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2011–2012 Information Bulletin

2. ADMISSION - UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS


PHILOSOPHY

Admission requirements for undergraduate study at UTSA are designed to give admitted applicants an opportunity to demonstrate that they can perform college-level work. UTSA will admit all applicants who are holders of bona fide University of Texas at San Antonio scholarships who are designated admissible by the President of the University. The discretionary authority to make such admissions decisions is generally delegated to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions.

Offers of admission are valid only for the semester indicated in the acceptance letter. Admitted students wishing to change the semester of initial enrollment must reapply as indicated in the “Admission Procedures” section of this chapter.

UNDERGRADUATE CLASSIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

Application, Application Fee, and Supporting Documentation

Sections 51.762 and 51.763 of the Texas Education Code establish a common application to be used by general academic teaching institutions statewide. UTSA uses the State of Texas ApplyTexas Application as its sole undergraduate application for admission for U.S. citizens and permanent residents. International applicants who plan to enroll while residing in the United States using a nonpermanent visa may submit the ApplyTexas Application for International Undergraduate Admission. Electronic versions of both regular and international ApplyTexas Applications may be accessed at www.applytexas.org.

In addition to filing the application for admission, applicants must also provide all required supporting documentation and an application fee to complete the application file by the published deadline for the appropriate term.

The application fee is nonrefundable and is required from ALL applicants. The application fee is $40.00.

Requirements for additional supporting documentation such as official high school and/or college transcripts, official test scores sent directly from the testing company, and other documents are stated in the following sections.

Upon file completion, the application and supporting documentation will be reviewed and an admission decision will be communicated to the applicant.

The criteria for the various classifications of undergraduate admission are set forth in the following sections.

First-Time Freshmen

The first-time freshman admission criteria stated below are effective beginning Fall 2011 through the Summer Semester 2012. UTSA admission criteria may change effective for Fall Semester 2012. Please consult the UTSA Undergraduate Admissions Office Web site at http://utsa.edu/admissions for admission criteria updates.

UTSA classifies the following students as first-time freshmen:

Per the Texas Education Code, Sections 51.801–51.809, in addition to a Texas general academic teaching institution’s admissions requirements, a first-time freshman, regardless of when the student graduated from high school, must also have either:

  1. successfully completed the curriculum requirements for the recommended or advanced high school program or its equivalent; or
  2. satisfied ACT’s College Readiness Benchmarks on the ACT assessment or earned on the SAT assessment a score of at least 1500 out of 2400 or the equivalent.
    The ACT College Readiness Benchmarks are: English=18, Math=22, Reading=21, Science=24.

Under Texas Education Code, Section 51.807, and with consultation of the Texas Education Agency, the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board has determined that the high schools are responsible for providing the appropriate documentation to confirm the curriculum requirements.

Texas public high schools are to provide the curriculum information on the transcript, also known as the Academic Achievement Record. This indication is to be available no later than the completion of the student’s junior academic year.

Private high schools can provide this information on the transcript, or by completing the appropriate form created for this purpose.

The above requirement may ALSO be satisfied if the applicant’s official high school transcript or diploma states that the applicant completed the portion of the recommended or advanced curriculum or its equivalent that was available to the applicant, but was unable to complete the remainder of the curriculum solely because courses necessary to complete the remainder were unavailable to the applicant at the appropriate times in the applicant's high school career as a result of course scheduling, lack of enrollment capacity, or another cause not within the applicant's control. This is verified by the completion and submission of the appropriate form created for this purpose by the established deadline date for the application term.

Application Procedures

An ApplyTexas Application, nonrefundable application fee, sixth-semester or seventh-semester high school transcript, and an official copy of the SAT or ACT score should be forwarded to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions early in a student’s senior year. Applicants for admission as first-time freshmen who are attending high school at the time of application and who meet the curriculum and admission requirements may be admitted during their senior year pending receipt and review of the final high school transcript. Applicants who do not meet the requirements before graduation may be reconsidered for admission upon submission of new, improved academic information (transcript, test scores, etc.).

Admission is conditional for students who have not yet graduated from high school. An official copy of the final high school transcript reflecting graduation date, final high school ranking (if applicable) and curriculum information (TAKS scores for students from public Texas high schools) must be provided to ensure enrollment, financial aid eligibility and registration for future semesters. In order for the transcript to be considered the official final transcript that verifies high school graduation, the student must have completed coursework from the school providing that transcript.

Admission Requirements

The following table shows the minimum total scores required, where applicable, for students meeting the first-time freshman curriculum requirement, based on high school rank-in-class and on either the SAT Reasoning Test of the College Board or the ACT Assessment.*

High School

Rank-in-Class

Minimum Combined SAT Scores
of Math and Critical Reading†

Minimum Total Composite
ACT Score†

Top 25%

Guaranteed Admission

Guaranteed Admission

Second 25%

960

20

Third 25%

Individual Review

Individual Review

Fourth 25%

Individual Review

Individual Review

Unaccredited High School, Home Schooled,

Non-Ranking High School

Individual Review

Individual Review

* Minimum completion of the Texas Recommended Curriculum (or its documented equivalent), or satisfaction of College Readiness Benchmarks established by ACT and SAT as stated above in the section titled “UTSA classifies the following students as first-time freshmen” is a requirement for admission.

† Notice: The Writing score of the SAT and/or the score on the Writing Test of the ACT will not be considered in the admission decision; however, these scores are requested for research purposes.

First-Time Freshman applicants who are in the top 25 percent of their high school graduating class at an accredited high school and meet the first-time freshman curriculum requirements are admitted without minimum score requirements on the ACT or SAT, but their scores must be submitted to UTSA.

Applicants from non-ranking programs, those ranked in the third and fourth high school quartiles, and those not meeting second quartile criteria will be considered by way of individual review that is described below.

Individual Review

If a first-time freshman applicant does not meet the test score and/or rank-in-class admissions criteria above, or if the applicant graduated from a home school, unaccredited high school or non-ranking high school, the Office of Admissions may also take into consideration the following additional factors to determine admission:

Applicants should take care to complete all required and optional portions of the application for admission, in order to convey information about these additional factors of admission by individual review.

General Educational Development (GED) Applicants

Applicants who did not graduate from an accredited high school but who have successfully passed all five subject tests and received a GED certificate may be considered for admission to UTSA.

Per the Texas Education Code, Sections 51.801–51.809, in addition to a Texas general academic teaching institution’s admissions requirements, a first-time freshman graduating from high school via earning a GED must have satisfied ACT’s College Readiness Benchmarks on the ACT assessment or earned on the SAT assessment a score of at least 1500 out of 2400 or the equivalent.

NOTE: The ACT College Readiness Benchmarks are: English=18, Math=22, Reading=21, Science=24.

Provisional Admission at UTSA

Applicants who are Texas residents, first-time freshmen, and graduates of an accredited high school, but who do not qualify for admission because of inadequate SAT or ACT scores or high school records, but who do meet the first-time freshman curriculum requirements, may be admitted to a Fall or Spring Semester on a provisional basis.

Students who are admitted on a provisional basis are given an opportunity to demonstrate that they can perform college-level work and can reasonably be expected to make progress toward a degree. Applicants must demonstrate their ability to perform at the college level by obtaining an overall “C” grade point average (2.0 on a 4.0 scale) in 18 college credit hours. Upon completion of at least 18 college credit hours of approved courses at UTSA with a grade point average of at least 2.0, students admitted provisionally will be in academic good standing at the University.

Students who completed dual credit courses prior to graduation from high school may be eligible to be admitted on a provisional basis.

The admission decision is often made prior to high school graduation, therefore, admission is conditional for students who have not yet graduated from high school. An official copy of the final high school transcript from an accredited high school that reflects the graduation date must be provided to ensure financial aid eligibility and registration for future semesters.

Enrollment Requirements

Students admitted provisionally may take developmental education courses, but developmental education courses taken as a provisional student do not count toward the 18 college semester-credit-hour requirement. Provisional students must take 12 semester credit hours of courses, including any needed developmental education courses, in the first long semester of enrollment.

Provisional students must enroll as undeclared majors. When a student successfully clears his or her provisional status, the student may then declare a major within a college, subject to college requirements.

While still under provisional admission status, students may not enroll in May Mini-mester courses.

Program Requirements

All students admitted under provisional admission are required to participate in the Academic Development Program (ADP) administered through the Tomás Rivera Center. Participation requires the submission of the ADP agreement form to ensure program eligibility. Enrollment in the program is first-come-first-served, and can reach capacity at any time. The Academic Development Program is designed to help provisional students successfully complete their first year of college. Students in the program must take COR 1203 Freshman Seminar and courses selected from English, mathematics, natural sciences, social sciences, humanities, and foreign languages.

Until a student’s provisional status is removed, the student may not take courses at UTSA in disciplines other than English, mathematics, natural sciences, social sciences, humanities, and foreign languages except for COR 1203.

Enrollment in COR 1203, a 3-semester-credit-hour course that integrates study skills with academic content, is required in the first semester of enrollment. COR 1203 counts as part of UTSA’s core curriculum requirement.

Provisional students who fail to receive at least a 2.0 overall UTSA grade point average at the end of a semester in which they have completed 18 or more semester credit hours of college-level work at UTSA will be academically dismissed from UTSA. Provisional students who are academically dismissed from the University must complete at least 12 semester credit hours of coursework at another accredited college or university with a minimum 2.0 grade point average and reapply for admission following the same procedures and meeting the same deadlines as outlined within this chapter.

Denial of Admission

If an applicant is denied after initial review for not meeting admission requirements, the student will be encouraged to reapply after completion of a minimum of 30 transferable credit hours at an accredited college or university with a grade point average of at least a 2.0. Students who are denied for pending 30 transfer credit hours are encouraged to take advantage of transfer advising services offered by the Office of Undergraduate Admissions, to use transfer guides found at the UTSA Web site to assist in course selection during the period of deferment, and to reapply to UTSA according to the procedures outlined in the “Transfer Students” section of this chapter. All Texas residents are offered the opportunity to participate in the JUMP! Program. JUMP! helps students transition to UTSA by providing academic support through attendance and special advising at accredited Alamo Colleges.

Coordinated Admission Program – The University of Texas at Austin

UTSA is a University of Texas System Participating University in the University of Texas at Austin’s Coordinated Admission Program (CAP). For complete information concerning the UT Austin’s Coordinated Admission Program, consult the University of Texas Web site at http://bealonghorn.utexas.edu/freshmen/admission/cap/index.html.

CAP students who are eligible for CAP at UTSA and who designate UTSA as their partner school when submitting their CAP acceptance agreement to UT Austin will have their initial application forwarded to UTSA from UT Austin; they do not need to submit a second application to UTSA but will need to submit the $40 application fee. Also, if students who send AP and Dual Credit Scores/Grades to UT Austin must request that this documentation be sent to UTSA for evaluation. The admission decision is often made prior to high school graduation, therefore, admission is conditional for students who have not yet graduated from high school. An official copy of the final high school transcript reflecting the student’s graduation date must be requested to be sent to UTSA to ensure admission status, financial aid eligibility and registration for future semesters.

CAP students enrolled at UTSA are advised by the Colleges’ Freshman Advising Center (CFAC). CAP students who decide to remain at UTSA rather than transfer to UT Austin should complete a CFAC Opt-out Letter which is available from the academic advisors at UTSA’s Colleges’ Freshman Advising Center.

Early Admission of High School Students

High school students who have junior or senior class standing or are applying to a Special Admission Program may be admitted under the Early Admission Program and enroll in UTSA courses while completing their high school studies. In special circumstances, high school students with sophomore or freshmen standing who meet the admission requirements outlined below may be considered for the program on an individual basis.

This policy is designed to address the needs of individual high school students who want to start earning college credit while in high school. Early Admission is not intended for students who want to earn simultaneous credit toward high school graduation and a university degree, or for students who enroll as part of a group of students under the terms of an agreement between UTSA and the student’s school district. Such applicants should refer to the policy under the heading “Dual Credit Program Admission” in this chapter.

First-Time Early Admission Criteria

To qualify for Early Admission, students must take the SAT or the ACT test and earn the following scores:

Minimum Combined SAT Scores of
Math and Critical Reading		 Minimum Total Composite ACT Score
1070
(With no less than 500 on
the Critical Reading Section
and 500 on the Math Section)
23
(With no less than 19 on
the English Section and
19 on the Math Section)

Procedures

  1. Submit a UTSA Application for Admission to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions on or before the application deadline for the requested semester of enrollment.
  2. Submit a nonrefundable application fee.
  3. Submit an official high school transcript.
  4. Submit a letter of recommendation from a high school counselor.
  5. Submit official SAT or ACT scores sent directly from the testing company.

Students applying for Early Admission through Special Admission Programs of the University, such as UPREP, will be required to submit documents approved for and by that program and will be reviewed according to the requirements established for the program. Information concerning these procedures and requirements are available from the University coordinator for the program.

Continuing Student Early Admission Procedure

Early Admission students who choose to continue enrollment at UTSA following high school graduation must apply for admission according to regular policy and procedures.

Enrollment Procedures

  1. Early Admission student advising and course registration are coordinated by the Office of P-20 Initiatives and take place following notification of admission for specific dual credit and Early College High School credit program.
  2. Advising and course registration for Special Admission Program students is the responsibility of and coordinated by the office managing the Special Admission Program.

Dual Credit Program Admission*

Dual Credit Program Admission is designed for high school students who want to simultaneously earn credit toward high school graduation and a university degree, or for students who enroll as part of a group of students under the terms of an agreement between UTSA and the student’s school district.

Dual Credit Program Admission is not intended for high school students who simply want to get an early start earning college credit. Such applicants should refer to the policy under the heading “Early Admission of High School Students” in this chapter.

Enrollment Requirements

  1. As required by the Texas Success Initiative, students must take an approved assessment test to determine readiness to enroll in college-level courses, unless otherwise exempted. Information on the Texas Success Initiative can be accessed at http://utsa.edu/success/.
  2. Dually enrolled students are admitted as non-degree-seeking.
  3. Dually enrolled students who choose to continue enrollment at UTSA following high school graduation must apply for admission according to applicable admission policy and procedures.
  4. Minimum SAT or ACT admission score requirements must be consistent with regular UTSA policy for admission of high school graduates.
  5. Applicants who do not meet regular admission requirements and who apply as part of a group of students such as the Early College High School program under the terms of an agreement between UTSA and the student’s school district may be admitted with restrictions addressed in the agreement or at the discretion of the Office of P-20 Initiatives and the appropriate faculty (selected by the academic departments). Such restrictions will be documented and monitored by the imposing school district or office.

Procedures

* In accordance with Chapter 4 under the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board Rules (Texas Administrative Code, Title 19, Part 1). Rules Applying to All Public Institutions of Higher Education in Texas, Subchapter D, Dual Credit Partnership Between Secondary Schools and Texas Public Colleges.

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Transfer Students

Students should apply for admission as transfer students if they have previously completed any credit courses at the college level after high school graduation, with the exception of those who attend college during the summer immediately after high school graduation (first-time freshmen). Applicants may be attending another regionally accredited college or university and may have coursework in progress at the time of their application to UTSA.

Applicants for admission as transfer students must have at least a “C” (2.0 on a 4.0 scale) admission grade point average. When calculating the grade point average to determine eligibility for admission for transfer students, all transferable college-level courses are used in the calculation (grades are not replaced).

For applicants with a cumulative grade point average of less than 2.5, it is possible that an admissions decision will be delayed until receipt of grades from the semester. When transfer students have met all of the admission requirements listed in this bulletin, they will be granted admission.

Application Procedures

An ApplyTexas Application, nonrefundable application fee, and official college transcripts from each institution from which college-level work was ever attempted must be received by the appropriate application deadline. The transcripts are to be requested and sent officially from the colleges from which the college work was attempted/earned.  For Freshmen Transfers, a final high school transcript and an official copy of the SAT or ACT score must also be provided to the Office of Undergraduate Admission by the appropriate deadline.

Admission is conditional for students who are admitted with Work in Progress from another institution. An official transcript reflecting the work-in-progress and any subsequent work must be submitted upon completion of the work. Financial aid can be applied toward tuition and fees upon submission of the complete college transcript(s) indicating all college coursework attempted. Registration for future semesters is also contingent upon receipt of the college transcript(s).

With Fewer Than 30 Semester Credit Hours

Applicants for admission who have earned fewer than 30 semester credit hours at the time of application from accredited colleges or universities must:

With 30 or More Semester Credit Hours

Applicants for admission to UTSA who have earned 30 or more semester credit hours at the time of application from accredited colleges or universities must:

Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences Admission Criteria and Procedures

UTSA offers a Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences (B.A.A.S.) degree for students who have graduated from a regionally accredited, two-year college with an Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree. The following B.A.A.S. degrees are offered: Children, Family, and Community; and Infancy and Childhood Studies.

Applicants to the B.A.A.S. program must:

To apply for admission in the B.A.A.S. program, applicants must:

See the UTSA Undergraduate Catalog for B.A.A.S. degree requirements.

Admission by Individual Approval

Applicants who do not meet the admission requirements discussed above can be reviewed individually. For students being individually reviewed by the committee, submission of the following documents is recommended but not required for the committee review process to happen:

  1. A one-page, single-spaced, essay from the ApplyTexas Application, Topic C:

    Topic C: There may be personal information that you want considered as part of your admissions application. Write an essay describing that information. You might include exceptional hardships, challenges, or opportunities that have shaped or impacted your abilities or academic credentials, personal responsibilities, exceptional achievements or talents, educational goals, or ways in which you might contribute to an institution committed to creating a diverse learning environment.

  2. Up to two letters of recommendation, based on community involvement, high school academics or employment.

All supporting material should include the student’s full name, high school and date of birth as it appears on the ApplyTexas Application. The supporting materials can be e-mailed to admissions@utsa.edu or mailed to: The University of Texas at San Antonio Office of Undergraduate Admissions, One UTSA Circle, San Antonio, Texas 78249-0616.

Declaration of Previous College Work Attempted

When applying for admission to UTSA, students are not at liberty to disregard previous college work attempted. All schools from which any college-level work was attempted must be listed on the ApplyTexas Application at the time of application. Further, the application process requires that official academic transcripts from each previously attended college be submitted to the UTSA Office of Undergraduate Admissions on or before the application deadline for the requested semester of enrollment. Failure to do so may result in the rejection of the application, withdrawal of any offer of acceptance, cancellation of enrollment, permanent dismissal from UTSA, or other appropriate disciplinary action.

While enrolled at UTSA, students who attend other colleges are required to submit official academic transcripts to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions from every college attended at the end of the semester during which coursework was undertaken, even if courses have been withdrawn. This includes concurrent enrollment at other colleges while attending UTSA. Failure to do so may result in the rejection of the application, withdrawal of any offer of acceptance, cancellation of enrollment, permanent dismissal from UTSA, or other appropriate disciplinary action.

Transfer Coursework

Upon admission, UTSA grants credit for college-level transfer coursework, earned with a grade of “D-” or higher, from regionally accredited colleges and universities. Applicability of such coursework toward the UTSA degree plan is at the discretion of the major academic department. General information about transferring courses may be found in Chapter 1 of the UTSA Undergraduate Catalog.

Credit for Military Service

An institution of higher education shall award to an undergraduate student who is admitted to the institution, including a student who is readmitted after withdrawing to perform active military service (Texas Education Code, Section 51.9242), course credit for all physical education courses required by the institution for an undergraduate degree and for additional semester credit hours, not to exceed 12, that may be applied to satisfy any elective course requirements for the student’s degree program for courses outside the student’s major or minor if the student:

  1. graduated from a public or private high school accredited by a generally recognized accrediting organization or from a high school operated by the United States Department of Defense; and

  2. is an honorably discharged former member of the armed forces of the United States who has completed at least two years of service in the armed forces or was discharged because of a disability.

Veterans entering UTSA as undergraduate students should meet with an academic advisor to discuss military service credit options, as elective credits may affect eligibility for the tuition rebate program and the Texas B-On-Time Loan forgiveness program or result in additional tuition for excess credit hours. Students must provide proof of eligibility (i.e., DD Form 214 or disability discharge documentation) to the academic advisor and complete the Military Service Credit Notice with the academic advisor. The Military Service Credit Notice is available on the Office of the Registrar’s Web site (http://utsa.edu/registrar/) and in the UTSA Veterans Certification Office in the McKinney Humanities (MH) Building (formerly HSS Building), room 3.01.24.

General information about transferring courses may be found in Chapter 1 of the UTSA Undergraduate Catalog.

Outreach to Prospective Transfer Students

In an effort to help facilitate the transfer process from two-year and four-year institutions to UTSA, several programs and resources have been established to assist transfer students.

UTSA currently offers 11 articulation agreements with two-year institutions that assist students with course selections and course transferability. Following a degree/transfer plan maximizes the 66 transferable hours a student can take at a community college prior to transferring to UTSA.

Colleges with Articulation Agreements with UTSA
Austin Community College Palo Alto College
Coastal Bend College San Antonio College
Dallas County Community College South Texas College
Del Mar College Southwest Texas Junior College
Houston Community College St. Philip’s College
Laredo Community College Texas State Technical College - Harlingen
Northwest Vista College Victoria College

In addition to the above-mentioned degree/transfer plans, UTSA also provides a host of transfer resources on the UTSA Office of Undergraduate Admissions Web site (http://utsa.edu/admissions/transfer/transfer.html). The online equivalency table can assist transfer students in evaluating how their existing course credits might satisfy the requirements of a UTSA degree plan.

Finally, UTSA provides a Transfer Center with Transfer Specialists to assist prospective transfer students from two-year and four-year institutions. Transfer Specialists provide admission requirements and basic academic advising to all prospective transfer students.

For more information on transferring to UTSA, please visit the Undergraduate Admissions Web site at http://utsa.edu/admissions/ or call (210) 458-2000.

Academic Fresh Start

Texas residents may apply for admission to UTSA under the Academic Fresh Start statute (Texas Education Code, § 51.931). Under this program, academic course credits or grades earned 10 or more years before the semester for which the student seeks enrollment are not considered for admission purposes.

At the time of application, applicants seeking admission under the Academic Fresh Start statute must inform the Office of Admissions in writing of their intent by submitting an Academic Fresh Start form, available in the Office of Undergraduate Admissions or from the Undergraduate Admissions Web site: http://utsa.edu/admissions. Students admitted under this program will not receive any credit for courses taken 10 or more years before enrollment.

Students who plan to pursue graduate degrees should note that if their baccalaureate degree was earned under the Academic Fresh Start statute, only the grade point average of the coursework that applied to the baccalaureate degree as stated under the Academic Fresh Start restrictions will be evaluated. However, other standard evaluation criteria for graduate study will apply.

Admission under Academic Fresh Start does not change a student’s financial aid obligations for courses not considered for admission purposes.

Inactivation of Admission

There are circumstances whereby an applicant or admitted student may wish to cancel his or her admission to UTSA. Cancellation of admission triggers cancellation of course registrations, financial aid awards, and housing applications and contracts.

Restrictions

Applicants and admitted students may cancel their admission any time prior to the first day of class for the expected semester of enrollment as indicated on the application for admission.

Procedures

Conditions

Special Students

Special students are non-degree-seeking transfer students who enroll in courses only at the undergraduate level without pursuing a degree at UTSA. Special students include those seeking to enroll at UTSA on a transient or post-baccalaureate basis. First-time freshmen and international students may not apply as special students. Because special students are not working toward a degree, they may be ineligible for financial assistance.

Applicants seeking to enroll as Special Undergraduates should submit by the published deadline for the term:

Applicants who have earned fewer than 30 semester credit hours must also provide by the published deadline for the term:

Applicants who have earned fewer than 30 undergraduate semester credit hours attempted at an accredited college or university at the time of application must meet the same admission requirements as first-time freshmen, have at least a “C” average (2.0 on a 4.0 scale) on all college-level coursework, and be in good standing at the last institution attended.

Applicants who have attempted 30 or more undergraduate semester credit hours at the time of application must have at least a “C” average (2.0 on a 4.0 scale) in the last 30 hours attempted and be in good academic standing at the last accredited college or university attended. Even though admission is based on the last 30 undergraduate semester credit hours attempted, students must list all colleges and universities attended on the admission application.

Special students desiring to be regular degree-seeking students must reapply for admission and meet the same admission requirements as those listed for transfer students. Applications must be submitted in accordance with the application dates stated in this bulletin.

International Undergraduate Students

Definition

Applications from individuals who plan to enroll while residing in the United States on a non-immigrant visa are processed as international students. International students can apply by submitting the International Student ApplyTexas Application (electronic version).

All international students, including first-time freshmen and transfer students, must:

  1. Prove proficiency in the English language by taking either the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) examination. English as a Second Language courses will be required for those students who need additional language training.


     

    TOEFL Internet

    TOEFL Paper

    IELTS

    English Language Assessment Program (ELAP) Exempt

    100

    600

    7

    Admission Qualification*

    61

    500

    5


    * The UTSA English Language Assessment Program (ELAP) is required of all new students. Students may be assigned to take up to four English as a Second Language courses based on ELAP test results.


    TOEFL is an examination written by The Educational Testing Service of The College Board. For more information, visit www.toefl.org. IELTS is jointly managed by University of Cambridge English for Speakers of Other Languages (Cambridge ESOL) Examinations, British Council, and IDP Education Australia: IELTS Australia. For more information, visit www.ielts.org.


    The TOEFL or IELTS will be waived if:

    • The applicant graduated from a U.S. high school and completed two years of regular English courses.
    • The applicant has successfully completed 30 semester hours but fewer than 45 semester hours of transferable credit from a U.S. college or university that includes college-level English Composition I with a grade of “B-” or better.
    • The applicant has successfully completed 45 or more semester hours of transferable credit from a U.S. college or university.
    • The applicant graduated with a bachelor’s degree from a U.S. college or university.


    Conditional Admission: Students who do not submit or earn scores that prove English proficiency but who meet all other admission requirements can be admitted to the Intensive English Program (IEP) on the condition that they are accepted to the bachelor’s degree program of their choice when the appropriate level of English proficiency has been achieved. Conditional admission is not available to graduate students.


  2. Submit evaluation of foreign credentials. UTSA will accept evaluations from credential evaluation services that adhere to the published credential evaluation guidelines of the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers (AACRAO) or from NAFSA: Association of International Educators. Further information is available on the Web at http://utsa.edu/admissions/undergrad/requirements/international-freshmen.html.


  3. Submit all application materials including application for admission, nonrefundable application fee, evaluation of foreign credentials, and all supporting documents to Undergraduate International Admissions, Office of International Programs.


International Freshmen

Applicants for admission to UTSA as international first-time freshmen must:

  1. Have qualifications equivalent to those of students entering from accredited secondary schools in the United States, as determined by UTSA Undergraduate International Admissions.

  2. Have above-average grades on work completed in secondary school, as determined by UTSA Undergraduate International Admissions.

  3. If graduated from a U.S. high school, applicants should submit an SAT or ACT test score corresponding to rank-in-class requirements for first-time freshmen. SAT or ACT scores also are recommended from schools abroad.

International Transfer Students

Transferring from Schools outside the United States. International transfer students who have attended a college or university in a country other than the United States must have above-average grades on work completed in college, as determined by Undergraduate International Admissions.

Transferring from Schools within the United States. International transfer students who have attended another college or university in the United States must have completed at least 30 semester credit hours with a “C” average (2.0 on a 4.0 scale) on all college work attempted.

International Application Deadlines:

Fall Semester June 1
Spring Semester October 15
Summer Semester  March 1

Automatic Admission for Children of Certain Deceased Public Servants

An applicant for undergraduate admission (whether a first-time freshman or a transfer student) who is the child of a public servant, as defined in Texas Government Code, Section 615.003 (including law enforcement officers, fire fighters, and others), who was killed or sustained a fatal injury in the line of duty, is entitled to automatic admission as an undergraduate student if the applicant is a high school graduate, meets the application deadline, and submits the paperwork required by Texas Education Code, Section 51.803(c) and (d). Applicants who are automatically admitted under these provisions are subject to certain post-admission requirements when the University determines that the applicant could benefit from additional preparation for college-level work or from inclusion in a retention program, as set out in Texas Education Code, Section 51.803(f).

ADMISSION PROCEDURES

Each applicant for admission is responsible for ensuring that the ApplyTexas Application and all required application materials (nonrefundable application fee, SAT or ACT test results sent directly from the testing company, official transcripts, etc.) are on file in the Office of Undergraduate Admissions by the application deadlines. The ApplyTexas Application may be submitted electronically through the common application Web site at www.applytexas.org or the University Web site at http://utsa.edu. An admission decision is not made until the applicant’s file is complete. All documents submitted in support of an application become the property of UTSA and cannot be returned. Offers of admission are valid only for the semester indicated in the acceptance letter.

Students who are admitted for any semester and do not register for courses or withdraw before the census date must submit a new ApplyTexas Application and nonrefundable application fee to apply for any future semester. Any subsequent applications must be in accordance with current admission requirements. New transcripts, test scores, and other supporting documents may be required since files for admitted students who do not register are not retained indefinitely, and to ensure the application file reflects the applicant’s complete academic record prior to enrollment at UTSA.

The University reserves the right to decline admission to applicants with criminal convictions.

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APPLICATION DATES

Students are urged to apply for admission as early as possible so that matters regarding admission can be resolved well in advance of the beginning of a semester. It is the responsibility of the individual applicant to assure that all required documents are received by the institution by the FINAL deadline. Applicants whose files are completed by the following priority application deadlines have increased availability of courses and other campus resources during registration:

U.S. Resident PRIORITY Processing Application Deadlines:

Fall Semester March 1
Spring Semester October 15
Summer Semester March 1

TRANSFER U.S. Resident FINAL Application Deadlines:

Fall Semester July 1
Spring Semester November 15
Summer Semester May 1

FRESHMEN U.S. Resident FINAL Application Deadlines:

Fall Semester June 1
Spring Semester November 15
Summer Semester May 1

Students must have all application materials (application, nonrefundable application fee, and all required supporting documents) on file in the Office of Undergraduate Admissions by the application deadlines. It is the responsibility of the student to ensure that this happens. If required documents are received beyond these dates, the application will not be completed and no decision will be rendered.

ADMISSION APPEAL PROCESS

Applicants for admission and admitted students have the right to appeal decisions of the Undergraduate Admissions Office. Students requesting an appeal must do so by submitting the Appeal for Undergraduate Admission form and any other requested documents as outlined on the form (available under UTSA Forms and Publications on the Admissions Web site: http://utsa.edu/admissions/).

The appeal must be received by the Appeal Deadline for the term of the application:

Fall Semester August 5
Spring Semester December 20
Summer Semester May 15

READMISSION

Former UTSA students who have not been in attendance for more than three consecutive semesters (Summer term included) must reapply for admission by submitting the ApplyTexas Application by the application deadline. The application should be submitted electronically through the ApplyTexas Web site or the UTSA Web site.

When reapplying for admission to UTSA, students are not at liberty to disregard previous college work attempted. All former students returning to UTSA who have attended other institutions of higher education since they were last enrolled at UTSA must submit an official transcript from each institution.

Eligibility for readmission depends on the student’s academic status at the conclusion of the last UTSA semester of enrollment and performance on any subsequent college or university work attempted since last enrolled at UTSA.

Evaluation of any subsequent coursework attempted is based on the same admission requirements for new transfer students. The only transferable college-level work evaluated is that earned since last enrolled at UTSA. The former student applying after a first dismissal with work in progress at the time of the application will be deferred for receipt of grades from the work in progress.

Former UTSA students who were academically dismissed during their previous period of enrollment and wish to return to UTSA, MUST follow the guidelines outlined in the “Academic Standing/Academic Dismissal and Reinstatement Policy and Procedures” section in Chapter 4, General Academic Regulations – Undergraduate, of this bulletin.

Students who are readmitted for any semester and do not register for courses or withdraw from all courses prior to census date must submit a new ApplyTexas Application and a nonrefundable application fee for any future term. If additional college-level work is attempted, an official transcript reflecting that work will also be needed.

Students who withdrew from the University to perform military service (not including Texas National Guard training exercises) will not have to requalify for admission and will be readmitted upon a request made within one year of being released from active military service. A returning student may be eligible for the same financial assistance provided before the student’s withdrawal.

The Office of Undergraduate Admissions reserves the right to require students to resubmit official documents from former institutions at the time of applying for readmission.

ADMISSION TO COLLEGES, DEPARTMENTS, AND SPECIAL PROGRAMS (IN ADDITION TO UTSA ADMISSION)

Department of Biology

Students interested in pursuing a Biology major must meet Department of Biology admission requirements in addition to University-wide admission requirements.

The specific criteria for admission to the Bachelor of Science degree in Biology are listed in the UTSA Undergraduate Catalog. Applicants meeting all UTSA undergraduate admission requirements will be admitted to the Department of Biology as prebiology students. Subsequent eligibility of students admitted as prebiology students will be based on grade point averages and the successful completion of certain lower-division college coursework. Internal transfer students and external applicants who have successfully completed all prebiology requirements will be directly admitted to the Biology major.

The UTSA Undergraduate Catalog has additional details regarding these provisions and the requirements for students to remain in good academic standing with the Department of Biology, College of Sciences and the University.

College of Business

The College of Business seeks to use available resources in ways that prepare as many qualified students as possible for careers in business. The undergraduate degree admissions policy of the College of Business seeks to identify those students most likely to succeed in an undergraduate business education. The College of Business provides academic advising, tutoring, and other support services to help students succeed academically. All business students receive professional development training and assistance in finding internships and jobs through the Center for Student Professional Development. Students who are the first in their family to attend college can receive academic support and professional development through the Business Scholars Program. 

The specific criteria for admission to the College of Business are listed in the UTSA Undergraduate Catalog. Generally, applicants meeting all UTSA undergraduate admission requirements and entering the University with fewer than 30 hours of college credit will be directly admitted to any College of Business major based primarily on their high school class rankings and successful completion of the Texas Success Initiative. Applicants who have completed 30 or more hours of transferable college credit will be directly admitted to any College of Business major based primarily on grade point averages and the successful completion of certain lower-division college coursework. Applicants for admission to the College of Business who do not meet the criteria for direct admission will be admitted to the College as prebusiness students.

Students must maintain good academic standing with the University and the College of Business to remain in the College. The UTSA Undergraduate Catalog has additional details regarding the College of Business admissions and academic standing policies.

College of Engineering

Students interested in an engineering major must meet College of Engineering admission requirements in addition to University-wide admission requirements.

Students may be admitted to the College of Engineering in two ways: directly into a major or as a pre-engineering student. A student is admitted directly into a major only if he or she meets UTSA admission requirements and has credit for, or is eligible to enroll in, MAT 1214 Calculus I. A student who meets the requirements for entering into a major within the College of Engineering, but is unsure of which major to pursue, may be admitted as an undeclared engineering student.

Students who do not meet the above criteria are reviewed and considered on an individual basis for admission as pre-engineering students. Students admitted as pre-engineering students should take the deficient mathematics courses along with required University Core Curriculum courses. If a student cannot be placed in MAT 1073 Algebra for Scientists and Engineers, or a higher level mathematics course, he or she will not be accepted as a pre-engineering student until he or she has the proper mathematics background.

Transfer students with less than 30 hours of transferable credit are evaluated the same as those students entering directly from high school.

Transfer students with 30 hours or more of transferable credit must meet the following requirements in order to be accepted into a major:

  1. fulfill the requirements for UTSA admission;
  2. be qualified to enroll in MAT 1214 Calculus I; and
  3. have a three-calculation grade point average of 2.0 or above, calculated on transferred credits—which include at least 15 hours of mathematics, science and engineering courses applicable to the degree they are seeking.

The specific criteria for admission to the College of Engineering are listed in the UTSA Undergraduate Catalog.

Honors College

The Honors College is a community of highly talented and motivated students who want the excitement and stimulation of a comprehensive, urban university and the individual attention available in an Honors College. The Honors College is open to students from all academic disciplines. Members of the Honors College pursue a rigorous academic program which satisfies all requirements of their academic departments and colleges and goes beyond those requirements to provide the basis for outstanding achievement and appropriate recognition for that achievement. The Honors College offers small classes with greater opportunities for student participation, increased student-faculty contact, greater individual attention, lively discussions of important issues, special interdisciplinary seminars, community service opportunities, encouragement of study abroad, learning of foreign languages, and supervised research and internship experiences. All these activities are designed to challenge talented students.

Although members of the Honors College may earn a Bachelor of Arts degree in Honors Studies, participation in the Honors College typically supplements, but does not replace, work in a major field. Credits earned in Honors College courses may be used to satisfy Core Curriculum requirements or specific degree requirements, when appropriate. Honors College advisors work with advisors in other colleges to assure that students meet all requirements of their major and Honors curriculum.

Transfer students and students currently enrolled at UTSA are eligible for admission if they have a grade point average of 3.25 (on a 4.0 scale) or above. High school students are generally expected to rank in the top 20 percent of their class and have a composite SAT score of 1700 or have a composite ACT score of 24 to qualify for admission. High school students who meet either the class rank or the test score criteria but not both are also invited to apply. Although students are admitted throughout the year, high school and transfer students must submit their applications by February 15 to be considered for Honors Scholarships.

Students who wish to apply for admission to the Honors College should contact the Office of the Dean of the Honors College. Applications are reviewed and Honors students are selected by members of the Advisory Committee on Honors Education. Selection is based on grades, standardized test scores, letters of recommendation, and writing samples.

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Teacher Certification Programs

Information is current at time of publication, but may change without notice due to changes made by the state in the certification programs.

Admission to Teacher Certification

UTSA is approved by the State Board for Educator Certification to recommend students for teaching certificates in various baccalaureate degree areas. Students seeking a standard teaching certificate or seeking certification endorsements should apply for admission to the certification program through the College of Education and Human Development (COEHD) Advising and Certification Center. Applicants may be either degree-seeking or special students.

Undergraduates seeking elementary, special education, or middle school teacher certification must complete the Interdisciplinary Studies degree as outlined in the UTSA Undergraduate Catalog or on the COEHD Web site under Certification Programs. Individuals seeking secondary certification should complete the bachelor’s degree requirements in their academic specialization while coordinating with the COEHD Advising and Certification Center to fulfill certification requirements. Individuals seeking teacher certification in physical education or school health should refer to the UTSA Undergraduate Catalog and the Department of Health and Kinesiology for certification requirements.  Students wishing to add additional teaching fields to their standard teaching certificate or graduate students seeking professional certification must also coordinate with the Center.

Specific information regarding admission requirements to the Teacher Certification undergraduate certification programs may be obtained in the COEHD Advising and Certification Center. Requirements for admission to the undergraduate Teacher Certification Program include:

  1. viewing the Teacher Certification Information tutorial online;
  2. taking and passing a quiz on the tutorial and completing an online application;
  3. attaining junior standing (60 semester credit hours) with at least 9 hours completed at UTSA;
  4. completing all core requirements (Music Students: see a certification advisor);
  5. having a cumulative grade point average of 2.5 (on a 4.0 scale) (these requirements may change due to changes in state teacher certifications);
  6. submitting authorization for a Texas Department of Public Safety criminal background report;
  7. attaining minimum passing scores on one of the following: THEA, ACCUPLACER, ASSET or COMPASS, or meeting exemption requirements for the THEA as outlined by the COEHD guidelines; and
  8. earning a grade of “C” or better in WRC 1023 and a “C” or better in WRC 1013 or one of the following courses: COM 1043, COM 1053, COM 2123, SPN 3003, or SPN 3033.

Coursework Policy

Students must apply and be accepted to the Teacher Certification Program to be eligible to register for restricted courses. Please refer to the catalog for a list of restricted courses. Courses in the Teacher Certification Program require field work in various educational settings. No student is exempt from this field work requirement. All field work must be completed to receive a passing grade for the course. Field placements are assigned by the Director of School Partnerships in the COEHD.

Criminal History Checks

UTSA students must submit to a criminal history background check every semester they interact directly with any minor(s) or legal adult(s) of diminished capacity as a requirement for course completion. UTSA is no longer allowed by state law to conduct criminal background checks. This is now the sole responsibility of the school districts. Students who are unable to meet the criminal background check standards for the school districts may not be able to complete a course or the Teacher Certification Program. If a student is rejected twice by districts in one semester because of criminal history, students will not be able to continue in the program until such time as the criminal background check is cleared. In accordance with Sec.53.021, Texas Occupation Code, the State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC) may suspend or revoke a teacher certificate or refuse to issue a teacher certificate for a person who has been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor for a crime that directly relates to the duties and responsibilities of the teaching profession.

Students are encouraged to initiate and maintain contact with an academic advisor in the COEHD Advising and Certification Center in order to stay informed of certification and graduation requirements.

Fitness to Teach Policy

The College of Education and Human Development (COEHD) has a responsibility to the educational community to ensure that individuals whom the University recommends to the State of Texas for teaching certification are worthy to join the teaching profession. All teacher candidates in the UTSA Teacher Certification Program are expected to demonstrate that they are prepared to teach children and youth. This preparation results from the combination of successful completion of University coursework and the demonstration of important human characteristics and dispositions all teachers should possess. The UTSA Fitness to Teach policy addresses these important aspects of teacher preparation. The Fitness to Teach policy can be accessed from the COEHD Web site.

LiveText Portfolio and Assessment System

The College of Education and Human Development is responsible for developing a conceptual framework and related outcomes that demonstrate a teacher candidate’s ability to meet the Texas state standards for teacher education preparation programs. The COEHD is also responsible for assessing and reporting to the state their teacher candidates’ progress in meeting those outcomes. LiveText is the chosen system for completing these requirements at UTSA. Each teacher education candidate, upon admission to the program, is required to purchase a one-time subscription to LiveText at the beginning of their program. Further information about LiveText can be accessed from the COEHD Web site under Certification Programs.

College of Education and Human Development Texas Higher Education Assessment (THEA) Exemption Guidelines for Students Seeking Admission to the Undergraduate Teacher Certification Program

Coursework Performance

Students may use performance in specific courses to become exempt from corresponding sections of the THEA. All courses used for exemption purposes must have been taken at UTSA and within five years from the date of admission to the Teacher Certification Program.

For undergraduate students seeking admission to the Teacher Certification Program, a grade of “B” or better in one of the following courses must have been achieved in order to be declared exempt:

THEA Reading – “B” or better in a sophomore level or higher Literature course taken at UTSA.
THEA Mathematics – “B” or better in College Algebra with Applications (MAT 1023) taken at UTSA.
THEA Writing – “B” or better in WRC 1013 and WRC 1023 taken at UTSA.

Testing Exemptions

ACT Composite – 23 English and Math part scores – 19. Taken within the last five years.
SAT Combined Score – 1070 and verbal scores of at least 500 and math scores of at least 500. Taken within the last five years.
TAAS Exit Level Scale Scores: Math = TLI X–86; Reading = TLI X–89; Writing = 1770. Taken within the last three years.
TAKS scaled score of at least 2200 on the mathematics section (for math exemption) and scaled score of at least 2200 on the English Language Arts section (for reading and writing exemption). Taken within the last three years.

Exemption for Hearing Impaired Students

Hearing impaired students who plan to enter a teacher certification program may substitute the Stanford Achievement Test for the THEA. Passing scores are as follows:

Reading Comprehension – 29
Mathematics – 66
Language – 37
Study Skills – 19


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Maintained by Academic Publications, Office of the Registrar — Last update: October 19, 2011