Academic Fresh Start Program

Mercy College is an institution that aids the underserved and where many students choose to make a fresh start. For some adult learners, their high school and/or college GPA from five or more years ago makes it difficult to achieve admission to the College and/or preferred program of study. Applicants with a cumulative college GPA or high school GPA below the current admission criteria may be admitted to preparative programs at Mercy College.

Since minimum admission requirements are waived, courses taken five or more years prior to admission are not eligible:

As transfer credit to the College;
To fulfill College admission requirements;
To meet course pre-requisite requirements; and
To be counted in any future GPA calculations.

Students who opt to participate in the Academic Fresh Start Program will be required to sign a Program Participation Commitment, provided by admissions, and select one of the three options below:

Academic Fresh Start Options

Associate of Science in Health Science: students must complete the following:
- Meet with their Academic Advisor and complete an Academic Success Plan;
- Complete a minimum of 12 Semester Hours in no more than three consecutive semesters; and
- Earn the minimum GPA for program of choice.
Students will work with their Academic Advisor to seek admission into their program of choice.
Credit Bearing Certificates Programs: students must complete the following:
- Meet with their Academic Advisor and complete an Academic Success Plan;
- Successfully complete the Credit-Bearing Certificate program; and
- Earn the minimum GPA for program of choice.
After successful completion of the credit-bearing certificate program, students can seek admission into another program.
Non-Credit Bearing Certificate Program (Phlebotomy or Emergency Medical Technician – Basic Certificate)
- Successfully complete the Certificate program
Students who complete a Non-Credit Bearing Certificate program, regardless of previous course work completed within five years, may then be admitted to the Associate of Science in Health Sciences or Credit-Bearing Certificate program and must follow the Academic Fresh Start guidelines above.