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Freshman Application Instructions

Applying for first-year admission to Saint Louis University has never been more streamlined: simply complete an application, and have your transcripts sent in. There is no application fee when you apply for undergraduate admission to SLU. 

Early Decision I and II, Early Action and Regular Decision  

Saint Louis University offers four application paths for all first-time freshman applicants: Early Decision I and II, Early Action and Regular Decision. Learn about all four options, see key dates and deadlines for each application path, and decide which is right for you. 

Learn About Early Decision I and II, Early Action and Regular Decision at SLU

Complete the Application for Admission

Option One: Apply directly through the applicant portal

Create an account with the SLU application portal. If you’ve already been receiving emails from SLU, use that email address and click the “forgot password” link. There is no application fee to apply for undergraduate admission to Saint Louis University via the SLU application. 

Apply for Spring, Summer or Fall 2024

If you applied via the Early Decision I or II application path, in addition to required application materials, all parties must sign your Early Decision Agreement. You will need the correct spelling of a parent's/guardian's name and your high school counselor's/agent's name and their email address in order to submit.

Note: The Billiken Gateway portal is also where you can access the separate applications for the following competitive scholarships and honors and scholars programs.

  • Presidential Scholarship
  • Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarship
  • University Honors Program
  • Medical Scholars Program
  • Law Scholars Program
  • Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences Scholars Program
  • Pharmacy Scholars Program
  • Physician Assistant (PA) Scholars Programs
  • Micah Program
  • Nutrition and Dietetics Scholars

Option Two: Complete and submit the Common Application

Saint Louis University accepts the Common Application. Supporting documents may be submitted via the Common Application as well. There is no application fee when you apply for undergraduate admission to Saint Louis University via the Common Application. 

Send in Your Transcript

Have your high school transcript(s) sent electronically to Saint Louis University, at admission@slu.edu.  Submitting documents electronically is strongly recommended but may also be mailed to Saint Louis University's Office of Admission. Contact your admission counselor if you need assistance.

Additional Application Items

Though not required for admission, the following items are strongly encouraged. Please note that all documents must be submitted electronically at this time.

  • Standardized Test Scores. ACT/SAT scores are not required as part of the admission process. You may choose to submit ACT/SAT scores if you wish. Learn more about SLU's test-optional policy. SLU does not accept superscores so please be sure to send your composite score and all subscores from each completed test. International students are still required to demonstrate English proficiency, which may require the submission of a standardized test score.
  • Secondary School Report Form. The Secondary School Report Form should be completed by your high school guidance counselor.
  • Professional Résumé. Résumés may be submitted via email to admission@slu.edu. Please include your name, state and high school on your résumé.
  • Letters of recommendation. You may use the recommendations page in your Billiken Gateway portal to add a reference for a letter of recommendation, or have the recommender email the letter to admission@slu.edu
  • Admission Interview. An admission interview is an opportunity to speak one-on-one with your admission counselor about your specific interests and application. Contact your admission counselor to arrange an admission interview.

Please note: Some competitive scholarships and special honors and scholars programs require a résumé and/or letters of recommendation as part of the application. Click here for more information about honors and scholars programs.

Requirements for Nursing, Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapy

The application deadline for nursing, occupational therapy and physical therapy is Dec. 1.  If you applied Early Action or Regular Decision, supporting documents must be received no later than Jan. 5. Some of these programs prefer the submission of an ACT/SAT score as part of the application. Contact your admission counselor with any questions. 

Nursing Application Requirements

High school seniors applying for admission are reviewed on a competitive, holistic and individual basis. The best-qualified students are selected from the application pool with a required minimum high school GPA of 3.20 on a 4.00 scale, with an emphasis on math and science. Standardized test scores are optional but are preferred.

Please note that all nursing students sit for multiple exams throughout the course of their studies at SLU, culminating in the state board of nursing NCLEX exam at the end of the program. All applicants to nursing should be aware that while a standardized test score is not required for admission to the program (international applicants may be required to submit proof of English proficiency), standardized tests (during your undergraduate experience and NCLEX) are required to become a practicing nurse. If you choose to submit a test score, please note that the minimum requirement for admission consideration is a 24 ACT/1160 SAT, and our ACT/SAT average for students accepted to the program was a 28 ACT/1310 SAT.

Strong applicants will have:
• Four years of math (with math courses equivalent to algebra or advanced algebra) ​
• Four years of science (including one year of biology; one year of chemistry)
• Activities demonstrating leadership, community service and community involvement

All supporting documents, transcripts (required) and test scores (if you applied test-inclusive), must be received by Jan. 5.

Occupational Therapy Application Requirements

High school seniors applying for admission are reviewed on an individual basis. The best-qualified students are selected from the application pool with a required minimum high school GPA of 3.20 on a 4.00 scale, with an emphasis on math and science.
Standardized test scores are now optional; international applicants may be required to submit proof of English proficiency. When evaluating whether to apply test-optional or with a test score, applicants should note that students accepted in previous years had an average composite 29 ACT or an average total 1330 SAT.

The following high school courses are required for admission:
• Four years of math
• Four years of science, including one year each of biology and chemistry and preferably anatomy/physiology or physics
• Four years of English

All supporting documents, transcripts (required) and test scores (if you applied test-inclusive), must be received by Jan. 5.

Physical Therapy Application Requirements

High school seniors applying for admission are reviewed on an individual basis. The best-qualified students are selected from the application pool with a required minimum high school GPA of 3.20 on a 4.00 scale, with an emphasis on math and science.
Standardized test scores are now optional; international applicants may be required to submit proof of English proficiency. When evaluating whether to apply test-optional or with a test score, applicants should note that students accepted in previous years had an average composite 29 ACT or an average total 1330 SAT.

The following high school courses are required for admission:
• One year of biology; one year of chemistry
• College prep courses equivalent to algebra, geometry, advanced algebra and/or trigonometry

Strong applicants will have:
• Four years of math, including a course equivalent to pre-calculus
• Four years of science, including physics and anatomy/physiology
• Activities demonstrating leadership and community service
• An interest in the profession of physical therapy as demonstrated through observation, school activities, or personal experience

All supporting documents, transcripts (required) and test scores (if you applied test-inclusive), must be received by Jan. 5.

Requirements for Flight Science and Aviation Management

Dec. 1 is the application deadline for flight science and aviation management if you intend to register for flight training in your first semester. Students that apply after Dec. 1 will not be guaranteed admission to these programs, and may be placed on a waitlist until space becomes available.

Requirements for Music and Studio Art

There are additional requirements to complete your application if you are applying to the music or studio art programs:

SLU's Test-Optional Policy

Saint Louis University has a standardized-test-optional undergraduate admission process.

What does "test-optional" mean?
"Test-optional" means that you can choose whether or not to submit ACT/SAT scores as part of your application for admission. Test scores are not required for admission or scholarships. If you do choose to submit test scores, SLU does not accept superscores. Please be sure to send your composite score and all subscores from each completed test. International students are still required to demonstrate English proficiency, which may require the submission of a test score.
Am I still eligible for a merit-based scholarship if I don't submit a test score?
Yes. All applicants are automatically considered for merit-based scholarships, regardless of whether or not they have submitted a test score.
I'm not sure if it would help or hurt to submit my test score. What should I do?

Schedule an admission interview with your admission counselor. They are your best resource throughout the admission process, and they can help you determine the best course of action.

Find your admission counselor

I'm applying to flight science, physical therapy, occupational therapy or nursing. I'm not sure if my test score will strengthen my application or not. What should I do?
Contact your admission counselor to talk through your situation. Some of these programs may prefer the submission of an ACT or SAT score as part of your application. Please note that all flight science, PT, OT and nursing students sit for multiple exams throughout the course of their studies at SLU, culminating in board certification exams at the end of the program. All applicants to these programs should be aware that while the ACT or SAT is not required for admission to the program, standardized tests are required to practice in these fields.
I want to apply for the Presidential or Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarship. Do I have to submit a test score?
No. Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA, weighted or unweighted of 3.85 for the Presidential Scholarship and 3.25 for the Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarship.
What is the deadline by which a test score must be received for admission and/or scholarship consideration?

Test scores can be submitted for admission consideration at any time before an admission decision is made. Superscores will not be accepted. The student must request in writing that they want their application path changed to include a test (or vice versa). If a test score is received after an admission decision, it will be considered for a merit scholarship increase only.

Test scores must be received by Feb. 1 for merit scholarship increase consideration.

Test scores for flight science, nursing, physical therapy and occupational therapy applicants must be received by Jan. 5, 2024.

Contact Us

Your admission counselor is your best resource throughout the admission process, and they are ready to connect with your however is most convenient: via phone, text, email or video chat.

Find Your Admission Counselor