General and Freshman Requirements

Table of Contents

• Contact Information
• Undergraduate Application Deadlines
• Deadline Dates
• Deadlines for Other University Services/Programs
• Admission Applications
• Admission Steps
• General Admission Statement
  • General/Additional Admission Requirements
  • International Student Admission Requirements
• Freshman Admission Requirements
  1. Rank in Class/Minimum SAT or ACT Requirements
     • Freshman Admission Requirements
       
     • Colleges and Programs With Additional Requirements
  2. High School Academic Core Requirements
     • UH Required High School Courses
     • Foreign Language Recommendation
     • Recommendations for Engineering
  3. High School Graduation
     • Sixth/Seventh Semester Grades
     • Accredited High Schools
     • Nonaccredited High Schools
     • GED
     • Home School Applicants
     • Appeal
     • Admission Option for Academically Talented High School Students
     • The Honors College
• Texas Success Initiative (TSI)
  • About the TSI
  • Testing:
    Approved Assessment Tests; Minimum Passing Scores
  • Developmental Education
  • Placement Requirements
  • TSI Exemptions
  • Teacher Certification Students and TSI
  • Test Dates
  • Additional Information:
    Contact Information; TSI Requirements for Enrollment

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Contact Information
Office of Admissions and New Student Orientation, 100 Welcome Center	713-743-1010 option 4

To be reviewed for admission to the University of Houston, applicants must submit an application, application fee, official transcripts, and national test scores where applicable. Students must be admitted by the Office of Admissions before they can enroll (register) for courses at the university.

Freshman applicants are considered for admission to an undergraduate major on the basis of graduation from an accredited high school or recognition from the appropriate governing board. Specific requirements are presented in the following text. Transfer applicants are considered for admission on the basis of their attempted course work at other regionally accredited colleges and universities.

Undergraduate applicants who are United States citizens, who are legal permanent/temporary residents or who have initiated the U.S. resident process through the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services within the Department of Homeland Security may apply for admission online using the Apply Texas Application, www.applytexas.org.

International applicants may also apply online using the Apply Texas Application at www.applytexas.org. For additional application instructions, including deadlines, international applicants should consult www.uh.edu/admissions/international.

 

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Undergraduate Application Deadlines

The university strongly urges students to apply early since this enhances the likelihood that an applicant will have access to admission-related services in a timely manner.

   

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Deadline Dates

Below are the deadline dates for receipt of applications and all required transcripts/scores in order to be reviewed for admission:

Application Deadlines
Fall
Freshmen	Final: April 1 Priority: Dec. 1
Transfer/Postbaccalaureate Readmissions	June 1 June 1
Spring
Freshmen	Nov. 1
Transfer/Postbaccalaureate Readmissions	Nov. 1 Nov. 1
Summer
Freshmen	Final: April 1 Priority: Dec. 1
Transfer/Postbaccalaureate Readmissions	May 1 May 1

International student applicants should check the deadlines at www.uh.edu/admissions/international.

 

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Deadlines for Other University Services/Programs

Prospective students should check deadlines with offices that provide other university services. This includes financial aid, scholarships, housing, advising, orientation, enrollment (registration), and fee payment.

 

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Admission Applications

Applicants seeking admission to all undergraduate programs are encouraged to apply online using the Apply Texas Application at www. applytexas.org.

Mail official documents and test scores to:

University of Houston
Office of Admissions
Welcome Center
4400 University Drive
Houston, Texas 77204-2023

Admission application forms for the:

• Law Center
• College of Optometry
• College of Pharmacy
• Graduate College of Social Work

may be found on the respective college's Web site or obtained by writing to the dean of the respective college or school.

Application forms for admission to graduate programs in the colleges of:

• Architecture
• Bauer College of Business
• Conrad N. Hilton College of Hotel and Restaurant Management
• Cullen College of Engineering
• Education
• Liberal Arts and Social Sciences
• Natural Sciences and Mathematics
• Technology

may be found at  www.uh.edu/admissions/graduate.

Additional information may be obtained from the respective colleges.

The completed application, application fee, and supporting documents constitute the basis upon which eligibility for admission is determined. All questions on the application must be completed fully. Admission is invalid if granted on the basis of incorrect information or omitted facts.

 

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Admission Steps

Prospective undergraduate/postbaccalaureate students may apply to the University of Houston online at www.applytexas.org. The Web site contains detailed information on the application process.

 

 

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General Admission Statement

General/Additional Admission Requirements

For admission to most programs offered by the university, it is necessary to meet the general admission requirements. There are several programs or majors that have additional requirements for admission. If an applicant to one of those programs with different requirements does not meet the stated standards, but does meet the general admission requirements, then that applicant may be admitted to the university as an undeclared major into Undergraduate Scholars at UH or admitted to the university by their second or third choice major.

For more information on UScholars, see the section on Undergraduate Scholars at UH.

 

International Student Admission Policies/Procedures

The following policy statement is applicable to undergraduate and postbaccalaureate applicants who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents with international education credentials or foreign nationals holding a temporary visa permitting permanent residence in the U.S. Although U.S. citizens and permanent residents who completed their education outside the U.S. must demonstrate sufficient English proficiency (TOEFL), they are required to meet the academic requirements for U.S. citizens. All international Freshman applicants are highly recommended to submit SAT or ACT test scores to fulfill the English language Proficiency requirement. Admissions requirements can be located on the Office of International Admissions Web site: www.uh.edu/admissions/international.

 

 

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Freshman Admission Requirements

Applicants will be considered if they satisfy all of the following criteria (1, 2 below):

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• Business
• Architecture
• Engineering
• Hotel & Restaurant
• Music
• Natural Sciences & Mathematics
• Theatre and Dance

C. T. Bauer College of Business
Minimum Test Scores
Admission Type	Rank in Class	SAT Critical Reading + Math			OR	ACT Composite
Automatic Admission	Top 20%	1200				26
Automatic Admission	21%-50%	1250				28
Individual Review	51% and lower or not ranked	1250				28

 

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Gerald D. Hines College of Architecture

The sequence of design studios begins in the Fall, and admission to the college of Architecture is normally for study beginning in the Fall Semester. The application deadline is February 1. Enrollment in studio courses is restricted to students admitted to the college. Applicants must first meet general university admission requirements in order to be considered by the College of Architecture. Applicants may send supplementary information that might help influence admission into the college, including evidence of creative efforts in design, drawing, photography, painting or sculpture, letters of recommendation, letters of intent and interest, prizes and awards won, competitive recognition, etc. This information must be presented in an 8.5 x 11 inch format and contained in a binder, clearly marked with the applicant's name and contact information. Do not send original work, only reproductions. Supplementary information must be received by the February 1 deadline and sent directly to the college at: University of Houston College of Architecture Admissions Committee 122 College of Architecture Bldg. Houston, TX 77204-4000

 

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Cullen College of Engineering
Minimum Test Scores
Rank in Class	SAT I Total and SAT Critical Reading	OR	ACT Composite and ACT English
Top 25%	1200 and 570		26 and 24
25-50%	1260 and 570		28 and 24
51-75%	1340 and 570		30 and 24
76% and lower or not ranked	1370 and 570		31 and 24

 

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Conrad N. Hilton College of Hotel and Restaurant Management
Minimum Test Scores
Rank in Class	SAT I Total (CR + M)	OR	ACT Composite
Top 10%	No Minimum		No Minimum
11-25%	1050		21
26-50%	1100		24
51% and lower or not ranked	Individual Review		Individual Review

 

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Moores School of Music

The Moores School of Music requires a separate application and a successful audition for admission.  Students are expected to be able to perform an audition that indicates readiness for applied study at the freshman level.  More information can be found at www.music.uh.edu.

 

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Assured Admssions for files completed by December 1.

Natural Sciences and Mathematics
Subject	Unit/Credits
Biology, chemistry, or physics	2 or more
Algebra	2
Geometry	1
Pre-Calculus	1
English	4

Assured Admissions for files completed after December 1.

Minimum Test Scores
Rank in Class	SAT I Total	OR	ACT Composite
Top 25%	1100		24
25-50%	1150		25
51-75%	1200		26
76% and lower or not ranked	1200		26

In addition, applicants must meet the following criteria:

Natural Sciences and Mathematics
Subject	Unit/Credits
Biology, chemistry, or physics	2 or more
Algebra	2
Geometry	1
Pre-Calculus	1
English	4

 

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School of Theatre and Dance

In addition to applying to the University of Houston, all students applying for admission to the School of Theatre and Dance must audition.

 

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Applicants planning to seek a bachelor's degree in the arts and sciences are urged to earn at least two units/credits in one foreign language. Applicants who plan to enter scientific or technical majors are strongly advised to earn at least four high school units/credits in mathematics and at least three units/credits in science, including both chemistry and physics. Consult requirements for admission to specific colleges/majors for additional information.

Engineering majors are encouraged to take the advanced placement and/or achievement tests in American history, chemistry, English, calculus, and political science prior to admission. Course work in these areas will be waived with appropriate scores.

 

 

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2. High School Graduation

Sixth/Seventh Semester Grades:
The university will evaluate and admit applicants based on their record through six semesters (end of junior year) of high school work.

Accredited High Schools:
Applicants who have graduated from a high school accredited by either the Texas Education Agency or the appropriate Regional Association of Schools and Colleges will be admitted if they meet the outlined requirements.

Nonaccredited High Schools:
Applicants who have graduated from a high school not accredited by either the Texas Education Agency or the appropriate Regional Association of Schools and Colleges may be admitted by scoring a minimum of 1180 on the SAT or minimum of 26 on the ACT and meeting high school academic core requirements.

General Education Development

The University recognizes GED tests as the equivalent of high school graduation. An applicant who has passed the GED tests and submits satisfactory SAT or ACT scores may be considered for general admission to the University of Houston bu scoring a minimum of 1180 on SAT or a minimum of 26 on the ACT.

Home School Applicants

Documentation of non-accredited high school/home schooled students is required for admission in addition to official SAT/ACT scores. Home school applicants may be admitted by scoring a minimum of 1180 on the SAT or 26 on the ACT.

Appeal

Applicants who have been denied admission to the University of Houston have the right to appeal by completing an appeal and submitting a personal statement and two letters of recommendation. The Admission Review Committee (ARC), a faculty committee appointed by the Provost of the University, will determine the academic readiness of the applicant by carefully reviewing the additional information submitted.

Admission Option for Academically Talented High School Students

Special freshman admission options are available to academically talented students based on test scores, grade point average, and other criteria. The university offers dual (concurrent) enrollment and summer courses for students who wish to take college courses while still in high school. Early enrollment is available to a select group of students who have superior high school academic records and who wish to begin university level work after the completion of their junior year of high school. Please contact the Office of Admissions for details regarding these admission options.

The Honors College

The Honors College welcomes applications from academically serious students who are entering the university as freshmen, have been enrolled for a semester or two, or are transferring from other colleges or universities.

To apply for admission to the program, Freshmen can check the box on the ApplyTexas application or students complete a separate application form, provide copies of standardized test scores (SAT or ACT), transcripts, and an academic essay of three to five pages, such as a literary analysis or research paper with a central thesis and strong supporting arguments. Transfer students may apply online at www.uh.edu/honors.

The majority of first-time-in-college students are in the top 10% of their secondary-school class. Most continuing UH students and transfer students have at least a 3.25 cumulative GPA, in prior college coursework. However, there are no "minimum admission requirements," and all students interested in the Honors College are encouraged to apply. To view a profile of our entering class, please visit The Honors College online (www.uh.edu/honors/).

For more information, please write or call:

University of Houston The Honors College 212 M.D. Anderson Library Houston, TX 77204-2001 713-743-9010

 

Texas Success Initiative

About the TSI

Section 51.3062 of the Texas Education Code establishes the Success Initiative (SI) program as a requirement at all Texas institutions of higher education. The effective date of the program was September 1, 2003. The purpose of the Texas Success Initiative (TSI) program is to ensure that students enrolled in public colleges and universities possess the academic skills needed to perform effectively in college level course work. TSI includes an examination designed to provide diagnostic information about the reading, mathematics, and writing skills of each student. The results of the test do not affect a student's admission to the University of Houston, but may affect course enrollment eligibility.

The following are the basic provisions of the Success Initiative legislation.

Testing

All entering undergraduate students (unless exempt) are required to take an assessment test prior to enrolling in classes. The approved assessment tests are:

• THEA (formerly named TASP)
• ASSET
• COMPASS
  and
• ACCUPLACER.

The minimum passing scores for each of these tests are set by the state; each institution may establish its own score requirement at or above these minimums.

The minimum passing scores are:

THEA	Score
Reading	230
Mathematics	230
Writing	220
ASSET	Score
Reading Skills	41
Elementary Algebra	38
Writing Skills (objective)	40
Essay	6
COMPASS	Score
Reading Skills	81
Algebra	39
Writing Skills (objective)	59
Essay	6
ACCUPLACER	Score
Reading Comprehension	78
Elementary Algebra	63
Sentence Skills (objective)	80
Essay	6

(The minimum passing standard for the written essay portion of these tests is a score of 6. However, an essay with a score of 5 will pass if the student meets the objective writing test standard.)

 

Developmental Education

Students who score below the minimum passing level on one or more sections of the initial assessment test are required to enroll in the appropriate developmental education course(s) as assigned by an advisor with the Academic Advising Center of Undergraduate Scholars at UH unless other placement criteria apply.

Placement Requirements

Students who pass the assessment test may still be required to enroll in a developmental education course if their test scores do not meet the placement requirements established by the University of Houston academic departments. See your academic advisor for detailed information about UH placement requirements.

 

TSI Exemptions

Students who claim one of the following exemptions are not required to take the Success Initiative assessment test. (Students must still meet specific course placement requirements as established by UH academic departments.)

• SAT exemption: a combined verbal and mathematics score of 1070 with at least 500 on both the verbal and the mathematics sections (single test date). Scores may not be more than 5 years old at the time of exemption.
• ACT exemption: a composite score of 23 with at least 19 on both the English and the mathematics sections (single test date). Scores may not be more than 5 years old at the time of exemption.
• TAKS exemption: math = 2200; English Language Arts = 2200; writing subscore of at least 3 in the Exit Level Exam.
• Degree exemption: students who have graduated with an associate or baccalaureate degree from an accredited Texas public institution of higher education. This exemption does not include Associate of Applied Science degrees.
• Course work exemption (out of state/private school transfer students): transfer students who have satisfactorily completed college level course work as determined by the University of Houston. Contact the Academic Advising Center of Undergraduate Scholars at UH for details.
• Nondegree seeking exemption: students who wish to take courses for personal enrichment but are not pursuing an undergraduate degree.
• Military Service exemption: students serving on active duty as a member of the U.S. armed forces, the Texas National Guard, or as a member of a reserve component of the U.S. armed forces and have been serving for at least 3 years preceding enrollment.
• Prior military service exemption: students who on or after August 1, 1990, were honorably discharged, retired, or released from active duty as a member of the U.S. armed forces, the Texas National Guard, or service as a member of a reserve component of the U.S. armed forces.

Documentation of exemption is required; students may be asked to provide test scores, transcripts, military documents, etc., in order to claim an exemption. Contact the Academic Advising Center of Undergraduate Scholars at UH for more information. The Academic Advising Center of Undergraduate Scholars at UH is located in room 56 University Libraries, via the back entrance to M.D. Anderson Library, across from the University Center; telephone 832-842-2100; fax 713-743-8998.

Teacher Certification Students and TSI

TSI scores for admission to teacher education are higher than admission to the university. Check in room 112 Farish Hall for scores required to be admitted to the professional development sequence of the teacher education program.

Test Dates

For information on how to schedule a TSI assessment, contact the University Testing Services at 713-743-5444 or see their Web site at www.las.uh.edu/UTS/.

Students with disabilities who need testing assistance should contact the Center for Students with DisABILITIES, 713-743-5400 or 713-749-1527 (TDD), Justin Dart Center for Students with DisABILITIES.

Additional Information

For information about other TSI policies and the TSI program, contact the Academic Advising Center of Undergraduate Scholars at UH, 56 University Libraries, via the back entrance to M.D. Anderson Library, across from the University Center, 832-842-2100.

 

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Catalog Publish Date: August 22, 2012
This Page Last Updated: November 28, 2012