College Readiness Validation (ADM 100-008)

1.0 Purpose

This policy defines the admissions criteria used to assess the college readiness of prospective students. It establishes clear, equitable guidelines for evaluating traditional, non-traditional, and transfer applicants. The objective is to ensure admissions decisions recognize academic potential and foster successful transitions into college-level studies.

2.0 Definitions

FASTRACK Program- A preparatory program designed to help students meet college readiness standards in core subjects such as Math and English.

Non-Traditional First-Time Students- Students who are applying to college for the first time and have been out of high school for six or more years.

Post-Traditional First-Time Students- Students who are applying to college more than five years after graduating from high school.

Traditional First-Year Students- Students who are applying to college directly after graduating from high school or within five years of high school graduation.

3.0 Scope

This policy applies to all prospective students seeking undergraduate admission to Baker College, including traditional first-year students, non-traditional and post-traditional applicants, and undergraduate transfer students. It excludes applicants to graduate programs and non-degree-seeking individuals. The policy delineates the criteria for admissions based on high school GPA, academic trends, and college coursework performance.

4.0 Policy Statement

Traditional First-Year Students and Post-Traditional First-Time Students

Admission Based on High School GPA

Prospective undergraduate students may be eligible for admission based on academic performance following the completion of their junior year of high school. A cumulative GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale or higher qualifies an applicant for provisional admission, subject to the fulfillment of all other admission requirements. Applicants with a GPA below 2.5 may also be considered if academic records demonstrate consistent improvement in core academic subjects.

Non-Traditional First-Time Students

Non-traditional first-time students—those who did not follow a standard high school-to-college trajectory—are eligible for admission based on a combination of academic records and demonstrated competencies. Admission decisions consider both academic achievement and relevant life or work experience that reflects preparedness for post-secondary education.

Applicants with a cumulative high school GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale or higher are offered admission, subject to the fulfillment of all other requirements. Applicants with a GPA below 2.5 will be evaluated holistically, with consideration given to academic trends and demonstrated competencies in core subject areas.

FASTRACK Coursework

Non-traditional students who do not meet the minimum academic eligibility for admission—defined as a cumulative high school GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale—and who do not demonstrate an upward academic trend or evidence of competency through employment or training, are required to complete preparatory coursework through Baker College’s FASTRACK program prior to enrolling in standard collegiate courses.
The FASTRACK program is designed to strengthen foundational skills in core subject areas, including Math and English, to ensure college readiness and support long-term academic success.

Undergraduate Transfer Students

Admission Criteria

Undergraduate transfer applicants are eligible for admission based on prior academic achievement and demonstrated readiness for college-level work. Admission decisions are guided by a combination of college-level academic performance, high school academic history, and—when necessary—non-academic evidence of competency in core subject areas.
Applicants with at least 12 earned college credits and a cumulative college GPA of 2.0 or higher are eligible for review. Applicants whose college GPA is below 2.0 will be assessed holistically, with consideration of their academic trajectory, high school performance, and applicable employment or training experiences.

5.0 Procedures

Traditional and Post-Traditional Students

Document Collection

• Traditional students may submit a partial unofficial high school transcript after their junior year.
• Post-traditional students must submit a final official high school transcript. Unofficial transcripts may also be collected during initial assessment for trend evaluation.

Academic Review

• If the cumulative high school GPA is 2.5 or higher, the student qualifies for admission, pending completion of other requirements.
• If the GPA is below 2.5:
  • Review academic performance trends, with specific attention to core subjects (Math, English, Science, Social Studies).
  • Request a screenshot or copy of the updated transcript after the first grading period of senior year (for traditional students).
  • Determine whether any upward trend reflects improvements in core subjects or only electives.

Competency-Based Review (Post-Traditional Students)

• 
  below 2.5 and limited upward trend, assess evidence of competency gained through employment or training.GPAFor post-traditional applicants with a
• Acceptable documentation includes:
  • Letters of recommendation from employers or supervisors
  • Certifications or credentials
  • Job-related coursework or continuing education
  • A resume demonstrating consistent employment and increasing responsibilities, especially in areas aligned with college-level work (e.g., Math or English)

Admission Decision

• The Admissions Advisor or Enrollment Specialist will assess academic performance and/or competency documentation to recommend admission or other action.
• If improvements are attributed primarily to elective courses, foundational coursework may be required prior to admission.
• Applicants with a GPA below 2.5 and no upward trend or relevant competencies may be denied admission and advised on next steps, including options to reapply.

Communication of Status

• Applicants will be notified of their admission decision.
• Students not admitted will receive guidance regarding developmental pathways or future eligibility.

 

Non-Traditional Students

Application Requirements

• Applicants must submit a final official high school transcript for evaluation.

Academic Evaluation

• If the cumulative GPA is 2.5 or higher, admission is offered pending fulfillment of remaining requirements.
• If the GPA is below 2.5, the Admissions Advisor or Enrollment Specialist will:
  • Assess academic trends, with emphasis on performance in core subjects such as Math, English, Science, and Social Studies.
  • Review evidence of competence gained through employment or training, which may include:
    • Letters of recommendation
    • Relevant certifications or job-related coursework
    • A resume reflecting consistent employment and increasing responsibilities, particularly in areas aligned with college-level learning (e.g., communication, mathematics, writing)

FASTRACK Coursework Requirement

• Applicants who do not demonstrate an upward academic trend or workplace-based competencies in core subjects are required to complete FASTRACK coursework prior to beginning college-level studies.
  • The FASTRACK program provides foundational preparation in essential academic areas to support student success and college readiness.

Admission Recommendation and Notification

• Based on the review of academic transcripts and supplemental evidence, the Admissions Advisor will:
  • Recommend admission or denial
  • Notify the applicant of the admission decision
  • If applicable, provide guidance on enrolling in FASTRACK coursework and outline next steps toward eventual degree program entry

Undergraduate Transfer Students

Application Requirements

• Submit an official high school transcript or GED documentation.
• Submit official transcripts from all previously attended colleges or universities.

Eligibility and Academic Review

• If the cumulative college GPA is 2.0 or higher and they have 12 or more semester credits, the applicant is eligible for admission, pending fulfillment of other requirements.
  • If the GPA is below 2.0 or fewer than 12 semester credits, the Admissions Advisor or Enrollment Specialist will:
  • Assess college academic trajectory, including recent term GPA and performance trends
  • Review high school GPA to support decision-making
  • Evaluate evidence of competency gained through employment or training, which may include:
    • Letters of recommendation from employers or supervisors
    • Relevant professional certifications
    • Job-related coursework or continuing education
    • A resume outlining consistent employment and progressive responsibilities, particularly in core areas such as Math and English

Special Considerations and Support Services

• For applicants below admissions requirements but have demonstrated college readiness through other means:
• A detailed recommendation must be submitted to the Director of Admissions for review.
• If admission is approved, the applicant will be:
• Notified of acceptance
• Informed of available academic support services and offered guidance for academic planning

Admission Decision and Communication

• The Admissions Advisor or Enrollment Specialist will make a recommendation based on the complete academic profile and any supplemental evidence.
• All applicants will be informed of the admission decision.
• Admitted students with risk indicators (e.g., low GPA) will be provided with targeted support options and advised accordingly.

6.0 Responsibilities

Director of Admissions

• Oversee the implementation and adherence to the admissions policy.
• Review recommendations for admission and make final decisions based on policy guidelines.
• Ensure accurate communication of admissions decisions to prospective students.
• Review and approve admission recommendations based on policy criteria.
• Ensure consistency and fairness in the admissions decision-making process.

Admissions Advisor / Enrollment Specialist

• Collect and assess academic transcripts and supplemental documentation.
• Recommend admissions decisions based on the student's academic performance and potential.
• Notify students of their admissions status and provide guidance on additional requirements.

7.0 Citations & Related Information

None