Admissions & Aid

Southern Virginia University is a private, self-reliant, residential university aligned with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and its principles and values.

Our mission is to gather faithful Latter-day Saints and like-minded students, lift them in intellect, character, and spirituality, and launch them into successful lives and careers.


Application


Southern Virginia University is one of the fastest-growing schools anywhere. To apply for admission, please complete our online application below. After you apply, a member of our team will reach out about our admissions decision.

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Academic Standards


To earn full admission, students must meet or exceed our minimum academic standards.

  • First-year: 2.5 GPA at any previously attended high school*
  • Transfer: 2.5 GPA at any previously attended college

*GED certificate recipients must meet or exceed the minimum standardized test scores required for high school graduates. Southern Virginia University does not accept ability-to-benefit (ATB) or eligible Career Pathways programs.

Provisional Admission


Students who do not meet our minimum academic standards may still apply and earn provisional admission. We ask these students to demonstrate their commitment to improving academically and adhering to the standards of our University.

Transcripts


To verify application information, we ask students to submit copies of their transcripts for review. Unofficial copies are acceptable for an admissions decision, however, official transcripts are required before beginning classes.


What are transcripts?

A transcript is a copy of your permanent academic record. It contains a complete list of courses you attempted and completed, the grades associated with those courses, as well as any degrees or awards earned at that institution (high school or college).

Why do I need a transcript?

Transcripts detail your academic history, including grades and courses you have completed. They may also list additional information, such as awards and honors received. They are key to transferring credits from one school to another and are the best way to verify your prior academic performance.

Where can I find my transcripts?

Transcripts are generally located in the Records Office at your high school, or in the Registrar’s Office of your college or university. You may be able to access your unofficial transcript online, using your personal student login information for that institution. You can also ask your high school counselor if you are unsure where to request them at your high school.

How do I request my transcripts?

The most common way is to request them directly from your high school. Most schools will have a way to do this online, but you may have to contact the central office. Be prepared to provide personal identification information. If you need your college or university transcript, you can visit the school’s website for instructions.

How do I send my transcripts to the admissions office?

Unofficial transcripts can be emailed to admissions@svu.edu. Please make sure that your name and educational institution are visible on the transcript. Official transcripts must come directly from the institution either through physical mail, a transcript portal, or email. Physical transcripts can be mailed to: 1 University Hill Dr. ATTN: Admissions Buena Vista, VA 24416

How much does it cost to get transcripts?

The cost for official transcripts varies from institution to institution. Some schools provide them free of charge, others may charge a processing fee. Most schools provide this service for under $10.

What is the difference between Official Transcripts and Unofficial Transcripts? Do I need both?

  • An Unofficial transcript is an unsigned and unverified copy of your academic record and it can come directly from you. It can be useful in determining potential scholarship eligibility or transfer credits. It is also how you can receive an admissions decision. However, an unofficial transcript is merely a placeholder. You must send official transcripts before the add/drop period of your first semester to be considered enrolled.

  • An Official transcript is a certified, legal document that comes directly from your previous school to Southern Virginia University after you have graduated, or completed all classes at that institution if you are a transfer student. Neglecting to send complete transcripts—even for courses you don’t want to transfer to Southern Virginia University—is considered falsifying your academic record.

Do I need to be graduated before sending my transcripts?

You do not need to have graduated from high school before sending transcripts. You can send an unofficial transcript after you complete your Junior year to begin the admissions process.

What needs to be on my unofficial transcripts?

Unofficial transcripts must include your name and the name of the educational institution, as well as the course, grades you received, and credits. If you are a high school student, your unofficial transcripts should show that you have completed your Junior year of high school to receive your admissions decision.

What if my grades are bad? How much does that affect my application?

Poor grades don’t necessarily disqualify you from attending Southern Virginia University. If your GPA is below our admissions requirement of 2.5, you will be considered a provisional applicant. Provisional applicants go through further review and interviewing before an admissions decision is made.

Should I wait until my grades improve before submitting my transcripts?

You do not need to wait to submit your transcripts. If your grades do improve, we will update your records and scholarships accordingly when we receive your official transcript. It is better to start working with your admissions counselor now instead of waiting.

What if I took Dual-enrollment classes? How do I send those transcripts? Do I need a separate transcript for Dual-enrollment Classes?

Dual-enrollment credits are awarded from a local university or community college that is associated with your high school. In order to have your dual-enrollment credits considered for transfer, you will need to request your official transcript from that institution. Even if your dual-enrollment classes are listed on your official high school transcript, they cannot be used for transfer consideration.

What if I’m homeschooled?

Homeschooled students can submit homeschool transcripts or a portfolio of schoolwork showing variety and depth of study. These can be obtained by your private educator. For additional questions, please contact your admissions counselor.

What if I attended multiple high schools?

You only need to submit transcripts from the high school you are currently attending or from which you graduated. They should have combined the records from the schools you previously attended.

How long will it take for my transcript to be received?

If an official transcript is sent electronically through a transcript portal such as Parchment or Clearinghouse, those are received within a few days—sometimes sooner. Physical mail takes longer and depends on how it is sent, but may take a few weeks.