Navigating Admissions at the University of North Texas: A Comprehensive Guide
The University of North Texas (UNT) offers a variety of pathways for prospective students. Understanding the admission requirements is a crucial first step for anyone considering applying. This article provides a detailed overview of UNT's undergraduate admission process, covering everything from assured admission criteria to the holistic review process and specific requirements for different applicant types.
Application Essentials
Regardless of the specific admission path, all applicants to UNT Dallas must submit an ApplyTexas Application for Admission via www.applytexas.org. UNT Dallas does NOT charge an application fee. However, an enrollment fee of $100 will be charged to your student account upon your enrollment. This one-time fee, only applicable in your first semester, covers the cost of new student admission, online application services, document processing, credit evaluation, and other services associated with the processing and support of new students up to enrollment at UNT Dallas. You may pay this fee with your financial aid resources and do not have to pay in advance in order to apply.
The priority application date to be eligible for scholarships is March 1.
Assured Admission for First-Time in College (FTIC) Students
UNT, in compliance with state law, offers assured admission to certain FTIC students. Applicants shall be guaranteed admission if they meet the State of Texas Uniform Admissions Policy (UAP) and rank in the top 30 percent.
Automatic Admissions for First Time in College: In compliance with state law, applicants who graduated in the top 10 percent of their high school class and who completed a high school graduation program or equivalent program recognized under the Uniform Admissions Policy (UAP) as outlined under the Texas Education Code TEC 51.803-51.809 shall be admitted automatically to the university.
Read also: Applying to UMass Amherst
To qualify for regular admission a student must graduate in the top 30 percent of their high school class and successfully complete one of the requirements below:
- Successfully complete the curriculum requirements for the Recommended or Distinguished (Summer 2017 and prior); or Distinguished Level of Achievement (HB5) or Foundations with Endorsements (HB5) (Fall 2017 and later); or
- Successfully complete a curriculum from a high school in Texas other than a public high school that is equivalent in content and rigor (as documented by the high school) to the Distinguished Level of Achievement under the foundations high school program (HB5); or
- Satisfies ACT’s College Readiness Benchmarks (18 English, 22 Reading, 22 Mathematics, and 23 Science); or earn a 1070 with a minimum of 500 on the critical reading test and a minimum of 500 on the mathematics test (for SAT tests prior to March 2016); or a minimum score of 480 on the Evidenced-Based Reading and Writing (EBRW) test and a minimum score of 530 on the mathematics test (no combined score) (for SAT tests after March 2016 to the present).
Collegiate Grade Point Average and College Entrance Exam Score: Students who graduate from an accredited high school and fulfill the curriculum requirements for the Recommended or Distinguished (Summer 2017 and prior); or the Distinguished Level of Achievement (HB5) or Foundations with Endorsements (HB5) (Fall 2017 and later) high school program; or a curriculum equivalent in content and rigor, can gain assured admissions as determined by collegiate grade point average (unweighted GPA) and corresponding minimum college entrance exam scores.
Collegiate GPA
Redesigned SAT Score (ERW + Math)
ACT Score (Composite)
Read also: Undergraduate Admissions at UPenn
3.00 - 4.0
No minimum score, test submission not required
No minimum score, test submission not required
- 00-2.99
1020** If no test score is submitted, student will be considered through the individual holistic review process.
20**If no test score is submitted, student will be considered through the individual holistic review process.
Read also: Applying to RPI as an Undergrad
Below 2.0
Student will be considered through the individual holistic review process.
Student will be considered through the individual holistic review process
Holistic Review
Applicants who do not meet the assured admission requirements, were not able to or chose not to take the SAT or ACT, are evaluated holistically to determine academic preparedness to succeed. This individual review of an application takes place whenever the Undergraduate Admission Office determines that an applicant does not meet the assured admissions requirements. Individual holistic review includes, but is not limited to:
- High school GPA (unweighted 4.0 scale)
- Strength of academic background (course selection, rigor, graduation plan, college entrance exam scores, etc.)
- Record of extracurricular activities, leadership experiences, achievements, honors and awards
- Community Service
- Employment history and internship experience
- Personal Statement/Essay addressing the student's education and career goals
- Letter(s) of Recommendation (guidance counselor, college advisor, teacher, coach, employer, etc.). All letters should address the student's academic ability and preparedness for university-level study
- First-Generation in College status
- Other special circumstances that put the student's academic achievements into context, including his or her socioeconomic status, experience in a single parent home, family responsibilities, experience overcoming adversity, personal background, , the language spoken in the applicant's home, and other information in the student's file
Upon completion of this individual review, the Undergraduate Admissions Office will notify the applicant of their options for admission to UNT Dallas.
These options may include:
- Request the applicant submit additional supplemental information to elaborate on the factors listed above.
- Defer making a decision until the applicant is able to submit additional academic information.
- Recommend applicant attend a community college and complete 13 or more college-level transferable hours with a minimum 2.25 GPA.
Students offered admission after review by the Admission Committee have proven to be prepared for the academic rigor at UNT Dallas. A student may be fully admitted or conditionally admitted.
Students conditionally admitted must accept admission under an academic agreement that requires that they must achieve a 2.0 GPA or higher at the conclusion of the first semester of enrollment and successfully complete the UGST 1100 Learning Foundation course and at least 12 semester credit hours. Additional advising and student success programming may be required per this agreement to ensure the best chance for completion of a successful first semester.
See "Conditionally-Admitted Student Enrollment" section on the Enrollment page for further details.
Test-Optional Policy
UNT Dallas is Test Optional and currently does not require an SAT or ACT test score submission for admission purposes. Students are encouraged to submit SAT/ACT scores for proper advising and course placement. The UNT Dallas institutional codes for score reporting purposes are SAT, 5999; ACT, 6366.
Required Documents for FTIC Applicants
All FTIC applicants must submit the following in order to be considered:
- Freshmen application for admission via www.applytexas.org.
- High school transcript indicating grade point average (GPA) on a 4.0 scale, class rank (if applicable) through at least junior year, the units completed, and grades earned, as well as denote graduation plan and endorsement (if applicable) and the date of graduation. A final official transcript will be required for all admitted students after high school graduation. An official final transcript must be submitted to complete the admissions file.
- Note: Students who graduated from a home school or completed a General Education Development Diploma (GED) must submit a notarized homeschool transcript or official GED scores.
- Official college transcript(s) denoting college credits earned prior to high school graduation. Not required to submit prior to an admission decision but strongly recommended.
Specific Applicant Scenarios
Home Schooled Students
A student who has been homeschooled is expected to meet all the admission requirements for a regular high school graduate with a notarized homeschool high school transcript. Submit their online application as well as official homeschool transcript.
Graduates of Non-Accredited High Schools
The admissions requirements for graduates of non-accredited high schools are the same as for students who have attended a traditional, accredited public or private school. Required documents include application for admissions and transcript with all coursework completed. The submission of college entrance exam scores is optional. Applicants whose academic record indicates a probability of success may be admitted.
Students with GED
Students 22 and younger are required to meet the freshman requirements for admissions with the GED accepted in lieu of the high school transcript. Official copy of the GED certificate and scores is required.
Additional Considerations
Academic Fresh Start
Your existing credits and grades can be waived under the Academic Fresh Start law if you invoke it at the time of application. Academic credits and grades earned more than five years prior to the semester of enrollment. Applicants admitted under this practice will not receive credit for any coursework completed during the disregarded period. Will not be counted in any future GPA. aid. It is recommended that students apply well in advance of the stated application deadlines.
Dual Credit
UNT Dallas allows high school students the opportunity to earn dual course credit for immediate award of both high school credit and college credit. Students meeting dual credit admissions requirements and deadlines may be accepted for dual credit off… Students who have participated in a high school dual credit program, concurrent enrollment program or early college high school program while enrolled in high school are considered an FTIC student.
Transfer Students
UNT has one of the most student-friendly transfer pathways in the region. Admission requirements vary by start term.
Eagle Advantage Program and Eagle Bound Program
earn guaranteed admission to UNT under the Eagle Advantage program. the Eagle Bound Program.
International Students
International students may have additional steps, such as satisfying the English language requirements.
Enrollment Fee
UNT Dallas does NOT charge an application fee. However, an enrollment fee of $100 will be charged to your student account upon your enrollment. This one-time fee, is charged during a student's first semester. to cover the fee. There are no waivers or exemptions for the enrollment fee.
Transcript Submission
If delivered in person, please be sure that your transcript is in the original, sealed envelope when you submit it to our office. Center during business hours. or school official. equivalency. evaluation company. All documents, including official transcripts submitted to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions, become the property of the University and will not be returned to the student. Official transcripts must be currently dated with an issue date that closely corresponds to the date the admission application is submitted. Once transcripts from other institutions are received at UNT Dallas we will not provide students with a copy of the transcript(s). Students must contact the granting institution where the transcript was originally obtained to request a copy. An applicant must submit official transcripts from all former institutions regardless of grades or if credit was earned. This includes all past schools, regardless of how long it has been since the student last attended. Failure to disclose all previous institutions and submit official transcripts will delay the admissions process and is grounds for rejection of an application or withdrawal of any offer of admission.
Appeal Process
A student reviewed holistically and denied has the option to appeal the decision by submitting an official request for review in writing to UNT Dallas Office of Undergraduate Admissions (7300 University Hills Blvd. Student should include full name, UNT Dallas student identification number, two letters of recommendation, resume and personal statement detailing reason for appeal. Student may also include additional documentation to support information provided in the personal statement.
Note: The Office of Undergraduate admissions may rescind an offer of admission if information presented is inconsistent, incomplete or fraudulent.
UNT's Overall Selectivity
What are UNT's admission requirements? If you want to get in, the first thing to look at is the acceptance rate. The acceptance rate at UNT is 72.2%. lightly selective. The school will have their expected requirements for GPA and SAT/ACT scores. If you meet their requirements, you're almost certain to get an offer of admission. The GPA requirement that really matters is the GPA you need for a real chance of getting in. accepts below-average students. It's OK to be a B-average student, with some A's mixed in. If you're currently a junior or senior, your GPA is hard to change in time for college applications. If your GPA is at or below the school average of 3.35, you'll need a higher SAT or ACT score to compensate.
SAT and ACT Considerations
Each school has different requirements for standardized testing. UNT hasn't explicitly named a policy on SAT/ACT requirements, but because it's published average SAT or ACT scores (we'll cover this next), it's likely test flexible. Typically, these schools say, "if you feel your SAT or ACT score represents you well as a student, submit them. Despite this policy, the truth is that most students still take the SAT or ACT, and most applicants to UNT will submit their scores. If you don't submit scores, you'll have one fewer dimension to show that you're worthy of being admitted, compared to other students. Many schools say they have no SAT score cutoff, but the truth is that there is a hidden SAT requirement. The 25th percentile SAT score is 990, and the 75th percentile SAT score is 1220.
This is also known as "superscoring." This means that you can choose which SAT tests you want to send to the school. How does superscoring change your test strategy? Even though the highest total you scored on any one test date was 1000, UNT will take your highest section score from all your test dates, then combine them to form your Superscore. This is important for your testing strategy. Because you can choose which tests to send in, and UNT forms your Superscore, you can take the SAT as many times as you want, then submit only the tests that give you the highest Superscore. Therefore, if your SAT superscore is currently below a 990, we strongly recommend that you consider prepping for the SAT and retaking it. Even better, because of the Superscore, you can focus all your energy on a single section at a time. If your Reading score is lower than your other sections, prep only for the Reading section, then take the SAT. Then focus on Math for the next test, and so on.
The average ACT score at UNT is 23. The 25th percentile ACT score is 19, and the 75th percentile ACT score is 27.
Here it is: when you send ACT scores to colleges, you have absolute control over which tests you send. You could take 10 tests, and only send your highest one. This means that you have more chances than you think to improve your ACT score. To try to aim for the school's ACT requirement of 19 and above, you should try to take the ACT as many times as you can. By and large, most colleges do not superscore the ACT. (Superscore means that the school takes your best section scores from all the test dates you submit, and then combines them into the best possible composite score). However, from our research, UNT is understood to superscore the ACT.
Superscoring is powerful to your testing strategy, and you need to make sure you plan your testing accordingly. How does superscoring change your test strategy? Even though the highest ACT composite you scored on any one test date was 20, UNT will take your highest section score from all your test dates, then combine them to form your Superscore. This is important for your testing strategy. Because you can choose which tests to send in, and UNT forms your Superscore, you can take the ACT as many times as you want, then submit only the tests that give you the highest Superscore. Therefore, if your ACT score is currently below a 19, we strongly recommend that you consider prepping for the ACT and retaking it. Even better, because of the Superscore, you can focus all your energy on a single section at a time. If your Reading score is lower than your other sections, prep only for the Reading section, then take the ACT. Then focus on Math for the next test, and so on.
Currently, only the ACT has an optional essay section that all students can take. The SAT used to also have an optional Essay section, but since June 2021, this has been discontinued unless you are taking the test as part of school-day testing in a few states. UNT considers the SAT Essay/ACT Writing section optional and may not include it as part of their admissions consideration.
Because this school is lightly selective, you have a great shot at getting in, as long as you don't fall well below average. Aim for a 990 SAT or a 19 ACT or higher, and you'll almost certainly get an offer of admission.
Additional Programs and Requirements
Honors College
To be eligible for consideration for the Honors College, a student must possess:
- a score of at least 1200 on the math and verbal sections of the SAT or a score of at least 27 on the ACT,
- an unweighted GPA of at least 3.75 (on a 4.00 scale) and rank in the top 20 percent of the high school graduating class,
- an essay that addresses one of the questions on the application form.
The admissions committee also reviews other aspects of the high school academic record, including courses taken and type of program completed. To apply for the Honors College, you need to apply to UNT separately and then submit an application for the Honors College, learn more here.
Scholarships
To be considered for scholarships, you must submit a general scholarships application, available here.
Non-Discrimination Policy
The University of North Texas System and UNT Dallas are firmly committed to equal opportunity and do not permit - and take actions to prevent - discrimination, harassment (including sexual violence, domestic violence, dating violence and stalking), and retaliation on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, genetic information, or veteran status in its application and admission processes, educational programs and activities, facilities and employment practices. The University promptly investigates and takes remedial action when appropriate. The University also takes actions to prevent retaliation against individuals who oppose any form of harassment or discriminatory practice, file a charge or report, or testify, assist or participate in an investigative proceeding or hearing.
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