Steps to Apply - First-Gen
You are considered a freshman student if...
Freshman Requirements
- recently graduated or soon will graduate from high school OR
- recently graduated or soon will graduate from high school and has completed transferable college credit while in high school OR
- is not a recent high school graduate or received a GED but has completed less than 12 transferable credit hours
Completed more than 12 transferable credit hours? Go to transfer students admission instructions.
International students can learn more at shsu.edu/admissions/international.
See all student journeys.

Step 1: Complete the Online Application for SHSU
Complete an online application and pay the $50 non-refundable application fee.
Alternatively, you may pay later by mailing a check (address below) or pay through the SHSU Self Service Center.
Qualifying students may submit an application fee waiver request to SHSU Office of Admissions via mail at below address or email admissions@shsu.edu. Applicants must include the required supporting documents to request a fee waiver:
- ACT Waiver Form or;
- College Board Waiver Form or;
- Letter from H.S. Counselor or Principal
The Applicant should mail the above information to:
SHSU Admissions Office
Box 2418
Huntsville TX 77341-2418
Step 2: Submit Your Transcripts
Contact your high school to send an official transcript to SHSU.
- Mail an official transcript to:
Sam Houston State University
Undergraduate Admissions Office
Box 2418
Huntsville TX 77341-2418 - Or ask your high school to send an electronic official transcript to Sam Houston State University (code: 003606).
- If transcripts are from a school outside of the U.S., the document must be translated and evaluated by a NACES accredited service or SDR Educational Consultants. International high school transcript evaluations must include a GPA on a U.S. 4.00 scale.
- Please note that SHSU does not accept fax or emailed transcripts.
Step 3: Submit Your Test Scores (Optional)
Contact the appropriate testing agency to request an electronic submission of your test score be sent to SHSU.
- Send SAT scores to school code 6643 for SHSU.
- Send ACT scores to school code 4162 for SHSU.