FIRST YEAR (FRESHMAN) FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT APPLYING TO TRINITY

Current Topics:

• Where do I get an application?
• How much does it cost to apply?
• How many applications do you get, and what percentage are admitted?
• Should I contact a Trinity admissions counselor? When? How?
• Should I submit all of my SAT and ACT scores, even if I'm planning to retest?
• Is there a minimum test score to gain admission?
• Do you require SAT II exams or the optional ACT Writing Test?
• How do I apply for scholarships and financial aid?
• Can I get college credit for Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) classes?
• Does Trinity offer any athletic scholarships?
• Is there required high school coursework?
• Does Trinity offer dual or concurrent credit?
• How much does Trinity cost?

Where do I get an application? — (BACK TO TOP)

Trinity uses the Common Application, which can be found at www.commonapp.org, and may be submitted online, or mailed to:

Trinity University
Office of Admissions
One Trinity Place
San Antonio , TX 78212-7200

How much does it cost to apply? — (BACK TO TOP)

If you submit your application on line, there is no charge. If you mail in a paper application, there is a $50 processing fee.

How many applications do you get, and what percentage are admitted? — (BACK TO TOP)

We received 4,209 applications from first year candidates for the fall 2009 term. 2,488, or 59% were admitted, and 642 of those students enrolled.

Should I contact a Trinity admissions counselor? When? How? — (BACK TO TOP)

Making contact with a member of the admissions staff demonstrates your interest in Trinity, and is always encouraged. Prospective students are invited to call or email an admissions counselor any time with questions they may have about the University or the application process. Additionally, you may request an appointment with a counselor if you visit campus, or meet with them if they travel to your area. Counselors are assigned by geographic region, and you can learn the name of your counselor and their contact information by clicking here.

Should I submit all of my SAT and ACT scores, even if I'm planning to retest? — (BACK TO TOP)

Yes. The admissions committee considers the highest subtest scores from all testing dates. For the SAT we combine the highest critical reading and math scores, for the ACT we re-average the score based on the highest English, math, reading, and science reasoning scores. Therefore, submitting additional scores can never hurt an application.

Is there a minimum test score to gain admission? — (BACK TO TOP)

Since our Admissions Committee evaluates each application individually, we do not require that Trinity candidates obtain a minimum score on standardized tests. All aspects of each student are reviewed by the committee, and we find it impossible to determine whether an applicant is admissible based solely on a test score. However, we provide prospective students with midrange "ballpark" figures to let them know how competitive their scores are, and where they fit in with current Trinity students. The middle 50% of the class of 2011 had SAT math scores ranging from 610 to 690 and critical reading scores from 600 to 690, and ACT scores from 27 to 31. Therefore, one quarter of our first year students had higher scores, and one quarter had lower ones.

Do you require SAT II exams or the optional ACT Writing Test? — (BACK TO TOP)

No. However, if a student would like to submit SAT II exams or the ACT Writing Test, we will evaluate those scores as another supporting document to the application. We do encourage home-schooled students to submit SAT II exams in areas other than math and English.

How do I apply for scholarships and financial aid? — (BACK TO TOP)

Last year 86% of Trinity's students received some form of financial aid, and over half of our first year students received merit scholarships from the University. All students are considered for merit scholarships based on their application for admission, and for most awards, no other paperwork is required. Scholarships are given to those with excellent academic performance and leadership skills, based on the same criteria that are considered for admissions purposes.

Additionally, Trinity awards up to ten $2,000 to $10,000 Baker Duncan Fine Arts Scholarships each year to incoming students who intend to major in art, major or minor in drama, or participate in one of the University's programs in music or intercollegiate debate. A Music Merit Scholarship is available as well, to both potential music majors and non-majors. Students interested in applying for these fine arts scholarships should contact the appropriate department (Art — (210)999-7682; Music — (210)999-8212; Speech (debate) & Drama — (210)999-8511)

Students who wish to apply for need-based financial aid must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Submit the FAFSA as soon after January 1 as possible, preferably by February 15, making sure to include Trinity's school code: 003647.

Can I get college credit for Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) classes? — (BACK TO TOP)

Students may acquire Trinity course credit by receiving minimum scores on the AP or IB exams. Typically a 4 or 5 on AP exams and a 5,6, or 7 on IB higher level exams qualifies students for credit. Exceptions apply for specific exams. You may contact the Office of Admissions for a brochure that details the exams that give credit for specific courses or go to the Registrar home page and review the AP or IB brochures available there.

Does Trinity offer any athletic scholarships? — (BACK TO TOP)

No. As an NCAA Division III school, Trinity offers no athletic scholarships. However, the University does have excellent teams in both men's and women's sports. Trinity has repeatedly won the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference's President's trophy for winning the most championships in the conference. Additionally, since 2000 our men's soccer team, women's basketball team, and both men's and women's tennis teams have won national championships. For more info on Trinity Athletics, click here.

Is there required high school coursework? — (BACK TO TOP)

Yes. All applicants are expected to have completed certain academic classes upon high school graduation with a C- or better. These include four years of English, three years of college preparatory mathematics (including either trigonometry or pre-calculus), three years of natural science (with at least two years of laboratory science), three years of social sciences, and two years of one foreign language. Students who have not completed this coursework in high school and are admitted to Trinity may attend summer courses at local institutions or must enroll in classes at Trinity to fulfill these requirements as soon as possible. A one-semester college course will absolve a full year of deficiency.

Does Trinity offer dual or concurrent credit? — (BACK TO TOP)

Yes. Trinity University will review college credit earned while still in high school through dual credit or concurrent enrollment if:

• The courses taken were NOT used to satisfy Trinity’s admissions requirements
• A grade of C− or better was earned
• Trinity offers a corresponding course that matches the course taken

How much does Trinity cost? — (BACK TO TOP)

The expenses for a full-time undergraduate living in the residence halls for the 2009-2010 academic year are:

Tuition	$28,272
Room & board	$9,145
Fees	$1,045
TOTAL	$38,462