Temple University Fall Admissions: Who Gets In?

Temple University is a public research university in Philadelphia with an acceptance rate of 80%. The university offers over 600 academic programs and has a holistic admissions approach, considering factors such as high school performance, standardized test scores, extracurricular activities, and letters of recommendation. The application process for first-year students involves submitting the Common Application, with an application fee of $55, by the regular decision deadline of February 1 or the early action deadline of November 1. For transfer students, the fall application deadline is June 1. International students are required to submit additional documentation, such as TOEFL or IELTS scores, and may be eligible for merit-based scholarships. Temple University provides on-campus housing, with a deposit deadline of May 1 for the fall semester, and offers various student services, including career resources and student orientation programs.

Application deadlines

Temple University offers a range of application deadlines for prospective students. The university operates on a rolling admissions basis, meaning there are multiple application deadlines and decision dates throughout the year. Here is a detailed breakdown of the application deadlines for Temple University:

Early Action

The Early Action deadline for first-year students is November 1st. Students who apply by this date will receive an admissions decision by January 10th. Temple University accepts around 93% of early action applicants. Applying early is a good way to demonstrate interest in the university and can increase the chance of acceptance.

Regular Decision

The Regular Decision deadline for first-year students is February 1st. Students who apply by this date will receive an admissions decision within four to eight weeks of completing their application.

Spring Semester

For students interested in starting in the spring semester, the application deadline is August 1st.

Transfer Students

Transfer students wishing to start in the fall semester should apply by June 1st.

International Students

International students should refer to the International Students application guidelines on the Temple University website. There are specific requirements and deadlines for international applicants, including English language proficiency tests and visa applications.

Priority Deadlines

In addition to the application deadlines, there are priority deadlines for financial aid and housing. The FAFSA priority filing deadline for need-based aid is February 1st. The deadline for submitting the on-campus housing deposit is May 1st for the fall semester.

Application fees

Undergraduate Admissions

Temple University uses the Common Application for undergraduate admissions. There is an application fee of $55, which is to be submitted at the same time as the Common Application unless the applicant qualifies for a waiver through a federal or state program. The application fee can be waived for U.S. applicants who participate in certain programs, such as the Gates Millennium Scholars or Louis Stokes Alliances for Minority Participation (LSAMP).

Graduate Admissions

All Temple University graduate programs require a completed application form, a statement of goals, and one certified copy of official transcripts from every college and university attended, including Temple University. There is a non-refundable application fee of $60. This fee can be waived for U.S. applicants who participate in certain programs.

Housing deposits

Temple University offers on-campus housing to newly admitted students. The deadline for submitting your on-campus housing deposit is May 1 for the fall semester. The deposit amount is $250.

The housing selection process is available in MyHousing through TUPortal and is easy for students to apply for housing, perform roommate matching, select a meal plan, and select a room.

The housing selection process works on a first-come, first-served basis. The earlier a student submits their deposit, the better the chances of being able to choose a preferred room type or location. For new and transfer students, housing is guaranteed if your deposit and housing application are completed by May 1.

There are several ways for students to submit their deposits to be considered for University housing:

• Online: Log into TUportal, access MyHousing, and pay the $250 housing deposit online to reserve your place in the Housing Selection Process.
• In-person or by mail: Log into TUportal, access MyHousing, download and print the Undergraduate Housing Deposit Form. Send or deliver it with a check or money order for $250, made payable to Temple University, to: Bursar’s Office, Temple University - 1803 North Broad Street, Carnell Hall, Room 115, Philadelphia, PA 19122.

For new undergraduate students, you will complete the Tuition and Housing Deposit Form found in the admittance packet or use the “Next Steps” Channel in TUportal to submit housing deposits. Students are prompted to pay tuition and housing deposits together.

For returning undergraduate students, log into TUportal, access MyHousing, and complete and submit the Undergraduate Housing Deposit Form.

Scholarships

Temple University offers a range of scholarships for students. All first-year students who complete their admissions application by February 1 are automatically considered for merit scholarships. A separate application is not required. Students are notified of merit scholarships in winter or early spring, depending on when they applied.

Merit-based scholarships are awarded based on a student's academic performance in high school, their accomplishments, and, in some cases, artistic talent. In most cases, a student's financial need will not determine their eligibility for a merit scholarship.

Need-based scholarships are also available, with eligibility determined by a review of a student and/or family's finances. Students should submit the FAFSA by the February 1 priority deadline to be considered for institutional need-based aid.

Temple University offers scholarships for international students, including two #YouAreWelcomeHere scholarships of $20,000 annually for first-year international students with a vision for enhancing intercultural understanding. A separate scholarship application is required for these awards.

Temple University also offers ScholarshipUniverse, a mobile and personalized process that makes finding and applying for scholarships easier. ScholarshipUniverse is a searchable database with over 15,000 vetted external scholarship opportunities for students.

Student visas

Temple University welcomes students from all over the world. If you are not a citizen or permanent resident of the United States, you are considered an international student. The university offers support and resources to help international students navigate the admissions process and secure their student visas. Here is a step-by-step guide to obtaining a student visa for Temple University:

• Apply for Admission: First, you need to apply and be accepted to Temple University as an international student. The application process involves submitting the necessary documents, such as transcripts and test scores, and paying the application fee.
• Receive Form I-20: Once you are admitted to Temple University, you will receive a Form I-20, "Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status." This form confirms that you have been admitted to a program and demonstrates your financial ability to study in the United States.
• Pay the SEVIS Fee: After receiving your Form I-20, you must pay the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) fee. This fee is mandated by the US government to cover the costs of maintaining information on international students and exchange visitors. You can pay the SEVIS fee online at www.fmjfee.com using your SEVIS number from the Form I-20. Keep the payment receipt, as you will need it for your visa interview and entry into the US.
• Complete the DS-160 Form: The DS-160 is the online visa application form that you must complete before scheduling your visa interview. You can access this form on the US Department of State website. Print and keep the barcode page from the DS-160 form.
• Schedule a Visa Interview: Visit the website of the US embassy or consulate in your home country to schedule your visa interview. Each embassy or consulate has its own instructions and requirements for scheduling interviews, so be sure to follow their specific guidelines.
• Gather Required Documents: For your visa interview, you will need to bring several documents, including your Form I-20, DS-160 confirmation page, valid passport, acceptance letter, and financial documentation. It is also recommended to bring transcripts, proof of registration, a letter from your academic department, and proof of your intention to return to your home country.
• Attend the Visa Interview: During the visa interview, you will be asked questions about your eligibility for a non-immigrant visa (F-1 or J-1), your financial situation, the length of your intended stay, and how your academic experience will benefit you when you return to your home country. Be prepared to demonstrate your ties to your home country and your intention to return after completing your studies.
• Wait for Visa Processing: Visa processing times can vary, and there may be delays due to administrative processing, especially during busy periods. Keep track of the visa wait times on the US Department of State website.
• Enter the US: With your approved student visa, you can now enter the US no more than 30 days before the program start date listed on your Form I-20. At the port of entry, you must present your valid visa, passport, and evidence of financial support.
• Attend New Student Orientation: Temple University requires all international students to attend the New Student Orientation, where you will meet your academic advisor, register for classes, and get acquainted with other new students. Be sure to arrive on the assigned dates for orientation.

Remember to stay in contact with Temple University's International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) office throughout the visa process. They can provide additional guidance and support if needed.

Frequently asked questions