Home How to Apply Freshman

High school graduates who have not attended college before are considered entering freshmen – even if they received college credit while in high school through dual credit, AP or IB programs. Transfer students with fewer than 18 hours of college credit also must meet admission requirements for entering freshmen.

Students at computers

Applying

For entering freshmen, a complete application packet includes three components.

  1. A completed undergraduate application submitted through the statewide Apply Texas system.
  2. An SAT or ACT score sent to Lamar University by the testing agency. Use SAT Code 6360 or ACT Code 4114.
  3. A high school transcript showing class size and class rank. Upon graduation, a final transcript should be submitted showing class rank, date of graduation and graduation plan. Send transcripts to the Admissions Office, P.O. Box 10009, Beaumont TX 77710.

Submit all application materials no later than August 1 for fall and no later than January 2 for spring.

Admission Requirements

Students must do three things to qualify for Unconditional Admission to Lamar University.

  1. Receive a diploma from an accredited high school.
  2. Complete at least 14 high school credits in college preparatory courses: 4 credits in English, 3 credits in mathematics, 2 credits in laboratory sciences, 2 ½ credits in social sciences (U.S. history, U.S. government, and world history or world geography) and 2 ½ credits in college preparatory electives (preferably including 2 credits of foreign language).
  3. Graduate in the top 10 percent of their high school class or achieve a minimum composite score on the SAT or ACT.
High School Class Rank SAT
(math + critical reading) 		ACT
 Top 10%
  No minimum required
  No minimum required
 Top 11% to 25%
  850  18
 2nd Quarter
  930  20
 3rd or 4th Quarter
  1000  21
 Unranked, Home School or GED
  1000  21

Individual Approval Admission 

First-time applicants who do not meet unconditional admission requirements will be considered on an Individual Approval basis. Students accepted for Individual Approval admission will have a variety of enrollment conditions that are intended to enhance their opportunities for success at Lamar University. During registration for classes, Individual Approval students will meet with an academic adviser who will explain the guidelines, agreements and requirements necessary for enrolling at LU.

After Applying

If additional information is needed to complete your application, such as transcripts, test scores or permanent residency cards, you will receive an e-mail letting you know what is needed to complete the application process. This e-mail will include your Lamar University identification number, which you can use to check your admission status online.

Acceptance notices are mailed soon after all required application materials are received. These notices also include LU identification numbers. Students should plan to attend an orientation session in the summer before enrolling in the fall. Details about orientation will be included with the acceptance notice.

Before attending orientation, students should take a Texas Success Initiative assessment test if they are required to do so. Under the Texas Success Initiative (TSI), students will not be permitted to participate in advisement and registration until they demonstrate their readiness for college-level courses through an approved test or exemption.

Students may be exempt from TSI assessment testing if they achieve required minimum scores on the SAT (combined 1070, including at least 500 on math and 500 on verbal), ACT (composite 23, including at least 19 on math and 19 on English) or TAKS (2200 in math, 2200 in English/Language Arts and 3 in writing).

Students who are not exempt must take a TSI-approved placement test before attending orientation and registering for classes. The Lamar University Career & Testing Center offers the Accuplacer and THEA exams, both of which meet the requirement. Other approved tests are the ASSET and COMPASS. If testing shows deficiencies in reading, mathematics or writing skills, students will be required to participate in a college readiness program through LU's Center for College Readiness.

At orientation, students will meet with an academic advisor, register for fall classes and receive their LU ID and MyLamar account, which provides access to numerous online resources. Orientation also provides an opportunity to meet other new students and learn about campus life from upperclassmen who serve as peer advisors.

A few days before fall classes begin, new students have another opportunity to meet their fellow students through a variety of free activities on campus offered during Weekend of Welcome.

Before attending on-campus classes, students who are under age 30 must either receive a vaccination against bacterial meningitis or meet specific criteria for declining a vaccination. For more information on complying with this requirement pursuant to Texas Senate Bill 1107, click here.