Applying to college is an important moment. We're here to guide you through the application process.

Generally speaking, we are looking for students who will:
  • Explore the breadth of our academic programs
  • Take advantage of our urban location and global outreach
  • Contribute positively to our college community

Trinity College has developed a highly personalized process that allows the readers of your file to get to know you not just for your grades and curriculum, but for who you really are. Read on for more information on how to apply as a first-year student, or use the links below to apply to our transfer, Individualized Degree Program (IDP), or Graduate Studies programs.

All applicants are required to submit

  • Trinity College accepts the Common Application. Students can automatically add Trinity College to their “My Colleges List” by clicking here.
  • A $65 application fee is required, and must be submitted online through the Common Application.
  • Trinity College will waive the application fee for first-generation college students. Trinity applicants simply need to click the fee waiver box on the Common Application and then click the box that reads “I am a first-generation college student.”
  • An official from your school should submit an official transcript that includes course work completed during the equivalent of grades 9 through 11, the Common Application School Report, and a report that shows grades for courses currently in progress.*
  • If you have completed grade 12 and are currently in a postgraduate program at a high school
    or a foundational pre-college program at a college or university, we require documentation that shows your current academic progress.*

*Current year grades are expected as soon as they are available.

We require only one academic recommendation as part of the application file. Recommendations from school counselors, high school teachers, and community-based organizations are welcome. Our goal is to learn more about who a student is in the their learning community. We’re happy to accept additional letters, but we will not penalize students who do not submit additional recommendations. Read more about our examination of different factors that influence our overall admissions decisions.

International applicants must also submit

Applicants must submit results from either the Duolingo English Test, IELTS, or TOEFL. Click here to learn more about our English exam requirement or to see if you qualify for an English proficiency waiver.

If you are applying for need-based financial aid, we require the CSS Profile. If you do not intend to apply for need-based financial aid, please complete our Statement of Finances Form (SoFF).

All documents, including high school transcripts (9-12), and letters of recommendations must be in English. If they are not, a certified translations must be added with the application. Services like EducationUSA can guide you through the process or nationally recognized agencies like Education Credential Evaluation (ECE) can assist. 

Applicants may also submit

In addition to the Common Application essay, you may choose to submit an optional essay that focuses on your specific interest in Trinity College. Using the prompt below, you may write an essay of less than 300 words.

  • The identities you claim, the challenges you face, and the successes you enjoy shape the background for your college experience to come. What is an aspect of your background that you are excited to share and/or explore as a member of the Trinity community and why?

While not required for admission, interviews are strongly recommended. Interviews are a great opportunity for us to get to know you better, and, more importantly, for you to learn more about Trinity. Learn more about how and when to schedule an admissions interview.

  • Trinity College does not require the SAT or ACT for students applying for admission, including transfer applicants. The college is test-optional, providing students the opportunity to present application material that accurately reflects their diverse academic talents and potential. The admissions committee makes no assumptions as to why some students choose to submit scores while others don’t. All applicants are considered for merit-based scholarships regardless of whether or not they submit SAT and/or ACT scores.
  • If you are interested in submitting test scores, the Trinity College ACT code is 0598 and our CEEB code is 3899.

Students with especially strong backgrounds and interests in pursuing the arts, whether as a major or an extracurricular, are welcome to submit materials in support of their application. Members of our arts faculty participate in the evaluation of submitted materials. If you wish to submit samples of your artistic efforts for this consideration, we ask that you adhere to the following guidelines.

Students who are interested in applying to a Gateway Program are able to do so via the Common Application.

Trinity College invites prospective students to apply for the Hillel Leadership Scholarship, a special opportunity to develop skills, interests, and talents as a member of the Jewish student community on campus.

To be considered for the Hillel Leadership Scholarship, students should first submit their Common Application to Trinity by one of our established deadlines. Students can then complete the brief Hillel Leadership Scholarship application. The deadline to apply for the Hillel Leadership Scholarship is January 20, 2024.

Additional details about Hillel are available on the Hillel website at:
https://www.trincoll.edu/spiritualandreligiouslife/hillel/hillel-leadership-scholarship/

2023-24 Deadlines

Admissions Option Application Deadline Notification By
Early Decision I November 15, 2023 Mid-December
Early Decision II January 17, 2024 Mid-February
Regular Decision January 17, 2024 Late March

Early Decision

If Trinity is your first-choice college, consider applying as an early decision applicant. Both Early Decision 1 and Early Decision 2 options require a signed statement affirming the candidate’s commitment to attend Trinity if admitted. Candidates may submit the Early Decision Agreement online through the Common Application site or email a signed Early Decision Agreement to [email protected] by the application deadline. Regular Decision applicants may convert to Early Decision II by submitting a signed Early Decision Agreement to the Admissions Office by February 1.

Trinity requires a diploma from and certification by an accredited secondary school or a General Educational Development (GED) certification. 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. Learn more about Trinity’s Honor Code

Please note that due to certain firewall restrictions, the Trinity Admissions Office may have difficulty receiving messages from email addresses with an iCloud domain (@icloud.com). If possible, please use an alternate email address so that we can communicate with you in a timely manner.

GET IN TOUCH

Trinity College Admissions Office

300 Summit Street
Hartford, CT 06106
8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.