Hardin-Simmons University

Join the HSU family! At HSU you will learn from our nationally acclaimed faculty, connect with students from around the world, and be mentored by people who genuinely care about your spiritual, intellectual, and personal development. Whether you are a first-time freshman, transfer student, or returning to finish your degree, we would love for you to make HSU your home.

Admission Requirements: First-Time Freshmen

General admission will be offered based on test scores, class rank, GPA, and extracurricular activities.

Automatic general admission will be offered to any student with one of the following qualifications:

• A Composite ACT score of 20 or
• A Combined SAT score of 1030 or
• A CLT score of 66 or
• A high school class rank within the top 25%
• Test Optional applicants will be automatically admitted with a 3.5 HS GPA

While we recommend you take a college entrance exam or submit the scores you already have, HSU will accept applications without test scores, with no penalty to the student. HSU will continue to have a holistic application review process and will consider all submitted application items when making an admission decision.

Deadline to Apply: Applications are accepted through August 2022 for the Fall 2022 start.

International Students

Preparing to study in a foreign country can be very exciting, and the journey to enrollment is a fulfilling experience. The following international undergraduate admissions steps are designed to help you make a smooth transition to HSU.

Step 1: Application

Start your international admission application to HSU today! There is no application fee! Create a profile on our website and submit the online application.

Step 2: Admission

• The international admissions process at HSU is simple. We need the following items to consider you for admission at HSU as an international undergraduate student:
• Submit transcripts of all secondary work (high school). Transcripts must be original documents or clear photocopies by a school or government official.
• Submit either an official SAT, ACT or CLT test score. Minimum test score requirements for international admission to HSU are:
  • SAT 1030*
  • ACT 20*
  • CLT 66*

*If you are transferring from a university inside or outside of the U.S., you do not need to submit an SAT, ACT, or CLT score. However, we do require a language proficiency score.

• Submit either TOEFL, IELTS, or a Duolingo English proficiency test score. Minimum English proficiency requirements for international admission to HSU are:
  • TOEFL: 79
  • IELTS: 6.5
  • Duolingo: 95
• Statement of purpose. Submit a one to two-page essay on why you wish to study in the United States and at Hardin-Simmons University. Please include your full name in your statement of purpose essay.

Step 3: Immigration

In order to study in the United States, international students must complete a few immigration requirements with HSU:

• Copy of Passport;
• Provide a statement of financial backing;
• Sign up for I-20 shipping;
• Pay SEVIS Fee;
• Schedule a Visa interview;
• Pay enrollment deposit.

Step 4: Finalization & Registration

After you are admitted to the university and have completed your immigration requirements, there are a few additional items for you to complete in order to register for classes and then prepare for your arrival at HSU:

• Complete the Terms of Agreement;
• Accept Scholarship in HSU Central;
• Register for Classes.

Step 5: Housing & Arrival Information

HSU will assist with your arrival to our campus by providing transportation service from the Abilene Regional Airport, and will also make sure your housing is ready when you arrive. In order to prepare for your arrival, the following items must be completed:

• Complete a Housing Request in HSU Central;
• Complete the Student Health Form in MedProctor;
• Complete the Arrival Form and Review the Pre-departure Checklist.

Step 6: Payment

International students are required to make their first payment toward their student account prior to their arrival at the HSU campus. Please make sure your first payment is made through HSU Central by the following payment due dates:

Payment Deadlines:

• Fall: August 1
• Spring: January 5

In order to study in the United States, international students must complete a few immigration requirements with HSU:

1. Copy of Passport. Submit a copy of your passport.
2. Provide a statement of financial backing. Before a Form I-20 can be issued, students must complete a signed Statement of Financial Backing form and include supporting evidence; i.e. bank statements, savings accounts, etc. You will also submit these documents to the U.S. Consulate when applying for your visa.
3. Sign up for I-20 shipping. To sign up for HSU to ship the I-20 document you need to visit our partner SASS-SmartShip website. Once you sign up, select Hardin-Simmons University from the drop-down menu to create your I-20 shipment. HSU will receive a shipping label in order to quickly mail your I-20. Once your document has been shipped, you will receive a notification so you can monitor delivery.
4. Pay SEVIS Fee. To pay your SEVIS fee proceeds to the following official DHS website here. For instructions on paying your SEVIS fee, view this video tutorial.
5. Schedule a Visa interview. To schedule your visa interview you will need to visit the following U.S. State Department website. Prior to your visa interview, you will need to review the F-1 Visa Interview Checklist and take those items with you on your interview date. Download a paper copy of this list here.
6. Pay enrollment deposit. Pay your enrollment deposit ($3,000 USD) and secure your spot at HSU. This enrollment deposit also acts as your first payment to your school tuition and fees. For instructions on how to pay your enrollment deposit, you can view these instructions here.