A very long time ago, about 2013, I was an ACC student preparing to complete my Associate of Arts in Creative Writing and transfer to the University of Texas to pursue a BA in English. Even though I had a GPA that I was proud of and a hearty resume of honors, internships, campus leadership and community involvement, the most nerve-wracking part of the transfer process for me came in the form of a single question: “Do I have what they’re looking for?” Maybe I should have paid even more attention to grades and less to community service. Or maybe I didn’t do enough of either. Or too much of both. Or maybe…[enter the anxiety-brain spiral. Good luck finding your way out.]
Happily, I was accepted (Hook ‘Em!). But perhaps if I’d done my research, and known the precise criteria my university of choice uses to make transfer admissions decisions instead of going off generic advice – make the best grades that you can, do as much community service as possible, etc. – I could have saved a lot of time, energy, and headache as I stressed over whether or not I was above standard (pardon the perfectionism. It’s the Scorpio in me).
Last week, I attended the ACC Transfer Fair at Highland Campus and spoke with real-live transfer admissions counselors from some of the more popular colleges and universities in the state of Texas. As it turns out, not all four-year schools base their admissions decisions on the same criteria, despite what you may have been told. Take a look at what they had to say – you may be surprised!
Rachel Garcia of Baylor University – Waco: Our admissions decisions are based entirely on a prospective student’s GPA: the minimum we consider is 2.75, and certain majors have even higher requirements. You don’t need to have specific classes in order to transfer. For example: say you’re interested in transferring to pursue an engineering degree. You won’t be required to have your calculus credit in order to apply!
Asia Haney of Houston-Tillotson University – Austin: Our primary requirement is that all of our undergraduate students, whether first-time freshman or transfers, meet the minimum TSI requirements for math and English readiness – we want you to spend your time in college preparing for the future and enjoying student life, not taking remedial courses! All transfer students need to have at least a 2.5 GPA within the last 24 credits received, although there is no minimum amount of credits needed to transfer. All of our institutional scholarships also require a minimum 2.5 for consideration (and we have lots of money we want to give you!) Aside from the academic requirements, we are a very family oriented, close-knit university, with a student-teacher ratio of 15:1. What we’re really looking for are leaders, trendsetters, and game changers – students who care about and are involved in the community, especially the East Austin neighborhood. We want you to add to our campus culture, take advantage of the opportunities we offer, and leave a legacy.
Katie Lowe of Sam Houston State University – Huntsville: Our GPA requirements vary depending on the number of hours completed: freshman and students with 0-17 hours require a 2.5, and those with 18 or more will need a 2.0. Keep in mind that certain degree plans have major-specific requirements – my advice is to always check the course catalog when preparing your application materials. Although there is no minimum amount of credits required for transfer, SHSU is only able to accept a maximum of 66 hours – so make sure they count towards your degree (and be sure to watch for scholarship deadlines!)
Scott Sandoval of Southwestern University – Georgetown: We want to make sure any student coming in will be successful and able to handle the course work, so we’re looking for good, strong overall performance. Our target GPA is 3.0, and most ACC students transfer in with at least a 3.2. All students must meet TSI requirements for college level writing. We practice something called Writing Across the Curriculum, so no matter your major, you’re writing across multiple disciplines (English, science, mathematics, history, etc.). Therefore, strong writing skills are an absolute necessity. We are also interested in people who demonstrate leadership and community involvement, but this is secondary.
Jeremy Sanford of the University of Houston – Houston: We offer assured admission to all students with 15 credit hours and a 2.5 GPA. Business & Engineering have higher requirements. I always advise hopeful students to utilize our website for our transfer guides to make sure they on the right track for the degree plan they wish to pursue, and that their courses will transfer. Also, please put this in quotes: “UH is better than the rest.”
Vince Henderson of Concordia University – Austin: We look for people who are attentive, responsive, and looking to get the best out of their education. Ours is not a holistic review process – we primarily base decisions on a student’s GPA, which must be above a 2.0. There are also major-specific requirements, particularly for our Nursing and Business programs: pay attention to which courses you’re taking, and be sure to work closely with your academic advisor. We offer a credit evaluation to make sure all your hours will transfer. It is also possible to request a review process if your application falls short of our minimum requirements. We’re happy to help you as much as possible to get your application filled and submitted. And here’s a little-known fact about us: our campus lies on a nature preserve!
For more information and assistance with your transfer process, visit your campus Academic Advising office.