “sealed” transcripts from any institution attended since Arkansas Baptist College. These transcripts must be sent to the Office of Admissions and Recruitment. Students who have not attended Arkansas Baptist College for more than five years must follow the guidelines and degree plan of the new course catalog for that curriculum.

Admission for Transfer Students

Students who previously attended another college may enter Arkansas Baptist College as transfer students. Depending on the nature of the academic record, some or all of the credits earned may be transferred to Arkansas Baptist College. Students who have satisfactorily completed courses at an accredited institution may be admitted to regular standing with such advanced credit as their previous records may warrant. To be eligible for transfer, applicants must meet the following requirements:

1. Submit an official “sealed” high school transcript and official “sealed” transcripts from all college or university previously attended. Applicants must have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.0 on a 4.0 grade scale and provide proof of good standing from previously attended institutions. Students who are not eligible for readmission to the institution of previous attendance will NOT be considered for admission to Arkansas Baptist College until they have been out of college for a minimum of one (1)year.
2. Applicants must be prepared to submit course descriptions from the official catalog of the institution(s) from which credits are to be transferred.
3. No transfer grades below “C” will be accepted.
4. No transfer credit in the major over ten years old will be accepted until and unless it is validated by the major department.
5. Students may transfer no more than the maximum number of credit hours they would be permitted to earn on this campus in a period of time comparable to that in which the transfer credit was earned. A maximum of sixty (60) hours will be accepted towards a degree from an accredited college or university.
6. Applicants with a grade point average below 2.0 may be admitted conditionally. Conditionally admitted transfer students are eligible to enroll in a maximum of twelve (12) credit hours and must earn a minimum 2.0 grade point average in their first semester in order to reenroll.

Applicants with a grade point average below 2.0 may be admitted conditionally. Conditionally admitted transfer students can enroll in a maximum of thirteen (13) credit hours and must earn a minimum 2.0 grade point average in their first semester to reenroll. 

Transfer credits from unaccredited educational institutions are not accepted at Arkansas Baptist College. In exceptional cases where a student demonstrates (to the satisfaction of Arkansas Baptist College officials) a mastery of the subject matter equivalent to that taught on the general education level at ABC, acceptance of such transfer credit on an individual basis may be authorized, provided that such courses are equivalent in terms of course and hour values to general education courses taught at Arkansas Baptist College. 

In such cases, Arkansas Baptist College reserves the right to require the applicant to demonstrate the required proficiency by scoring at acceptable levels on departmental examinations in related subject areas, by undergoing a probationary period of residence at ABC, or by fulfilling both requirements. 

Concurrent Enrollment for High School Students

Outstanding high school students who wish to experience college level work may be admitted concurrently as part-time students. The criteria for admission are as follows:

1. Must be a senior in high school
2. Must have taken the ACT and have a composite score of 19
3. Must have a minimum 3.0 grade point average or ACT sub-score of 19 in the subject area
4. Must have a letter of recommendation from the high school counselor or principal
5. Must meet course prerequisites
6. Must have the permission of the department chair and instructor

Students will be limited to six (6) credit hours per semester and must comply with all policies and procedures. To continue concurrent enrollment, students must earn a minimum grade of “C”.

Students who do not meet the above standards may be recommended by their high school counselor or principal for admission to selected courses and have permission from the Vice President of Academic Affairs. Concurrently enrolled students are not eligible to receive federal financial aid.

Types of Admissions

Non-Degree Seeking Students

Any person at Arkansas Baptist College who enrolls without becoming a candidate for a degree is referred to as a “Non-Degree Seeking” student. Non-Degree Seeking students include the following:

1. Persons who havemet the entrance requirements and are qualified to performcollege level work, but are not seeking to earn a degree from the institution; evidence of high school graduation or GED is required of each applicant
2. Persons who have earned a college degree, but desire to enroll in additional college courses for self-improvement

Special Students

Special students provide evidence of preparation and ability to pursue college level courses successfully. Special students may accumulate no more than fifteen (15) hours of course work, but may become candidates by meeting all of the institution’s requirements for admission. Special students are subject to the same rules and regulations governing scholarship, class attendance, conduct, and health that apply to regular students. Special students are not eligible to receive federal financial aid.

Transient Students

Students enrolled and seeking a degree at another college or university may enroll as “transient students” and have a record of their credits forwarded to the “home” institution. No transcript is required; however, an Application for Admission must be filed along with a “Letter of Standing” and/or a “Transient Student Form” from the institution to which the credit will be sent. The letter or form must list the course(s) approved for transfer. Proof of immunization is also required.

Employees of the College

Employees are defined as permanent part-time or full-time employees of the College. Employees are subject to the same admission guidelines as all other students.

Post-Graduate Students

Post-graduate students are defined as students who have already received a degree from an Institution of higher education. Post-graduate students must provide verification/proof of degrees/credits. Post-graduates may be subject to the same admission guidelines as all other students (special circumstances may apply).

Credit Hours

Credit by Examination

Students who have taken Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) courses may have the opportunity to have these courses replace introductory level courses. Students must submit official AP or IB test results to the Office of Admissions with their admissions application and official final high school transcripts. See below the approved cut-off scores:  

AP Credit Grid at Arkansas Baptist College 

 5 = extremely well qualified; 4 = well qualified; 3 = qualified; 2 = possibly qualified; 1 = no recommendation (College Board) ABC accepts 4/5 scores; a score of 3 requires an evaluation and decision from the Division/Department Chair in the major  

College Board’s AP Course /Arkansas Baptist College’s Course 

AP Biology 

A 4/5 score replaces ABC Course: BIO 144, General Biology  

AP Chemistry 

4 score replaces ABC Course: CHM 137, General Chemistry 

AP Computer Science 

A 4/5 score replaces ABC Course: MIS 110, Intro to Computers 

AP Comparative Government and Politics 

A 4/5 score replaces ABC Course: POL 257, U. S. Government 

A 4 score replaces ABC Course: PAD 211, Intro to Political Sci 

AP English Language and Composition 

A 4/5 score replaces ABC Course: ENG 131, Composition I 

AP English Literature and Composition 

A 4/5 score replaces ABC Course: ENG 132, Composition II 

AP Environmental Science 

 A 4/5 score replaces ABC Course: PHY 145, Physical Science 

AP Microeconomics  

A 3/4 score replaces ABC Course: BAD 213, Microeconomics  

AP Macroeconomics 

A 3/4 score replaces ABC Course: BAD 223, Microeconomics  

AP Psychology 

A 5 score replaces ABC Course: PSY 152, General Psychology 

AP Spanish Language and Culture 

A 4/5 score replaces ABC Course: SPN 153, Elem. Spanish I 

AP Spanish Literature and Culture  

A 4/5 score replaces ABC Course: SPN 253, Elem. Spanish I  

AP United States Government and Politics 

A 4 score replaces ABC Course: HIS 357, U.S. History I 

A 3 score replaces ABC Course: HIS 255, Western Civilization I 

IB (International Baccalaureate) High School IB Scores  

IB Grade      % Range      Description 

7                  80-100          Excellent  

6                  68-79            Very Good  

5                  55-67            Good  

Division Chair’s approval 

4                45-54             Satisfactory 

TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) 

Internet Based Test (IBT): 77-78 

Computer Based Test (CBT): 210 

Paper Based Test (PBT): 547 

IELTS Total Score: 6.3 or higher 

Duolingo: 100 or greater 

The College Level Examination Program (CLEP) 

In recognition of the varying needs of students, the College also will award credit for examinations through the College Level Examination Program (CLEP). No more than thirty (30) semester hours may be earned through examination. This policy applies both to entering students and students previously enrolled. The College adheres to the standard formulated in 2001 by the American Council of Education, which recommends that students be given CLEP credit for course work when they score 50 or above on the present CLEP grading scale of 20-80. A list of courses for which CLEP credit may be earned is available through the Office of Academic Affairs. As this list indicates, the normal credit given for a course for which a student may earn CLEP credit is three (3) semester hours. A student may earn up to, but not more than, thirty (30) semester hours by examination. Any student wishing to apply for CLEP credit should contact the Vice President for Academic Affairs. The Vice President for Academic Affairs will have the right to make the final judgment, on a case-by-case basis, about whether CLEP credit has been earned for any given course. Information about taking CLEP examinations will also be available through the Office of Academic Affairs. To receive credit for a course for which a CLEP examination has been taken, a certified copy of scores for that test must be presented to the Vice President for Academic Affairs, when CLEP credit is requested. 

Revocation of Admission or Academic Scholarship  

Arkansas Baptist College reserves the right to withdraw offers of admission or any institutional-based scholarship for violation of academic policy, student conduct, or misrepresentation of information presented by the student. It shall be the duty of all students to become fully aware and familiar with the Code of Conduct outlined in the student handbook and the scholarship renewal policy located in the Financial Aid Office. Students who receive one of the following scholarships must earn a minimum of 30 semester hours each academic year (Fall/Spring) and maintain the following cumulative grade -point average in order to avoid revocation of academic scholarship: Renewal Criteria (See also in the Catalog under Financial Aid): To maintain eligibility, all institutional aid recipients must earn a minimum of 30 semester hours each academic year (Fall/Spring) and maintain the following cumulative grade-point average: 

• Presidential Scholarship 3.8 - 4.0  

• Dean’s Scholarship 3.50 - 3.79  

• Transfer A Scholarship 3.5 - 4.0 

• Transfer B Scholarship 3.0 - 3.49 

To maintain eligibility for the following scholarships, all institutional aid recipients must earn a minimum of 24 semester hours each academic year (Fall/Spring) and maintain the following cumulative grade-point average: 

• ABC Scholarship 2.0 

• Band 2.3 

• Choir 2.3 

• ABC Resident Assistant 2.5 

• SGA 2.5 

• Royal Court 2.5  

• Athletics Scholarships -  Must meet National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) requirements 

Faxed Documents

The Office of Admissions and Recruitment will accept faxed copies of transcripts for advising purposes only. Original, official transcripts will be required to meet admissions requirements. Other faxed documents will be considered official.