Axe ’Em, Jacks!
The next generation of Lumberjacks
Each year, more than 2,000 high school graduates enter our first-year class and transform into leaders, thinkers and motivated learners. With over 80 undergraduate majors and a supportive, caring campus culture, SFA offers every new Lumberjack a path to success.
You're joining our incoming class of fellow students who have not attended a college or university since high school graduation, even if you’re entering with college-level credits.
Applying to SFA
Requirements to apply
Test Optional for 2023 terms
Prospective students who apply to SFA for any 2023 undergraduate term will not be required to submit an ACT or SAT test score as part of their admission application.
While optional, students who have SAT and ACT scores are encouraged to submit them as they may be reviewed for Texas Success Initiative exemptions and/or scholarship opportunities.
Standardized test requirements (optional for 2023 terms)
|
High school class rank |
SAT |
ACT |
|---|---|---|
| Top 10% | No minimum required | No minimum required |
| Top 11-25% | No minimum required | No minimum required |
| 2nd Quarter | 1030 | 20 |
| 3rd Quarter | 1170 | 24 |
| 4th Quarter | File Review | File Review |
First-time undergraduate applicants must:
- Complete an accredited high school program.
- Meet the standardized test requirements.
Accredited high school programs
SFA requires first-time applicants to have completed the Recommended High School Program, the Distinguished Achievement Program, Endorsement Program with Algebra II or Distinguished with Endorsement Program to ensure they have received adequate preparation for college-level work.
Applicants who have not completed one of these programs will need to demonstrate that they have completed a high school curriculum more rigorous than what is required of the Minimum Graduation Plan, Basic Plan or Foundation.
Admissions application checklist:
- Complete your application to SFA.
- Send your official high school transcript (must be received directly from your school).
- Submit your official standardized test scores.
- Pay the $50 application fee, collected at the end of the application process.
- Check to see if you qualify for an application fee waiver.
Advanced placement applicants: Also submit your advanced placement scores to receive earned credit.
Applicants with dual-credit: Also submit your official college transcripts (must be received directly from college) to receive earned credit.
Housing benefits when you apply early
First-year students will be able to select their fall housing assignment in December of the previous year if they have have:
- completed the Residence Life application
- paid their Residence Life deposit
- and are admitted to SFA by Dec. 1.
That's four months earlier than other applicants!
Rolling admissions
SFA is a rolling admissions university, meaning there is no application deadline.
Applicants who are home-schooled
Home-schooled applicants for admission who present evidence of completion of a nontraditional secondary education without an official class rank will have a class rank assigned by the Office of Admissions. This process is in accordance with Texas Senate Bill 1543. The class rank will be comparable to the average class rank of other applicants who have equivalent ACT or SAT scores.
As with other applicants, if initial rank and score requirements are not met, a holistic review of the applicant’s file carefully examines all credentials presented. Applicants are encouraged to provide as much detail as possible regarding their academic achievements and extra-curricular involvement when completing the Apply Texas application. An official, notarized home school transcript is required to demonstrate evidence of completion. The Office of Admissions has a notary on staff free of charge.
Applicants with GEDs
The process is the same but will require a holistic file review. This is a careful examination of all the credentials presented by the student to determine whether the applicant not only meets the academic requirements for admission but also possesses the skills and experiences that facilitate a successful career at SFA.
You will need to submit your GED scores to the Office of Admissions.
Decision letters
Decision letters should arrive within two to three weeks of submitting a complete application.
mySFA account
You’ll get your own mySFA account the same day your application is received by the Office of Admissions. mySFA is the official communication method of the university. Log on and set up your account right away to check on financial aid awards, housing assignments and class registration.
Lumberjack Orientation
Register through the Orientation tab on mySFA
At Lumberjack Orientation you will:
- Learn about SFA resources, campus processes and university traditions
- Meet with your academic advisor
- Register for classes
Scholarships and Aid
Get started early! You don’t have to be admitted to apply for aid and scholarships in your mySFA account. Visit the Types of Aid page to learn more about the different aid options that may be available to you, like grants, loans, scholarships and more. View important financial aid dates and deadlines.
Bacterial meningitis vaccine
Bacterial meningitis immunization requirement
In order to live on campus or take face-to-face classes, state law requires new students have a bacterial meningitis vaccine, that is less than five years old, administered at least 10 days prior to the start of term.
Housing
Use mySFA to apply for housing as soon as you finish your admissions application. Students that are at least 21 years old, or have 60 earned college hours, may apply for an off-campus permit.