Admission

Although applications for admission are considered on a rolling basis, candidates are encouraged to submit a complete application and resume/activity list by December 1 to maximize the potential for scholarship consideration.

Applications received after December 1st are still considered for admission, but may not be eligible for review in all scholarship selection processes.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Admission to Truman State University is based on a student’s high school curriculum, with a college preparatory course of study carrying greater weight; high school grade point average and rank; standardized test scores (ACT, SAT); special abilities, talents or achievements; and an original essay. Required application materials may vary based on the application process selected by the student.

Admission preference is given to individuals who complete 16 high school units, including four units of English and language arts, three units of mathematics (four units strongly recommended), three units of natural science, three units of social science/history, two units of foreign language (the same language), and one unit of fine arts. (A unit equals one year of high school work.)

The following is an academic profile of Truman’s fall 2021 freshman class:

Average grade point on 4.0 scale	3.81
Average enhanced ACT test raw score	26
ACT mid-range	26-30

The University reserves the right to deny admission to applicants who have criminal convictions showing moral turpitude. Under University policy, Truman State University does not knowingly enroll a student who is unlawfully present in the United States.

Students who have participated in dual enrollment programs and/or those who have earned prior college credit are required to have official transcripts sent from all colleges and universities through which credit has been attempted. Official transcripts for incoming freshmen and new transfer students must be sent to the Admission Office prior to matriculation at Truman.

TEST-OPTIONAL ADMISSION

Students who choose to apply test-optional are not required to submit a standardized test score to be reviewed for admission. Our admission review team will look closely at academic performance and preparation in core academic coursework (English, Math, Science, and Social Studies). Students will be required to submit an essay and list of activities.

EARLY-OUT ADMISSION

Students who desire to discontinue high school before graduation and attend the University must meet specific criteria. They must have a minimum of 16 high school units of credit, submit letters of recommendation from a high school counselor and principal or superintendent, and show an academic record which reflects readiness for college-level work. Admission is contingent upon approval by the Admission Committee.

GENERAL EDUCATION DEVELOPMENT (GED) OR HIGH SCHOOL EQUIVALENCY (HiSET) TEST

Persons who have passed the GED (or HiSET) test must submit a copy of the high school equivalency certificate and a transcript of their high school academic record up to the point of leaving school. They must also take the ACT, and their scores must meet the standard established for the admission of entering freshmen. Missouri residents who are at least 16 years of age who are out of high school are eligible to take the GED (or HiSET) test. Sixteen year olds from Missouri who have successfully completed 16 units toward high school graduation who have written permission from the superintendent or principal of their last school are also eligible to test. Non-resident students should seek information about the GED test through their own state department of education, since requirements vary slightly from state to state.

ADMISSION OF STUDENTS WITH DIAGNOSED LEARNING DISABILITIES

Students with diagnosed learning disabilities apply and are considered for admission to the University in the same manner as any other applicant and must meet the same admission standards. Applicants may submit scores from a non-standard (e.g., extended time) administration of the American College Test (ACT) to be used in evaluating credentials for admission.

Students who have earned previous college credit from other accredited institutions may apply for admission to Truman State University. To be considered for admission, transfer students must submit official transcripts of all previous colleges attended and an admission essay. Applicants who have earned fewer than 12 semester credits (36 quarter credits) of transferable post high school college credit at the time of their application for admission must also have their high school transcript, ACT or SAT scores sent for review.

Applicants receive individual consideration by the Admission Committee. Students must demonstrate a preparedness for study at Truman based on cumulative academic record, including grade point average in transferable college credit and strength of college curricula. Under University policy, Truman State University does not knowingly enroll a student who is unlawfully present in the United States.

Transfer students whose only college credits are those earned from a non-accredited institution are considered for admission based upon their high school academic records and their college entrance examination score(s).

A transfer applicant who is on academic suspension from any other college or university, or who has been academically suspended more than once from such a college or university, is not admitted to Truman.

A transfer student who has been academically suspended from his or her previous college is eligible for consideration when he or she would be eligible to return to the school from which he or she has been suspended.

The Admission Committee screens all applicants with respect to previous social conduct. In those cases where questionable conduct may be indicated, an inquiry is made with the Vice President of Student Affairs of the college from which the transfer student comes. The University reserves the right to deny admission to applicants who have criminal convictions showing moral turpitude.

Students transferring credits from other recognized colleges or universities receive advanced standing for transferable courses credit for credit. However, it should be recognized that credit accepted from another institution may or may not be applicable to specific degree programs. The University reserves the right to make the decision regarding applicability.

Credit attempted from another institution becomes part of the permanent record of the student and affects the GPA of the student for admission purposes.

Post-baccalaureate credit from other institutions is recorded on the student’s transcript only when such work is acceptable in an advanced degree program at Truman State University.

It is recommended that transfer students apply for admission a minimum of 60 days prior to the start of the semester to ensure adequate time for the admission and registration processes. Students transferring from other colleges and universities who wish to be considered for scholarships should have their applications and official transcripts on file by March 15 for the fall term and by November 1 for the spring term. Official transcripts must be sent directly from each college and university attended to the Admission Office at Truman State University. The transcripts must indicate that the student is in good standing. Failure to reveal attendance at any institution could make the student liable to dismissal.

Transfer students must meet the same residence requirements for a degree from Truman that apply to all students. (See Graduation .)

ADMISSION TO CREATIVE WRITING

Admission to the BFA Creative Writing program requires either 1) Grade of “B” or above in ENG 204 Creative Writing and submitting a letter of application to the Department Chair, or 2) Submitting both a creative writing portfolio and letter of application to the Department Chair. Materials should be submitted by September 25 for the Fall semester review or by February 25 for Spring semester.

ADMISSION TO MUSIC

Prior to declaring a major in music, each student must perform for a committee of the appropriate studio faculty in order to determine that the student has reached a sufficiently advanced level of applied proficiency. While a personal audition is highly recommended, in cases where such is not possible, a recording of the student’s performance is accepted. All transfer students are also subject to placement examinations in theory and music literature.

ADMISSION TO NURSING

Admission to the nursing major is competitive and dependent on the number of spaces available. Decisions are based upon individual evaluation of the student’s application by the Nursing Admissions Committee.

Applicants to the nursing program must be accepted by Nursing in addition to being accepted to the University. A special “Application to Nursing” and a summary of career goals must be completed and sent directly to Nursing.

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program accepts applications from entering college students, transfer students, and Truman students desiring to declare or change a major. The initial deadline for the BSN application is January 15 of each year.

Transfer or change of major students must meet current nursing academic requirements as part of the admission process (minimum 2.75 cumulative GPA). Qualified students may petition for advancement on a space-available basis. See the most recent Nursing Student Handbook (http://nursing.truman.edu) for current policies and the suggested program.

The Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program accepts applications from students who have completed a previous bachelor’s degree or will complete a bachelor’s degree prior to beginning the ABSN. The initial deadline for the ABSN application is July 1 of each year.

Truman State University defines an ‘international student’ as: 

• Any admitted student who will need an F-1 or J-1 student visa to enter the US to attend Truman.
• Any admitted student already present in the US in F-1 status and transferring to Truman.
• Any student who needs to pursue a change of status to F-1 visa status to attend Truman.
• Any student who has completed more than two years of the secondary education outside the US, regardless of their immigration status. This group could include F-1 and J-1 student visas, dependent visas (L-2, R-2, H-4, etc.), and even US citizens and Lawful Permanent Residents.

Requirements for admission are:

• The online International Application.
• A minimum TOEFL score of 79, an IELTS score of 6.0, or another measure of English ability that International Admissions have approved.
• An official transcript and examination results, in English, for all lower and upper-level secondary coursework, pre-college preparation coursework, and college or university-level coursework.
• The Certificate of Financial Support with supporting bank documents.

International Applications are processed by the International Admissions Office, located in the Center for International Students, in Baldwin Hall 104.

To maintain registration, international students must comply with the following:

• Enroll in INDV 116 - Strategies for International Student Success  and ENG 152 - Academic Writing: Non-Native Speakers  if required.
• Pay their tuition and fees IN FULL the first week of each semester or sign up for the Flexible Payment Plan and make all payments in a timely manner.
• Pay for the university-selected health insurance on your student account with your other charges.
• Make any deposits or prepayments required by the university and the Center for International Students.
• Understand that all international students are responsible for maintaining their legal student status.
• Undergo any required screening, testing, and immunizations, including the required TB test and immunizations for Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR), meningitis, and COVID-19 immediately upon arrival on campus.
• Attend the International Orientation and Truman Week.
• For the first semester, you are required to participate in weekly check-ins with your Cultural Integration Leader (CIL), a Center for International Students employee.
• For the first semester, you are required to attend weekly sessions with your Academic Success Mentor (ASM), a student employee of the Center for International Students.
• Comply with all requirements, rules, and policies of Truman State University and your visa status.