Freshman Application
High school performance and standardized test scores are the foundation for admission decisions, yet our individual holistic review process involves consideration of an admission essay, special abilities, talents, and co-curricular involvement. The Admission Committee looks deeper than your GPA and test scores to understand your past accomplishments, your interests and your potential. That holistic review continues when your application is considered for scholarships.
Applications open August 1 each year for students who plan to begin college the following fall, after their senior year of high school.
About the Application
- Submitting an application is free!
- You can apply with or without a test score (Test-Optional Policy).
- You are automatically considered for admission scholarships when you apply – no matter the method you choose.
What You'll Need to Apply
Our individual review considers your interests, talents, and accomplishments.
High school transcripts
Essay*
ACT or SAT score*
Activities Resume*
*Essay, Test Scores, and Activities Resume are optional for admission IF GPA is 3.0 or above. PLEASE NOTE, all materials are REQUIRED for competitive scholarship consideration.
High School Transcripts
- Transcripts with at least six semesters of high school grades are required for admission review.
- If you are homeschooled, have a GED, or are graduating high school in less than four years, reach out to the Office of Admission to learn about what academic documents will be required. Please also see below for more information on these specialized admission categories.
Essay
Personalize your application with a 1-3 page essay (if you qualify for our TruMerit Automatic Admission, you can skip the admission essay). All students are required to submit an essay for competitive scholarship review. Essays can be uploaded within the application, emailed after submission, or mailed to the Office of Admission.
Essay Prompts
ACT or SAT Score (optional)
- You can apply to Truman with or without an ACT and/or SAT score.
- Learn more about our Test-Optional Policy.
- Once you are admitted, you can submit your test score for additional scholarship consideration.
- You will need to have your scores sent directly from the testing agency or your high school to the university.
- If you’re applying to be a nursing major, you must apply with a test score.
Activities List or Resume (recommended)
An activities list or resume is required for competitive scholarship review. Your Activities List can be uploaded within your application, emailed after submission, or mailed to the Office of Admission.
Key Dates
Applications are considered on a rolling basis which means it’s never too late to apply.
December
- December 1 is the priority deadline for Truman’s competitive scholarships.
- Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) likely becomes available.
February
- February 1 is the priority deadline for Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
- Truman starts notifying FAFSA filers first, then non-FAFSA filers, of their overall aid amounts and estimated costs to attend Truman.
After You've Applied
- After you submit all of your admission materials, you should hear back from us with an admission decision within two weeks.
- You can check on the status of your application by logging back into the application at any time to ensure we are not missing materials from you.
- Call Admissions with questions at 660-785-4114.
- We’ll notify you of an admission decision via email and in your application portal.
Additional Information
- four units of english
- three units of mathematics (four are strongly recommended)
- three units of social studies or history
- three units of natural science
- one unit of fine arts
- two units of foreign language (same language)
With any questions about the above courses, please call or email the office of admission.
admissions@truman.edu
660-785-4114
The State of Missouri does not monitor homeschooling or issue diplomas to homeschooled students. Parents or educators are responsible for maintaining academic records, preparing a formal transcript, and serving as the transcript signatory.
Homeschooled students who participate in dual-credit or early college coursework must submit official transcripts from each institution attended to verify enrollment and credits earned. Participation in dual-credit or early college coursework is strongly encouraged to demonstrate readiness for the academic expectations of college.
Homeschooled Students are also required to submit ACT or SAT test scores.
Truman State University accepts HiSET and GED credentials for undergraduate admission consideration. Applicants must submit the following materials:
- Official HiSET or GED equivalency certificate
- Official high school transcripts from the school attended before leaving
- ACT or SAT scores
- A strong essay explaining the circumstances surrounding the applicant’s educational journey and unique situation
- An activities résumé highlighting extracurricular involvement, employment, volunteer work, and other relevant experiences