Nov 21, 2024

2024-2025 Undergraduate Bulletin

Admission

The undergraduate admission policy is designed to seek students who demonstrate intellectual promise in a challenging curriculum, and who are committed to the liberal arts education reflected in the Mission of The University of Tulsa and to upholding the Student Code of Conduct. The University of Tulsa uses a holistic approach in evaluating candidates for admission based on available information including academic and extracurricular achievement and personal qualities. Admissibility is determined by an admission committee under the auspices of the Dean of Admission. Admission to certain degree programs may be limited and have additional academic requirements or a separate program application.

The Office of Admission adheres to the national Candidate’s Reply Date, which means that applicants are not required to pay a non-refundable enrollment fee nor accept an offer of admission or financial aid/scholarships prior to May 1. Students notified after May 1 of acceptance for the fall semester, or after December 1 for the spring semester, should state their intent to enroll and pay their enrollment fee within two weeks of notification. The enrollment deposit is non-refundable.

As a member of the National Association for College Admission Counseling, The University of Tulsa fully subscribes to the Statement of Principles of Good Practices.

Applicants should review the residency requirements for undergraduate students at The University of Tulsa.

Degree-Seeking Status

First-year Application Procedures

Graduating high school seniors or adults who have a high school diploma or GED and have never attended an accredited two- or four-year college should apply for admission as first-year students. High school graduates who have attended only a non-accredited postsecondary institution should follow first-year student procedures.

The Office of Admission reserves the right to verify the authenticity of any documents or statements provided as part of the application and to request additional materials as needed to render an admission decision.

Application for Admission and Fee. Applications may be made using either TU’s online form or the Common Application. A one-time, non-refundable application fee of $50.00 is also required.

In addition to the undergraduate application for admission, first year applicants to the Energy Management program, the School of Art, Design and Art History, the School of Music, the School of Nursing, and the McDougall School of Petroleum Engineering must follow additional procedures or meet additional standards for acceptance to these programs. Details are available from the Office of Admission or from the program directors.

Transcripts. Official high school transcripts are required for an unconditional admission decision; official transcripts are sent directly from the high school by electronic delivery or mail. Applicants may be considered for admission based on official sixth semester high school transcripts; however, seventh semester transcripts may be requested by the admission committee for an admission decision. The final official high school transcripts of enrolling students must be submitted from the school directly to the Office of Admission upon graduation. Non-submission will preclude students from enrollment in subsequent terms.

Candidates for admission who have received a high school equivalency credential based on the Test of General Educational Development (GED) or High School Equivalency Test (HiSET) must submit an official report of their GED or HiSET scores from the testing agency in addition to a final official transcript of any coursework completed in high school.

Transcripts of college courses earned through dual enrollment high school credit are not required for an admission decision but should be submitted from the credit-granting institution directly to the Office of Admission upon completion of the coursework. Students graduating from a homeschool who are in dual enrollment at a college must submit their college transcript to receive an unconditional admission decision.

SAT or ACT. For the 2024-2025 admission cycle, the University is test optional. First-year applicants can submit their application without providing a test score; however, test scores may be requested by the admission committee for an admission decision on a case-by-case basis. First-year applicants are welcome to submit their test scores at any point.

Green Card (PRA) Verification Form. Applicants who have a green card (Permanent Resident status) must submit a legible copy of both sides of the green card. Applicants with pending Permanent Residency status should submit their pending documentation in lieu of their green card.

Admission Appointment. Each applicant is assigned a personal admission counselor, and we look forward to getting to know each student as it is our goal to meet with each applicant. We meet with students in-person or virtually. An interview is strongly recommended for all applicants and may be requested by the admission committee on a case-by-case basis. An admission interview is required for applicants designated as National Merit Semifinalists pursuing the The University of Tulsa’s full ride National Merit Semifinalist Package.

First-year Student Selection

First-year student admission decisions are based on all available information, including performance in a college preparatory curriculum, class rank, personal accolades, community service, recommendations, achievements in school and at work, participation in the admission process, etc. Special talent, leadership, maturity, strength of character, perseverance, initiative demonstrated through recommendations, extracurricular involvement, personal interviews, and the application are also considered. Test scores of the middle fifty percent of the first-year class typically fall between the 80th and 95th percentile nationally, and the majority of the first-year students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.

The University strongly encourages applicants to undertake a rigorous academic curriculum that includes a minimum of 16 units of college preparatory work (a unit is one year of study in a subject). Honors, Advanced Placement, and International Baccalaureate classes are strongly encouraged and are viewed favorably by the admission committee. Computer competency is expected.

First-year students who show academic promise but whose overall academic records do not fit conventional standards for admission may be considered for conditional admission. Under the terms of conditional admission, the student will be required to maintain a 2.0 cumulative grade point average during the first two semesters. Students admitted conditionally may also be referred to the Student Success Center for services to assist their transition, may be asked to participate in summer bridge programming, and/or to enroll in an effective learning strategies course.

Early Decision. The University of Tulsa offers Early Decision admission. Students who apply Early Decision and are admitted to The University of Tulsa are committing to attend The University of Tulsa beginning in fall of 2025. Students should only apply Early Decision when TU is their first-choice school. The Early Decision deadline for Fall 2025 is November 1. All application requirements must be satisfied by that date. Students admitted to TU Early Decision should withdraw any applications to other schools upon receipt of the TU admission decision. The admission committee may require additional documents or information for an admission decision, in which an admission decision would be deferred. An Early Decision admission decision could be admit or deny.

Admission Revocation. TU reserves the right to withdraw an application, deny admission, revoke an offer of admission and/or scholarship and/or cancel enrollment if TU finds an applicant has provided false information in their application, regardless of intent, or engaged in misconduct before or after admission. The University may revoke an offer of admission and/or cancel enrollment at any time, including after matriculation. The University has full and complete discretion regarding whether to impose these or other sanctions upon any applicant for providing false information or engaging in misconduct. 

Admission Appeal. Students may appeal their admission decision by sending a formal letter via email to the Dean of Admission.  We recommend that you provide additional information to support your appeal.

Deferred Consideration. The admission committee reserves the right to defer admission decisions. Applicants in deferred consideration will be notified of this status and are encouraged to submit additional application materials like an official updated transcript, an improved test score, and/or letters of academic support.

Transfer Student Application Procedures

Students who have attended other accredited colleges or universities since graduating from high school must apply as transfer students. This includes students who were previously enrolled at The University of Tulsa and subsequently attended another institution.

Transfer students must complete at least 45 hours of their degree plan at The University of Tulsa to earn a TU degree.

Application for Admission and Fee. An application for transfer admission is required to be considered for transfer admission and may be made using either TU’s on-line form or the Common Application.

In addition to the undergraduate application for admission, transfer applicants to the Energy Management program, the School of Art, Design and Art History, the School of Music, the School of Nursing, and the McDougall School of Petroleum Engineering must follow additional procedures or meet additional standards for acceptance to these programs. Details are available from the Office of Admission or the program directors.

Transcripts. Official transcripts from each college or university at which the applicant has previously enrolled are required. Official transcripts can be mailed or sent electronically to apply@utulsa.edu or through an electronic delivery service. Transcripts submitted by the applicant are not considered official. An admission decision can be made with one semester of college coursework in progress, but the University reserves the right to require final grades. Failure to disclose a college previously attended could result in withdrawal of the application or admission revocation.

Applicants with less than 48 hours of completed college coursework (GPA hours earned) must submit their final official high school transcript. Applicants who have received a high school equivalency credential based on the Test of General Educational Development (GED) or High School Equivalency Test (HiSET) must submit an official report of their GED or HiSET scores from the testing agency, in addition to an official transcript of any high school work completed.

SAT or ACT. For the 2024-2025 admission cycle, the University is test optional. Transfer applicants under 30 hours are encouraged to submit test scores. The Office of Admission reserves the right to validate SAT and ACT results reported on the high school transcript by requesting an official score report from the testing agency.

Admission Appointment. Each applicant is assigned a personal admission counselor, and we look forward to getting to know each student as it is our goal to meet with each student. We can meet with students in-person or virtually. An interview is not required but may be requested by the admission committee on a case-by-case basis.

Transfer Student Selection

Transfer admission decisions are based on the complete academic record of the applicant, including all previous college work and, in some cases, high school transcripts and college entrance exams. Work experience, personal accolades, involvement in the admission process, and volunteerism may be considered. Factors such as motivation, maturity, strength of character, perseverance, accomplishments demonstrated through the application, personal interactions, and other documentation will also be considered.

Transfer applicants must be in good standing at the institution last attended. A 3.0 (all-college) cumulative grade point average is recommended for consideration for admission.

Offers of admission made to applicants who have coursework in progress at another institution will be provisional pending receipt of final official transcripts.

Transfer students who show academic promise but whose overall academic records do not fit conventional standards for admission may be considered for conditional admission. Under the terms of conditional admission, credit hours may be limited and the student will be required to maintain a 2.0 cumulative grade point average during the first semester. Transfer students admitted conditionally are referred to the Student Success Center for services to assist their transition and/or may be asked to participate in summer bridge programming or to enroll in an effective learning strategies course.

Students who have been dismissed or suspended from any college or university may not be considered for admission to The University of Tulsa until one calendar year has elapsed. Transfer students who were dismissed from The University of Tulsa prior to attending another college must petition the dean of their college of enrollment before being considered for readmission. Credits earned at another college or university during the dismissal period may not be applied toward a degree from The University of Tulsa unless approved by the readmitting dean.

Previous TU students who have not attended another institution since their last term of enrollment at The University of Tulsa are not required to reapply for undergraduate admission. They may be reinstated as Returning Students by submitting the Returning Student application. Returning students who have been dismissed must petition their college dean for readmission.

Transfer Credit. The college transcripts of admitted applicants are evaluated by the Office of the Registrar. Transfer applicants are notified in writing of credit that will be accepted toward their intended degree plan at The University of Tulsa. See Transfer Credit for further clarification of the awarding of credit.

Admission Revocation. TU reserves the right to withdraw an application, deny admission, revoke an offer of admission and/or scholarship and/or cancel enrollment if TU finds an applicant has provided false information in their application, regardless of intent, or engaged in misconduct before or after admission. The University may revoke an offer of admission and/or cancel enrollment at any time, including after matriculation. The University has full and complete discretion regarding whether to impose these or other sanctions upon any applicant for providing false information or engaging in misconduct. 

Admission Appeal. Students may appeal their admission decision by sending a formal letter to the Dean of Admission. We recommend that you provide additional information to support your appeal.

Non-Degree-Seeking Status

Non-Degree Seeking Application Procedures

A student should apply for admission as a non-degree-seeking student under the following circumstances:

Attending on a temporary basis as a “visiting student” while pursuing a program of study at another institution;
Fulfilling undergraduate prerequisites for graduate or professional school;
Seeking individual courses for personal and/or professional development;
Pursuing credit beyond the bachelor’s degree to earn teaching certification; or
Student teaching under the auspices of The University of Tulsa.

Application for Admission and Fee. An abbreviated non-degree-seeking application form must be submitted to the Office of Admission along with a nonrefundable, one-time application fee of $50.00.

Transcripts. An official transcript must be sent directly to the Office of Admission from the institution most recently attended or, in the case of candidates who hold undergraduate degrees, from the degree-granting institution. Academic advisors may require additional transcripts to verify prerequisites.

Non-Degree-Seeking Admission Selection

Non-degree seeking students must be in good academic standing at the post-secondary institutions previously attended and must demonstrate potential for success in the specific coursework they wish to pursue at The University of Tulsa. Students who have been dismissed or suspended from any college or university will not be considered for admission as a non-degree-seeking student until one calendar year has elapsed.

After 15 semester hours have been earned under this status, students must obtain approval from the office of the collegiate dean to continue enrollment as a non-degree seeking student. Non-degree seeking students will be accorded advising privileges and will be subject to the academic rules and regulations of the college in which they are enrolled but are not required to follow a degree plan.

A non-degree-seeking student who decides to seek a degree must reapply through the Office of Admission and meet the criteria for admission as a degree-seeking undergraduate student.

Concurrent Enrollment of High School Students

High school students who are mature, motivated, and exceptionally capable academically may apply to take courses for college credit before graduation if they have completed appropriate preparatory coursework at their school or if they wish to pursue areas of study not available at the secondary level. Concurrent students may apply for fall, spring or summer admission and must provide updated documents and be approved prior to each semester of enrollment. For on-campus classes, students must be at least 16 years old by the time the semester begins, unless a specific exception is made.

To evaluate each applicant for admission to the Concurrent Enrollment Program, the following documents are required:

Concurrent Enrollment Application Form. The Concurrent Enrollment Application Form, including a brief essay, must be completed by the student, and signed by both the student and parent.

High School Transcript. An official high school transcript must be delivered electronically, mailed, or emailed from the school to the Office of Admission. A cumulative grade point average of 3.5 is required.

School Approval Form. The School Approval Form must be completed and submitted each semester by the current high school principal or counselor.

ACT/SAT Scores. A score report from ACT or SAT must be submitted. Scores listed on an official high school transcript and unofficial scores in a student report are accepted. An ACT Composite score of 25 or an SAT combined score of 1130 on the Math and Critical Reading sections is required. If ACT or SAT has not been taken, one or more of the following items will be considered: PLAN or PSAT scores; counselor, teacher, or principal recommendation; and/or advanced coursework completed at the time of application.

Interview. (Optional) Concurrent applicants may be requested to schedule a personal meeting with the Dean of Admission or another Admission staff member.

Deadline. Concurrent students are encouraged to have all materials submitted no later than July 1 for fall classes, December 1 for spring classes, or two weeks prior to the first day of the course for summer classes.

Summer School Enrollment

Students who are not continuing students at The University of Tulsa may attend the summer term under an open admission policy. The Summer Term Application Form must be submitted, but no application fee or transcripts are required. Summer school students who are degree-seeking at another college or university must be in good academic standing at their home institution.

International Student Admission

International undergraduate Student Admission

Center for Global Engagement manages international undergraduate student admissions.

Website: https://utulsa.edu/admissions/apply/international-students/

Email: international@utulsa.edu

An international student is an applicant who is not a citizen of the United States and does not have permanent residency (a “Green Card”) in the U.S. Citizens of countries other than the U.S. should contact the International Admission Team at Center for Global Engagement for assistance. Students are encouraged to inquire at least six months in advance of the time they wish to enter the University to confirm deadlines for the receipt of applications.

Students must complete an application for admission. Application can be submitted through TU website application portal or through Common App.

Application documents required for international freshman and transfer students:

· Transcripts

· English proficiency Test

· Financial responsibility (Confirmation of Financial Resources)

· Passport biographical page

International freshmen are students who has or will be completing high school education before the applied entry term but have not attended any undergraduate studies. Transfer students are those who have graduated high school and have earned more than 7 credits hours in undergraduate studies (This does not include any concurrent enrollment). Transfer students with less than 48 hours are also required to provide high school transcripts.

The University of Tulsa utilizes in house transcript evaluation process. Non-official transcripts are used for admission purposes. Admitted students must provide final official transcripts before enrollment. Academic records include a student’s secondary school marks, the result of any national school-leaving examination or certificate, and records from each college or university attended. Failure to disclose a college or university previously attended could result in a withdrawal of the application or offer of admission. Transfer students who have completed 48 or more semester hours of college credit at the time of their application are exempt from submitting high school transcripts, GED or HiSET results unless requested by the admission committee. For all coursework beyond the secondary level, a syllabus must be submitted so that transfer credit may be determined.

*English proficiency is used in determining the admissibility of students to the University. Proficiency is required, however, before a student will be allowed to enroll in academic courses. The acceptable English Proficiency tests include TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo, Pearson Test of English Academic, and Cambridge English taken within the last two years, for details, please visit: International Students - The University of Tulsa (utulsa.edu). In some deserving cases, English language may be waived at the discretion of vice provost of Global Engagement. For further information, contact international admission at Center for Global Engagement.

*1. English-language proficiency exams will be waived for international students who attend US high schools or those who attend English Speaking schools where English is the primary language of the country.

*2. English-language proficiency exams will be waived for transfer students who have 24 or more transferable credit hours from a U.S. or English-speaking post-secondary institution where English is the primary language in the country.

Prospective F-1 students must have the financial resources to live and study in the United States. This includes being able to cover the cost of tuition, books, living expenses and travel. Designated school officials (DSOs) must collect evidence of the student’s financial ability before issuing a Form I-20, “Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status.” Financial responsibility must be attested to in accordance with current cost estimates available from the International Student Services Office. The I-20 will be issued after students has been successfully admitted to The University of Tulsa. The I-20 is required to pay the SEVIS fee, apply for, and receive an F1 visa, and to enter the U.S. lawfully in a student status. In country transfer student will need to transfer their I-20 to TU after admission.

International students under age 21 and unmarried who are admitted as first- or second-year students will live and dine on campus. See the residency requirements for undergraduate students at The University of Tulsa.

Common Questions

Colleges

Admission

Admission

Transfer Student Application Procedures

Concurrent Enrollment of High School Students

International Student Admission