Freshman
We're writing our legacy one student at a time.
And you need to be part of it. At the University of Houston, you'll find degree programs that will pave the way to the future you envision—whether you want to build the physical foundations of the future as an engineer or architect, shape young minds as an educator, or study how far humanity has already come as an anthropologist. These are just a few of the areas of study available, taught by world-renowned faculty members.
Not sure if you should apply as a freshman? Read up on our freshman requirements.
110+ Undergraduate Majors
We have over 110 majors to choose from. But it’s about more than just choosing a major. It’s about finding a calling and using your passion to create change and carve out your place in the world.
Important Dates and Deadlines
Summer 2023
Application Due: May 1, 2023
Supporting Information* Due:
May 8, 2023
Fall 2023
Application Due: June 1, 2023
Supporting Information* Due:
June 9, 2023
Codes
Use these codes to submit your FASFA and send your test scores to us directly from the testing agency:
FAFSA: 003652
SAT: 6870
ACT: 4236
*Supporting information includes application fee, self-reporting transcript information, test scores (if applicable). If applying without test scores, supporting information also includes your essay and resume. You can request to change to admissions without a test score by submitting this form.
We've Gone Test Optional
What exactly does test optional mean, you ask? Well, basically, freshman applicants now have the option to apply with or without test scores (like the ACT or SAT). Applicants are not disadvantaged by applying without a test score; they simply must meet a different set of requirements. Compare admission requirements with a test score and without a test score below:
| Class Rank | SAT or | ACT | Admission Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Top 10% | No Minimum | No Minimum | Assured Admission |
| 11 - 25% | 1080 | 21 | Assured Admission |
| 26 - 50% | 1170 | 24 | Assured Admission |
| 51% and Lower, No Rank | — | — | Individual Review* |
| Class Rank | Calculated Unweighted GPA** | Admission Type |
|---|---|---|
| Top 10% | No Minimum | Assured Admission |
| 11 - 25% | 3.40 or higher | Assured Admission |
| lower than 3.40 | Individual Review* | |
| 26 - 50% | 3.45 or higher | Assured Admission |
| lower than 3.45 | Individual Review* | |
| 51% and Lower, No Rank | — | Individual Review* |
If you don't meet the assured admissions requirements, we may consider additional factors in the admissions process. If we require additional documentation, we'll request those materials from you.
**This unweighted GPA will be calculated by the University of Houston (out of a 4.0 scale) using English, math, science, and social studies grades on your transcript. Extracurricular classes will not be included.
Texas Education Code (TEC) 51.803-51.809 requires all students meet college readiness standards to be eligible for admission at a Texas Four-Year Public Institution. Read about the Texas Uniform Admission Policy.
To learn more about test optional admissions, visit our test optional webpage. You may also schedule a virtual appointment with an admissions representative for more guidance.
Majors with Additional Requirements
Some majors have additional requirements on top of the ones listed above (like supplementary applications, different GPA needs, essential high school coursework, etc.). For more information, visit uh.edu/freshman-majors-ar .
Gerald D. Hines College of Architecture and Design
The College of Architecture and Design admits students for the fall semester only. Applicants are required to meet general University requirements in order to be considered by the College. All applicants should submit an application and portfolio by the priority application deadline of February 1. Portfolio submission is strongly encouraged.
Kathrine G. McGovern College of the Arts
All College of the Arts applicants must submit a separate College of the Arts application. In addition, music, theatre, and dance applicants must also participate in an audition. Art, graphic design, painting, photography/digital media, and sculpture applicants must submit a portfolio. Art history applicants must submit an essay.
C.T. Bauer College of Business
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
| Class Rank | With a Test Score SAT | ACT |
Without a Test Score |
Admission Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Top 20% | 1270 | 27 | 3.80 | Assured Admission |
| 21-50% or No Rank | 1310 | 28 | 3.90 | Assured Admission |
| 51% and Lower | 1310 | 28 | 3.90 | Individual Review |
International Applicants: All applicants with international transcripts (coursework from a non-U. S. accredited high school) will go through individual review.
Cullen College of Engineering
Applicants must meet the following requirements for assured admission:
| Class Rank | With a Test Score SAT | ACT |
Without a Test Score |
|---|---|---|
| Top 25% | 1270 (630 ERW) | 27 (54 ENG + READ) | 3.80 |
| 26-50% | 1320 (630 ERW) | 28 (54 ENG + READ) | 3.80 |
| 51-75% | 1400 (630 ERW) | 31 (54 ENG + READ) | 3.90 |
| All Others | 1420 (630 ERW) | 32 (54 ENG + READ) | 3.90 |
College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics
Applicants must meet the following requirements for assured admission:
| Class Rank | With a Test Score SAT | ACT |
Without a Test Score |
|---|---|---|
| Top 25% | 1170 | 24 | 3.70 |
| 26-50% or No Rank | 1220 | 25 | 3.80 |
| 51% and Lower | Individual Review | Individual Review |
In addition, applicants to the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics must complete the following high school coursework:
Biology, Chemistry, or Physics: 2 units
English: 4 units
Algebra: 2 units
Geometry: 1 unit
Pre-Calculus: 1 unit
Visit the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics website
College of Nursing
Applicants must meet the following requirements for assured admission:
| Class Rank | With a Test Score SAT | ACT |
Without a Test Score |
|---|---|---|
| Top 25% | 1220 (630 ERW) | 25 (54 ENG + READ) | 3.70 |
| 26-50% | 1270 (630 ERW) | 26 (54 ENG + READ) | 3.80 |
| 51% and Lower/No Rank | 1300 (630 ERW) | 27 (54 ENG + READ) | 3.90 |
In addition, applicants to the College of Nursing must complete the following high school coursework:
Biology, Chemistry, and 2 other advanced science courses: 4 units
English: 4 units
Algebra: 2 units
Geometry: 1 unit
Pre-Calculus or other advanced math: 1 unit
College of Technology
Applicants to the College of Technology must complete the following high school coursework:
Biology, Chemistry, or Physics: 2 units
Algebra: 2 units
Geometry: 1 unit
Pre-Calculus: 1 unit
English: 4 units
Application Process
Use ApplyTexas or the Common App to apply. Submit just one application. This is where you’ll indicate whether you want to be reviewed with a test score or without a test score. Be sure to complete the short admissions essay and tell us about your extracurricular activities.
Pay the $75 application fee (It’s $90 for international students). You may qualify for an application fee waiver, which you can submit in your my.uh.edu self-service portal.
After you submit your ApplyTexas or CommonApp application, you’ll receive an email from us within a few business days that includes your myUH ID, which you'll use to access your my.uh.edu self-service portal— this is where you’ll self-report transcript information. You’ll see an option for it on your applicant to-do list. View our self-reporting guide or watch our video tutorial for step-by-step instructions.
Admissions With Test Scores
Have your ACT or SAT score(s) sent directly from the testing agency to us.
Admissions Without Test Scores
If you applied for “admissions without a test score,” then skip this step.
Check your application status in your my.uh.edu self-service portal.
Applicants who are admitted will receive an admit packet in the mail. Celebrate on social with #OfficialCoog! Then, register for Freshman Orientation in your my.uh.edu self-service portal.
Admissions Essay
You will be asked to submit a short admissions essay with your Common App or ApplyTexas application. Remember, you need to respond to only one of the essay prompts listed:
ApplyTexas Essay Prompts
Tell us your story. What unique opportunities or challenges have you experienced throughout your high school career that have shaped who you are today?
Common App Essay Prompts
Topic 1
Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.
Topic 2
The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success. Recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience?
Topic 3
Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome?
Topic 4
Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.
Your myUH ID
Once you submit your ApplyTexas or CommonApp application, you’ll receive an email from us within a few business days that includes your myUH ID. You'll need this ID to access your myUH self-service portal.
Make sure to check and update your myUH account frequently. Within myUH you will find important information like a personalized To Do list, offered financial aid awards, and term balances. You'll also self-report your transcript there.
Applicant resources
Admissions Appeals
Freshman applicants to the University of Houston who do not meet regular admission requirements may request further consideration by submitting a Freshman Admissions Appeal Form.
Transfer Credit Estimator
Meet our Transfer Credit Estimator, a new tool designed to help you estimate how many course credits may transfer to your chosen degree program at the University of Houston.
Change Your Application Term
Use our application term change request form. Please note the request is only available to applicants (not for students with decisions). Applicants are not required to submit a new application and must submit a request before the new application term deadlines.
Test Optional Admissions
Still confused about applying without a test score? Go to our test optional admissions website to learn more.
Cost & Aid
Cougar Promise
We’ll cover tuition and fees for those with an adjusted gross family income at or below $65,000. Tuition support is provided for those with an adjusted gross family income between $65,001 and $125,000. You must be a Texas resident and submit the FAFSA by the priority deadline of 1/15/23.
Out-of-State Tuition Waiver
Out-of-state and international students who receive $1,000 or more from various competitive University scholarships may qualify for an out-of-state tuition waiver. This means waiver recipients will pay in-state tuition rates.
Student Life
Questions?
Admissions representatives are experts when it comes to applying to the University of Houston. If you'd like to talk to an admissions representative for admissions support, you can schedule a virtual admissions advising appointment, or contact us by phone at (713)-743-1010, option 4 or by email at admissions@uh.edu. Please note that admissions representatives do not provide support with course selection or registration.
Email
admissions@uh.edu
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