How to apply to the University of Louisville for biology: no separate biology line on the admissions criteria page, AP Biology from a 3 earns BIOL 102 and IB Biology from a 5 earns credit, with admission and prerequisite guidance for U.S., international (including Chinese) and transfer applicants

The University of Louisville (UofL) is in Louisville, Kentucky. This guide follows the university’s website and covers undergraduate biology for U.S. students, international students and applicants from China, then transfer students, for 2027 entry. Chemistry, physics, mathematics, engineering and the health professions are not covered here.

What was and was not available: the university’s admissions, program-specific criteria, credit-transfer, AP/IB credit, cost and scholarship pages were read. The biology program’s own pages (degree structure, course requirements, accreditation, research requirements) are not published on the pages read here, and the university catalog was not used. For anything about the biology major itself this article therefore says “not published on the pages read here”; please check the website.

1. Degrees and options

• Degree names (BA/BS), tracks (such as biochemistry, molecular biology, microbiology, or ecology and conservation) and accreditation: not stated on the pages read here. The university website has an undergraduate majors listing; check it for how biology is offered.
• College and department: the pages read here do not say which college biology belongs to.
• Research projects, senior project, internships: not published on the pages read here.

2. How admission works: you apply to the university, and the pages read here give no separate biology line

• Applying: apply to UofL with the Take Flight application or the Common App (the first-year page says the 2027 application is open). The program-specific criteria page lists standards by college or program; biology is not a row of its own, and the page does not say which college biology belongs to or whether places are limited.
• First-year standard on the Arts & Sciences row (the page lists separate rows for business, communication sciences and disorders, dental hygiene, engineering, music and nursing, and one combined row for Arts & Sciences, Education & Human Development, Public Health & Information Sciences, and Social Work & Family Science): with test scores, a 2.5 weighted GPA and a 1030 SAT or 20 ACT; without scores, a 2.5 GPA plus a comprehensive review of the high school transcript (grades and courses, especially college-preparatory courses). The page does not say that biology falls under this row, so confirm with admissions (admitme@louisville.edu).
• When to declare the major and how to move into it: not stated on the pages read here. International applicants must name an intended major and program on the application (international application page); U.S. applicants should ask admissions or the biology department (or the department that teaches biology) whether they must name it on the form and whether it can be changed after enrolling.
• Engineering is different: the engineering programs have a higher standard (a 3.0 weighted GPA with 1200 SAT / 25 ACT and a math score; without scores a 3.5 GPA and high school calculus or pre-calculus and chemistry). Those are engineering requirements, and the page sets no such course requirement for biology. Engineering is not covered here; check the website.
• Chemistry, physics, mathematics, engineering and the health professions (medicine, dentistry, nursing, public health) are outside this article; see the website. The university also runs guaranteed-entrance programs for medical school and dental school, ten students each per year with a December 1 deadline; see its guaranteed-entrance page.

3. Prerequisites and course advice

• High school biology, chemistry and math: the program-specific criteria page gives the Arts & Sciences row no specific high school course requirements (the review looks at grades and college-preparatory courses). Advice on high school preparation for the biology major is not published on the pages read here.
• Placement: the test-optional page says students admitted without SAT/ACT scores must take the Accuplacer Math and Reading tests for placement; some subjects, such as biology and chemistry, have either test-score requirements or separate placement tests, available online and taken any time before freshman orientation; some SAT/ACT sub-scores can be used to meet the placement-test requirement. How biology courses are placed is not detailed on the page.
• AP credit (the university’s credit-by-exam page; no year is printed): Biology 3, 4 or 5 → BIOL 102 (3 hours), listed as natural-science general education (S Natural Sciences); Environmental Science 3, 4 or 5 → BIOL 263 (4 hours), listed as natural sciences with lab (B Natural Sciences with Lab); Chemistry 3 → CHEM 201 (3 hours), 4 or 5 → CHEM 201 and 202 (6 hours).
• AP calculus and precalculus: Calculus AB 3 → MATH 180 (3 hours), 4 or 5 → MATH 205 Calculus I (4 hours); Calculus BC 4 or 5 → MATH 205–206 (8 hours), and the page gives further rules for BC 3 and below (including AB sub-scores), so read the original; Precalculus 3, 4 or 5 → MATH 190 (4 hours).
• IB credit (the university’s IB page): Biology SL 5 or better → BIOL 102 and 104 (4 hours); Biology HL 5 or better → BIOL 240 and 241 (4 hours); Chemistry SL 5 or better or HL 4 or better → CHEM 101-S (3 hours), HL 5 or 6 → CHEM 201, 207 and 208-S (5 hours), HL 7 → CHEM 201, 202, 207 and 208-S (8 hours). IB mathematics: Analysis and Approaches, SL 5 or better → MATH 205 (4 hours), HL 5 or better → MATH 205 and 206 (8 hours); Applications and Interpretations, SL 5 or better → MATH 180 (3 hours), HL 5 or better → MATH 205.
• How these map to biology-major courses: which courses the biology major requires (including whether chemistry and math are required) is not published on the pages read here, so the course numbers above are the university’s general equivalents for exam scores; ask the department whether they satisfy biology requirements.
• Labs, thesis or research requirement, honors track: not published on the pages read here.
• Biology competitions: the pages read here do not say how competitions such as the USA Biology Olympiad are viewed in admission, so nothing is claimed.

4. Deadlines and materials (first-year)

• Deadline: the first-year page says the 2027 application is open and the priority deadline is February 15, 2027. Whether applications are accepted after that and any regular deadline are not stated on the pages read here.
• How to apply and fee: Take Flight or Common App; $30 non-refundable fee, waived for students on free or reduced lunch.
• Materials: an official high school transcript; no essay or letters of recommendation are required (the first-year page lists “no essays or letters of recommendation”, and the criteria page says no letters if you meet minimum standards). The test-optional FAQ adds that applicants without scores may later be asked for first-semester senior grades, an involvement resume and/or a personal statement, and the criteria page says a counselor may request a resume, recommendation letters or a personal essay.
• Tests: SAT/ACT are optional and every major has a path without them. UofL codes: SAT 1838, ACT 1556. It uses the highest SAT or ACT composite and does not superscore; the ACT science section is not required. The university recommends sending scores if you have them and says doing so will not hurt; scores below the minimum are not used in the review.
• Honors Program: a separate application, and it does require SAT or ACT.
• Decision speed: the first-year page says “quick admissions decision” without giving a number of days.

5. U.S. students: costs and scholarships

• 2026–2027 tuition (the cost page, two semesters): Kentucky and Southern Indiana (listed counties) residents, tuition and fees $13,614; out-of-state residents $29,960. The on-campus estimates (with a Belknap Village double room at $7,972 and an unlimited meal plan at $4,898) are listed on the page as $26,484 for in-state and $42,830 for out-of-state, plus an average $980 for books and supplies. Per credit hour: $568 in-state and $1,249 out-of-state.
• Kentucky residents: automatic Trustees’ Scholarships of $2,500 to $8,000 a year, by test score with a 3.5 weighted GPA or by transferable credit hours (AP, IB, dual credit) with a 3.5 weighted GPA; no application is needed and they are guaranteed to students admitted by April 1. Competitive and mentored scholarships have a December 1 deadline, need an extra application and an involvement resume, and may require essays, recommendations or interviews. Admissions scholarships generally cannot be stacked; students receive the highest they qualify for.
• Out-of-state residents, by region: the Border Benefit Award (residents of Illinois, Indiana (listed counties excepted), Missouri, Ohio, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia) lowers tuition to the Kentucky in-state level, listed as about $16,000, plus $1,000 to $5,000 by score; the Regional Scholars Program (California, DC Metro, New Jersey, New York Metro, Pennsylvania and Southern New England) is $12,000 to $16,000 a year; the National Scholars Program (everywhere else) is $5,000 to $15,000 a year. National Merit finalists and semifinalists receive $20,000 a year.
• Grawemeyer competitive scholarship: ten students a year who show interest in undergraduate research in their field; $30,000 a year for out-of-state students, with a 3.5 weighted GPA and 1160 SAT / 24 ACT, recommendation letters, essays, an involvement resume, admission to the University Honors program, and a December 1 deadline.
• Scholarships and undergraduate research programs of the biology department (or the department that teaches biology): none are listed on the pages read here.
• Priority or guaranteed admission for in-state residents: not stated on the pages read here. Kentucky scholarships are described above.

6. International students

• Application: the Take Flight or Common App application (you must name an intended major and program); a $30 fee in U.S. dollars; records from every secondary school, university or college attended; proof of English proficiency; and the first-year or transfer requirements (international application page).
• Transcripts: official transcripts; those from schools outside the United States need a notarized ATA-certified translation; send to adetran@louisville.edu or mail to the Office of Admissions. Transfer applicants need a course-by-course evaluation of foreign college transcripts; WES or ECE are recommended and any current NACES member is accepted.
• English requirements: TOEFL iBT 79 or higher for tests before January 2026, and 4.0 overall with 4.0 in each skill on the new 1–6 scale for tests after January 2026; TOEFL Essentials 8.5 and above; IELTS Academic 6.5 or higher; Duolingo 105 or higher; SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing 490 or higher; ACT English 18 or higher; AP English Language and Composition 4 or higher; IB English Language and Literature 5 or higher; PTE 55 or higher with no sub-score under 53. Exemptions: two consecutive years of full-time high school in the U.S. or in a school where English is the main language of instruction with a C or higher in English, or two consecutive years of full-time college in the U.S. or where English is the language of instruction with a C or higher in English 101 or 102 (official transcripts).
• Funds and visa: after admission the International Center asks for a passport copy and a financial statement to issue the I-20 (F-1) or DS-2019 (J-1). Personal funds need an original dated bank letter showing the total on deposit; government or employer support needs an original sponsor letter with amount and duration; a U.S. sponsor completes an I-134 affidavit. Spouses and dependents need an extra $7,500 for the spouse or first dependent and $1,000 for each additional one. Do not arrange a visa interview or travel before you have a written offer and your I-20 or DS-2019.
• 2026–2027 estimated cost (on campus, international): tuition and fees $29,960, international student fees $150, mandatory health insurance $3,290, living expenses $13,250, a page total of $46,650, plus an average $980 for books and supplies.
• Scholarships: students on F-1 visas are eligible only for the international scholarships. Global Cardinal Scholarship (first-time freshmen): cumulative high school GPA (converted to a four-point scale) of 3.25–3.49 earns $5,000 a year, 3.50–3.74 earns $6,500 and 3.75 or higher earns $8,000, applied automatically on admission. Global Transfer Scholarship: a 3.0 or higher college GPA earns $5,000 a year for up to six semesters while a 2.5 college GPA is maintained.
• International deadline: the international page gives no separate deadline. The first-year page gives February 15, 2027 as the priority date; whether it applies to international applicants, ask the international admissions office (intladm@louisville.edu).

7. Applicants from China

• Gaokao: the international and first-year pages do not say whether gaokao results are considered or how, so this is not published on the pages read here. Email intladm@louisville.edu to confirm.
• Transcripts and huikao materials: the website only says transcripts from all secondary schools are needed, with a notarized ATA-certified translation if not in English. It lists no huikao materials, gives no China-specific note, and names no credential evaluator for Chinese high schools (WES, ECE and NACES members are mentioned only for the foreign college transcripts of transfer applicants).
• English: any one of the English options above; the website does not list China among the exemptions and does not say whether gaokao English can substitute.
• International curricula: for AP and IB, AP biology, environmental science and calculus credit and IB biology and mathematics credit are in section 3.
• Tests: SAT/ACT are optional; the SAT or ACT as English proof is covered above.

8. Outcomes

• The pages read here print no placement rate, salary or further-study data for biology graduates. Check the university website and the department pages.

9. Transfer students

• Who counts as a transfer student: anyone who has enrolled in college after high school, even if they withdrew.
• Transfer standard (program-specific criteria page): the Arts & Sciences row lists a 2.0 cumulative college GPA; for transfer students with 0–23 credit hours the same cell also lists a minimum 2.5 high school GPA. Which college biology belongs to, and whether that row applies, is not stated on the pages read here; ask the transfer admissions office.
• Materials: the Take Flight application, the $30 fee, and official transcripts from every college attended (even where no credit was earned); applicants with under 24 transferable hours also send a final high school or GED transcript, and test scores are optional; the university may ask for a personal statement or other items.
• Conditions for transferring into biology (prerequisite courses, GPA, limited places): not stated on the pages read here; contact the biology department (or the department that teaches biology).
• Credit transfer (credit page): credits from accredited institutions are generally accepted; remedial, developmental and technical or vocational courses are not; 100–200-level work is generally evaluated by the Office of Transfer and Adult Services and 300–400-level work by the academic unit; a minimum grade of D- is required, and some colleges or departments require more for degree requirements; 30 of the last 36 hours of the bachelor’s degree must be completed at UofL; GPAs from other institutions do not transfer and a new GPA starts at UofL. An evaluation arrives within 3–5 business days of acceptance and can be appealed.
• International transfer credit: academic records may need to go to WES or ECE; non-English documents need a notarized verbatim English translation, and appeals need English course materials (translated syllabi are recommended).
• Transfer deadlines: not stated on the pages read here.

Checklist

U.S. students:

• Apply by February 15, 2027 (priority) with Take Flight or the Common App, $30; official high school transcript; SAT/ACT optional (Arts & Sciences row: 2.5 GPA with 1030 / 20, or 2.5 GPA with a comprehensive review; confirm whether it applies to biology)
• Without scores, take Accuplacer Math and Reading; biology and chemistry have their own placement requirements; scholarships follow the website’s tiers, and December 1 is the deadline for competitive scholarships

International students (including applicants from China):

• Application naming an intended major, $30; transcripts (notarized ATA-certified translation if not in English); English proof (IELTS 6.5 and others); after admission, a passport copy and financial statement for the I-20
• How gaokao is used and the international deadline are not published on the pages read here; confirm with intladm@louisville.edu; the Global Cardinal scholarship is automatic

Transfer students:

• Arts & Sciences row: 2.0 cumulative college GPA; official transcripts from every college, $30; transfer conditions for biology and deadlines are not published on the pages read here

Sources: University of Louisville, First-time freshman applicants; Program-specific admissions criteria; Test-optional information; Bringing credits into UofL; AP credit; IB credit; Transfer application checklist; Undergraduate international application requirements; Undergraduate tuition and fees; Kentucky and Southern Indiana scholarships; Out-of-state scholarships; International scholarships. Costs are for 2026-2027 and application dates are for 2027 entry. Check the University of Louisville website for the latest.