Admission and Testing Information

WELCOME!
Steps for Student F-1 or M-1 Visa:

1. Complete and submit an undergraduate admissions application and required documents, such as transcripts, final grades and/or high school certificate in English to the Admissions Office. For more information, contact Larissa Guijosa at larissa.newstudents@utb.edu or (956) 882-8860, or visit the Admissions Office in Tandy 115.
2. TOEFL exam
3. Contact the Admissions Office at admissions@utb.edu or (956) 882-8295 to request a degree plan.
4. Submit and send the following to the Admissions Office, Tandy No. 115, 80 Fort Brown, Brownsville, TX 78520:
    Passport with a validity of at least five years
    Completed and notarize “Affidavit of Financial Support” form.  To request this form contact
   admissions@utb.edu, (956) 882-8295 (Tandy Building No. 115).
    Provide an original bank statement not older than 90 days as of the first class day or an original signed letter with the bank’s letterhead indicating the minimum financial funds available. 
   
   After completing step 4, an I-20 will be sent along with a letter of completion with an identification number (ID No.) and personal identification number (PIN). Individuals must provide a physical address in order for the Admissions Office to send an I-20 upon approval. An I-20 cannot be sent to a P.O. box.
5. Complete Form I-901 and pay the required fee.  For most people the SEVIS I-901 fee is $100 (U.S.). Please visit www.fmjfee.com for further details.
6. After obtaining the I-20 (Letter of Eligibility), make an appointment with the American Embassy/Consulate. For details, visit the United States Embassies and Consulates Worldwide website at http://travel.state.gov/links.html#n
7. Present passport with F-1 or M-1 Visa and I-20 form at a United States Port of Entry; a processing fee of $6 (U.S.) will apply. For more information, visit http://www.ice.gov/graphics/sevis/factsheet/100104ent_stdnt_fs.htm
8. Upon arrival to Brownsville, Texas, report to the International Offices located in North No. 103, (956) 882-7983.
9. Present passport with all the immigration documentation upon arrival to the Admissions Office, Tandy Building No. 115. In turn, copies of these documents will be made, and records will be updated on SEVIS (Homeland Security).
10.  Attend a Mandatory Session for International Students. For more information, contact Aragelia Salazar at  (956) 882-7983 or Aragelia.Salazar@utb.edu / North building No. 103, or see Letter of Completion issued by the Admissions Office.
11. Register and take one of the following state approved exams to comply with the Texas Success Initiative (TSI):
     COMPASS
     Texas Higher Education Assessment (THEA) Exam
     Asset with Writing Sample
     ACCUPLACER
    
    Individuals may be exempt from an assessment if they attain a 
     Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) score of a 1070 with minimum of a  500 in the verbal or math or
     ACT Assessment composite score of 23 and an English or Math score of at least 19
     Click here for additional exemptions
     Submit official test scores to the Testing Office 
12. Meet with an academic adviser and a review degree plan.
13. Register for classes on-line, after meeting testing requirements. For details, contact Aragelia Salazar at aragelia.salazar@utb.edu 
14. Obtain student school identification card with statement of charges (receipt for payment of classes) at the library.

• Register for UTB/TSC freshman orientation ($20).  http://blue.utb.edu/sa/orientation/orientation%20application%2005.pdf

Testing -  International Students:
The Test of English as a Foreign Language, TOEFL, is a requirement for International Students hoping to study at our university.  The official ETS website, www.toefl.org, for the TOEFL has information about the test, including registration information and sample items that can be downloaded.