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 the following: a student’s high school curriculum, with a college preparatory course of study carrying greater weight; high school grade point average; 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.

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.

Candidates for admission consideration should 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 a single foreign language, and one unit of fine arts. (A unit equals one year of high school work.)

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 cannot present documentation of lawful presence 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.

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. 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-old students from Missouri who have successfully completed 16 units toward high school graduation and 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 12 college credit hours post-high school from other accredited institutions may apply for admission to Truman State University. To be considered for admission, transfer students must submit official transcripts from all previous colleges attended. 

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. 

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, will be required to submit additional materials for review and consideration for the Bounce Back Transfer program.

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. 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 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 assessments in music theory and history.

ADMISSION TO NURSING

A separate application to Nursing is required. 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 must be accepted to Truman State University before their Nursing application will be reviewed. The Nursing application includes the following criteria: ACT of 20 or higher, minimum 2.75 cumulative GPA, and a written essay related to the applicant’s motivation, career goals, personal experience or reflection, and program fit.

The initial deadline for the BSN application is January 15 of each year for Fall semester admission only.

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program also accepts applications from entering college students, transfer students, and Truman students desiring to declare or change a major.

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.

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.

Requirements for admission are:

• The online International Application.
• A minimum TOEFL score of 81, an IELTS score of 6.5, or another measure of English ability that International Admissions have approved. Please see the English Proficiency requirements at http://international.truman.edu/new-student/requirements/english-proficiency.
• 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 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 their student account with their 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, participation in weekly check-ins with the Cultural Integration Leader (CIL), a Center for International Students employee.
• For the first semester, attendance of weekly sessions with the 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.