INTERNATIONAL ADMISSIONS
Admission to an American University
For admission, most American universities require an application, application fee, test scores and transcripts. Some universities require additional materials for consideration, such as placement tests and essays. For admission to Texas A&M University-Commerce, first determine into which category you fit, undergraduate (no earned degree) or graduate (at least one degree), and then apply to that division of the university. For admission requirements, refer to the pertinent web pages or see the admissions section of a recent school catalog. The following information should help you in your search.
Admission Deadlines
The university has set varying deadlines for incoming graduate, undergraduate freshmen (first year in college) and undergraduate transfer students. If you are applying from outside the US, you may need to apply much earlier than the published deadlines in order to obtain admission, collect visa application materials and pay various visa-related fees before your visa interview.
Medical Requirements for Admission
TAMU-Commerce does not require special immunizations for admission. You may want to bring an English version of your medical records to facilitate future medical treatment.
Undergraduate Admissions-Freshmen
If you have never attended a university before, you must apply for undergraduate freshman admission. Submit the required application materials to the Undergraduate Admissions Office. Once admitted, the International Student Services Office will send you a Form I-20 for obtaining a visa, along with other pre-arrival information.
Undergraduate Admissions-Transfer Students
If you have already accumulated at least 21 undergraduate hours but have not earned a degree, you must apply for undergraduate transfer admission through the Undergraduate Admissions Office. Submit the required application materials to the Undergraduate Admissions Office. If you are currently in the US at another American university, you must also arrange with the International Offices at both schools (current school and TAMU-C) for your immigration SEVIS file to be transferred successfully. Once admitted, the TAMU-Commerce International Student Services Office will contact you regarding additional materials required to complete the transfer, such as a SEVIS transfer form.
Graduate Admissions-New Students
If you obtained a Bachelor's degree or have acquired any graduate hours at another university, you must apply for graduate admission. Submit the required application materials to the Graduate School Office. Once admitted, the International Student Services Office will send you a Form I-20 for obtaining a visa, along with other pre-arrival information.
Graduate Admissions-Transfer Students
If you are still completing graduate courses for a degree, you must apply for graduate transfer admission. Submit the required application materials to the Graduate School Office. If you are currently in the US attending an American university, you must also arrange with the International Offices of both schools (current school and TAMU-C) for your immigration SEVIS file to be transferred successfully. Once admitted, the International Student Services Office will contact you regarding additional materials required to complete the transfer, such as a SEVIS transfer form.
Admission Status and the Form I-20
All questions regarding the status of your application should be directed to the appropriate admissions office. The International Student Services Office (ISSO) cannot help you with issues related to your admission, other than to direct you to the appropriate personnel in other offices. Once admitted, pertinent information from your admissions file will be forwarded to the ISSO so that a Form I-20 can be issued. This is the form required to obtain a visa from the United States consulate in your country. Processing times for the I-20 vary depending on your admission date and scholarship consideration. If you are transferring from a US school, your I-20 will be provided after you attend international student orientation unless you plan to travel internationally before school begins and need an I-20 before your arrival. If this is your situation, contact the ISSO regarding obtaining an I-20.
Concurrent or Dual Enrollment: Taking supplementary courses at TAMU-Commerce
You may attend classes at TAMU-C and another institution at the same time. This is referred to as concurrent or dual enrollment. If you are a student at another university, first verify with your school that the courses you are considering will transfer successfully. Then notify your International Student Office of your intent. They will tell you what type of documentation is needed to prove that your total course load between the two schools complies with visa regulations.
Campus Tours
Prospective students are welcome to tour the TAMU-C campus. Group tours are often provided during undergraduate orientations but individual tours can also be scheduled. Because of visa requirements, this option is only viable for international students already studying in the United States.
