Understanding ASU GPA Requirements for Admission

Gaining admission to Arizona State University (ASU) involves understanding several academic requirements, with GPA being a significant factor. This article provides a detailed overview of ASU's GPA expectations, along with other crucial admission criteria.

General GPA Expectations

ASU's admissions process considers various factors, including GPA, coursework, and standardized test scores. The university's acceptance rate is approximately 89.9%, indicating that it is not highly selective. However, applicants should still aim to meet or exceed the average GPA of admitted students to increase their chances of acceptance.

According to ASU's official data, the incoming first-year students in Fall had an average high school GPA around 3.55. Aiming for a GPA at or above this average is advisable. Keep in mind that your major might affect the competitiveness of your application, as some programs, like the Barrett Honors College and certain highly competitive majors, may have higher GPA expectations.

GPA Requirements in Detail

The GPA requirement that really matters is the GPA you need for a real chance of getting in. ASU requires you to be around average in your high school class. You'll need a mix of A's and B's, and very few C's. If you have a lower GPA, you can compensate with harder courses like AP or IB classes.

First-year applicants must meet at least one of the following:

Read also: UW GPA Guide

Top 25% in your high school graduating class.
3.00 GPA in competency courses (4.00 = A).
ACT score of 22 for Arizona residents (24 nonresidents).
SAT Reasoning score of 1120 for Arizona residents (1180 nonresidents).

Course Competency Requirements

To be admitted to ASU, you need the following coursework:

Four years of math.
Four years of English (non-ESL/ELL courses).
Three years of lab sciences (One year each from biology, chemistry, earth science, integrated sciences or physics).
Two years of social sciences (including one year American history).
Two years of the same second language.
One year of fine arts or one year of career and technical education.

You’ll need a minimum 2.00 GPA in each competency area. Admission may be granted when there is one deficiency in no more than two competency areas, but you can’t have deficiencies in both math and lab sciences competencies.

Standardized Testing: SAT and ACT

ASU hasn't explicitly named a policy on SAT/ACT requirements, but because it's published average SAT or ACT scores (we'll cover this next), it's likely test flexible. Typically, these schools say, "if you feel your SAT or ACT score represents you well as a student, submit them. Despite this policy, the truth is that most students still take the SAT or ACT, and most applicants to ASU will submit their scores. If you don't submit scores, you'll have one fewer dimension to show that you're worthy of being admitted, compared to other students.

The 25th percentile SAT score is 1130, and the 75th percentile SAT score is 1360. Therefore, if your SAT score is currently below a 1130, we strongly recommend that you consider prepping for the SAT and retaking it.

The average ACT score at ASU is 26. The 25th percentile ACT score is 22, and the 75th percentile ACT score is 29. To try to aim for the school's ACT requirement of 22 and above, you should try to take the ACT as many times as you can.

ASU considers the SAT Essay/ACT Writing section optional and may not include it as part of their admissions consideration.

Alternative Admission Pathways

For students who don't meet the standard GPA or test score requirements, ASU offers alternative pathways to admission:

Earned Admission

You can still gain general admission to most online programs at ASU through Earned Admission. Through this pathway, you can demonstrate your ability to succeed at ASU by completing online courses with a 2.75 GPA or higher. To begin, submit an application to ASU. An enrollment coach will reach out with more information if Earned Admission is right for you. Note: Some programs may have higher admission requirements. You must meet all program requirements to be admitted.

College Credit Pathway

Some states, including Arizona, offer a College Credit Pathway as an option for students to obtain a high school equivalency (HSE). If the HSE is obtained, ASU will accept that credential as completion of the high school graduation requirement but the student may still need additional high school coursework and/or SAT/ACT scores to meet course competency requirements and high school aptitude if the student does not have 24 transferable credits taken post high school.

Transfer Students

You’re a first-year student if you haven’t attended college or have less than 12 transferable post-high school college credits (with a minimum 2.50 cumulative GPA).

Alternatively, enrollment and successful completion of 24 semester credits with a 2.75 minimum GPA through Earned Admission, or completion of 24 or more college credits from a regionally accredited college or university with a minimum of 2.50 cumulative GPA on a 4.00 scale may be used to satisfy requirements for admission.

Additional Considerations

Holistic Review

Keep in mind that the admissions process is holistic, and there are other ways to meet the minimum criteria. Your admission decision relies not only on your GPA and SAT/ACT scores, but also on your coursework difficulty, extracurriculars, letters of recommendation, and personal statements.

High School Equivalency

The California High School Proficiency Examination and other high school equivalency diplomas are recognized as high school diplomas, but do not satisfy course competency and aptitude requirements needed for admission. Students should submit their diploma to show completion of high school, but will also need to submit additional high school transcripts or SAT or ACT scores to satisfy course competency and aptitude requirements for admission.

How to Apply

Complete online application: The undergraduate application is available online. During the application, you’ll:
- Provide information about yourself.
- Select your program and start date.
- Tell us about your school history.
- Report your grades or notify ASU that you’ll send a transcript.
- Help us determine your Arizona residency.
- Review and submit your application.Applicants are not required to self-report high school grades, but self-reporting grades expedites your admission decision. If you don’t self-report your grades, then you’ll need to send your official transcripts. Future-dated high school students must submit all anticipated senior year courses and expected grades.
Pay your application fee: All ASU applicants must submit a nonrefundable application fee to receive an admission decision. $70: ASU Online programs. You can pay using a credit card (Visa, Mastercard or Discover) when you submit your application or later in My ASU, your online account that’s activated after submitting your application. High school transcripts must show GPA and date of graduation.
File your FAFSA: The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) can help you find federal student aid. Submit the FAFSA online. ASU’s Federal School Code is 001081. Submit the FAFSA every year to maximize your financial aid eligibility. The FAFSA becomes available in December for the upcoming academic year that starts in the fall. You may qualify for more financial aid than you realize.
Request ACT or SAT scores (optional): Request your ACT or SAT scores be sent directly to ASU from ACT or from the College Board, for SAT scores. ASU doesn’t require the writing portion of these tests. ACT or SAT scores are not required for general admission but may be submitted for ASU course placement. Some programs do require particular ACT or SAT scores. Check your program from degree search to verify your program’s admission requirements.
Check any next steps for an admission decision: Your application will be reviewed once you submit your official transcripts and pay the application fee. You’ll receive an admission decision within 2-6 weeks. If you self-reported all your high school grades, you may be able to receive an admission decision in less than one week. If you haven’t heard back about your admission decision, you may be missing some items. You can view your admission status through My ASU using your ASURITE User ID, which is sent within three days after you apply. Common missing items include:
- Paying your application fee.
- Sending your official transcripts.
- Completing your English proficiency exam if you are an international student.

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