Admission to the University

Inquiries and Campus Visits

Undergraduate students who desire information about the University's academic programs and application process should check the admission website at http://www.webster.edu for the most up to date information. Additionally, students may contact the appropriate admissions office by e-mail, mail, telephone, or fax.

The University encourages prospective students, parents, and sponsors to visit the campus during the school year.

Specific arrangements for campus visits should be made at least one week in advance with the Admissions Office for the campus the student would like to attend. If a campus visit is not possible, the University advises each prospective applicant to talk with a member of the admissions staff during the inquiry and application process.

Application by U.S. Citizens and Permanent Residents (Resident Alien Card Holders) Who Reside in the United States

U.S. citizens and persons who hold official classification as Permanent Residents (Resident Alien Card Holders) who reside in the United States and are interested in the St. Louis campus inquire and make application to:

Office of Undergraduate Admissions, Webster University
470 East Lockwood Avenue
St. Louis, Missouri 63119-3194, U.S.A.
Phone: 314-968-6991 1-800-75-ENROLL
Fax: 314-968-7115 E-mail: admit@webster.edu

Documents submitted to the University as part of the application process become University property and cannot be returned to the applicant. The University operates on a rolling admission, and application files are reviewed by the Admission Committee as soon as all requested credentials have been received. The University begins allocation of all scholarship funds, financial aid funds, and housing spaces in December for the following fall semester. The University recommends fall semester applicants who wish to meet all scholarship, financial aid, and housing deadlines to complete their application by March 1. Missouri residents should complete all financial aid forms by March 1 to meet the Missouri Grant deadline. Students who apply after April 1 for the fall semester or later terms in that academic year must complete their application files at least one month prior to their date of entry. These students will be considered for any scholarship or financial aid funds, and housing spaces on a "as still available" basis.

Freshman Application

Each freshman applicant must submit:

1. A completed Freshman Application for admission, which can be accessed on-line. The Common Application form is accepted as well.
2. A $35 nonrefundable application fee.
3. An official copy of an accredited high school transcript, which includes sixth semester grades, class rank, and cumulative G.P.A.
4. SAT or ACT composite scores. (Scores from an official high school transcript are acceptable.)
5. A 300- to 500-word essay on a topic of the student's choice.
6. A résumé of school and community activities, including offices held and awards received.
7. A recommendation from a high school teacher or guidance counselor.
8. An audition or portfolio review is required for students applying as a fine and performing arts (art, dance, music, or theatre) or film production major. Please contact the Undergraduate Admissions Office for further details.
9. Permanent Residents: Submit copy of front and back of resident alien card.
10. Additional credentials may be requested by the Admission Committee after an initial review of the applicant's file.

Admission Criteria

Freshman applicants are expected to complete a college preparatory secondary school program with at least 19 units of academic credit. The University strongly recommends the following distribution:

• English—4 units
• History/social studies—3 units
• Mathematics (college preparatory)—3 units
• Foreign language—2 units
• Science (two laboratory)—3 units
• Fine arts—1 unit
• Academic electives—3 units

The Admission Committee reviews each application individually in order to evaluate demonstrated academic ability. In this review the University looks for evidence of potential for academic success at Webster. During the committee review, particular emphasis is given to the applicant's grades in academic coursework, achievement on standardized tests, and class rank in high school. The essay, the recommendations, and school/community achievements are important considerations in the University's decision-making process.

Applicants most likely to be accepted will be in the top 50 percent of their high school class, will have a cumulative grade point average of at least a B, and will have an ACT composite score of 21 or above and/or a combined SAT of 1500 or above.

Each applicant accepted to the freshman class prior to high school graduation must submit a final high school transcript documenting the date of graduation prior to enrollment.

• Advanced placement program: score reports are required.

• Concurrent college coursework: college transcripts are required.

• International baccalaureate: score results are required.

Additional detail on credit recommendations can be found in the Academic Policies and Information section.

Home School

Home schooled applicants should follow the freshman application procedures. A general equivalency examination (GED) result is required in lieu of a transcript from an accredited high school. Transcripts from accredited home school programs are accepted as well.

Early Admission

Some students wish to enter the freshman class before graduation from high school. Such students are typically highly motivated and possess strong academic backgrounds that have prepared them for college-level work. These students may apply for early admission and should follow freshman application procedures listed previously. In addition, the early admission candidate must submit a recommendation from the high school principal that states the conditions under which the student will be eligible to receive a high school diploma. A student accepted under early admission must submit an official copy of the final high school transcript, including date of graduation, before beginning the sophomore year at Webster.

Adult/Transfer Application

Each adult freshman applicant and each transfer applicant who has previously attended a college/university or other postsecondary institution must submit:

1. A completed Adult/Transfer Application for admission accessible online.
2. A $35 nonrefundable application fee.
3. An official high school transcript or GED scores if the applicant has successfully completed fewer than 30 credit hours of college credit.
4. An official transcript from each college or university and/or other postsecondary institution previously attended. (It is the applicant's responsibility to request and submit all transcripts. Applicants must contact each institution to have an official transcript mailed directly to the Undergraduate Admissions Office at Webster University. Transcripts issued to students will not be accepted.)
5. A résumé that details professional employment history, school and/or community activities, honors, and awards; and/or a 300- to 500-word essay on a topic of applicant's choice.
6. An audition or portfolio review is required for students applying as fine and performing arts (art, dance, music, or theatre) or film production majors. Please contact the Undergraduate Admissions Office for further details.
7. B.S.N. students should contact the Nursing Department chair for additional admission credentials and requirements.
8. Permanent Residents: Submit copy of front and back of resident alien card.
9. Additional credentials may be requested by the Admission Committee after an initial review of the applicant's file.

When considering an adult/transfer applicant, the University looks for documentation that the student's prior academic preparation will provide an adequate foundation for success in college-level coursework taken at Webster.

The primary method used to assess the applicant's previous preparation is a review of college and/or high school transcripts. Applicants should have achieved a cumulative grade point average of 2.5 or better (on a 4.0 scale) on all previous academic work, both in the major and in the liberal arts and sciences. Students who are on academic probation or suspension are generally ineligible for admission. Specific admission requirements vary by program. Each student will receive individual consideration based on all application documents submitted for review.

Letter of Intent and Tuition Deposit

Full-time students who have been accepted to the University are asked to submit a letter of intent to enroll with a $100 tuition deposit. This letter should be completed and returned within 30 days after notification of acceptance. This deposit reserves the student's place in the entering class. On receipt of the tuition deposit, the University will issue a request for housing space to accepted freshman students from out-of-town as well as local freshmen who wish to reside in campus housing. Transfer students who wish to live in the Webster Village Apartments or a residence hall should contact the housing office at their earliest convenience. Housing contracts will be issued once space is confirmed. Tuition deposits for the fall semester are refundable until May 1. Tuition deposits for the spring semester are refundable until December 1. Requests for refunds must be made in writing to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions.

Probationary Admission

The University may choose to admit on probation students who show some weakness in their academic background. Students who are accepted on probation may be required to take specific courses in their first semester at the University. Probationary students must successfully complete their first semester with at least a 2.0 resident grade point average in order to remain at the University.

Extended Campus Degree Completion Admission

Applicants to Webster's upper-division degree completion programs, offered in Kansas City, Missouri; Orlando, Florida; San Diego, California; at Webster's programs at Marymount College in Los Angeles, California; and South Carolina at: Charleston, Columbia and Greenville must follow application procedures listed under Adult/Transfer Application or Application for International Students and must have successfully completed at least 64 credit hours (or 56 credit hours in the state of California) of college-level work prior to beginning studies at the University.

Applications for International Students, International Campuses, and Study Abroad

General information about Webster University's international campuses may be found on the website at The International Campuses. General information about the University's study abroad program at the international campuses can be found in Special Study Opportunities.

All non-U.S. citizens who wish to apply as degree-seeking and all U.S. citizens and Permanent Residents (Resident Alien Card Holders) residing abroad should contact the admission officer at the international campus they wish to attend for specific admission information. International campus address, telephone, and fax information is listed in International Campuses for Undergraduates.

All Webster University students enrolled at a United States campus and all U.S. citizens residing in the United States should contact the director for Webster University study abroad programs for admission information. Address, telephone, and fax information is listed in Special Study Opportunities.

Visa requirements can vary by campus location. For specific visa information, contact the appropriate office listed above.

Application for International Students, U.S. Citizens and Permanent Residents (Resident Alien Card Holders) Residing Outside the United States, Asylees, and Refugees

Webster University welcomes applications for admission from students from all countries. Citizens of countries other than the United States, U.S. citizens and Permanent Residents (Resident Alien Card Holders) residing outside the United States, asylees, and refugees should complete and submit the following items:

1. A completed International Application for Admission, or an online "Global" International Student Application, accompanied by the appropriate nonrefundable application fee of US $35. Students applying to the London and Thailand Campus are exempt from the application fee.
2. Official transcripts and educational records, including the following:
   • First-Year Students (Freshmen) --A secondary/high school transcript, including at least three years of completed academic work, and any predicted examination results. A final transcript, documenting the date of completion/graduation, is required prior to enrollment at Webster. In addition, accepted students must submit the official results of applicable external examinations.
   • Transfers-- Transcripts from all postsecondary schools attended, including colleges and universities. Applicants with less than one year of transfer credit must also submit the documents listed above under First-Year Students (Freshmen). This official final transcript must be on file prior to full acceptance to the University. All official transcripts must be received in sealed, unopened envelopes and certified with the official seal of the issuing institution. All official transcripts and documents in a language other than English must be   accompanied by a literal and certified English translation.
3. Applicants whose primary language is not English must document their English language proficiency at the time of application. Applicants normally satisfy this requirement by submitting current and official Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or IELTS scores. The scores required for admission are as follows:
   • TOEFL
     • Paper - 550
     • Computer - 210
     • iBT - 80
   • IELTS 6.0

Equivalent Cambridge, Oxford, NEAB, TEEP, IELTS, TOEIC and London Certificate test results that are current can be considered in lieu of the TOEFL. Students who cannot document current evidence of English proficiency should contact the campus to which they are applying for on site testing. On site testing is available at the following locations:   St. Louis, Geneva, Hua Hin/Cha-am, Leiden, and Vienna. In such cases, testing must be completed before the admission decision will be made. Webster University will refer for testing any applicant for admission about whose English language proficiency an admissions officer has concerns. All English as a Second Language (ESL) recommendations and requirements are a condition of the applicant's admission, enrollment, and/or continued enrollment at the University.

Use these correct institutional codes for Webster University when requesting an official TOEFL score report:

• St. Louis campus: 6933
• Geneva campus: 0546
• Hua Hin/Cha-am campus:7954
• Leiden campus: 0548
• London campus: 0549
• Vienna campus: 0547

Conditional Admission-- Some students are academically acceptable to the University but have additional English language proficiency needs that the University believes can be met by taking English asa Second Language (ESL) courses through Webster University or another educational institution with which the University has an articulation agreement. These students will be accepted on a conditional basis that acknowledges their need to document further work in English. Students admitted on a conditional basis must meet the University's English language proficiency requirements listed above before their conditional admission status can be waived.

On-Campus Testing for English-- Students admitted conditionally normally must sit for the University's on-campus English language testing prior to registration. The results of this evaluation will enable the academic advisor to place the student in appropriate coursework. Options include intermediate and/or advanced English as a Second Language (ESL) courses only, ESL courses in combination with academic courses, or academic courses only. Webster University will refer for testing any student about whose English language proficiency an academic department, an individual faculty member, or an academic advisor has concerns. The ESL recommendations will become part of the student's graduation requirements.

Additional information on Webster University's ESL program can be found under International Languages and Cultures .

Any student who is an asylee or refugee in the United States and holds official documentation of this status must submit a copy of both sides of the official documentation with the completed application form.

4. Students requiring a visa to study in the country in which their campus is located will be required to provide additional documentation for the visa process. Visa documentation requirements can vary at international campus locations depending upon the applicant's citizenship status and/or country of origin at the time of acceptance to the University. Applicants should check with the campus they plan to attend for specifics. The University will notify applicants if additional documentation is required to complete the application file.
5. A 300- to 400-word essay on a topic of choice, such as a special interest, experience, or achievement.
6. A list of activities and achievements.
7. Two letters of recommendation from teachers and/or employers.
8. SAT or ACT scores are required for first-year freshman applicants who are graduates of U.S. high schools and international secondary schools that use English as the language of instruction.

Application Submission

Applications from abroad normally should be complete and on file at the University at least four to six months before the beginning date of the desired entry term.

Applications should be submitted online at http://www.webster.edu whenever possible. Your application materials should be submitted to the Admissions Office at the campus you wish to attend. Campus addresses, phone, and fax numbers are listed under Locations, Degrees, and Majors.

Completed applications for the St. Louis, Missouri, campus should be airmailed or, if delayed, sent by courier to:

Office of International Recruitment and International Services
Webster University
470 East Lockwood Avenue
St. Louis, Missouri 63119-3194, U.S.A.
Phone: international access code+314-968-7433
Fax: international access code+314-968-7122
E-mail: intlstudy@webster.edu

Completed applications for the international campuses should be sent to the Admission Officer at the campus the applicant wishes to attend. Campus addresses, phone, and fax numbers are listed in International Campuses for Undergraduates.

A decision regarding admission is made as soon as an applicant's file is complete.

The Admission Committee assesses the applicant's potential for academic success at Webster on the following: cumulative grade point average of 2.5 or better on a 4.0 scale; grades in specific academic coursework; achievement on examinations and tests; and English proficiency scores. The essay, the recommendations, school/community achievements, and/or professional work experience also are considered in the admission decision.

Visa Information

Visa documentation requirements can vary at international campus locations depending upon the applicant's citizenship status and/or country of origin at the time of acceptance to the University. Check with the campus the applicant plans to attend for specifics. The University will notify the applicant if additional documentation is required to complete the application.

Persons who hold official United States classification as citizens or permanent residents (Resident Alien Card holders) follow the application procedures for U.S. citizens. A copy of both sides of the Resident Alien Card must be included in the application documentation.

Applicant Documentation

Please make photocopies of all documents submitted to Webster University. The applicant may be required to present these to the consulate/embassy when applying for a student visa.

General Application Information

Admission to Desired Major

In the admission process Webster University reviews applications for two areas of competence. The first review considers the student’s overall academic performance in all coursework attempted prior to application at Webster. The second review concentrates on the student’s previous preparation and ability in the major area of interest. The decision regarding admission to the University will be based on both areas of review.

However, admission to the University does not guarantee acceptance as a declared major in any specific program. Students normally request acceptance into the desired major after a period of satisfactory academic progress at Webster. Requirements for acceptance as a major vary and are determined by the appropriate department.

Certificate Program Application

Students who wish to pursue a certificate program at Webster must apply and be accepted as degree-seeking. These students follow the application procedures listed above according to their citizenship status.

Deferred Admission

An accepted student may request that acceptance be held for one academic year by submitting a written request to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions. Students who defer admission must submit official transcripts of any academic work completed after accep-tance and prior to enrollment at Webster.

Nondegree Status Approval

Students who do not plan to seek a degree from Webster may request approval to take undergraduate courses at the University as a nondegree student. Nondegree request forms are available from the Office of Undergraduate Admissions and the Graduate and Evening Student Admissions Office.

A $35 nonrefundable application fee is required. (Students who apply to become degree-seeking in a future term will not be required to submit a second application fee.)

Completed nondegree requests must include transcripts that show the cumulative grade point average.

Additional documentation may be requested. Students who are on academic probation or suspension at their previous institution are not considered for nondegree status at Webster.

When reviewing a nondegree request, Webster looks for evidence of demonstrated potential for academic success. Nondegree candidates who meet regular University admission standards for freshmen or transfer students are normally approved. Students whose degree-seeking application for admission to Webster has been denied are not eligible for approval as nondegree students.

Approved nondegree students must enroll for the full number of credit hours for a class published in the current course schedule. Registrations for nondegree students are processed on a space available basis beginning one month before the start of each semester. Nondegree students must document that any class prerequisites have been met and must maintain satisfactory academic progress. Nondegree students must pay tuition in full at the time of registration. Financial aid is not available to nondegree students. The University reserves the right to dismiss nondegree students without review or the right to appeal.

Nondegree students may take up to 18 credit hours during any semester. Nondegree students who would like to become degree-seeking may apply for admission in a subsequent term. A maximum of 30 credit hours may be earned as a nondegree student. Nondegree students approved for undergraduate study may not enroll in graduate-level coursework without a completed baccalaureate degree.

Readmission

Degree-seeking students whose enrollment has been interrupted for one calendar year or longer must apply for readmission prior to resuming studies at the University. Readmitted students follow the academic policies and degree requirements of the current catalog, including meeting the general education requirements for their baccalaureate program. Readmission is requested through the Office of Academic Advising. Each student must submit official transcripts of all academic work completed since prior enrollment at Webster. Students must pay any outstanding balance in the Business Office before readmission is complete. Students who voluntarily left the University while on academic probation must be readmitted on probation. Students will be charged a $35 readmit fee once their application is approved and they have registered for classes. See Academic Probation and Dismissal under Academic Policies and Information.

[Top of Page] [Table of Contents] [Webster University Home Page] [Locations]
[Course Schedules] [Admissions and Financial Aid] [Accreditation] [Academic Advising] [Bookstores]