APPLYING TO TRINITY
CRITERIA AND REQUIREMENTS
The first-year class is limited to about 575 men and women, and is drawn from a careful review of more than 5,000 individually considered applications each year.
Trinity looks for the personal strengths and qualities that distinguish a student from other candidates.
Generally speaking, we are looking for students who will:
- explore the breadth of our academic programs
- take advantage of our urban location
- contribute positively to our college community
Applicants are judged on:
- academic performance and potential
- accomplishments within their schools and communities
- qualities of character and personality
The school record, the personal recommendations from school counselors and teachers, and the tests of the College Board or of the American College Testing Program are carefully considered by the Office of Admissions. Applicants should be well prepared for Trinity's academic work, and desirous and capable of contributing to campus and community activities.
PERSONAL QUALITIES AND CHARACTER
Trinity is keenly interested in attracting and admitting candidates who not only give ample proof of academic prowess, but also show evidence of such personal qualities as honesty, fairness, compassion, altruism, leadership, and initiative in their high school years.
We place great value in a candidate's capacity to move beyond the limits of personal achievement to involvement in the life of the community at large.
We seek candidates who demonstrate a willingness to take an interest in the lives and welfare of others or to place themselves in situations that call for personal initiative and leadership.
We believe that such experiences develop an individual's appreciation of ethical issues and may well enhance the capacity to make a difference in the society one will enter as a college graduate.
We believe that educated men and women should aspire to develop integrity as well as intelligence during their high school years. In addition to artistic, athletic, extracurricular, and academic talent, we recognize in the admissions process the development of strong personal qualities. Our pluralistic and democratic society requires many qualities from its leaders as it seeks to meet the challenges of the years ahead; character is certainly one of them.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Trinity requires a recommendation from a college counselor and two teacher recommendations. The two required teacher recommendations should be completed by those who have instructed you in college preparatory courses in either of your final two years of secondary school. The College prefers that an English or history teacher complete one of the two recommendations.
SECONDARY SCHOOL REQUIREMENTS
Trinity requires a diploma from and certification by an accredited secondary school. The academic program should consist of at least 16 academic units, typically including the following minimum number of courses:
- English (four years)
- foreign language (three years)
- laboratory science (two years)
- algebra (two years)
- geometry (one year)
- history (two years)
Secondary school juniors who have achieved a level of personal and intellectual maturity and of academic competence that implies readiness for college may apply for acceptance by early admission. In these circumstances, the regular application procedures should be followed during the junior year.
STANDARDIZED TESTING REQUIREMENTS
Applicants may submit one or more of the following options:
- the SAT I Reasoning Test (with writing)
- any two SAT II Subject Tests
- the ACT (writing is recommended)
The Trinity College Score Choice Policy is as Follows:
We will consider your highest section scores across all SAT test dates that you submit. Only your highest section scores will be considered as part of the final admissions decision. Each time that you submit scores, we will update your record with any new scores. We strongly encourage you to submit your scores each time you take the SAT. Sending your scores each time you take the SAT can benefit you by allowing Trinity to consider you for all available enrollment-related opportunities. We also encourage you to submit your scores each time you take the ACT.
International students whose first language is not English are advised to submit results of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) in place of or in addition to one of the other standardized tests mentioned above.
It is the applicant's responsibility to have test scores sent to the Admissions Office. Trinity's CEEB code is 3899 and the ACT code is 0598.
Submission of fine and performing arts material
Trinity College admits students of any race, creed, color, and national or ethnic origin, and regardless of sex or handicap. Trinity College does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, handicap, or national or ethnic origin in the administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship, and loan programs.