Saint Louis University

The online application will ask about your educational background and citizenship to help determine your eligibility. If you are applying to enter SLU as a first-time, freshman student, we’ll also ask you to complete an essay.

Find out from your admission counselor what secondary credentials are required. We’ll evaluate how you’ve done in school up to this point, so please send all transcripts for secondary work, along with their English language translations.

These are scores from any standardized test you may have taken to prepare for college — TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, SAT or ACT. All of our international applicants are required to demonstrate their English proficiency, and these tests can help us make that determination. If you do not meet SLU’s direct entry requirements, we encourage you to apply to the Pathway or English Language programs offered by INTO Saint Louis University.

Though not required for admission, submission of a resume of activities and letters of recommendation is encouraged. All applicants are also encouraged to complete an admission interview.

Academic Performance

Solid academic performance in college preparatory coursework is a primary consideration when we review your freshman application.

To be considered for admission, you must be graduating from high school, have an acceptable HiSET exam score or take the General Education Development (GED) test.

Prospective students are also strongly encouraged to present five academic courses for each of their four years of high school, including:

• Four years each of English and mathematics
• Three years each of foreign language, natural sciences, social sciences and academic electives

Academic programs within the Doisy College of Health Sciences require high school natural sciences courses in biology and chemistry. Physics is strongly recommended for physical therapy applicants.

Standardized Testing

Saint Louis University will move to a standardized test optional admission process for all undergraduate programs beginning with students applying for admission to the 2021-2022 academic year. Applicants may submit standardized test scores, but those who choose not to will not be disadvantaged in any way in the admission process.

Applicants who choose to submit ACT and/or SAT scores can have them sent electronically from the testing company or include them on official high school transcripts. Self-reported scores will also be considered. If multiple test results are sent, SLU does not superscore.  

• SLU’s ACT code is 2352
• SLU’s SAT code is 6629  

English Language Proficiency

International applicants are required to demonstrate their English language proficiency, which can be done by submitting any one of the following:

• 550 on the paper-based TOEFL (PBT)
• 80 on the internet-based TOEFL (IBT)
• 627 on the TOEFL ITP Plus for China
• 6.5 on the IELTS
• 54 on the PTE
• 540 on the Evidence-Based Reading/Writing portion of the SAT
• 21 on the English portion of the ACT
• Successful completion of a college-level, non-ESL English class at a U.S. college or university
• 125 on Duolingo†

SLU reserves the right to require additional testing of any incoming student’s English skills. Our ETS code for TOEFL is 6629. Scores are considered valid for two years.

† Saint Louis University will accept Duolingo scores from students affected by testing center closures. Contact [email protected] for more information about submitting your Duolingo scores.

Additional Documentation

You must submit the following items to complete your application for admission. Your application will only be reviewed after all items have been received.

Official High School Transcripts

Transcripts should be sent electronically by the issuing institution(s) to Saint Louis University at [email protected]. Both weighted and unweighted GPAs will be considered.

Please contact the Office of Admission at [email protected] if you have any questions or concerns about submitting electronic documents, and we will be happy to work with you.

Additional Items for Consideration

Though not required for admission, the following items are strongly encouraged. Please note that all documents must be submitted electronically at this time. Contact us if you have any questions or concerns about this, and we will be happy to work with you.

• 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 [email protected]. Please include your name, state and high school on your résumé.
• Letters of recommendation. Letters should be emailed from the recommender to [email protected], and must include your name, state and high school.
• Admission Interview. To set up a one-on-one admission interview on campus, contact the Office of Admission at 314-977-2500 and ask to speak to a visit assistant.
• Personal Essay. All applicants for freshman admission must submit a personal essay when they apply through the Common Application or through the SLU online application.