Academic Record

A student’s grade point average, the rigor of their courses, and the diversity of their curriculum are all important considerations for admission. Particular notice is given to those who take honors, Advanced Placement, or International Baccalaureate courses, if their school offers them. 

The Office of Admissions recalculates each applicant's GPA using a standardized un-weighted scale to compensate for discrepancies in grading scales among different high schools. 

To be considered competitive for admissions, first-year applicants should fulfill the following minimum course expectations:
- 4 years of English
- 3 years of college preparatory mathematics (including algebra II and either trigonometry, precalculus, or statistics)
- 3 years of science (at least 2 years of laboratory science)
- 3 years of social science
- 2 years of the same foreign language

Personal Essay

Applicants should address their chosen essay topic as completely as possible, taking time to carefully craft a thoughtful response. All writing should be spell-checked, and it is highly recommended that it also be proofread by at least one other person. 

When using the Common Application, the ApplyTexas Application, or the Coalition Application, the same essay may be submitted to multiple institutions.

Extracurricular Activities

Trinity is a place where students can take advantage of vast opportunities, and we're seeking candidates who will add to our active campus community. The Admissions Committee considers information about extracurricular involvement, paying special attention to activities in which an applicant has been active for a number of years or has gained leadership experience.

Applicants are encouraged to share any information about activities that are related to school, community, family, or church; part- or full-time jobs; and accomplishments and awards.

Recommendations

Recommendations from guidance counselors and teachers help the Committee learn more about each student's personality and character. They also provide a place to address special explanations about the applicant's academic performance, as well as provide a more complete picture of each candidate as a person and scholar. Counselors and teachers can also provide context when reviewing a student’s academic record with respect to the school they attend.

Standardized Test Scores (Optional)

Trinity University has extended its test-optional policy for all first-year applicants in Fall 2024, Fall 2025, and Fall 2026. Applicants are not required to submit any standardized test results to the Office of Admissions.

Trinity will continue to review and consider test scores for those applicants who want to submit them, but any applicant can also choose to be evaluated only on high school grades, curriculum rigor, essays, recommendation letters, achievements, interviews, and contributions to their school and community. Homeschooled applicants who apply as test optional candidates will need to schedule an admissions interview as part of their application requirements

Trinity accepts scores from either the SAT or ACT standardized tests. Trinity will super score standardized test scores by taking the best subtest score and creating a new composite score regardless of test date.