College application season is officially underway, and while the process can feel
daunting at times, I'm here to give you some tips on how you can make sure you are
putting your best foot forward as you complete your application! Here are a few things
I wish I would have known as I was applying to TCU:
1. Know your deadlines and manage your time well.
As a senior in high school, I remember feeling overwhelmed by all the deadlines for
different applications to colleges, but if you know your deadline and use time management
skills, you will set yourself up for success! At TCU we have several deadlines that
give you the time and flexibility you need during this process. First-year applicants
can choose to submit under the November 1 deadlines, Early Action (which is a non-binding
decision) Early Decision I (a binding decision). We also have a February 1 deadline
for Regular Decision (non-binding) and Early Decision II (binding). Check out more
information on first-year and transfer application deadlines specific information for international students.
2. Your test scores don't define you.
I'll say it again: your scores do not define you as a person! In fact, we extended
our test-optional policy until 2026, meaning that you do not have to submit an SAT or ACT score when you fill
out your application. Regardless of whether you choose to include your test scores,
TCU is committed to holistically reviewing each student based on their academics,
community involvement and extracurricular activities—the things that make up who you
are as an individual!
3. Review some of the scholarship opportunities offered.
For students applying to TCU, your application will automatically be considered for
an academic merit scholarship. Additionally, there are several different academic
scholarship opportunities, including performance-based scholarships for those considering
fine arts majors. Admitted students can search our scholarship database to view and apply for more opportunities. Check out our Scholarship & Aid section on our website for more information.
4. Consider visiting campus in person.
One of the best ways to see if TCU is a fit for you is to schedule a campus tour and
visit us in-person! I still remember the first time I stepped foot on campus. I remember
falling in love with everything TCU had to offer. Our campus tours include a 30-minute
informational session with an admission counselor followed by a student-led walking
tour of our wonderful campus. We offer several different types of tours, including a unique experience called Monday at TCU. Students who attend a Monday
at TCU event will get to see a more in-depth view of the day in the life of a Horned
Frog, including tours of academic and residential facilities. Interested students
should schedule tours and Monday at TCU experiences via our website.
5. Be yourself!
It sounds so cliché, but it's true! The most important thing to keep in mind is that
we want to get to know you! Your application should be a direct reflection of who
you are as an individual. Use your application as a way to tell us a part of your
story and show us your character and personality!
We also asked some of our admission counselors for their advice that they would give
to first-year, transfer, and international applicants.
TCU Admission Counselor Tips
"My biggest piece of advice for students going through the application process is to break things down into manageable steps. Be organized, proofread your essays before submitting them, and identify the message you want to convey to your reader in your essays"- Jessica Mascote, Assistant Director of Admission- Access Initiatives, First-Year Counselor"One of my favorite application tips to share with international students is to fully utilize the resources we have available online. From virtual tours of campus to residential hall tours, as well as virtual admissions sessions that I host once a month! This gives you the opportunity to ask questions you may have about the application process and TCU in general"- Nicole Sinclair, Associate Director of Admission, International
"Take advantage of our early action application deadline of February 1st. We want to make sure we get their information in a timely manner so that we can give them a decision in a timely manner."- Michael Leshner, Senior Transfer Admission Counselor
Students interested in connecting with their counselor can visit the Meet Your Counselor page on our website.
We are so excited to review your application and to get a glimpse into who you are!
Sophia Vargas is a senior Strategic Communication major with a Political Science minor from Northern California. She is a social media intern and operations intern for the Office of Admission. Sophia is also involved with her local church and the Turning Point USA chapter on campus.