Admission & Testing Information
As a prospective student, there are many outstanding opportunities offered at The University of Texas at Brownsville and Texas Southmost College that can serve to change your life for the better. As an incoming freshman, you may have questions about enrolling. Our staff is eager to help answer your questions and make your transition to UTB/TSC as easy as possible. To complete admissions and to be registration ready, first-time freshmen
need to complete the following steps:
Please note all documents submitted become property of UTB/TSC
- Complete and submit an Undergraduate Admissions Application to the Office of Admissions. You can apply online or in-person.
- On our web site
- In-person visit
- Admission Office, Tandy 215
- Go Center/Info Shop at Tandy Hall, Sunrise Mall, UTB/TSC Library, International Technology and Education Campus)
- Submit official high school transcript by mailing directly from the high school to the University, GED certificate with scores, or two letters of reference if applying under the Individual Approval status.
- Submit residency documents for tuition purposes to the Office of Admissions. All residency documents must include the student’s name and address and must be dated 12 months prior to 1st class day.
Examples of proof of residency include:
- Valid permanent Texas driver’s license/IDcard
- Lease agreement
- Texas voter registration card
- Utility bill
- Texas high school or college transcript
- Property tax statement or receipt
- Cancelled check/bank statement
- Employer statement indicating dates of employment
NOTE: If you are a naturalized citizen or legal resident alien, please bring you naturalization certificate or resident alien card.
- Comply with the Texas Success Initiative exam requirements
- Meet with an academic advisor. To schedule an appointment contact the Academic Advising Center located in the former Education Building, (956) 882-7362.
- Attend freshman orientation Dean of Students at Student Union 1.20 or call (956) 882-5141.
Testing
To complete the admissions process for enrollment, individuals must meet the Texas Success Initiative (TSI) requirements. The TSI requires students to be assessed in reading, writing, and math skills prior to college enrollment. Each higher education institution may determine what course of action is necessary for the student based on the assessment results.
Individuals must take an approved TSI assessment test such as the COMPASS or THEA, or other state-approved assessment – prior to enrolling unless you meet the criteria for one of the following exemptions:
ACT:
Composite score of 23 with a minimum of 19 on each of the mathematics and English tests. Scores cannot be more than five years old.
SAT:
Recentered score of 1070 combined with a minimum of 500 on the mathematics AND verbal tests. Scores cannot be more than five years old.
TAAS:
Minimum scale score of 1770 on the writing and a Texas Learning Index of 89 on the reading test and 86 on the mathematics test. Scores must be on the first attempt. Scores cannot be more than three years old.
TAKS:
Minimum scale score of 2200 on the English with a 3 in the Writing for exemption from Reading and Writing and 2200 on the mathematics test. Scores cannot be more than three years old.
DEGREE:
A student who has graduated with an associate or baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution of higher education.
US ARMED FORCES RESERVE:
A student who is currently serving, and for at least the three year period preceding enrollment, has served as a member of a reserve component of the armed forces of the United States.
US VETERAN:
A student who on or after August 1, 1990 was honorably discharged, retired or released from active duty as a member of the armed forces of the United States or the Texas National Guard or service as a member of a reserve component of the armed forces of the United States.
US ACTIVE DUTY:
A student who is serving on active duty as a member of the armed forces of the United States, or the Texas National Guard.
Advising:
First-time freshman must meet with an Academic Advisor prior to register for classes. The Academic Advising Center provides academic advising to students and assists them in making decisions about their educational and career goals. In partnership, faculty and staff in the Academic Advising Center and throughout the various university/college departments are available to assist students who have chosen a program of study – Certificate Program, Associate Degree Program, or Bachelor’s Degree Program. Students who are undecided about their major will be assisted by the faculty and staff in the Academic Advising Center.
Orientation:
The mission of the Scorpiontation Program is to facilitate the successful transition of undergraduate students to the university through programming that supports their academic success and personal development.
Orientation goals are to:
Provide all new undergraduate students with the information and skills needed to successfully acculturate into the college experience.
Promote student involvement in co-curricular programs that will assist in their leadership development and instill Scorpion Pride.
Provide new students an opportunity to become aware of the academic and community expectations that will define success.