Transfer Students
So, you may not have started off as a Pirate, but you still have a chance to walk the plank. As you already know, it's just as important (if not more so!) to find an institution that is a good fit for your next educational step. Within the Transfer pages, you'll find a wealth of information on the admission process, financing options and opportunities to visit. Let's start with the basics though...
Criteria for Admission
- ACADEMIC RECORD is the most important element used in making admission decisions at Southwestern. An overall college GPA of a 3.0 is required for transfer admission consideration. This GPA should reflect all college work from all previous accredited institutions and excludes technical, vocational and remedial courses. The high school record is also considered in the admission process. A minimum, recommended college preparatory course sequence includes four years of English, four years of mathematics, three years of science, three years of social science and/or history, two years of the same foreign language, and at least one year of an academic elective (17 academic units, minimum). The number of courses identified as advanced, honors or accelerated is considered, along with overall preparation and performance. If a GED was obtained, an interview is required.
- The ESSAY is required of all candidates. The essay provides a sample of original written work and further insight into the candidate.
- SAT I or ACT standardized test results are required by Southwestern to be considered for admission, without prescribed minimum levels. The typical middle 50% of students enrolling score between 1180 and 1350 on the SAT (critical reading and math combo) and between 24 and 29 on the ACT. Southwestern uses the highest score submitted for the student in decision making. If you have graduated from high school in the last 4 years, you must have a standardized test score. If you have been out of school for 5 or more years, you may request a waiver for this requirement.
- RECOMMENDATIONS from college professors, high school teachers or parents are optional, although highly recommended. All recommendations provide further information about the student. We do require the College Official's Report which needs to be filled out by an administrator from your current institution.
- EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES are reviewed to assess what a candidate has accomplished outside of the classroom, noting leadership positions held, breadth of experience and sustained interest in individual activities.
- The PERSONAL INTERVIEW allows a candidate to learn more about Southwestern and to discuss elements of his or her application file with a member of the admission staff. Interviews at Southwestern are evaluative and are used in both admission and scholarship decisions. Applicants are encouraged to schedule a personal interview by calling 1-800-252-3166 or 512-863-1200, or by sending an e-mail message to the Office of Admission.
