Please note that Transylvania University is undergraduate only. We do not offer Master’s or other graduate programs.
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Application
If you are applying to more than one of the over 500 colleges and universities that use the Common Application, we recommend you complete the Common Application, which opens Aug. 1 for fall 2021 enrollment.
For help filling out the application, contact Alice Schaaf, Assistant Director of International Recruitment, at aschaaf@transy.edu.
If you are filling out the Common Application for the first time, please register here.
Find us on SchoolApply.
Admissions essay
You should include with your application an essay providing the admissions committee insight into you and what you will bring to the Transylvania community. Please limit the essay to 1–2 typed, double-spaced pages.
To submit the essay:
a) If you apply using the Common Application, instructions are provided for uploading the essay file.
b) If you complete the Printable Application, submit the printed essay with the application form.
Official secondary school transcript
Your secondary school transcript must be translated into English with a grading scale attached.
Official test scores
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, but if international students wish to vie for the Premier Scholarships, they would need to follow those guidelines and submit ACT/SAT.
Students for whom English is not their first language, or who are not from English-speaking countries, need to submit one of the following as proof of English proficiency:
- SAT R (with CR minimum score in the range of 550)
- ACT (with English minimum score in the range or of 25 and Reading minimum score in the range of 25)
- TOEFL minimum score in the range of 80
- IELTS minimum score in the range of 6
- PTE Academic and PTE Academic Online minimum score in the range of 52
- Cambridge/UK O, AS, or A levels (passing)
- International Baccalaureate Diploma in English (24 or higher)
- Duolingo minimum score in the range of 105
Campus Resources
Alice Schaaf
Assistant Director of International Recruitment
From the 1780 Blog
Podcast: Vocabulary tips for international students applying to Transylvania
Applying to college can be a complex process for any prospective student, but language barriers and differing terminologies can make it even tougher for international students. They may have to figure out the difference between “test-optional” and “test-flexible,” learn the different types of English proficiency exams — even a term like “application” can mean something different to a student who is unfamiliar with the U.S. admission process.
Counselor’s evaluation and recommendation
Follow the directions below to ensure Transylvania receives the required information from your school guidance counselor. a) If you use the online Common Application, your high school guidance counselor can submit a recommendation via the Common Application system. b) If you have applied using the Printable Application, your counselor can complete the Counselor’s Evaluation and Recommendation and mail it directly to the Office of Admissions. If you are a transfer student but graduated from secondary school within the past year, your counselor may provide one of your recommendations.
Teacher’s evaluation and recommendation
Ask a teacher with whom you have had class within the past two years to complete a recommendation. If you are a transfer student, please have two college or university instructors complete a recommendation unless you graduated from secondary school within the past year. In that case, a secondary school counselor may provide one of your letters of recommendation. a) If you use the online Common Application, your teacher can submit a recommendation via the Common Application system. b) If you have applied using the Printable Application, your teacher can complete the Teacher’s Evaluation and Recommendation and mail it directly to the Office of Admissions.
Official college transcripts (if applicable)
If you have taken college or university courses during secondary school, you should provide a final official transcript of that coursework.
Being at Transy feels like home—I’ve had the opportunity to grow academically, socially and personally. I feel like I belong here.
Chetali Jhamnani ’19