Oct 09, 2024  
2023-24 University Catalog 
    
2023-24 University Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Admission to the University


 

Transylvania seeks students who have demonstrated the ability and motivation required to gain full benefit from a demanding program of liberal 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:

  1. A completed admissions application

  2. 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.)

  3. An official ACT or SAT score, unless the applicant is test-optional

  4. An optional letter of recommendation from a school administrator (i.e. school counselor, teacher, principal, etc.)

  5. A personal interview with an admissions counselor on Transylvania’s campus is recommended, but not required.

  6. If the student applies as a test-optional applicant, an additional essay or graded paper is required.

  7. An essay will be required if a student is selected to compete for the Premier Scholarship Program.

Special Application Procedures

Although the majority of our students enter the university directly upon graduation from high school, some enter under other circumstances. In those cases, the following procedures apply:

High school dual credit enrollment may be approved for select students and courses, provided the students meet the criteria set forth by their high schools and the
university. The Office of Admissions will be responsible for evaluating and accepting students through an application process (detailed below). Students will
be eligible to select classes after current and incoming full-time students have registered for classes for the next semester. High school students will only be able to fill spaces left over from registration.

To be considered for a dual enrollment course, high school students must submit the following:

  1. A completed dual enrollment application
  2. Current and official high school transcripts
  3. One letter of recommendation from a high school teacher within the selected academic department for verification of qualifications.

Upon completion of the course, students may request an official transcript from Transylvania University. The student may also be able to use the university course for credit at their high school towards graduation, as approved by the appropriate school district and superintendent.

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.

The test optional policy allows a student to choose whether to submit a standardized test score as a part of the application process. Applicants may be asked to submit additional documentation (such as an admission essay or graded paper) and/or interview with an admissions staff member. Test-optional applicants will be evaluated for admission based on other available documentation, including the high school transcript, recommendations and essays/graded papers. Students must provide standardized scores prior to enrolling for course placement purposes.

Transfer students are welcome at Transylvania if they meet entrance requirements. Procedures for transfer students are similar to those for first-year students. Applicants must provide Transylvania with an admissions application and complete, official transcripts from all other colleges or universities attended. In addition, a final high school transcript or a copy of the GED certificate must be submitted, as well as one letter of recommendation, and a statement of good standing from each college or university they previously attended. Upon admission, the university will make every attempt to equate credits earned at other institutions to Transylvania’s curriculum.

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. If an international student wishes to compete for Premier Scholarships, the student must adhere to their domestic counterparts’ requirements and submit ACT or SAT scores, or test results from the list below.

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, a Saturday visit or a Destination Transy preview day.

Students planning to visit the campus should contact the Office of Admissions at least two weeks in advance. The campus tour consists of a student-led, 90-minute walking tour of campus and a meeting with an admissions counselor. Optional activities may also be available, such as visiting a class and meeting with faculty, staff or coaches. 

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.-5 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:

  1. Dual-enrollment academic credit for select college coursework completed as a high school student. Courses must meet transfer requirements.

  2. Advanced Placement (AP) program 

  3. 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