<



Admission of Students

Admission of Freshman Students
Admission of Transfer Students
Admission of International Students
Admission of Non-Degree Students
Admission of Students by Individual Approval
Re-enrollment of Former Students
Admission of Students Seeking an Additional Bachelor's Degree

Admission of Freshman Students

TCU invites applications from qualified high school students who have graduated or expect to graduate from an accredited secondary school. The student should request information about TCU early in the high school career to learn about admission requirements.

Students applying from secondary schools should request, complete, and return application forms following their junior year in high school. Applicants are considered for admission after the Office of Admissions receives:

a. completed application form
b. official secondary school transcript
c. SAT or ACT scores
d. $35 application fee
e. essay and résumé of activities
f. secondary school guidance counselor's evaluation of applicant.

It is the student's responsibility to complete the application procedure. Students accepted to the University prior to high school graduation are admitted on a tentative basis, pending successful completion of their senior year with academic performance consistent with that upon which the admission decision was based. Verification of graduation is required.

Any college-level coursework attempted after admission but before matriculation must be reviewed by the Office of Admissions prior to enrollment and may nullify the offer of admission.

Admitted students must return a nonrefundable enrollment fee by May 1st (National Candidate Reply Date) to secure a place in the fall class.

The following factors are considered when selecting candidates for admission:

1. High School Record. Students are expected to have completed upon graduation a minimum of 4 units of English, 3 units of mathematics (including 2 units of algebra and 1 of geometry), 3 units of science (including one laboratory science), 3 units of social studies, 2 units of foreign language and 2 units of academic electives. The quality and quantity of coursework taken, grades earned, and subsequent rank in the high school class are important in assessing a candidate's probability for success at TCU.

2. Admission Tests. Candidates must present results of the SAT of the College Board or the American College Test (ACT). Arrangements to take one of these tests should be made through the student's secondary school. If the candidate has been out of high school more than three years, the SAT/ACT requirement is waived. In addition, prospective performance music majors must audition either in person or by tape recording. Prospective ballet and modern dance majors must also audition.

3. Essay and Counselor's Evaluation. The student's essay is a significant part of the application as is the high school counselor's evaluation. If the candidate has been out of high school more than three years, the counselor's evaluation requirement is waived.

4. Extracurricular Participation. Activities outside of class, including employment, community/volunteer work, and leadership experiences are evaluated.

5. College Courses taken while in high school. The quality of coursework completed and the grades earned will be considered during the admission process. Official college transcripts must be presented to determine transferability of credit.

Admission of Transfer Students

A transfer student is defined as one who has been out of high school for at least one full semester and has attempted college or university work for credit.

Students planning to transfer from another college or university should submit the following for admission consideration:

a. completed application form
b. official transcripts from each college attended
c. $35 application fee
d. secondary school transcript and SAT or ACT scores if, at the time of application, fewer than 24 semester hours of transferable work have been completed. The SAT/ACT may be waived if the student has been out of high school for two or more years.

Admission to TCU as a transfer student is based upon evidence of ability to succeed in college-level work. The applicant's total record will be assessed, taking into account the following:

1. the cumulative grade point average
2. quality of curriculum
3. the number of hours and GPA in core subjects
4. the high school record and test results (if possessing fewer than 24 transferable semester hours at the time of application)
5. extracurricular activities, achievements and honors
6. essay.

The applicant must be in good academic standing and be eligible to return to all previous institutions. Official transcripts must be submitted from each college attended whether the work was satisfactory, unsatisfactory, or interrupted. Failure to disclose any part of a previous academic record is a serious violation of trust and will subject a student to dismissal and forfeiture of credit earned while in attendance at TCU.

Evidence of acceptable academic standing at an accredited college or university and appropriate academic credentials are required. A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 is necessary for consideration although a cumulative GPA of 2.75 or higher is generally required for admission. Every application will be reviewed on an individual basis. In most cases, greater emphasis is placed on academic work completed in recent semesters than on work that a student may have completed in the more distant past.

Grades on all attempted transferable courses except physical education activity courses (including repeated courses and those in which grades of F, D or I were received) will be used in calculating the grade point average to determine the applicant's qualification for admission. Once admitted, a student's transfer grades will not be entered on the student's permanent record at TCU.

Students admitted to the University will receive, with their letter of admission, a transcript evaluation sheet listing all transferable courses. A course listed as "transferable" on the transcript evaluation is not necessarily applicable or acceptable under certain degree programs.

Courses that do not transfer to TCU include the following:

1. courses in which a grade of D was earned
2. courses considered to be developmental (e.g., orientation, time management, library skills, and remedial (e.g., those in English, math and reading)
3. Vocational-Technical courses.

No more than 66 hours from a community college may be credited toward a bachelor's degree, and no course transferred from a community college may be used to satisfy the TCU advanced-hour requirement. No more than 8 semester hours of physical education activity courses may be applied toward graduation requirements.

A nonrefundable enrollment fee is required no later than four weeks prior to the beginning of the initial term.

Note: Students transferring to TCU must present a record of all transfer work for evaluation to the Office of Admission for approval by the appropriate academic dean prior to their enrollment in the University. Transfer coursework not presented prior to enrollment may not be counted toward a degree.

After enrolling at TCU, all students must receive prior written approval of the appropriate academic dean if they wish to take courses at another institution and have those courses count toward a degree at TCU. Coursework taken without prior written approval may not be applied to a degree.

Some programs have certain requirements that must be met to enroll in upper division courses. Transfer applicants who plan to declare a major in the M.J. Neeley School of Business, College of Health and Human Sciences or the School of Education, for instance, should refer to those special requirements set forth in the appropriate programmatic sections of this Bulletin.

Admission of International Students

International (nonimmigrant) undergraduate applicants for admission to TCU must demonstrate:

1. High scholastic achievement, with above average academic performance in their secondary or high school studies and on national examinations, where such examinations are administered. Students transferring from a university or other institution of higher education should have above average grades in their post-secondary studies. Former TCU international students should refer to the section on Readmission of Former Students.

2. A satisfactory command of English as demonstrated by such examinations as TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language), the SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test), The ACT (American College Test) or another widely recognized test of English proficiency. The minimum TOEFL score accepted for admission of beginning undergraduate students is 550 on the paper-based examination or 213 on the computer-based examination. Transfer students who have successfully completed English composition at a U.S. college and have 24 hours of transferable credits may be exempt from English testing.

Applicants who have not achieved the required level of English proficiency are encouraged to enroll in TCU's Intensive English Program, which offers six sessions each year.

Regardless of the level of English language proficiency, all admitted international students are tested upon arrival at the University and, depending on their test results, may or may not be required to take certain English language credit courses to overcome deficiencies.

Admitted students must eliminate any deficiencies determined by the TCU English Proficiency Exam within the first two full semesters in order to continue their studies at TCU.

Procedures. Nonimmigrant applicants should request the "International Student Application for Undergraduate Admission."

The application contains detailed instructions regarding documents that must be submitted and deadlines for application.

Admission for summer sessions is considered only for applicants with at least 24 semester hours of higher education in the U.S.

When the application is complete, the International Committee on Admissions will evaluate the credentials and send the applicant a letter stating its decision. If admitted, the applicant will be provided information regarding dates of arrival, orientation, testing, and additional requirements. At least one month prior to orientation, students must submit a health record and provide proof of the availability of funds to cover all educational and living expenses. International orientation is required of all new international students.

Advanced credit may be granted for certain courses considered to be beyond the level of U.S. secondary school courses, provided that the grades are at least average. Results from exams such as the International Baccalaureate, the German Abitur, the British General Certificate of Education (GCE) "A" Levels, and other similar national exams can be considered for possible advanced credit.

The University standards and procedures regarding international students are consistent with those expressed in the "Admissions Standards and Procedures" of NAFSA: Association of International Educators.

Housing. Undergraduate applicants in their first year of higher education and who are less than 21 years of age are required to reside in on-campus housing. Other applicants may apply for housing on campus after being granted admission and may receive a reservation depending on space availability at the time of application.

Additional information can be obtained from the International Admissions Office, TCU Box 297013, Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, Texas 76129, U.S.A. or by calling (817) 257-7871 or sending a FAX to (817) 257-7268.

Admission of Non-Degree Students

Students interested in taking courses for academic credit but not in seeking a degree from TCU may be admitted for non-degree study. Non-degree students are held to the same standards governing academic progress (including probation/suspension) as degree students.

Non-degree status would apply to persons in the following categories:

1. taking only ROTC at TCU and enrolled at another college or university
2. seeking Ranch Management certification
3. seeking only teacher certification
4. with an undergraduate degree desiring additional undergraduate coursework
5. applying as summer visiting students.

Persons who do not fit into any of these categories, but want to take credit courses, would be considered for limited enrollment status.

Limited enrollment status is open to persons who:

1. are 22 years of age or older with a high school diploma and/or equivalency diploma based on the GED,
2. are in good standing at all colleges where they are currently enrolled or have ever been enrolled, and
3. have not been previously denied admission or readmission to TCU.

A limited enrollment student may not enroll in more than six (6) semester hours of coursework per semester or three (3) hours per summer session. Exceptions must be approved by the Office of Extended Education. A maximum of twelve (12) semester hours may be accumulated. At that time a student may apply as a degree-seeking student or receive special permission to continue beyond the 12 hours limitation.

Applications for non-degree study may be obtained from the Office of Extended Education.

Nonimmigrant students may be considered for non-degree status without the limitations stated above, but must abide by the regulations stipulated by the Office of International Student Affairs. These applicants should contact the Office of International Student Affairs for specific limitations, application forms, and procedures for international students.

Non-degree to degree status: Undergraduate students who wish to change from non-degree to degree status must submit the appropriate application form obtained from the Office of Admissions. The semester hours earned as a non-degree student can be applied toward a degree program if applicable.

Admission of Students by Individual Approval

Students who demonstrate outstanding academic achievement and potential, but have not yet graduated from high school, may be admitted by individual approval. Such students seeking concurrent enrollment or early admission should contact the Office of Admissions for further information.

Applicants 21 years of age or older who submit results of a General Education Development (GED) examination may be considered for admission on an individual basis. Such applicants generally are encouraged to attend a two-year college for a semester or more in preparation for university studies.

Re-enrollment of Former Students

Students previously enrolled and in acceptable academic standing in an undergraduate degree program who wish to re-enter TCU after absence of a full fall or spring semester must apply for re-enrollment and pay an application fee. Official transcripts from each college or university attended since the last enrollment at TCU must be submitted (see exception under "re-enrollment following suspension") to the registrar's office. Eligibility for re-enrollment will be determined upon review and assessment of the student's entire record.

Former TCU students originally awarded an academic scholarship who are applying for re-enrollment may petition for the restoration of that scholarship or may be eligible to compete for a transfer academic scholarship if coursework has been completed at another university. Students may not receive a scholarship that exceeds the original TCU scholarship.

Nonimmigrant students should apply for re-enrollment at least two months prior to registration in order to meet all requirements of the Office of International Student Affairs.

Re-enrollment involving a change of major
. When a student is re-enrolled with a change of major, the Registrar's Office will initiate the Change of Major form. Permission to change major requires approval of the dean of the new major. All entrance requirements specific to the new major must also be met. See Requirements for Graduation section.

Re-enrollment following suspension
. All students suspended from TCU for academic or disciplinary reasons must apply for re-enrollment through the registrar's office. No enrollment will be permitted following a period of suspension until re-enrollment is approved by the registrar's office after consultation with the appropriate dean. (See Academic Probation and Suspension elsewhere in this bulletin.)

A student suspended from TCU may not transfer credit that was earned at another college or university during the period of enforced suspension, but must submit all transcripts of any work attempted or completed during that period.

A student may not re-enter TCU while on academic suspension from another college or university.

Re-enrollment following extended separation from the University.
A student accepted for re-enrollment after a ten-year separation from TCU may petition to have all prior coursework at TCU (selected course exclusion is not permitted) excluded from the TCU GPA calculation and credit toward graduation. The petition should be filed no later than the end of the first semester of re-enrollment in a degree program and be addressed to the registrar who sill seek the approval of the appropriate academic dean. If the petition is granted, it is irrevocable. Excluded courses and corresponding grades will still appear on the official transcript but will not be included in calculation of the GPA, will not be counted as meeting credit hour requirements for graduation, and will not be used to satisfy course requirements.

Admission of Students Seeking an Additional Bachelor's Degree

First-time applicants should complete the Application for Undergraduate Admission for Transfer Students. Students who have previously attended TCU should complete the Application for Re-enrollment and see the section on

Re-enrollment of Former Students. See Additional Bachelor's Degree in the Bachelor's Degree section. The student's entire academic record, as well as credentials submitted with the application, will be assessed prior to an admission decision.

Credit by Examination and Portfolio Assessment. Through several methods, students may earn academic credit for college-level learning by taking an examination in the appropriate area. Credit granted usually can be used to satisfy specific and general degree requirements. Refer to the section Bachelor Degree Requirements found elsewhere in this bulletin.

The credit by examination procedures are reviewed and updated annually. A current brochure is available from the Office of Admission.

On a limited basis, portfolio assessment is another method used to earn academic credit for college-level learning. A portfolio is a formal, written document including a resume, detailed personal history, description of skills and competencies, and documentation to support the student's request for credit. Only limited credit has been approved using this method. More information on the portfolio assessment program can be obtained by contacting Office of Extended Education, (817) 257-7130.

Credit for Military Service The University follows, with limitations, the recommendations of the American Council on Education as published in the Guide to the Evaluation of Educational Experiences in the Armed Services in granting credit for military service schools.

Courses must be in the "baccalaureate/associate degree category" as defined by the ACE Guide. This precludes acceptance of vocational, technical or certificate category courses, or military occupational specialties or job experience.

For consideration of credit for military service schools, the applicant must submit the following military records:
1. certified original of the DD Form 295, or
2. copy of the DD Form 214, or
3. course completion certificates, or
4. a Community College of the Air Force transcript.

The Office of the Registrar will assist persons eligible for veterans' education assistance benefits.

Nonresidential Course Work. The University examines all nonresidential learning experiences and grants credit on a case-by-case basis.