How to Apply as a Freshman

Ready to submit that application to University of Houston-Clear Lake? We might be even more excited than you are about this next stage of your life. In order to ensure that you understand the steps for applying to UHCL, we've created this handy outline that clearly describes the admissions requirements and application process.

Coming to UHCL as a Freshman with transfer credit. See how your credit will transfer before applying to the university. Our Transfer Credit Estimator lets you see how your credits may apply toward your desired major.

1) Submit Your Application

Visit Apply Texas to complete your online application to UHCL.

2) Pay the Application Fee

We require that you pay a non-refundable application fee of $45. After submitting the admissions application, you will gain access to E-Services , your UHCL student portal, and can pay online .

3) Send Your Transcripts

Official Transcripts are required to complete your admissions application. Transcripts are considered official if received directly from the school or provided in sealed envelopes. Here's how to send your transcripts to UHCL:

1. Send Electronically: Ask your school administrator to send your transcript data electronically through an EDI (Electronic Data Interchange) system, e.g. TRex (for Texas institutions). Preferred method for faster service.

2. Send using an eDoc Service: Can't send it electronically? That's okay! Ask your school administrator to send us a PDF version of your official transcript through Naviance, Speede, or any other secure eDoc service. If a service asks for a university email address please use: admissions@uhcl.edu. Preferred method.

3. Send by mail: If neither of these options are available, ask your school to mail your transcript to the address below. Please understand there may be some processing delays for mailed transcripts as the university only permits a small number of employees on campus and postal services may be delayed.

Office of Admissions
University of Houston-Clear Lake
2700 Bay Area Blvd. Box 13
Houston, Texas 77058

4. Hand Deliver: You can also hand-deliver your transcript to the UHCL Office of Admissions in a sealed envelope to the above address. Please check university hours and status prior to coming to campus.

4) Send Your Scores

After you have submitted all the necessary material, we will begin processing your application. You can check on the status of your application process through E-Services.

UHCL Freshman Admissions Requirements

UHCL has approved a test-optional policy to waive the ACT/SAT requirements. This means freshmen are not required to submit an ACT/SAT score to receive an admission decision, but are encouraged to submit scores if they have them. Applicants will not be penalized for not submitting ACT/SAT scores.

First-time college students applying to attend UHCL must have attended a recognized public or private high school, meet the Texas Uniform Admission Policy and fulfill the standardized requirements below.

Regular Admission Criteria

Admission Criteria Admission Type
Top 50% Assured Admission
3.0 or Higher Assured Admission
2.5 or Higher with minimum 20 ACT Assured Admission
2.5 of Higher with minimum 1000 SAT Assured Admission
If Assured Admission Not Met Individual Review

Admission criteria is review by Class Rank and Calculated Unweighted GPA on a 4.0 scale.

Submitting a SAT or ACT for admission is optional. If you take or submit the SAT or ACT multiple times, the best score from a single testing date will be used to process your file.

If you received a GED, were home-schooled, attended a non-accredited high school or do not meet UHCL's automatic or assured admissions criteria, you will be considered for admission through our Individual Review Process.

If you are a Texas resident attending an out-of-state school, you may also qualify under this option. You must submit a residency petition to determine your residency status.

After you have submitted all the necessary material, we will begin processing your application. You can check on the status of your application process through E-Services.