Find out what the application process is like for first-year students and what the most important deadlines are, because having a plan and applying early has its perks.
Who is a first-year student?
If you plan to attend Temple from high school or secondary school, or have completed your GED, you should apply as a first-year student. Learn more about applying as an international student.
Temple is home to a talented and diverse student community. When you apply here, you’re on your way to becoming part of a network of inquisitive, innovative and creative individuals. Here’s how to get started.
You’ll first want to pick a decision plan and decide if you’d like to apply Early Action (Nov. 1) or Regular Decision.
Apply earlier to get an admissions decision earlier. If you apply by Nov. 1, you’ll receive an admissions decision by Jan. 10, though using Early Action is not binding.
Why apply early?
Apply by Feb. 1 and you’ll receive an admissions decision in four to eight weeks after completing your application.
NOTE: Early Action candidates receive priority review and can delay our review of Regular Decision candidates. During peak admissions (October through March), it might take more than eight weeks for a decision to be made on your application.
There is no separate application required to be considered for the Honors Program. All students will automatically be considered with their regular application.
Temple offers first-year students two ways to apply.
We are a test-optional school, and choosing to not submit your scores does not negatively impact your application. If you feel that your test scores are not an accurate reflection of your academic ability, or you were not able to take SAT or ACT tests due to circumstances outside of your control, you do not have to apply with scores.
If you choose not to submit your scores, you will apply test-optional. If you believe an SAT or ACT score would complement your application, you should submit your scores. Standardized test scores are otherwise entirely optional and in no way required for admission. Learn more about applying test-optional and if it’s the right choice for you.
Temple exclusively uses the Common Application. When completing your application for Temple, be sure to indicate whether you’re applying Early Action or Regular Decision. Even if you apply before or by the Early Action deadline, you still must indicate Early Action on your application to ensure you will receive an admissions decision early.
There’s an application fee of $55, which you will submit at the same time as the Common Application unless you qualify for a waiver through a federal or state program.
After submitting the Common Application, you’ll need to submit additional information through TUportal, which is a communication platform we use to keep you up-to-date with the admissions process.
We take a holistic approach when reviewing applications, which takes into consideration several factors to fully capture each student’s experiences, interests and academic coursework. Get an idea of what we are looking for by reviewing the following items.
We’re looking for students who are serious about academics, with at least a B average in high school classes and in the GPA 3.0 range for college-prep courses. The average high school GPA for the fall 2023 incoming class was 3.38. We also look for a well-rounded academic background, with the following academic subject distribution.
Students are required to provide a copy of their high school diploma, high school equivalency certificate (GED), or proof that the student has completed secondary school through homeschooling as defined by state law. Also acceptable as equivalent to a high school diploma; an associate degree, successful completion of at least 60 semester or trimester credit hours or 72 quarter credit hours that does not result in the awarding of an associate degree, but that is acceptable for full credit toward a bachelor’s degree at any institution.
Temple also awards college credits for students who in high school participated in the Advanced Placement program. Check out our equivalencies.
These give us another indication of your academic performance. We accept both the SAT and the ACT. The average SAT score was a 1280 and the average ACT score was a 28 for the fall 2023 incoming class.
We suggest you take either test in the spring of your junior year, as well as in the fall of your senior year. Official results should be forwarded directly to Temple’s Office of Undergraduate Admissions from the testing agencies. SAT or ACT scores are recommended but not required of applicants 22 years of age or older.
Temple is a test-optional school. First-year candidates can apply without submitting standardized test scores by selecting test-optional, which means that you are choosing not to submit your scores. If you believe an SAT or ACT score would complement your application, you should submit your scores. Standardized test scores are otherwise entirely optional and in no way required for admission. Learn more about our test-optional application path.
As part of the Common Application, we have an optional essay where you can tell us more about yourself beyond your grades and/or test scores.
Tell us about what you do outside the classroom. Your outside interests help paint the full picture of who you are and can factor into the review process.
Letters of recommendation are optional but will be reviewed if you choose to send them. Please do not send more than two letters. Your letters should be submitted by individuals who can speak to your academic abilities and personal accomplishments, such as a high school advisor or teacher.
Some majors in the Boyer College of Music and Dance, the Tyler School of Art and Architecture and the School of Theater, Film and Media Arts may require additional supporting information such as an audition, interview or portfolio. Please check your intended major’s specific requirements with the school or college below.
For schools and colleges with such requirements, you may schedule your audition and submit your portfolio for review prior to completing the submission of your application.
