The SOS Program is a rigorous five-week academic initiative designed to assist new students in preparing for success in college-level, degree-credit courses. SOS students receive supplemental academic support (e.g. individual and group tutoring from faculty and peer tutors) to prepare them for success in college courses.

Conditional admission allows a select group of students who did not meet the university’s freshman admission requirements to attend TSU through the SOS Program.  Students will successfully complete the SOS Program by earning a minimum 2.0 GPA.

Students that have applied for general admission to Texas Southern University, but did not meet the minimum requirements for unconditional admission are selected for participation in the SOS Program.  Students who are selected to participate in the program will be notified by email from the SOS Program Committee.

No, transfer students and former high school students are not eligible to participate in the SOS Program.  The program is designed to assist current high school students (class of 2025) in gaining admission for the Fall 2025 semester. Transfer students and former high school students may be considered for unconditional admission through the university current admission requirements.

June 30 through July 31, 2025.

Yes, all participants must live on campus to participate in the SOS Program.

The program fee covers all courses, housing, meal plan, books and supplies.  The program fee does not cover transportation to and from the campus.

Yes, students may complete the current year 2024-25 FAFSA to determine their eligibility for the Pell Grant (this is a different FAFSA application year from the 2025-26 FAFSA).  Students may be eligible for a grant that covers all or some of the $1,500 program fee.  Students who do not receive a full Pell Grant (up to $1,500) will be required to pay the balance of the program fee to participate in the program.

The TSU Office of Student Financial Assistance will review students’ eligibility for the Pell Grant from the 2024-25 FAFSA.  Other types of federal and state financial aid awards are not considered for the SOS Program.

Yes, students may submit the $1,500 program fee in three payment installments.  The initial payment of $500 is due by May 30, 2025.

Students are not permitted to work during the weekdays of the SOS Program. Students are permitted to work during the weekends.

Participants will take two college-level courses and a career exploration seminar course during the five-week program.  The courses offered include speech, geology, music appreciation, contemporary social problems.

We do not encourage students to bring cars to campus for the SOS Program. Students are required to purchase a parking permit (typically $40) to park their car on campus if they bring their car on campus.

Yes, students will be permitted to leave campus on the weekends (Friday through Sunday) during the program.

Jump Start is a five-week residential program designed to introduce admitted students with an early start to campus resources, academic success tips, and student support services. Jump Start students will get a head start on building friendships and feeling confident about their first semester, while earning six (6) college credits during the summer. 

Students who complete initial steps to enroll at the university were selected to participate in the Jump Start Program.

No, transfer students and former high school students are not eligible to participate in Jump Start.  The program is designed to support recent high school students (class of 2025) in receiving an early start toward college coursework and academic support services.

June 30 through July 31, 2025.

Yes, all participants must live on campus to participate in Jump Start.

The program fee covers all courses, housing, meal plan, books and supplies.  The program fee does not cover transportation to and from the campus.

Yes, students may complete the current year 2024-25 FAFSA to determine their eligibility for the Pell Grant (this is a different FAFSA application year from the 2025-26 FAFSA).  Students may be eligible for a grant that covers all or some of the $1,500 program fee.  Students who do not receive a full Pell Grant (up to $1,500) will be required to pay the balance of the program fee to participate in the program.

The TSU Office of Student Financial Assistance will review students’ eligibility for the Pell Grant from the 2024-25 FAFSA.  Other types of federal and state financial aid awards are not considered for Jump Start participants.

Yes, students may submit the $1,500 program fee in three payment installments.  The initial payment of $500 is due by May 30, 2025.

Students are not permitted to work during the weekdays of Jump Start. Students are permitted to work during the weekends. 

Participants will take two college-level courses and a career exploration seminar course during the five-week program.  The courses offered include freshman English, college math, speech, geology, music appreciation, and contemporary social problems.

We do not encourage students to bring cars to campus for Jump Start.  Students are required to purchase a parking permit (typically $40) to park their car on campus if they want to have their car on campus.

Yes, students will be permitted to leave campus on the weekends (Friday through Sunday) during the program.