Understanding Augustana College ACT Scores and Admission Requirements

Gaining admission to Augustana College requires a comprehensive understanding of their admission criteria, including the importance of ACT scores, GPA, and other factors. This article provides a detailed overview of these requirements, offering insights for prospective students.

Augustana College Admissions Overview

Augustana College has a moderately selective admission process, with an acceptance rate of 62.8%. This means that while not extremely competitive, applicants need to meet specific academic standards to be considered. The college receives approximately 7,860 applications annually, admitting around 4,930 students. Ultimately, about 700 students choose Augustana as their school of choice.

Key Admission Statistics

Acceptance Rate

The acceptance rate at Augustana College is 62.8%, indicating a moderately selective admission process.

GPA Requirements

The average GPA at Augustana College is 3.44. To be competitive, applicants should aim for a mix of A's and B's in their high school coursework, with minimal C's. A GPA at or below this average may require a higher ACT score to compensate. As part of the application review, Augustana will recalculate your grade point average to include academic courses only. The majority of admitted students will have a recalculated GPA of 3.0 or higher.

ACT Scores

The average ACT score at Augustana College is 25. The middle 50 percent of Augustana students score between 23 and 29 on the ACT. A score of 21 places you below average, while a 29 moves you above average.

SAT Scores

Half the applicants admitted to Augustana College who submitted test scores have an SAT score between 1030 and 1270. For those students who submit test scores, the middle 50 percent of Augustana students score between 1130 and 1380 (M+ERW) on the SAT.

Test-Optional Policy

Augustana College has been test-optional since 2007. ACT/SAT scores will be considered supplementary application materials, and will only be considered if an applicant submits them. Test scores are not required for admission or merit-based scholarship. Applicants wishing to have ACT or SAT scores considered may self-report them on the application or have them sent directly from the testing agency (ACT code: 0946, ST code: 1025). Test-optional applicants may be asked to complete an admissions interview to help us learn more about you.

Despite the test-optional policy, most applicants still submit their scores. If you feel your SAT or ACT score represents you well as a student, submit them. Not submitting scores means having one fewer dimension to demonstrate your qualifications compared to other students.

Application Deadlines

Regular Application Due: August 20
Early Decision Deadline: November

Holistic Review

Augustana University is committed to a holistic review of applicants and does not have a set minimum GPA or standardized test score for admission. Each application for admission is reviewed on its own merit.

What Augustana Looks For

When considering your application, Augustana looks at key areas, including:

Read also: Augustana Fees and Costs

High School Record

The breadth and rigor of your high school curriculum is the most important consideration in your application.

Recommendations:

Four years of English
Three or four years of mathematics
Three years of social science
Two years of a laboratory science
Two years of a foreign language

Additionally, honors, advanced placement, and international baccalaureate courses are recognized if they are available at your school.

Standardized Tests

Standardized test scores are only a part of the admissions process at Augustana.

Letters of Recommendation

Letters of recommendations are encouraged, but not required. Recommendations from a school counselor or a teacher may be submitted. Provide your references with a brief résumé so they can learn more about you and emphasize things that are important to you. Augustana is looking for information not only regarding your academic fit but also your co-curricular and social fit.

Writing Sample

Applicants are asked to submit a high-quality writing sample so Augustana can learn more about your personality and individuality. This gives you an opportunity to organize your thoughts and express yourself.

Acceptable writing samples:

A graded paper from any high school class, preferably showing the grade earned
A personal statement of values, beliefs, idiosyncrasies, and talents
The application for admission also suggests topics for an original essay

Co-Curricular Activities

A list of your co-curricular activities gives Augustana an idea of what you are passionate about and what you might be interested in pursuing as a member of the college community.

Demonstrated Interest

There is no better way to indicate interest. There are many visit options throughout the year. Augustana places special significance on a visit that includes an interview.

Engaging with us. Contact an admissions counselor. An admissions counselor is the best advocate at Augustana.
Contacting others that matter to you: faculty, coaches, activity advisors. These people can offer insight into what life could be like for you at Augustana.
Responding to communication.

Application Requirements

Applicants to Augustana University must submit:

The Augustana Application or The Common Application. There is no fee to apply for admission.
An official transcript from an accredited high school or equivalent. This transcript must include grades through the junior year in high school.
Scores from either the ACT or SAT (optional).

Students who do not meet all of the eligibility requirements identified above may still be considered for admission to the university.

Understanding Test Scores

While Augustana College is test-optional, understanding the typical test scores of admitted students can be beneficial. Half the applicants admitted to Augustana College who submitted test scores have an SAT score between 1030 and 1270 or an ACT score of 21 and 29. However, one quarter of admitted applicants achieved scores above these ranges and one quarter scored below these ranges.

Additional Factors in Admission

While GPA and ACT scores are important, Augustana also considers:

Coursework difficulty
Extracurricular activities
Letters of recommendation
Personal statements

These elements provide a more complete picture of the applicant's potential and suitability for the college.

Resources for Preparation

For students looking to improve their SAT/ACT scores, resources like PrepScholar offer customized online prep programs tailored to individual strengths and weaknesses. These programs can guide students step-by-step, ensuring they are well-prepared for the tests.

Advice for Prospective Students

Aim High: While Augustana is moderately selective, exceeding their GPA and ACT score expectations significantly increases your chances of admission.
Submit a Strong Application: Ensure all application materials, including essays and recommendations, highlight your strengths and personality.
Demonstrate Interest: Engage with the college through visits, interviews, and communication with admissions counselors.
Consider Test Scores: Even with the test-optional policy, submitting strong ACT or SAT scores can enhance your application.
Start Early: Begin preparing your application materials and studying for standardized tests well in advance of the deadlines.
Submit an unofficial transcript for review (optional): We understand how important it is for you to know if you can thrive as an Augustana student, which is why we're happy to provide you with the opportunity to upload your unofficial transcript. Our team will review your transcript and give you a sense for your eligibility for admission and merit-based scholarship.

Early Acceptance

Augustana College has an early acceptance rate of 82.7%.

Admission Guidelines

Students who do not meet our suggested admission guidelines are welcome to apply, but may be asked to submit additional information before an admission decision is made.

Recommended Admission Guidelines for First-Year Students:

If you are submitting test scores (see Augustana's new Test-Optional Admission Policy), ACT Composite of 20 (SAT of 1030).
Grade Point Average of 2.7 (on a 4.0 scale)
Evidence of a college preparatory program of study, including a recommended (but not required) curriculum of:
- 4 years of English
- 3 years of math
- 3 years of science
- 2 years of social science

Note: Augustana does not require a foreign language for admission.

Students who have successfully completed the General Education Development Exam (GED):

Should provide a personal statement and transcripts from high school course work if applicable.
Must submit the results of the PSAT, ACT or SAT exams.
Will be reviewed by the admission committee.

Transfer Students:

In addition to the items above, students transferring from another post-secondary institution:

Must submit official transcripts from all prior colleges and universities at least one week prior to the term for which they plan to enroll.
Should possess a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.25 (on a 4.0 scale) at the institution from which they are transferring.
A Dean’s Referral form may be sent to a student’s prior institution to verify academic and disciplinary standing at that institution. Any indication of prior academic and/or disciplinary issues at previous institutions will be considered in the admission decision.

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