Resources for Counselors

We have developed virtual and in-person sessions to help students and parents engage confidently with the college admission process. Please reach out to your St. Mary’s University Admission Counselor if you would like to explore these presentation options: 

St. Mary’s University Admission Presentation 
St. Mary’s University Transfer Admission Presentation 
Panelist for test-optional college admissions discussions 
College Admissions 101: Students are offered an overview of the college admissions process, affordability, terminology and requirements. We include tips for understanding college search and application portals while we introduce students to the college search process and the components of a college application.  
Telling Your Story: Students who are ready to begin their admission application learn how to use their experiences and interests to tell their personal stories in their application.

Let us show you around! Schedule a group tour for high schoolers, offered Mondays and Fridays.

St. Mary’s is Test-Optional for Fall 2025 Undergraduate Admission 

St. Mary’s University has a test-optional admission policy for students entering Fall 2025, meaning students are not required to submit standardized test scores (SAT or ACT) to be considered for admission. Test scores will only be used to enhance a student’s application for admission and scholarship. If a student feels their score is valuable and a good indication of their abilities, they are encouraged to submit as part of their admission to St. Mary’s.

Scholarships

Students who apply to St. Mary’s are fully considered for freshmen scholarships. The Office of Admission is committed to a holistic review of each student for admission and for scholarship opportunities. 

First-Year Application Deadlines

The Office of Admission accepts applications on a rolling basis for each term. The application for 2025-2026 academic year is now available.

Aug. 1 – Application available online
Oct. 31 – Preferred admission application submission deadline for Specialty Scholarships
Dec. 15 – Priority application date for admission and general merit scholarships
March 15 – Financial assistance priority deadline
May 1 – Preferred enrollment deposit deadline
June – Rattler Ready! (new student orientation) sessions begin
August – Classes begin

Ways to Apply

While St. Mary’s accepts all of the applications listed below, the St. Mary’s online application is the quickest way to get your information to us and to receive your admission decision.

St. Mary’s Application 
Common App 
Apply Texas 
Coalition Application 

Application Checklist

Required materials to complete a St. Mary’s University application: 

Application for admission 
Official high school transcript(s)  

Optional materials for all applicants: 

Personal Statement 
Letter(s) of recommendation 
Résumé  
Additional writing samples 
Optional SAT or ACT test scores

How Students Submit Documents

To help expedite the submission of required documents, St. Mary’s accepts PDF attachments to the Office of Admission at uadm@stmarytx.edu. Unofficial transcripts and test scores are accepted for application review.  

High School Transcripts

St. Mary’s reviews the student’s academic profile within the context of their high school. It is helpful to include a school profile. Students are not required to include SAT or ACT test scores on the transcript.

If students apply using the Common Application, remember that for us to receive the high school transcript, it must accompany your high school profile and the Common App school form. 

Awaiting Admission Decision

Waiting is the hardest part. If students applied through Apply Texas, Common App or Coalition, they must create a Slate Application portal account to view their application status. 

Direct your admitted students to the Rattler Roadmap and check out our Admitted Student Events. 

The Enrollment Confirmation Process (ECP) is a critical step in your student’s journey to St. Mary’s and can be completed in two steps when they are ready:  
 
1. Read and complete all sections within ECP.  
2. Submit the necessary deposit(s): 

$200 non-refundable enrollment deposit and 
$100 housing application fee (if applicable). 

Students must complete both steps to secure their position as a first-time student at St. Mary’s. Your student will be notified via their St. Mary’s University email that their ECP is available.

Students can apply for Financial Aid using the Free Application for Federal Student Aid or FAFSA (FAFSA code is 003623) or for non-citizens who live in Texas, the TASFA beginning Dec. 1 of your high school senior year. The Office of Financial Assistance is available to assist. 

Scholarships

St. Mary’s strives to make college affordable. Nearly 98% of first-time freshmen receive scholarships and/or institutional grants. Check out additional scholarship opportunities for eligible first-year and transfer students.

Financial Aid Helpful Links

Financial Aid Forms 
Cost of Attendance and Net-Price Calculator  
Tuition and Fees  
Financial Aid for Military and Veteran Students

St. Mary’s University is full of traditions, customs and events that set us apart — what do you expect after more than 170 years? Browse through the pages to see and read what makes St. Mary’s so unique, from our start on the banks of what is now the River Walk to our beautiful 135-acre campus on San Antonio’s West Side. See the vibrant campus life and learn the lingo of this great Catholic and Marianist University. 

San Antonio is a vibrant and culturally rich city in the heart of Texas. With more than 220 days of sunshine a year, you will be able to take advantage of all that San Antonio has to offer. We hope that you visit us soon and see for yourself. 

We want to make your students’ transition to St. Mary’s University as smooth as possible. 

We welcome students from all over the world at St. Mary’s. We are here to help International students with the application and enrollment process. Contact International Student and Scholar Services at isss@stmarytx.edu with questions about international applications.