Transylvania seeks students who have demonstrated the ability and motivation required to gain full benefit from a demanding program of liberal arts education and who will contribute to the total life of the university through excellence of character and high personal goals.
The Office of Admissions gives careful consideration to several factors in reviewing applications for incoming students. In addition to the requirements noted below, students applying for admission to Transylvania should have a sound program of college preparatory courses. It is recommended that the program include a minimum of four units of English, four units of mathematics, four units of science, two units of social science and two units in a foreign language. While these courses are not requirements for admission, they constitute the kind of educational foundation that is important for success at Transylvania. In unusual circumstances, the admissions committee may choose to exercise flexibility.
Transylvania University is committed to ensuring that the institution is free of harassment and discrimination on the basis of race, color, citizenship status, sex, age, disability, pregnancy, creed, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, national or ethnic origin, religion or religious belief or veteran’s status, or any other category protected by applicable state or federal law or local ordinance. This policy applies to, but is not limited to, recruitment and admission of students, recruitment and employment of faculty and staff, the operation of any of its programs, promotion, demotion, transfer, position advertising, reduction in force, termination, rates of pay and selection for training. Consistent with this policy, the University does not tolerate discrimination or harassment of employees, students or other individuals associated with the University. In addition, the University prohibits unprofessional and discourteous actions that may affect a professional and congenial work environment. For this reason, derogatory racial, ethnic, religious, ageist, sexual or other inappropriate remarks, slurs or jokes will not be tolerated. This policy applies to all faculty, staff, administration, supervisors, employees, students, applicants, volunteers and visitors to campus, including guests, patrons, independent contractors, vendors or clients of Transylvania University.
The Application
To be considered for admission, the high school applicant must submit the following:
- A completed admissions application.
- A current high school transcript and any college transcripts if the student is enrolled in college courses (Official transcripts will be required before enrollment at Transy.)
- An official ACT or SAT score, unless the applicant is test-optional.
- An optional letter of recommendation from a school administrator (i.e. school counselor, teacher, principal, etc.)
- If the student applies as a test-optional applicant, an essay or graded paper is required.
Students may choose to apply Early Decision (binding), Early Action I, Early Action II or Regular Decision.
Special Application Procedures
There are some students who will graduate ahead of their class because of the completion of high school credit requirements. Their application process is the same as for regular admission. An interview with an admissions counselor or the director of admissions may be required.
Transylvania University has a test-optional admissions policy, empowering students to choose whether or not to include their ACT or SAT scores in their application. This allows students to decide if their test results truly represent their academic abilities and potential. Please note while we are test optional, we are not test blind.
Even for students applying for test-optional admissions, the university may receive official test scores from other sources such as testing agencies. While these scores may be considered as part of a holistic review, they will be given less weight in the absence of the applicant’s self-submission. If we receive or see test scores that are not admissible, students may have to be reviewed by our admissions committee.
Regardless of whether scores are submitted, Transylvania employs a holistic review process. This means we evaluate applicants based on a variety of factors, including their academic performance in challenging courses, involvement in extracurricular activities and engagement within their communities.
For applicants who choose not to submit test scores, greater emphasis will be placed on other parts of their application. Students are required to submit a typed essay or graded paper from the junior or senior year of high school (minimum 1–2 pages), or choose to write an essay in response to one of the questions on the application.
We also carefully consider transcripts, optional letters of recommendation and optional interviews.
Most scholarships and financial aid opportunities are available to test-optional applicants. Students can also change their application status between test-optional and regular admission before a final decision is made.
Please note that while international students are generally required to submit TOEFL scores, they can contact the admissions office to inquire about potential test-optional eligibility.
Transfer students are welcome at Transylvania University if they meet the University’s admission requirements. Procedures for transfer applicants are similar to those for first-year students. Applicants must submit an application for admission and official transcripts from all colleges or universities previously attended. In addition, applicants must provide a final high school transcript or a copy of a GED certificate.
A statement of good academic standing from each previously attended college or university is not required for admission consideration. However, students who enroll at Transylvania University must provide documentation verifying they are eligible to return to each institution previously attended. Students who are unable to provide this documentation may be admitted but will not be permitted to register for classes until the requirement has been satisfied.
This requirement helps ensure the safety, well-being, and success of all members of the Transylvania community.
Upon admission, the University will evaluate transfer coursework and make every effort to apply previously earned credits toward Transylvania’s curriculum and degree requirements
Deferred admission is available to students who are graduating from high school but wish to defer the continuation of their education for up to one year, as long as the student does not attend another institution during that time. Although the offer of admission may be deferred, students must reapply for scholarships and any other financial aid; previous scholarship and aid awards are not guaranteed.
Homeschooled applicants follow the same application procedures as their public and private school counterparts. The admissions office may request additional information detailing the applicant’s course of study.
International students from English-speaking countries and/or students for whom English is their first language should follow guidelines for domestic students regarding test-optional choices. This includes exemption from standardized testing if preferred.
Students for whom English is not their first language, or who are not from English-speaking countries, must submit one of the following as proof of English proficiency:
- SAT R (with CR minimum score in the range of 600-700)
- ACT (with minimum composite score of 30)
- TOEFL minimum score in the range of 80
- IELTS minimum score in the range of 6
- PTE Academic minimum score in the range of 52
- Duolingo minimum score of 105
- Cambridge/UK O, AS or A levels (passing)
- International Baccalaureate Diploma in English (24 or higher)
Readmission is generally required for students who have withdrawn from Transylvania, either voluntarily or through suspension. The procedure is handled by the Office of the Registrar.
Visiting the Campus
A campus visit is highly recommended as a means of learning more about Transylvania. Students may schedule an individual visit, general information session and an array of on campus events.
Students planning to visit the campus should contact the Office of Admissions 48 hours in advance. The campus tour consists of a student-led, 60-minute walking tour of campus. Optional activities may also be available, such as visiting a class and meeting with an admissions counselor, faculty, or staff.
The Office of Admissions is located in the Glenn Building. Telephone numbers are (800) 872-6798 (TRANSY U) and (859) 233-8242; office hours are 8:30 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. (Eastern Time) Monday-Friday and on select Saturdays. Students and families may schedule a visit online at transy.edu/visit.
For a campus map, visit transy.edu/campus-map.
Special Admissions Opportunities
Transylvania participates in several programs designed to enable entering students to receive credit for academic work already completed. These include the following:
- Dual-enrollment academic credit for select college coursework completed as a high school student. Courses must meet transfer requirements.
- Advanced Placement (AP) program (Scores 4 and 5)
- International Baccalaureate (IB) academic program
For More Information
Applications and further information about admission are available from the
Office of Admissions
Transylvania University
300 North Broadway
Lexington, KY 40508-1797
(800) 872-6798 or (859) 233-8242
www.transy.edu
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