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How to Apply as a Freshman

Ready to submit that application to University of Houston-Clear Lake? We might be even more excited than you are about this next stage of your life. In order to ensure that you understand the steps for applying to UHCL, we've created this handy outline that clearly describes the admissions requirements and application process.

Coming to UHCL as a Freshman with transfer credit. See how your credit will transfer before applying to the university. Our Transfer Credit Estimator lets you see how your credits may apply toward your desired major. 

Start Your Estimate Now

1) Submit Your Application

Visit Apply Texas to complete your online application to UHCL.

2) Pay the Application Fee

We require that you pay a non-refundable application fee of $45. You can pay online through Apply Texas or through E-Services using your institution issued student ID.

3) Send Your Transcripts

Official Transcripts are required to complete your admissions application. Transcripts are considered official if received directly from the school or provided in sealed envelopes. Here's how to send your transcripts to UHCL:

1. Send Electronically: Ask your school administrator to send your transcript data electronically through an EDI (Electronic Data Interchange) system, e.g. TRex (for Texas institutions). Preferred method for faster service.

2. Send using an eDoc Service: Can't send it electronically? That's okay! Ask your school administrator to send us a PDF version of your official transcript through Naviance, Speede, or any other secure eDoc service. If a service asks for a university email address please use: admissions@uhcl.edu. Preferred method.

3. Send by mail: If neither of these options are available, ask your school to mail your transcript to the address below. Please understand there may be some processing delays for mailed transcripts as the university only permits a small number of employees on campus and postal services may be delayed.

Office of Admissions
University of Houston-Clear Lake
2700 Bay Area Blvd. Box 13
Houston, Texas 77058

4. Hand Deliver: You can also hand-deliver your transcript to the UHCL Office of Admissions in a sealed envelope to the above address. Please check university hours and status prior to coming to campus. 

4) Send Your Scores

  • Your official SAT or ACT scores should be sent to the Office of Admissions directly from the testing agency. UHCL's SAT code is 6916. UHCL's ACT code is 4171.
  • We also require your 11th grade TAKS or STARR test scores. Please request that your school send these test scores to UHCL along with your high school transcript.
  • Any college coursework you have already completed should be sent along with your Application for Admission in order to assist in determining college readiness standards and enrollment course selection.

After you have submitted all the necessary material, we will begin processing your application. You can check on the status of your application process through E-Services.


UHCL Freshman Admissions Requirements

UHCL has approved a test-optional policy to waive the ACT/SAT requirements. This means freshmen are not required to submit an ACT/SAT score to receive an admission decision, but are encouraged to submit scores if they have them. Applicants will not be penalized for not submitting ACT/SAT scores.

First-time college students applying to attend UHCL must have attended a recognized public or private high school, meet the Texas Uniform Admission Policy and fulfill the standardized requirements below.

Regular Admission Criteria

Admission Criteria Admission Type
Top 50% Assured Admission
3.0 or Higher Assured Admission
2.5 or Higher with minimum 20 ACT Assured Admission
2.5 of Higher with minimum 1000 SAT Assured Admission
If Assured Admission Not Met Individual Review

Admission criteria is review by Class Rank and Calculated Unweighted GPA on a 4.0 scale.

Submitting a SAT or ACT for admission is optional. If you take or submit the SAT or ACT multiple times, the best score from a single testing date will be used to process your file.

If you received a GED, were home-schooled, attended a non-accredited high school or do not meet UHCL's automatic or assured admissions criteria, you will be considered for admission through our Individual Review Process.

If you are a Texas resident attending an out-of-state school, you may also qualify under this option. You must submit a residency petition to determine your residency status.

After you have submitted all the necessary material, we will begin processing your application. You can check on the status of your application process through E-Services.

  • Freshman Deadlines
  • Fall

    Priority - July 15 
    Final - August 1 

  • Spring

    Priority - November 1
    Final - December 1 

  • Summer

    Priority - March 1
    Final (Summer Session I & II) - May 1 

Admission Types and Processes

  • Assured Admission – Applicants who meet the State of Texas Uniform Admission Policy and meet UHCL requirements are assured admission.
  • Individual Review – A holistic approach by the senior admissions office staff that reviews the applicant’s academic credentials (high school curriculum, course type, grades in cores courses), experiences, attributes, as well as the value an applicant would contribute to progressing through the academic curriculum.
  • Conditional Admission - is offered to applicants that don’t meet regular admission criteria. Applicants are considered for conditional admission through the individual review process. In order to be admitted to UHCL for the fall semester, Conditional Admits will need to attend the Summer Engagement Academy Program and successfully complete 6 credit hours with a C or above.
  • Secondary Admission - the following programs have secondary admission requirements; Mechanical Engineering, BS and RN-BSN Nursing, BSN.

High School Courses

If you attended a Texas public high school, you must complete the Texas Recommended or Distinguished High School Plan.

  • Required High School Coursework
  • English Language Arts
    4 Credits
  • Mathematics
    4 Credits
  • Science
    4 Credits
  • Social Studies
    4 Credits
  • Foreign Language
    2 Credits
  • Physical Education
    1 Credits
  • Speech
    0.5 Credits
  • Fine Arts
    1 Credit
  • Elective Courses
    5.5 Credits
  • Total
    26 Credits or more

Equivalency Policy for Private and Out-Of-State High Schools

Students who attended Texas private schools, home school or out-of-state schools must successfully complete a curriculum that is equivalent* in content and rigor to the recommended or distinguished high school program. Equivalencies must be documented by the students' high school using one of the Texas Private High School Certification forms below.

*UHCL’s admission requirements are in compliance with Texas Education Code section 51.803 and are subject to change. The State Board of Education adopted changes to the high school graduation requirements in January 2012. The new requirements are effective beginning with students who enter grade 9 in the 2012-2013 school year. View the new graduation requirements

Appeals

If you are denied admission following an individual review, you may request an appeal. You may be required to submit the following information:

  • Admissions Appeal Form, available on the Office of Admissions' website in the forms section.
  • A Personal Statement indicating reasons for your past academic performance and plans for future success.
  • Two letters of recommendation which address your academic ability and readiness for college level work.
  • Updated official high school transcript or test scores (as applicable).

Contact

  • Office of Admissions

    Phone: 281-283-2500
    Fax: 281-283-2522
    Email: admissions@uhcl.edu

    SSCB 1.101
    2700 Bay Area Blvd, Box 13
    Houston, TX 77058-1002

    Office Hours:
    Mon-Fri, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.