Special Admission Options

Predicted Academic Success Review. Freshman applicants who are in the top three quarters of their class, and whose high school rank and test scores place them near the general admission requirements, are eligible for an individual review. A limited number of students whose academic record demonstrates potential for academic success at SWT will be offered admission. Factors considered in the review process include specific class rank, size of graduating class, quality and competitive level of high school courses taken and grades earned, and the applicant's individual verbal and math scores on either the ACT or SAT I. Additional factors such as bilingual proficiency, the applicant's responsibilities while attending school, the applicant's region of residence, and leadership in extracurricular (including community) activities will be considered when identified through an applicant's resume and personal statement. The review, however, must clearly demonstrate potential for academic success during the freshman year at SWT. Students in the fourth quarter are not eligible for this review.

To be considered, students must submit a seven-semester transcript that includes class rank. A resume highlighting personal involvement and achievements while in high school and a personal statement that addresses factors the applicant wishes to bring to the attention of the admission office may also be submitted. Applicants will be notified of their admissibility or inadmissibility beginning March 1 for Summer Sessions I, II and Fall. Spring applicants will be notified beginning November 1. Students in the top quarter may be notified earlier.

Some applicants who are reviewed and approved for admission will be placed on a one-semester contract. This provisional admission is available only during the fall semester.

Early Admission Program. A high school student may apply for admission to SWT and take college course work while completing high school. Requirements for admission include a grade average of B or better, the recommendation from a high school counselor or principal, and evidence that the student will meet or exceed SWT freshman general admission requirements.

Individual Approval. Applicants with no previous college work who have been out of school for at least three years holding a high school diploma or GED equivalent must submit an official high school transcript validating high school graduation or GED completion certificate. The high school transcript, GED certificate, application and application fee must be submitted by the appropriate deadline. No test score is required for admission review. Students whose record demonstrates potential for academic success at SWT will be offered admission. Approval must be granted by the director of admission.

General Education Development (GED) Tests. Students with medical or personal reasons for not completing high school may elect to take the General Educational Development (GED) tests. SWT recognizes the GED tests from an applicant with no previous college work whose high school class has graduated. Students with a GED certificate may be considered for admission provided they meet 4th quarter test score requirements.

Transient Admission. Students who have completed college work and who are working toward a degree at another college or university are eligible to be considered for transient admission. Transient admission is for the summer only. The applicant must complete an application for admission listing all colleges and universities attended. To be admissible as a transient, a student must be in good standing at their current institution. A statement of good standing or current transcript indicating good standing at the institution of current enrollment must be submitted to the Office of Admission. Upon completion of the summer work, the student may request a transcript for use in the home institution. Credit and grade points earned as a transient student at SWT will not be used in determining regular eligibility for admission to SWT.

Special Student Option. Students with prior college work who are not working toward a degree at SWT may be considered for admission as a special student. Students under this designation are limited to a total of 15 semester hours. Special students must reapply each semester by the stated deadline. Students must be eligible to return to each previous postsecondary institution (i.e., free of suspension, dismissal or enforced withdrawal). Approval must be granted by the director of admission.

Work earned as a special student will be applied toward a degree only after the student has reapplied and has met general admission requirements. Courses completed as a special student will not be considered in the general admission decision.

Academic Bankruptcy Policy. Students who have not enrolled in any accredited college or university for five or more consecutive calendar years prior to admission to SWT, may at the time they apply for admission, request permission to declare academic bankruptcy. Under this policy all college-level work done at an earlier date is eliminated from computation of the GPA and none of it is applied toward a degree at SWT. Such work, however, will not be removed from the student's records. Those granted academic bankruptcy are admitted on academic probation.

Academic Fresh Start. Under the provisions of the Texas Education Code, Section 51.929, the Academic Fresh Start program was established to allow a Texas resident to apply for admission and elect to have all academic course work earned 10 or more years prior to the requested enrollment date ignored for admission purposes. Individuals who choose Academic Fresh Start, including former SWT students, must meet current published admission criteria for Southwest Texas State University and must submit official records from all colleges attended. Students admitted under this provision will not receive any course credit for courses taken 10 or more years prior to enrollment. For further information, contact the Office of Admission.

International Student Admission. An international student is defined as anyone who is not a United States citizen. However, a permanent resident alien who has completed two or more years in and graduated from a U.S. high school is required to meet the admission requirements established for U.S. citizens (refer to Undergraduate Admission Programs, page 14).

Information concerning the TOEFL may be obtained from the Educational Testing Service, P.O. Box 899, Princeton, New Jersey, 08540, U.S.A.

International applicants who meet the established admission requirements but do not yet have the required level of English proficiency (550 on the TOEFL), may be eligible for the SWT/ESL Bridge program. Admission to the SWT/ESL Bridge program allows students to begin university academic study on a part-time basis while completing their English proficiency requirements in the SWT intensive English program. Acceptance into full-time academic study is contingent upon achieving a TOEFL score of 550 or above, successfully completing the intensive English program at SWT and completing the SWT credit courses with the grade of "C" or above.

International students who plan to attend SWT on an F-1 student visa must furnish proof of sufficient financial resources for their educational and personal expenses. For the 1998-99 academic year, a minimum of $17,162 is required. An additional $3,400 is needed for persons enrolling in summer sessions. After all academic and financial requirements have been met, SWT will issue a form I-20 to qualified international applicants. A permanent resident alien is not required to furnish proof of financial support and is not issued a form I-20. All nonimmigrant international students are required to carry health insurance as a condition of enrollment at SWT. Students may purchase the group medical insurance made available by the university or provide a comparable medical insurance plan of their own.

For further information, contact the Office of Admission at (512) 245-2802.

Auditing Courses. Those who wish to audit a course must be accepted by the Office of Admission and approved by the department offering the course. Audit status must be declared at registration. Participation in class discussion and examinations is optional with the instructor. Auditors receive no course credit but are expected to attend class regularly. With departmental approval, a student who has audited a course may later take the course for credit.