FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) |
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Admissions Questions Financial Aid Questions Housing Questions Residency Questions International Questions Student Life Questions Orientation Questions Testing Questions |
Ask A Question (Example: How Do I Apply?)
Q:
How many
students are enrolled at UTA?
A: 24,863.
Q: What is UTA's student/professor ratio?
A: The overall student to professor ratio is 19:1.
Q: How do I request a campus tour?
A: The preferred method to request a campus tour is to use
the Campus Tour Reservation Form. You may also make
a tour reservation by contacting the Visitor’s Information Center
at 817-272-8821.
Q: Do you have special visitation days?
A: The Office of Undergraduate Recruitment and New Student
Orientation hosts Preview
Days on Saturdays throughout the year.
Q: Is the University open on Saturdays?
A: The Visitor's Information Center is open on Saturdays
from 8:00 a.m. until noon. However, administrative and academic
office are
closed on Saturdays.
Q: What do I need to score on my AP exams to get college credit?
A: For more information on credit by examination and placement
testing, see Assessment Services.
Admissions Questions:
Q: When are the
deadlines for applying for admission?
A: See the Preferred Application Deadlines
Please Note: Applicants are strongly encouraged to apply by the preferred application deadline date. Application processing requires time to evaluate credentials, address THEA (formerly TASP) issues, and review data. Submitting credentials significantly past the preferred deadline date may impede the student's eligibility to register for classes. For more information on THEA, see Testing Questions.
Q: When is registration?
How do I register?
A: Before you may register for classes, you must: have been
admitted to the university; have satisfied TSI requirements; and have
met with an academic advisor in the department of your major. The courses
offered and registration times for each semester are printed in the
Course Schedule, published and circulated by the Office of Records
prior to class registration. The Office of Records is located ;in room
129 of Davis Hall, or call (817) 272-3275. For more information, see
the MyMav.
For registration dates, see the Academic Calendar.
Q: When do
classes start?
A:
To find out when classes begin each semester, please see the Academic Calendar.
Q: How long
does it take to process an application?
A: From the time that the application is complete, processing
takes approximately 7 to 14 days. The time it takes to process an application
can vary depending upon how much time there is before the next semester
starts.
Q: What is the
status of my application?
A: When you submit an application, you are notified within three
days that we have received your application. After your application
has been received and reviewed, we will notify you of any missing requirements.
After your admission file is complete, you will receive a letter informing
you of your status.
Q: What happens
if my file is not complete by the deadline date?
A: Your admission to the University cannot be guaranteed, nor can
the evaluation of your transcripts necessarily be done before classes
begin.
Q: Do you need an official transcript or can I send a copy?
A: We need a current (not older than 6 months) official transcript
from every institution attended. You can have your school
send it by mail to UTA Admissions Office, Box 19114, Arlington,
TX 76019-0114, or you may bring it to the Admissions Office in Room
123 Davis Hall.
Q: What SAT/ACT
scores are acceptable for freshman admission?
A: Your admission is based primarily on your high school rank in
class and your SAT/ACT scores. Top 25%:
no minimum scores are required, but scores must be reported. Second
quarter: 1050 SAT or 22 ACT. Third
Quarter: 1150 SAT or 25 ACT. Fourth
quarter: Individual Review. Beginning Fall 2006 UTA will
start accepting the highest critical reading and highest math scores
and combine them to provide the student with their highest possible
score.
Q: How will the “new” SAT
affect my admission to UTA?
A:
In order for your standardized scores to
be considered complete for admission, you must submit all sections
of the SAT (Critical Reading,
Math, and Writing/Essay). However, the writing/essay portion of the
SAT will not be considered in the Admission process therefore your
Critical Reading and Math scores must meet the combined minimum score
required by UTA in order to be considered for admission.
Q: Is foreign
language required for freshman admission to UTA?
A: Yes, students admitted with a foreign language deficiency in
high school will be required by most academic majors to take foreign
language at UTA.
Q: Is an SAT
required for international students?
A: Yes. The SAT is required for all freshman applications, including
international students, in addition to a TOEFL score. Included as freshmen
are students transferring with fewer than 30 semester college level
credits. All engineering majors must submit an SAT. Although transfer
students with over 30 credit hours are not required to take the SAT,
they must submit a TOEFL
Q: Can I attend
UTA if I haven't graduated from high school yet?
A: Yes, if you have completed your junior year and have taken the
SAT and made at least a 1000 or the ACT and made a 21. You must also
have a form signed by yourself, the principal of your school, and your
parent or guardian. For early admission you may enroll in a maximum
of two (2) courses per semester.
Q: If I am
a transfer student from another school, does my GPA start over at UTA?
A: Yes.
Q: How many
courses or hours will transfer from a community college?
A: All college level academic courses (not vocational/technical/developmental)
with a grade of "C" or better will be transferred. All courses transferring
from a junior college will be accepted as lower division only. The major
departments may only use 72 hours of lower division course work on a
degree plan at UTA; in addition to 72 hours of course credit, you can
transfer up to 4 credit hours of physical education. For more information,
see the Transfer Equivalency Guide.
Q: When will
I know which credits will transfer?
A: When official documents have been submitted and a formal evaluation
is done. Normally, this occurs one to two weeks from the time your admission
decision is made, if you met the deadline. For more information, see
the Transfer Equivalency Guide.
Q: If I am a former student, do I need to fill out another application?
A: If you have been out of UTA for one calendar year, you will
need to submit another application and a $35.00 application fee.
Q: Is there
someone I can talk to about what I need for admission to UTA?
A: Yes, UTA Admissions Counselors are available by appointment
at the Office of Admissions, Recruitment & Orientation, Davis Hall,
room 123. To make an appointment, call 817-272-2090 or
e-mail us.
Financial
Aid Questions
For more information, visit the Office
of Financial Aid.
Q: What is
the deadline for financial aid?
A: There is no deadline for mailing the FAFSA form, but to be considered
for the full range of financial aid programs, the form must be completed
by: Summer - April 15, Fall - June 1, and Spring - November 15.
Q: Can I apply for financial aid if I haven't been accepted?
A: Yes, but an award can be made only after you are admitted.
Q: What is UTA's code number for financial aid?
A: The Title IV code is 003656.
Q: What is the deadline for scholarships?
A: Students are encouraged to apply early for the best scholarship
opportunity. Upon admission to the University of Texas at Arlington,
eligible undergraduate students will receive automatic consideration
for general academic scholarships administered through the Financial
Aid Office. The number of scholarships awarded varies from year to
year. Please see Scholarships for more information.
Housing Questions
For more information, visit UTA
Housing.
Q: When should I apply for housing?
A: Apply for housing as soon as you think you may be interested
in attending the University of Texas at Arlington. You don’t have to be accepted to the university to submit your housing application. You need only have applied and received your student ID number. On campus space fills up quickly
so it’s important to get your application in early. If you’re
applying for a Fall semester, try to get your application filed with
Housing the fall before you plan to attend.
Apply online for residence hall housing.
Apply
online for apartments and houses.
Q: Do you have off-campus housing?
A: Yes, we have apartments near campus; there are also houses available
to rent.
Q: What type
and how many residence halls does UTA offer?
A: UTA has six (6) residence halls. They are all coed except for
Lipscomb South which is all female.
Q: What are the
charges for living in residence halls?
A: The charges will vary from hall to hall based on square footage,
suite or community bath, coed or non-coed. Please see Residence Hall Rates for more information.
Q: Do I have
to be admitted to the University before I can apply for on-campus housing?
A: No. However, housing applicants are responsible for verifying
acceptance to the University prior to accepting an offer for housing
property.
Q: What
type of meal plan does UTA offer?
A: Our meal plan is through Aramark. A student can place money in
a MAV Express Account and then use this account to purchase food.
Q: Do I have to purchase a meal plan if I live on campus?
A: If you live in Arlington Hall or KC Hall, you are required to
purchase a meal plan, but you are not required to do so in the other
residence halls.
Residency Questions
Q: Who is eligible to establish Texas residency for tuition purposes?
A: U. S. Citizens, Permanent Residents, and Eligible Aliens (includes certain visas and certain undocumented Texas high school graduates)
Q: What qualifies me to be a Texas Resident?
A: If you are a dependent student, your residency will be classified the same as that of your parents. If you are an independent student, you:
- Must live in Texas for 12 consecutive months;
- Must be gainfully employed or demonstrate financial independence 12 months prior to enrollment
- Education cannot be your primary reason for residing in Texas
Senate Bill 1528 Information (formerly HB 1403):
Students may pay Texas Resident Tuition if they meet all the requirements of Senate Bill 1528:
- Graduated or will graduate from high school or complete a GED in Texas
- Must have lived in Texas for 36 months prior to high school graduation or completion of the GED
- The student must have lived in Texas for the 12 months prior to the semester for which they are applying
- If the student is not a U. S. Citizen or Permanent Resident they must complete a Senate Bill 1528 Affidavit. You can obtain a copy of the Senate Bill 1528 Affidavit here (PDF file; Adobe Reader required to view)
Q: Who can be classified as a dependent student?
A: A dependent is an individual who is either a minor, or someone who is 18 years of age or older and claimed, or eligible to be claimed, as a dependent for federal income tax purposes by a parent or guardian in the year of enrollment.
Q: Who can be classified as an independent student?
A: An independent is anyone 18 years of age or older who is not claimed by a parent or guardian as a dependent for federal income tax purposes during the tax year including the enrollment period.
Q: I am 17 years old. Who do I base residency on?
A: You are a dependent, so your residency will be based on the residency of your parent or court-appointed legal guardian.
Q: Who qualifies as a court-appointed legal guardian?
A: Court-appointed legal guardians are proven by court documents signed by a judge in a court of law.
Q: My parents live in another state and I came to Texas to go to school. Can I establish residency so I can pay in-state tuition?
A: If your parents live in another state, and claim you for federal income tax purposes, you are considered a dependent and not eligible to establish residency in your own right unless you meet all the requirements of Senate Bill 1528. However, independent students may establish residency (see guidelines on Rules on Establishing Residency: Independent Individuals 18 years of age or older).
Q: I have been enrolled full-time since my move to Texas, but no one else claims me for federal income tax purposes. Can I establish residency after living here for 12 months?
A: The Texas Residency Laws state that students enrolling in an institution of higher education prior to having resided in the state for 12 months immediately preceding the time of enrollment shall be classified as nonresidents for tuition purposes. However, after living in the state for 12 months, if the student can show business or personal ties to the state of Texas, he/she may seek reclassification as a resident by completing a Core Residency Questionnaire (available in the Admissions Office or online here; PDF file; Adobe Reader required to view). Circumstances to be considered shall include, but are not limited to:
- the length of residence and employment prior to enrolling in an institution;
- the nature of employment while a student;
- presence in the state as part of a household transferred to accept employment in Texas;
- purchase of a home or business in Texas;
- marriage to a long time Texas resident.
Q: Can I attend college during the 12 month period that I am establishing residency?
A: Yes, as long as you attend half time or less and have otherwise met residency requirements. Half-time is considered 6 hours during each long semester (Spring and Fall) and 3 hours during each short semester (Summer and Minimesters). Please keep in mind that you will pay out-of-state tuition during the 12-month period that you are establishing residency.
Q: What is gainful employment?
A: Gainful employment is considered lawful activities intended to provide an income to the individual or allow an individual to avoid the expense of paying another person to perform the tasks (as in childcare or the maintenance of a home).
Q: I am on military assignment in Texas, and my home of record is out-of-state. Can I qualify to pay in-state tuition?
A: Yes, military personnel assigned to duty within the state of Texas as well as their spouse and their dependent children, shall be entitled to pay the same tuition as a resident of Texas regardless of the length of their physical presence in the state. To qualify for the waiver of out-of-state tuition, a letter from the commanding officer must be provided certifying that the military member is on current duty assignment in Texas at the time of enrollment. This letter should be submitted once every 12-month period and should cross reference the student’s name and social security number.
Q: I am in the military and have been living out-of-state for a while, but my home of record is Texas. I will separate from the military soon, and plan to return to Texas. How can I qualify for residency?
A: You should provide copies of your Leave and Earnings Statements to verify Texas as where you pay/paid taxes, and if/when you are discharged, a copy of your DD214.
Q: I have been classified as a nonresident and now feel that I have met the residency requirements. How do I seek reclassification as a resident?
A: You should complete a Core Residency Questionnaire (available in Admissions and online here; PDF file; Adobe Reader required to view) and return it along with supporting documentation to the Office of Admissions.
Q: What kind of documentation can I provide that verifies my employment and/or my move to Texas?
A: Supporting documentation:
Additional information about residency can be found at http://www.collegefortexans.com/residency If you have additional questions regarding residency you can email ugresidency@uta.edu.Required documents: letter from employer on company letterhead signed by a company official stating date of hire, average hours worked per week, and the length of employment.
Examples of Supporting documents (but not limited to):
- a copy of a lease showing the student’s name as renter
- a bank letter stating when the student’s account was opened
- wage statements in the student’s name showing employment dates, and name/address of employing company
- proof of voter or auto registration and/or driver’s license in Texas
- federal tax returns (and/or W-2 forms) filed by the student showing a Texas address
- bills or statements in the student’s name showing a Texas address.
International Questions
Q: Who should
fill out the International Application?
A: The paper-based application is the same for all students (domestic
and international). For the electronic version of the Texas
Common Application, any student on a non-immigrant visa should
choose the appropriate International option in the section titled "Please
Select Type of Application."
Q: How do
I get an I-20?
A: You must apply to the University and fulfill all admission requirements.
When you are admitted, an I-20 is issued.
Q: How long
does the international admission process take?
A: Once all required documents are submitted, approximately 2 to
4 weeks are required to complete the admission process.
Q: Is there
an application fee? If there is, how much?
A: Yes; the application fee for international students is $50.00.
Q: How high do I have to score on the TOEFL to be accepted to UTA?
A: The TOEFL test is required of all international student applicants
from non-native English speaking countries. The minimum acceptable score
is 550 for the paper-based test, and 213 for the computer-based test.
Scores must be sent directly from
ETS (Educational Testing Service). Please keep in mind that
ETS will not release scores older than two (2) years.
Q: What are the SAT score requirements?
A: The minimum combined verbal and math score is 900 for general
admission; students who wish to declare a pre-engineering major are
required to submit a minimum score of 1200.
Q: Can I register for classes and take the SAT later?
A: No, the SAT is required for admission from all freshmen with
less than 30 transfer credits, and all engineering majors.
Q: What are the GPA requirements?
A: The applications of prospective students from countries other
than the U.S. are reviewed on an individual basis, and admission decisions
are based on the strength of the previous academic work, scores on the
SAT if required, and the TOEFL score. Academic background and curriculum
are important considerations in decisions on admissibility.
Q: When will I know which of my courses will transfer?
A: If your file is completed by the deadline and you are accepted,
a copy of your evaluation will be mailed within 2 to 4 weeks of your
acceptance.
Q: What type of financial documentation do I need to provide?
A: UTA requires that you provide an original letter on bank letterhead
signed by a bank official. The letter must document the availability
of $24,840.00. If a parent or sponsor is providing your funding, UTA
also requires a personal letter signed and dated by your sponsor,
confirming
intent to support you while you are attending UTA. The Financial
Statement Form (PDF) included with your application has more
complete information regarding this.
Q: Will you accept a copy of the bank letter?
A: No, UTA requires that an original letter be submitted. At your
request, we will make a verified copy of your letter, and return the
original to you.
Q: What are the deadlines for completing my file?
A: The deadlines are:
Fall Semester - May 1
Spring Semester - October 1
Summer Session - March 1
Q: I'm in the United States on an F-1 visa. Can I take classes part-time?
A: No; according to INS regulations, students on an F-1 visa must
be enrolled as full-time students (12 hours per semester, for Fall and
Spring).
Q: I'm in the United States on a visa other than F-1. Can I attend
classes part-time?
A: Students in the U.S. on an H, J, L, or F-2 visa can attend classes
part-time. Applicants in the U.S. an another visa should contact the
International Office.
Q: I'm in the United States on a visa other than F-1. Will I have to
provide financial documentation?
A: No, we will require a copy of your I-94 card out of your passport
and the most current approval notice from the INS confirming your visa
status. F-2 visa holders are required to submit a copy of the I-94 card
and a copy of the F-1 visa holder I-94 and I-20.
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Student Life
Questions
For more information, see the Division of Student Affairs.
Q: Does UTA
have fraternities or sororities?
A: Yes, UTA has 14 national fraternities and 12 national sororities.
See Greek Life.
Q: Where do students hang out on campus?
A: Students hang out at the University
Center. The Food Court is
located there. There is a recreational sports facility located on the
1st floor (bowling alleys, pool tables, and an arcade). There is a TV
lounge. Another facility where students go is the Activities Building
(state-of-the-art weight room, two gyms, tennis and jogging track).
UTA also has an indoor pool and outdoor pool in the Physical Education
Building. Outdoor tennis courts are also available.
Q: What do students do on the weekends?
A: Many students attend numerous on campus events or go to River
Legacy Park, where they roller blade, play soccer or just relax. Students
also go to Six Flags, Texas Rangers games, Dallas Cowboys games, the
Fort Worth or Dallas Zoos, Kimbell Art Museum or shopping at the Parks
or Dallas Galleria. In addition to available campus nightlife, students
have many choices. Student frequent local Arlington establishments,
travel to Dallas' West End, Deep Ellum, and Fort Worth's Sundance Square
or the Stockyards.
Q: Does UTA have intramural sports?
A: Yes, UTA has intramural
sports. They range from traditional
sports such as volleyball, softball, and basketball to nontraditional.
Q: Are there organized social events arranged by UTA?
A: Yes, through EXCEL (Excellence in Campus and Community Service,
Entertainment, Leadership and Development). EXCEL's primary focus is
to plan and implement campus-wide cultural, social, recreational, and
educational activities.
Q: Do social groups have parties on campus?
A: Yes, registered organizations do have functions on campus.
Q: How many organizations does UTA have?
A: UTA has over 230 organizations. For more information, see
Student Organizations.
Orientation Questions
For more information, see the Orientation
page.
Q: What is
the Orientation Program?
A: The Orientation Program is an excellent opportunity for newly admitted
students to learn valuable information about UTA services and academic
programs. In addition to an introduction to the University, students
meet with an advisor and register for classes.
Q: Is the Orientation Program mandatory?
A: Yes, the Orientation Program is required for all recent high school
graduates entering UTA.
Q: When does Orientation take place?
A: For students entering UTA in the Fall: during June, July &
August
For students entering UTA in the Spring: during January
For students entering UTA in the Summer: during May
Q: How do I receive information on the Orientation Program?
A: All students who have been accepted will receive an Orientation Packet
in the mail, giving detailed information about the program.
Q: How long will the Orientation Program last?
A: The Orientation Program is a day-and-a-half for Freshmen students,
and a day for Transfer students.
Q: Do I need to reserve a space in one of the Orientation Programs?
A: Yes, you need to register online. To attend your first choice, your reservation should be received
at least two (2) weeks prior to the session.
Q: Is there a fee to attend the Orientation Program?
A: Yes, there is a fee for all students and
a fee for parents or guests. (Freshmen who attend the day-and-a-half
event
and choose to stay on campus will have an additional fee to
cover the cost of housing.)
Q: Is there a Parent Session during the Orientation Program?
A: Yes, there is a simultaneous schedule for parents that addresses
pertinent issues dealing with their college bound student.
Q: Do I have to take any placement exams during the Orientation Program?
A: All students entering UTA are required to take the Math Placement
Exam, unless they have taken College Algebra and obtained a C or
better,
or received a score of 4 or 5 on either the AP Calculus AB or
BC Exam.
Q: Do I need to have taken THEA prior to attending one of the Orientation
sessions?
A: Yes, you need to have taken the THEA test, or be exempt from
taking the exam. If you do not have scores or an exemption, then
you
will be unable to register for classes during the Orientation session.
Q: What is
the THEA (formerly TASP)?
A: The THEA
(Texas Higher Education Assessment) is
a test used to verify that students have the basic skills needed to
succeed
in
college-level
courses. Students are required by state law to take this test before
enrolling in any Texas public college or university. There are three
parts to THEA: Reading, Writing, & Mathematics. Students who fail
to achieve the minimum required score on any part will be required
to
enroll in remedial courses until they take and pass the required test.
Q: Am I required
to take the THEA (formerly TASP)?
A: Effective Fall 1998 and thereafter, all students must report
scores or prove exemption prior to enrolling in classes.
For more information about THEA, see
Testing Services.
Q: Am I required to take placement tests?
A: UT Arlington determines a student’s math placement using two placement tests. The Calculus Readiness Test (CRT) is for those students who are required to take calculus; The CRT can also provide for placement into precalculus courses. The Math Placement Test (MPT) is used for placement in all other math courses. Some students may be exempted from placement testing based on their SAT or ACT Math score. The tests are free. For more information about the tests visit the Placement Test Section of the Testing Services website. Students must also have passed the Texas Success Initiative (TSI) Math Requirement.
Q: Do I have to take the Math Placement or Calculus Readiness test if I have taken the AP exam (but haven't
received the scores yet)?
A: Students who have taken the AP exam but have not yet received
scores will be required to either wait for their scores or take the
placement exam before registering for any of these classes. If a student
has received the AP credit for a math class, he/she does not have to
take the placement exam in order to sign up for any other math courses that course as a prerequisite.
