Apply As A First-Year Student
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
The fastest way to get documents to us is to send them to frogmail@tcu.edu. Your school can also use Naviance, Parchment, SCOIR, TREx, Slate.org, Common App, Coalition, MAIA, or Duolingo. Upon applying, you'll receive an invitation to the MyTCU Portal and may upload your essay, freedom of expression and resume online.
Required
| 1. Application Choose one: TCU App, Common App, Coalition App or Apply Texas. They are all ready equally. |
Compare Apps → |
| 2. Application Fee: $50 Nonrefundable. Waived for first-generation students, ACT/College Board waiver holders, Free & Reduced Lunch participants, and recent natural-disaster cases. |
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| 3. Official High School Transcript Must come from your school (sealed/signed or electronic), not from you. |
[Add FAQ] |
| 4. Essay: 300-500 Words One prompt of your choice. Be serious, funny, or somewhere in between. Prompts live inside each application. |
[Add FAQ] |
| 5. Counselor & Teacher Recommendations Submitted directly by your school officials, we can’t accept these from applicants. |
Counselor Form→ Teacher Form→ |
Optional
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Test Scores
TCU is test-optional through 2027. Self-report by emailing 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. - Honors & Chancellor's Scholars
A separate application. Apply by Nov 15 for full-tuition scholarship consideration. - Early Masters Program
Get a head start on a graduate degree while you’re still an undergrad.
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
DATES & DEADLINES
Every deadline is 5 p.m. C.T. Here's what each deadlines means and when your deposit is due if you're admitted.
| DATE | PLAN | WHAT IT MEANS | DEPOSIT |
| Nov. 1 | Early Action | Non-binding. Decision by Jan 1. Apply early, decide by May 1. If you are a candidate for the Chancellor’s Scholarship, it is highly recommended that you apply by the November 1 deadline, or shortly thereafter. |
By May 1 |
| Nov. 1 | Early Decision I | Binding, TCU is your first choice. Decision by Jan 1. | By Jan. 15 |
| Feb. 1 | Regular Decision | Non-binding. Includes fall grades. Decision by Apr 1. All considered for scholarship. | By May 1 |
| Feb. 1 | Early Decision II | Binding second chance. Decision by Mar 3. | By March 15 |
| May 1 | National Candidate Reply Date | Enrollment deposit due 5 p.m. CDT for all non-ED 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
Take a Deep Breath
You did it (woo)! The hard part is done. Go celebrate, take a walk, read a book, grab a coffee, enjoy what you have just accomplished. You deserve it.
Watch for Your TCU ID, then Log In
Your TCU ID arrives by email in ~3 business days. Use it to log into myTCU, where you’ll track your status and upload documents.
File your FASFA
Unlock financial aid consideration by submitting the FASFA and CSS Profile. All TCU applicants are considered for academic merit scholarships based on their application.
WHEREVER YOU ARE RIGHT NOW
TAKE YOUR NEXT STEP
STILL EXPLORING?
Tell us about yourself and we’ll stay in touch.
WANT TO SEE CAMPUS?
Come visit, you're going to love it here.
READY TO GO?
Start your application today, Future Frog!