Apply As A First-Year Student

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You're closer than you think. This page walks you through everything you need from your checklist, to key dates and what they mean, answers common questions and what happens after you submit. Choose your application below to get started. 

ON THIS PAGE

YOUR CHECKLIST

WHAT YOU'LL NEED TO APPLY

Select your application of choice, then hit submit! After you apply, you’ll get an email to set up your MyTCU login. Don’t miss this, because that’s your one-stop portal for application and admission status.

Required

1. Application Choose one: TCU App, Common App, Coalition App or Apply Texas. They are all read equally.	Compare Apps →
2. Application Fee: $50 Nonrefundable. (Waived for First-Generation applicants, students with an ACT/College Board waiver, students enrolled in the Federal Free and Reduced Lunch Program at their high school, or applicants who have been affected by a recent natural disaster)	Pay Fee→ Fee Waivers→
3. Official High School Transcript Must come from your school (sealed/signed or electronic), not from you. These can be sent to frogmail@tcu.edu, or through school-supported platforms: Naviance, Parchment, SCOIR, TREx, Slate.org, Common App, Coalition, MAIA, or Duolingo.	[Add FAQ]
4. Essay: 300-500 Words This is a chance to show who you are, beyond your resume. Only one prompt is required, and these can be completed within your application.	[Add FAQ]
5. Counselor & Teacher Recommendations Submitted directly by your school officials, we can’t accept these from applicants. These can be sent to frogmail@tcu.edu or through school-supported platforms.	Counselor Form→ Teacher Form→

Optional

• Test Scores
  TCU is test-optional. Upload scores to your MyTCU portal or to frogmail@tcu.edu (College Board code 6820 / ACT code 4206).

• Freedom of Expression
  An essay, poem, work of art, or a link that shows another side of you. Make sure the link settings allow us to review!

• John V. Roach Honors Application
  Apply by Nov. 15 or Feb. 15 for a transformative educational experience. For consideration for the Chancellor’s Scholars program, apply to TCU by Nov. 1 and to the John V. Roach Honors College by Nov. 15.
• Early Masters Program 
  Get a head start on a graduate degree while you’re still an undergrad.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

DATES & DEADLINES

Here's what each deadline means and when your commitment deposit is due if admitted.

DATE	PLAN	WHAT IT MEANS
Nov. 1	Early Action	If admitted, you’ll receive a non-binding decision by Jan. 1. You’ll have until May 1 to decide. If you are a candidate for the Chancellor’s Scholarship, it is highly recommended that you apply by the November 1 deadline.
Nov. 1	Early Decision I	If TCU is your top choice, you’ll receive a binding decision by Jan. 1. If admitted, you’ll commit by Jan. 15
Feb. 1	Regular Decision	If you’d like us to consider your senior fall grades, apply by Feb. 1 and you’ll receive a non-binding decision by Apr 1.
Feb. 1	Early Decision II	If TCU is your top choice, you’ll receive a binding decision by March 1. If admitted, you’ll commit by March 15.
May 1	National Candidate Reply Date	Commitment deposit due for Early Action and Regular Decision admits.

Learn more about Spring Admission→

GET A HEAD START

AP & COLLEGE CREDITS

Through several methods, above-average students may earn academic credit for college-level learning. College credits can be helpful for a dual concentration, double majors or double degrees, a combined master's degree or early graduation. 

GOOD QUESTIONS

FREQUENTLY ASKED

[ADD FAQ COMPONENT] 

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT

AFTER YOU APPLY

WHEREVER YOU ARE RIGHT NOW

TAKE YOUR NEXT STEP