Freshman Admissions

DBU invites applications from qualified students who have graduated, or expect to graduate, from an accredited secondary school. Students who apply as regular freshman enrollees must have graduated from high school or have satisfactorily completed the General Educational Development examination (GED). Home schooled students are also invited to apply and are subject to the same qualifications and requirements.

A campus visit is recommended, but not required. DBU hosts Patriot Preview throughout the year. These serve as a preview of Dallas Baptist University each fall and spring semester to provide information on academic programs, campus life, financial aid, and scholarships, as well as to conduct scholarship interviews and campus tours for prospective students and their parents.

Freshman Admission Requirements

The following must be submitted by all freshman applicants:

1. A fully completed DBU Application for Undergraduate Admission.
2. A non-refundable $25 admission application fee.
3. A 250-word essay (typewritten or word-processed) relating why the applicant would like to attend Dallas Baptist University.
4. Official high school transcript, including official school stamp and/or administrator's signature, received in a sealed envelope bearing the transcripting school's logo.
5. Official scores of either the ACT or the SAT.

* Applicants who have permanent resident alien status in the United States must also fulfill the requirements listed under Other Applicants.

Freshman Admission Criteria

Careful consideration is given to a number of factors in reviewing applications and may include: academic records, class rank, standardized test scores, personal recommendations, church/ministry involvement, extracurricular activity participation, community service, and the applicant’s written essay. Applicants for admission are evaluated on the basis of the candidate’s academic record, character, aptitude, and potential for success in the DBU experience.

The following criteria are considered when selecting candidates for admission:

1. The student's final high school transcript should demonstrate the following:
   1. At least a 2.5 grade point average.
   2. Official seal of the school.
   3. Graduation date.
   4. Satisfactory class rank based on the standards of the particular high school attended.
   5. The following high school academic units are recommended:
      • English 4 years
      • Mathematics 3 years
      • History/Social Studies 4 years
      • Science 2 years (minimum of 1 year Lab Science)
      • Foreign Languages 2-3 years
   6. Students educated through a non-traditional secondary education, which includes a course of study at the secondary level in a non-accredited private school setting or home school, must submit an academic transcript. The academic transcript must include a list of courses completed, final course grades, and cumulative grade point average. Official ACT or SAT scores must be submitted. The documents submitted must demonstrate that the student meets regular admission standards.
2. A minimum standardized composite test score of 21 on the ACT or a combined Critical Reading and Math Score of 1020 on the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) is required. The writing assessment section of the ACT or SAT will be required.

Provisional Aim

For those students who are borderline in meeting the minimum admission requirements, the University may choose to offer admission through the Provisional Academics in Motion (AIM) program. AIM students may only enroll for a maximum of 13 hours during their first semester at DBU. The academic progress of students who are admitted through the AIM program will be evaluated after each semester of enrollment until they have completed 13 hours at DBU. All AIM students who fall below a 2.0 grade point average during the first 13 hours at DBU will be placed on academic probation with additional requirements from the Registrar. Should a provisional student not reach a GPA of 2.0 by the end of the semester following being placed on Admitted Provisionally Probation status, the student will be placed on Academic Suspension.

Provisional

Students who are provisionally admitted to the university may only enroll for a maximum of 12 hours during their first semester at DBU. The academic progress of students who are admitted provisionally will be evaluated after each semester of enrollment until they have completed 12 hours at DBU. All provisional students who fall below a 2.0 grade point average during the first 12 hours at DBU will be placed on academic probation with additional requirements from the Registrar. Should a provisional student not reach a GPA of 2.0 by the end of the semester following their being placed on Admitted Provisionally Probation status, the student will be placed on Academic Suspension.

Statement of Non-Discrimination

Dallas Baptist University complies with all applicable federal and state non-discrimination laws and does not engage in unlawful discrimination on the basis of age, gender, disability, veteran status, race, color, or national origin in any employment practice, admissions, education program, or educational activity. Under federal and state law, the University may discriminate on the basis of religion in order to fulfill its purposes.

Housing

Students desiring to live in the residence halls must complete a residence hall application and medical history form. These forms are mailed to students by the Residence Life Office upon acceptance to the University.