Navigating UIW Admissions: Understanding GPA and Other Requirements

The University of the Incarnate Word (UIW) employs a holistic admission review process, considering various factors beyond just GPA and test scores. While UIW has a nearly open admissions policy, understanding the specific requirements for different programs and student types is crucial for prospective students. This article provides a detailed overview of UIW's GPA expectations, standardized test requirements, and other essential admission criteria.

General Admission Requirements for Freshmen

For first-time freshmen, UIW's acceptance rate is very high, around 98.1%, indicating a nearly open admissions policy. While this suggests a high likelihood of acceptance, applicants should still strive to meet the suggested academic standards.

GPA Expectations

A grade point average (GPA) of 2.5 is suggested for admission to the University. The primary factor for admission is the student's cumulative grade point average (GPA). A minimum 2.5 GPA (on a 4.0 scale) is required for unconditional admission. However, a 2.5 GPA does not guarantee admission into all UIW programs. Applicants denied admission to the University may appeal the decision by completing the appeal process. Accepted students must submit an official transcript with their date of graduation and final GPA prior to the start of the semester of enrollment.

Standardized Testing (SAT/ACT)

UIW has adopted a test-optional policy. Test score submission is optional. If you plan to submit test scores, an official report must be received from the testing center. You can request your score be sent to UIW by listing our code when you register for the exam. Our code for the SAT is 6303, and ACT is 4106. UIW encourages you to complete your application and submit all needed documents quickly to ensure the best course selection available.

SAT: While optional, the 25th percentile SAT score is 910, and the 75th percentile SAT score is 1140. UIW superscores the SAT, meaning they combine the highest section scores from multiple test dates.
ACT: The average ACT score is 20, with the 25th percentile at 18 and the 75th percentile at 24. It's likely UIW does not superscore the ACT.

Additional Application Components

Every school requires an application with the bare essentials - high school transcript and GPA, application form, and other core information.

High School Transcript: Must reflect grades for all classes completed by the time of application. If you are unable to get a copy of your transcript at this moment, your admission counselor can help.
G.E.D. scores: (if applicable).
Application Form: Fill out the online admissions application. The application deadline is the Sunday one week prior to term start date.

First-Time Freshmen: Prospective freshmen are encouraged to apply by Feb. 1, however, applications from qualified students are reviewed on a continuous or rolling basis throughout the year for the summer, fall and spring semesters.

Direct Admit Programs

UIW offers direct admit options for highly qualified first-time freshman students that lead to advanced degrees in athletic training, pharmacy, physical therapy, optometry or osteopathic medicine.

Transfer Student Admission

The primary factor for transfer admissions is the student's cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA). A minimum of a 2.5 GPA (on a 4.0 scale) is required for unconditional admission. However, a 2.5 GPA does not guarantee admission into all UIW programs. Applications are accepted throughout the year for all academic terms. To get an admissions decision, students need to submit transcripts from each institution attended (unofficial transcripts are acceptable). Students with fewer than 24 college credit hours are also required to submit a high school transcript or GED scores.

Transfer Credit

Transferology is a tool for students to see how their college-level courses transfer to the University of the Incarnate Word. It is free and easy to use. Make an account, then add college courses, exams and military learning experiences you have taken.

Graduate Admission Requirements

Admission to the bachelor and master’s degrees programs at the School of Mathematics, Science and Engineering varies by program.

General Graduate Admission

Students in good standing at a recognized graduate school who wish to enroll for a maximum of nine credit hours and who plan to continue at the school of original admission may be admitted as transient graduate students. Students must fill out a formal application for admission and submit either a statement of good standing from the dean of the graduate school where they are enrolled or an official transcript. Official transcripts from each college or university previously attended. Non-degree-seeking students may register for a cumulative total of no more than nine credit hours of graduate course work under the normal grading system. Non-degree seeking students are expected to conform to graduate standards of scholarship. In some cases, credit hours taken under a non-degree seeking status and under the normal grading system may be applied toward a degree if a student later gains admission into a graduate program.

Specific Graduate Programs

Master of Arts in Administration (MAA)

Conditional admission (2.5-2.99 GPA) to the MAA program will be granted to applicants who satisfy all general requirements for admission noted above but who have a GPA of 2.50 but less than 3.0. Those granted Conditional Admission and will be required to complete the first four courses with a “B” or better. Conditional admission (2.0-2.49 GPA) to the MAA program will be granted to applicants who satisfy all general requirements for admission noted above but who have a GPA of 2.00 but less than 2.5. Applicants with a GPA above 2.0 but less than 2.5 MUST take the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) General Test or the Graduate Management Aptitude Test (GMAT). Applicants must achieve a minimum verbal score of 150 and a minimum quantitative score of 144 or higher and an analytical writing score of at least 3.5 on the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) General Test OR a 450 or higher on the Graduate Management Aptitude Test (GMAT) before they can be admitted into the MAA program.

Master of Science in Organizational Development and Leadership (MSODL)

Conditional admission (2.5-2.99 GPA) to the MSODL program will be granted to applicants who satisfy all general requirements for admission noted above, but who have a GPA between 2.5 - 3.0. Those granted Conditional Admission will be required to complete the first four courses with a “B” or better.

Master of Science in Nutrition

The M.S. International students and applicants with an undergraduate cumulative GPA less than 3.2 must take the GRE. Students must satisfy the necessary prerequisites for the M.S. program in Nutrition. *Note that to take biochemistry, you must have successfully completed general and organic chemistry. If you have taken an Introductory Chemistry course, you can take CHEM 1320 Biological Chemistry for Health Professions in the Fall semester in the M.S. Prerequisite courses must be completed before applying. Students are admitted into the DPD on a rolling basis.

Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)

The GRE is required of all applicants. Applicants must send official scores to the program's PTCAS GRE code 0341. The Admissions Committee reviews applicants holistically. GRE scores of 150 or higher for both the quantitative and verbal components and 3.5 or higher for the writing component are strongly recommended. Students must have at least one reference from a licensed physical therapist. References should come from those able to attest to the applicant's problem-solving, critical thinking, and interpersonal skills. Verified observation hours are used in the application review process to ensure applicants have a base knowledge of the field of PT. Applicants must have at least 50 completed and verified observation hours in a minimum of two settings that focus on different physical therapy specialties (ex. orthopedic, pediatric, geriatric, sports, musculoskeletal, etc.). Applicant files will not be reviewed until at least 50 verified hours (in at least two PT settings) have been completed and verified by PTCAS. While admissions are holistic, recent successful candidates have had an average overall GPA of 3.50. All coursework, including repeated classes, is calculated into GPA. We use the PTCAS GPA calculations for admission review.

Read also: Decoding Yale Admissions

International Students

Proof of English Proficiency is required for international students before registering and enrolling for classes. Graduate students must have a TOEFL score of 83, an IELTS score of 6.5 or completion of ELS level 110 English for Academic Purposes is required prior to registering for university courses. English translation is required for original foreign transcripts. Order a foreign transcript evaluation from World Education Services (WES) through the PTCAS application. Select the WES course by course option with grades. Official transcripts from each college or university previously attended.

Visa Restrictions

Students with the following visa types are only eligible to apply to Broadway Campus as International Students. Students with the following visa types are only eligible to apply to Main Campus as International Students.

Additional Information

Application Submission

Create a UIW account to submit an application and maintain your file with UIW. As part of the admissions process, request official transcripts from all previous schools you have attended after you've submitted an application. No admission can be completed, and no formal degree plan prepared, until we receive current (dated within one year) official transcripts from all post-secondary schools you have attended.

Resources for Students

UIW ACCESS is a textbook program that provides undergraduate and graduate students with e-books or printed textbooks for their bachelor's, master's or doctoral degrees from UIW schools on the Broadway campus. UIW has been named to Phi Theta Kappa’s Transfer Honor Roll for its strong commitment to supporting transfer students. For three consecutive years, Military Times ranked UIW a top college in the nation for veterans. Nearly one in five UIW students has a connection to the armed forces. To help them achieve their educational goals, UIW offers a wide range of resources and support to military-affiliated students. Check out our Military and Veteran Center for more information.

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