Freshmen Admission Requirements

Freshmen Admission Requirements

We are delighted that you are applying to Southwestern! Beginning fall 2020 Southwestern Adventist University will become test optional.  SAT and ACT scores are optional when considering your admission to SWAU.  This empowers you to put your best foot forward.

When applying please submit one of the following:

High School Transcript or GED

An official transcript with 6 or more semesters from an accredited secondary school with a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher.

A final official transcript with graduation date is required after completion of your senior year.

General Education Development (GED) test average score of 500 with no scores below 450.  

Texas GED  160 – 200 

Southwestern encourages the TEA Recommended High School Program of 26 credits, which will increase a student’s opportunities for success.

  • 4 credits of English/Language Arts
  • 4 credits of Mathematics, including Algebra I, II, and Geometry
  • 4 credits of Science, including Biology, Chemistry, and Physics
  • 4 credits of Social Studies, including World History, World Geography, U.S. History, ½ credit Government, ½ credit Economics
  • 1 credit of Physical Education
  • ½ credit of Speech
  • 1 credit of Fine Arts
  • 5½ credits of Electives
  • 2 credits of Foreign Language Studies

Regular Admission

GPA of 2.75 or more

Provisional Admission 

GPA of 2.50 – 2.74 

Students admitted provisionally must take UNIV 011 during the first semester. Provisional status will be removed after one successful semester at SWAU.

Test Scores for placement in English 121 and Math 110

 EnglishMath
ACT1721
SATERW 480530
TSIR 351, W 340, Essay 5350-390
AccuplacerReading 80, Writing 563
Nelson-Denny & SWAU WritingCombined score of 15 


Important Dates

March 1:  Submit applications to receive priority processing and scholarship consideration for fall.

May 1: Submit your commitment deposit to guarantee your place in class.

August 1: Last day to apply