Selection Criteria

As a highly selective institution, Trinity strives to develop a complete picture of all applicants and what they may bring to campus. When the Trinity University Admissions Committee evaluates candidates, they assess 5 main areas:

Academic Record

A student’s grade point average, the rigor of their courses, and the diversity of their curriculum are all important considerations for admission. Particular notice is given to those who take honors, Advanced Placement, or International Baccalaureate courses, if their school offers them. 

The Office of Admissions recalculates each applicant's GPA using a standardized un-weighted scale to compensate for discrepancies in grading scales among different high schools. 

To be considered competitive for admissions, first-year applicants should fulfill the following minimum course expectations:
- 4 years of English
- 3 years of college preparatory mathematics (including algebra II and either trigonometry, precalculus, or statistics)
- 3 years of science (at least 2 years of laboratory science)
- 3 years of social science
- 2 years of the same foreign language

Standardized Test Scores

Trinity requires proof of English proficiency for all international students whose first language is not English. The University accepts the TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo exams.

If a student submits test results from either the SAT or ACT exams, they will be taken into consideration as part of the application for admission. While we do not require applicants to have a specific minimum score, most Tigers perform well on standardized tests. Trinity will super score standardized test scores by taking the best subtest score and creating a new composite score regardless of test date.

Admitted Class of 2028:
- HS GPA Average unweighted (academic solids): 3.80
- ACT Middle 50%: 31-34
- SAT Middle 50%: 1360-1500

Trinity University does admit students who score below these ranges if they are stellar in other areas of consideration.

Personal Essay

Applicants should address their chosen essay topic as completely as possible, taking time to carefully craft a thoughtful response. All writing should be spell-checked, and it is highly recommended that it also be proofread by at least one other person. 

When using the Common Application or the Coalition Application, the same essay may be submitted to multiple institutions.

Extracurricular Activities

Trinity is a place where students can take advantage of vast opportunities, and we're seeking candidates who will add to our active campus community. The Admissions Committee considers information about extracurricular involvement, paying special attention to activities in which an applicant has been active for a number of years or has gained leadership experience.

Applicants are encouraged to share any information about activities that are related to school, community, family, or church; part- or full-time jobs; and accomplishments and awards.

Recommendations

Recommendations from guidance counselors and teachers help the Committee learn more about each student's personality and character. They also provide a place to address special explanations about the applicant's academic performance, as well as provide a more complete picture of each candidate as a person and scholar. Counselors and teachers can also provide context when reviewing a student’s academic record with respect to the school they attend.

Application Requirements

Trinity University accepts the Common Application or the Coalition Application for international student applications. 

Application Process for International Students

1. Submit an application for admission.

Trinity accepts the Common Application or the Coalition Application. There is no fee for applications submitted online.

2. Submit transcripts or school records.

All records must be submitted in English. If your school records are not in English, please submit certified English translations with your official transcripts and records.

- All records must be submitted by your school counselor or school official to be considered official. Student-submitted records will not be accepted.

- Records may be uploaded to the Common Application or Coalition websites, or submitted officially via mail by your school counselor or school official.

3. Submit TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test scores.

Trinity requires proof of English proficiency for all international students whose first language is not English. We accept the TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo exams.
- Recommended TOEFL - 100 ibT
- Recommended IELTS - 7.0
- Recommended Duolingo - 130

OR

If you meet the criteria below and applied as a test-optional applicant, please request an English Language Proficiency Waiver using the form in your application portal. (This form is only available to test-optional applicants. Trinity cannot waive testing for students who request that testing be reviewed as part of their application materials.)
- You attend an English-medium secondary school for the 4 most recent consecutive years of secondary study.
- English is your first language and you are a citizen of Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, or the United Kingdom.
- If a student submits test results from either the SAT or ACT exams, they will be taken into consideration as part of the application for admission. We recommend that international students contact their admissions counselor with questions regarding Trinity’s testing policies and requirements prior to submitting official scores. Neither the SAT nor ACT is required for scholarship consideration.

4. Submit letters of recommendation.

Submit the Secondary School Report. Ask an adviser, counselor, or headmaster from the last educational institution you attended to complete the Secondary School Report and submit a letter of recommendation.

Submit a teacher evaluation. Ask one of your instructors from a core academic discipline to complete the Teacher Evaluation Form and submit a letter of recommendation.

5. Submit an application for need-based aid.

Trinity accepts the CSS PROFILE for International Students or the International Student Financial Aid Application.
- If you indicate an intent to file for need-based aid, your application will not be reviewed until one of these completed forms is received.
- If you do not require need-based aid, please complete the Statement of Financial Responsibility form in your Application Portal. You will still be considered for merit scholarships based on a holistic review of your application materials.
- Trinity does not provide fee-waivers for the CSS Profile.

For more information regarding merit- and need-based financial aid for international citizens, please review the International Financial Aid page.

Note: Need-based financial aid is not available for foreign transfer students, so Trinity does not accept transfer applications from foreign students who require financial aid.

Class of 2029 Admissions Profile

As of June 1, 2025

Applicants

Middle 50% of Admitted Students

Enrolled Students

Trinity University Student Profile

Student Body

• 2,581 Undergraduate Students

• 169 Graduate Students

• 9:1 Student/Faculty Ratio

• $1.8B Endowment

Global Network

Enrolling at Trinity

You’ve applied—and you’ve been accepted! Congratulations!

Complete the following if you choose to attend Trinity University. You should only submit a deposit to the single college or university in which you plan to enroll.

Contact Your Admissions Counselor

We are excited to answer your questions about the application process for international applicants.

Schedule an Interview