IPEDS Definition
First-Time Student: A student who has no prior postsecondary experience attending any institution for the first time at the undergraduate level.
There are two exceptions:
- Students who attended any institution for the first time the summer prior to entering your institution in the fall term are to be counted as “first-time.”
- Students who entered with advanced standing (college credits earned before graduation from high school).
The primary purpose of the IPEDS Admissions (ADM) survey is to collect basic information about the undergraduate selection process for entering first-time, degree, or certificate-seeking students. This includes admissions considerations, yields, and test scores (if required).
Note
In Fall 2020, the University System of Georgia waived SAT/ACT requirements due to COVID-19. This led to a record number of applicants and admissions, though actual enrollments were lower than in previous years. Students were more likely to enroll at larger institutions, benefiting from relaxed testing requirements.