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Frequently Asked Questions for Applicants

Applying to TCU

Is it required that I meet with a Transfer Admission Counselor?

No. TCU does not require that you have an interview or meet with an Admission Counselor, but if you have questions, we recommend that you either call us or make an appointment, through our receptionist, to meet in person. During the visit, we can answer questions about: How courses you've taken will fulfill the TCU core requirements. Your admissibility and what you can do in the future to gain admission to TCU. What classes to take in the future, based on your intended major. How to present yourself in the best possible light for admission and scholarships.

How can I set up a meeting with a Transfer Counselor?

You can call the TCU Office of Admission at 817.257.7490 to set up a campus tour and an individual meeting with one of our Transfer Admission Counselors. To facilitate this meeting, please try to bring transcripts or grade reports from every college you’ve attended.

Do I apply as a Freshman or a Transfer Student?

TCU defines a Transfer student as someone who has graduated from high school and has enrolled in a long (fall or spring) semester. Taking summer classes during the summer between high school graduation and the start of the freshman fall semester in college does not change a student's status from Freshman to Transfer. Also, classes taken for college credit in high school do not change a student’s freshman status. Students who take classes in high school for college credit are considered Freshmen with college hours. You can receive consideration of credit for these hours by sending an official college transcript to the TCU Office of Admission.

I have enough college hours to be a sophomore. Why would I apply as a Freshman?

When a student applies for admission, they apply either as a Freshman or a Transfer student. (Please see the definition of a Transfer student above.) Freshman applicants who have more than 23 hours of transferable college credit will be classified as sophomores when they enroll.

How do I calculate my GPA for admission?

TCU computes your GPA based on every class that is transferable to the university. Even though grades below a “C” will not transfer for credit, we will compute them into your GPA for admission consideration. In other words, if you take an English Composition class and earn a grade of “D,” it will not transfer to TCU for credit, but the grade will be considered in the admission decision. TCU does not replace grades, therefore if you have retaken a class, we will average both grades into the GPA. This policy is independent of any policy at the school where you are transferring the credit. Incomplete “I” grades will be converted to an “F.”

What if I was denied admission as a Freshman?

Students who are denied admission as a freshman must complete at least 24 hours of transferable coursework before they can be considered for admission to TCU. If you were denied admission in the past year, we still have your application and will waive the essay, resume and application fee. You will need to download a reactivation form. Please send in the completed and signed form and an official transcript of any college grades you have received one semester before you want to enroll. If you do not have 24 hours of transferable credit completed at the time of application, but you will have the required hours by the end of the semester, we may defer our decision until we get your final grades. Consideration is based on the quality of the coursework taken and GPA in the completed coursework.

What if I was denied admission as a Transfer Student?

Typically, the reason transfer students are denied admission is due to poor grades. For reconsideration, you must show marked improvement, with at least one full-time semester of strong academic coursework. If you were denied admission in the past year, we will still have your application on file and will waive the essay, resume and application fee. You will need to download a reactivation form and submit the form one semester before you want to enroll.

What if I took classes at a college, but withdrew. Do I still need to send a transcript?

Yes, we need official transcripts from all schools that you have attended, even if you did not complete the semester.

Where do I send my official transcripts?

The TCU Office of Admission requires official transcripts from every college you’ve attended, even if you withdrew from all of your classes and do not have grades. Please contact each school and have them send us an official transcript in a sealed envelope to TCU Admission Box 297013, Ft. Worth, Texas 76129.

As a Transfer student, what will I need to complete my application?

Here is a list of what is required for transfer admission consideration: A completed application for admission, which includes your signature, felony statement, application fee and the transfer section. Official transcripts from every college you've attended. An official high school transcript, if you have less than 24 hours of completed coursework when you apply. An essay of 300 to 500 words. Essay questions are on the application. An activities or work resume.

When will I know of my admission decision?

Once your application is complete, it typically takes about 2-4 weeks for an admission decision. If you apply near a transfer admission deadline, it may take a little longer.

How do I qualify for a merit scholarship?

TCU welcomes transfer students and as a result awards many scholarships to its top transfer scholars. To be considered for a merit scholarship, you must have a minimum GPA of 3.25 and at least 27 hours of graded and transferable coursework by June 1st. We do not require a separate application for scholarship consideration, so if you apply for fall admission by April 15 th, we will automatically consider you for all scholarships in which you are competitive. In other words, your application for admission is your application for scholarship.

I'm not eligible for a merit scholarship. Are there other types of scholarships offered by TCU?

Yes. If you are an outstanding athlete, then you may be elibible for one of our athletic scholarships. Please contact the coach of the particular sport for more information. Also, TCU awards scholarships to outstanding performers in the fine arts. The Nordan Scholarship auditions are usually held in January preceding the fall semester and are awarded to the top students in Music , Theatre , Dance and Art . Please contact the department for specific dates and audition/portfolio requirements. TCU also offers merit scholarships for Army and Air Force ROTC students.

Can I defer my admission decision?

No. Admission decisions are only for the term for which you applied, but you can fill out a reactivation form and we will consider you for a different term. If you completed coursework and received more grades since the last time you applied, we will also need an official transcript with the additional grades.