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ApplySam Houston State University accepts applications for undergraduate admission from students of accredited secondary schools and students transferring from accredited colleges without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, or age.
All undergraduate admission applications and all transcripts (high school and college/university) are discarded/destroyed when students do not enroll (or register for classes) for the semester/summer session for which admission was sought.
State of Texas Uniform Admission Policy
Texas Education Code (TEC) 51.803-51.809 (State of Texas Uniform Admission Policy) requires that all students meet one of the following college readiness standards in order to be eligible to be considered for admission at a Texas Four-Year Public Institution:
- Successfully complete the recommended or advanced/distinguished high school program or complete the portion of the program that was available to them; or
- Successfully complete a curriculum that is equivalent in content and rigor to the recommended or advanced/distinguished high school program at a high school that is exempt from offering such programs; or
- Satisfy the College Readiness Benchmarks on the SAT or ACT assessment.
SAT – 1500 out of 2400 (Verbal + Math + Writing)
ACT – 18 English, 21 Reading, 22 Mathematics and 24 Science
Exemptions from the Policy. To claim an exemption from the Policy, students must submit one of the two Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board exemption forms completed by the high school counselor or other school official in addition to all other required credentials for admission by the January 15th closing date. The forms below can be printed and submitted via the instructions on either two forms:
1. Form 1 – For Students who entered Grade 9 BEFORE the 2007-2008 School Year
2. Form 2 – For Students who entered Grade 9 in 2007-2008 or LATER
Beginning Freshmen
A beginning freshman student must submit all of the following documentation:
- Completed Apply Texas Application with nonrefundable application fee.
- Official ACT Composite or SAT I score report.
- Official high school transcript showing class rank and degree plan (if applicable). Upon graduation from high school, applicant must provide a final official high school transcript with final class rank, date of graduation, and graduation plan.
Texas Education Code (TEC) 51.803-51.809 (State of Texas Uniform Admission Policy) requires that all students meet one of the following college readiness standards in order to be eligible to be considered for admission at a Texas Four-Year Public Institution.
- Successfully complete the recommended or advanced/distinguished high school program or complete the portion of the program that was available to them; or
- Successfully complete a curriculum that is equivalent in content and rigor to the recommended or advanced/distinguished high school program at a high school that is exempt from offering such programs; or
- Satisfy the College Readiness Benchmarks on the SAT or ACT assessment
SAT – 1500 out of 2400 (Verbal + Math + Writing)
ACT – 18 English, 21 Reading, 22 Mathematics and 24 Science
Effective fall 2013, the new admission standards for students graduating on the recommended or distinguished graduation plan, or the equivalent, from a high school that provides such classes are as follows:
- Top 25%, no minimum score on ACT Composite or SAT I (critical reading + math).
- 2nd quartile, a minimum score of 20 on ACT Composite or a minimum score of 960 on SAT I (critical reading + math).
- 3rd quartile, a minimum score of 23 on ACT Composite or 1060 on SAT I (critical reading + math).
- 4th quartile, review only.
A beginning freshman student who has attempted college/university coursework while enrolled in high school or prior to entering Sam Houston State University (Dual Credit/Dual Enrollment) must provide official transcript(s) indicating the completion of all transferable academic hours (excluding developmental, remedial, vocational/technical, continuing education, or lifelong learning courses) with an overall cumulative transfer grade point average of 2.0 or higher on all academic hours attempted. It should be noted that transferable courses may not be relevant to every degree plan. Regular advising at the community college/university and review of SHSU four-year degree plans in this catalog is highly recommended.
Effective fall 2014, the admission standards for students graduating on the HB 5 Foundations Plan will be reviewed based on the Advanced Course completion and/or the Endorsement(s) completed, if the student meets the following requirements:
- Top 25%, no minimum score on ACT Compsoite or SAT I (critical reading + math).
- 2nd quartile, a minimum score of 20 on ACT Composite or a minimum score of 960 on SAT I (critical reading + math).
- 3rd quartile, a minimum score of 23 on ACT Compsoite or 1060 on SAT I (critical reading + math)
- 4th quartile, review only
Students graduating on the recommended or distinguished graduation plan will be reviewed under the fall 2013 admission stadards.
Upon admission, Freshman Orientation is required. Visit www.shsu.edu/orientation for details.
Graduates of a Non-Accredited High School, Home Schooled Students, and Students Who Earned the GED
Graduates of a non-accredited high school, home-schooled students, and students who earned the GED must submit the following documentation:
- Completed Apply Texas Application with nonrefundable application fee.
- Official ACT Composite or SAT I score report.
- Official high school transcript showing class rank or official GED certificate with GED scores. If the student is home schooled, a notarized copy of the transcript must be provided. Upon graduation, applicants must provide a final official transcript showing final class rank and date of graduation.
Sam Houston State University's admissions requirements for a student who has received their diploma through home-school or obtained a GED are as follows:
- Score of at least 21 on the ACT Composite or 1010 on the SAT I (critical reading + math). (See http://ritter.tea.state.tx.us/rules/tac/chapter074/ or Texas Administrative Code (TAC) Chapter 74.)
- Students who earned the GED must present an official copy of the GED certificate with GED scores in lieu of a transcript.
Sam Houston State University's admission requirements for a student who has graduated from a non-ranking high school are as follows: (the below requirements are based on a 4.0 scale)
- GPA within 3.50-4.0 and score at least a 17 on the ACT or 850 SAT I (critical reading + math)
- GPA within 3.0-3.49 and score at least a 19 on the ACT or 930 SAT I (critical reading + math)
- GPA within 2.50-2.99 and score at least a 22 on the ACT or 1030 SAT I (critical reading + math)
- GPA within 2.00-2.49 and score at least a 25 on the ACT or 1140 SAT I (critical reading + math)
- GPA within 1.99 or less and score at least a 27 on the ACT or 1200 SAT I (critical reading + math)
- Present a high school/home school transcript that meets the Texas State Graduation Requirements as approved by the State Board of Education.
Upon admission, Freshmen Orientation is required. See www.shsu.edu/orientation for details.
Transfer Students
A transfer student is defined as an undergraduate student who has completed a minimum of 12 hours of transferable academic coursework from an accredited college or university after high school graduation. Transferable academic coursework is defined as those attempted hours of coursework which are applicable to a baccalaureate degree program.
Transfer Students from U.S. Colleges or Universities
Undergraduate students who transfer to Sam Houston State University from a college or university of recognized standing must provide all of the following documentation:
- Completed Apply Texas Application with nonrefundable application fee.
- Official transcript(s) from all colleges and universities attended.
Transfer Student Requirements:
12-17 hours must have a cumulative grade point average of 2.5 or higher on transferable hours
18+ hours must have a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or higher on transferable hours
Undergraduate students who transfer from a college or university of recognized standing with less than 12 transferable hours must meet the standards of beginning freshmen students (see Beginning Freshmen within this chapter) as well as have a cumulative grade point average of a 2.5 or higher on transferable hours.
Students who are currently suspended from another college or university are not eligible for admission to Sam Houston State University.
Transfer of Credit
Sam Houston State University accepts a maximum of 66 semester credit hours plus four hours of activity-based physical education (kinesiology) for a total of 70 semester credit hours from the accredited community colleges attended. Please visit Texas Common Course Numbers for information about Texas Common Course Numbers and equivalent SHSU courses.
All academic courses attempted at a college or university of recognized standing will be reviewed for transferability. Sam Houston State University reserves the right to refuse courses taken at U.S. schools other than regionally accredited colleges or universities. It should be noted that transferable courses may not be relevant to every degree plan. Regular advising at the community college and review of SHSU four-year degree plans in this catalog is highly recommended.
Please visit Transfer of Credit for more details about Sam Houston State University’s procedures and policies relating to transfer of credit.
Former SHSU Students
All former SHSU students who did not attend the University within the last year must submit all of the following:
- Apply Texas Application for undergraduate admission with the reapplication fee.
- Official transcript(s) from all institutions attended since last attending SHSU.
A student readmitted to Sam Houston State University who originally left on academic probation is readmitted on academic probation regardless of whether the student has since attended another institution. All students applying for readmission into the University must present a minimum, combined grade point average of 2.0 or higher on work completed at other institutions since last attending SHSU.
Transient Students
Students enrolled at another institution of higher education wishing to attend Sam Houston State University for one semester with the intention of transferring credits to their home institution, must meet the same undergraduate admission requirements as stated in the Transfer Students from U.S. Colleges or Universities section of this catalog. Transient students are required to provide official transcript(s) from all colleges or universities attended and verification of TSI requirements to the Registrar’s Office. Transient students will need to fill out the Transient Application on Apply Texas.
Early Undergraduate Admissions Program
High school students who have completed the sophomore year may be accepted to attend classes at Sam Houston State University. To be accepted to attend classes, the students must provide official documentation for the criteria listed below, complete the Apply Texas application, and pay the nonrefundable application fee. To qualify for the Early Undergraduate Admissions Program, a high school student must meet the following criteria:
- Be in the top 25% of the graduating class
- Have the intent to return to high school and complete the senior year
- Have the recommendation of the high school principal or counselor
- Have written permission of the parent or guardian
- Provide verification of TSI status
- Submit the completed Early Admission form
Upon graduation from high school, the student must submit a new undergraduate application to change the classification from “Early Admissions” to “Undergraduate Student” and meet the appropriate admission standards in order to continue taking classes at Sam Houston State University.
Full-Time Early Undergraduate Admissions Program Requirements
Sam Houston State University recognizes that in some instances a truly gifted student may receive considerable educational benefit from a full-time early undergraduate admissions program to a college or university.
To be admitted to SHSU, the student must provide official documentation for the criteria listed below, complete the Apply Texas Application, and pay the nonrefundable application fee. High school students desiring to enter a full-time early undergraduate admissions program must fulfill the following requirements:
- Complete the junior year of high school
- Be in the top 25% of the graduating class
- Score 27 or higher on the ACT Composite or 1200 or higher on the SAT I (critical reading + math)
- Provide letters of recommendation from the high school principal and two other high school teachers
- Provide a signed letter from the student’s parents or guardian stating that they understand the program and approve of the student’s participation
- Have a personal interview with the Academic Standards and Admissions Committee
Admission of Undergraduate International Students
All undergraduate international students must submit the Apply Texas Application (International) and pay the nonrefundable application fee in U.S. currency. All undergraduate international students must declare a major (other than General Studies) on the application for admission.
Sam Houston State University has five categories of undergraduate international students:
- beginning international freshmen who have graduated from a high school outside the United States,
- beginning international freshmen who have graduated from a high school in the U.S.,
- transfer international students who have attended a college or university from outside the U.S.,
- transfer international students who have attended a college or university in the U.S. and have obtained less than 60 hours, and
- transfer international students who have attended a college or university in the U.S. and have obtained at least 60 hours or an associate degree.
International students who are beginning freshmen graduating from a high school outside the U.S. must provide the following:
Admission Requirements/Documentation
- Completed Apply Texas Application with nonrefundable application fee.(must declare a major other than General Studies).
- TOEFL score of 550 paper-based, 79 (iBT internet-based test) or IELTS score of 6.5, if English is not their first language.
- Official high school transcript.
- Evaluation of high school transcript from an accredited evaluation company.
- Certified English translations for documents submitted in a language other than English.
Enrollment Requirements
- Current proof of financial support. The student’s or sponsor’s bank statement(s) on bank letterhead indicating an amount of deposit equal to the estimated expense for one year at the University. Visit www.shsu.edu/international for further details.
- Home country address. Regardless of current residency, students must provide a home country address for the processing of the I-20 A/B. Visit www.shsu.edu/international for further details.
- Copies of immigration documents (i.e., passport photo page, visa, and I-94).
- To ensure that all undergraduate admission and immigration papers are in order, international students are required to visit the Office of International Programs immediately upon arrival on campus. Telephone (936) 294-4737 or e-mail oip@shsu.edu.
- All international students are required to purchase the University’s Group Hospitalization, Medical Evacuation, and Repatriation Insurance available to all eligible SHSU students. Further information concerning this required coverage may be obtained from the University Health Center. Telephone (936) 294-1805.
All International Students are required to complete International Student Orientation, in lieu of New Student Orientation. Contact the Office of International Programs at (936) 294-4607 for information concerning this specialized orientation session.
International students who are beginning freshmen graduating from a high school in the U.S. must provide the following:
Admission Requirements/Documentation
- Completed Apply Texas Application with nonrefundable application fee (must declare a major other than General Studies).
- A final high school transcript showing the date of graduation and class ranking and satisfactory ACT Composite or SAT I scores.
Effective fall 2013, the admission standards for students graduating on the recommended or distinguished graduation plan, ot he equivalent, from a high school that provides such classes are as follows:
- Top 25%, no minimum score on ACT Compsoite or SAT I (critical reading + math)
- 2nd quartile, a minimum score of 20 on ACT Composite or a minimum score of 960 on SAT I (critical reading + math)
- 3rd quartile, a minimum score of 23 on ACT Compsoite or 1060 on SAT I (critical reading + math)
- 4th quartile, review only
A beginning freshman student who has attempted college/university coursework while enrolled in high school or prior to entering Sam Houston State University (Dual Credit/Dual Enrollment) must provdie official transcript(s) indicating the completion of all transferable academic hours (excluding developmental, remedial, vocational/technical, continuing education, or lifelong learning courses) with an overall cumulative transfer grade point average of 2.0 or higher on all academic hours attempted. It should be noted that transferable courses may not be relevant to every degree plan. Regular advising at the community college/university and review of SHSU four-year degree plans in this catalog is highly recommended.
Effective fall 2014, the admission standards for students graduating on the HB 5 Foundations Plan will be reviewed based on the Advanced Course completion and/or the Endorsement(s) completed, if the student meets the following requirements:
- Top 25%, no minimum score on ACT Compsoite or SAT I (critical reading + math)
- 2nd quartile, a minimum score of 20 on ACT Composite or a minimum score of 960 on SAT I (critical reading + math)
- 3rd quartile, a minimum score of 23 on ACT Compsoite or 1060 on SAT I (critical reading + math)
- 4th quartile, review only.
Students graduating on the recommended or distinguished graduation plan will be reviewed under the fall 2013 admission standards.
Enrollment Requirements
- Current proof of financial support. The student’s or sponsor’s bank statement(s) on bank letterhead indicating an amount on deposit equal to the estimated expense for one year at the University. Visit www.shsu.edu/international for further details.
- Home country address. Regardless of current residency, students must provide a home country address for the processing of the I-20 A/B. Visit www.shsu.edu/international for further details.
- International Student Advisor’s Report. This form is to be completed and signed by the student and an advisor at the U.S. high school.
- Copies of immigration documents (i.e., passport photo page, visa, and I-94).
- To ensure that all undergraduate admission and immigration papers are in order, international students are required to visit the Office of International Programs immediately upon arrival on campus. Telephone (936) 294-4737 or e-mail oip@shsu.edu.
- All international students are required to purchase the University’s Group Hospitalization, Medical Evacuation, and Repatriation Insurance available to all eligible SHSU students. Further information concerning this required coverage may be obtained from the University Health Center. Telephone (936) 294-1805.
All International Students are required to complete International Student Orientation, in lieu of New Student Orientation. Contact the Office of International Programs at (936) 294-4607 for information concerning this specialized orientation session.
International students who are transfer students who attended a college or university outside the U.S. must provide the following:
Admission Requirements/Documentation
- Completed Apply Texas Application with nonrefundable application fee (must declare a major other than General Studies).
- TOEFL score of 550 paper-based, 79 (iBT internet-based test) or IELTS score of 6.5, if English is not their first language.
- Official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended.
- Evaluation of all transfer work from an accredited evaluation company (World Education Services, etc.).
- Certified English translations for documents submitted in a language other than English.
Enrollment Requirements
- Current proof of financial support. The student’s or sponsor’s bank statement(s) on bank letterhead indicating an amount on deposit equal to the estimated expense for one year at the University. Visit www.shsu.edu/international for further details.
- Confirmation of dependents. If dependents will accompany the student to the U.S., provide each dependent’s full name, date of birth, country of citizenship, and relationship to the student. For each dependent the dollar amount of financial support must be increased by the following amounts: $2,000 for a spouse, $2,000 for the first child, and $1,000 for each additional child. Visit www.shsu.edu/international for further details.
- Home country address. Regardless of current residency, students must provide a home country address for the processing of the I-20 A/B. Visit www.shsu.edu/international for further details.
- Copies of immigration documents (i.e., passport photo page, visa, and I-94).
- To ensure that all undergraduate admission and immigration papers are in order, international students are required to visit the Office of International Programs immediately upon arrival on campus. Telephone (936) 294-4737 or e-mail oip@shsu.edu.
- All international students are required to purchase the University’s Group Hospitalization, Medical Evacuation, and Repatriation Insurance available to all eligible SHSU students. Further information concerning this required coverage may be obtained from the University Health Center. Telephone (936) 294-1805.
All International Students are required to complete International Student Orientation, in lieu of New Student Orientation. Contact the Office of International Programs at (936) 294-4607 for information concerning this specialized orientation session.
International students who are transfer students who attended a college or university in the U.S. and have obtained less than 60 hours must provide the following:
Admission Requirements/Documentation
- Completed Apply Texas Application with nonrefundable application fee (must declare a major other than General Studies)
- TOEFL score of 550 paper-based, 79 (iBT internet-based test) or IELTS score of 6.5, if English is not their first language.
- Official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended.
- 12-17 hours must have a cumulative grade point average of 2.5 or higher on transferable hours
18+ hours must have a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or higher on transferable hours - Undergraduate students who transfer from a college or university of recognized standing with less than 12 transferable hours must meet the standards of beginning freshmen students (see Beginning Freshmen within this chapter) as well as have a cumulative grade point average of a 2.5 or higher on transferable hours.
- Students who are currently suspended from another college or university are not eligible for admission to Sam Houston State University.
Enrollment Requirements
- Current proof of financial support. The student’s or sponsor’s bank statement(s) on bank letterhead indicating an amount on deposit equal to the estimated expense for one year at the University. Visit www.shsu.edu/international for further details.
- Confirmation of dependents. If dependents will accompany the student to the U.S., provide each dependent’s full name, date of birth, country of citizenship, and relationship to the student. For each dependent the dollar amount of financial support must be increased by the following amounts: $2,000 for a spouse, $2,000 for the first child, and $1,000 for each additional child. Visit www.shsu.edu/international for further details.
- Home country address. Regardless of current residency, students must provide a home country address for the processing of the I-20 A/B. Visit www.shsu.edu/international for further details.
- International Student Advisor’s Report. This form is to be completed and signed by the student and an advisor at the U.S. high school.
- Copies of immigration documents (i.e., passport photo page, visa, and I-94).
- To ensure that all undergraduate admission and immigration papers are in order, international students are required to visit the Office of International Programs immediately upon arrival on campus. Telephone (936) 294-4737 or e-mail oip@shsu.edu.
- All international students are required to purchase the University’s Group Hospitalization, Medical Evacuation, and Repatriation Insurance available to all eligible SHSU students. Further information concerning this required coverage may be obtained from the University Health Center. Telephone (936) 294-1805.
All International Students are required to complete International Student Orientation, in lieu of New Student Orientation. Contact the Office of International Programs at (936) 294-4607 for information concerning this specialized orientation session.
International students who are transfer students that attended a college or university in the U.S. and have obtained at least 60 hours or an associate degree must provide the following:
Admission Requirements/Documentation
- Completed Apply Texas Application with nonrefundable application fee (must declare a major other than General Studies)
- Official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended.
- 12-17 hours must have a cumulative grade point average of 2.5 or higher on transferable hours
18+ hours must have a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or higher on transferable hours - Undergraduate students who transfer from a college or university of recognized standing with less than 12 transferable hours must meet the standards of beginning freshmen students (see Beginning Freshmen within this chapter) as well as have a cumulative grade point average of a 2.5 or higher on transferable hours.
- Students who are currently suspended from another college or university are not eligible for admission to Sam Houston State University
- Application for undergraduate admission (must declare a major other than General Studies)
- Official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended.
Enrollment Requirements
- Current proof of financial support. The student’s or sponsor’s bank statement(s) on bank letterhead indicating an amount on deposit equal to the estimated expense for one year at the University. Visit www.shsu.edu/international for further details.
- Confirmation of dependents. If dependents will accompany the student to the U.S., provide each dependent’s full name, date of birth, country of citizenship, and relationship to the student. For each dependent the dollar amount of financial support must be increased by the following amounts: $2,000 for a spouse, $2,000 for the first child, and $1,000 for each additional child. Visit www.shsu.edu/international for further details.
- Home country address. Regardless of current residency, students must provide a home country address for the processing of the I-20 A/B. Visit www.shsu.edu/international for further details.
- International Student Advisor’s Report. This form is to be completed and signed by the student and an advisor at the U.S. high school.
- Copies of immigration documents (i.e., passport photo page, visa, and I-94).
- To ensure that all undergraduate admission and immigration papers are in order, international students are required to visit the Office of International Programs immediately upon arrival on campus. Telephone (936) 294-4737 or e-mail oip@shsu.edu.
- All international students are required to purchase the University’s Group Hospitalization, Medical Evacuation, and Repatriation Insurance available to all eligible SHSU students. Further information concerning this required coverage may be obtained from the University Health Center. Telephone (936) 294-1805.
All International Students are required to complete International Student Orientation, in lieu of New Student Orientation. Contact the Office of International Programs at (936) 294-4607 for information concerning this specialized orientation session.
