Florida Atlantic University (FAU) ACT Scores and Admission Requirements: A Comprehensive Guide

Gaining admission to Florida Atlantic University (FAU) requires careful consideration of several factors, with ACT scores being a significant component. This guide provides a detailed overview of FAU's admission requirements, focusing on ACT scores, GPA expectations, and other essential elements for prospective students.

Understanding FAU's Admission Landscape

Florida Atlantic University has an acceptance rate of 66.1%, indicating that it is moderately selective. This means that while not the most competitive, strong academic performance is crucial for gaining admission. The university considers various aspects of an applicant's profile, including GPA, coursework rigor, extracurricular activities, and standardized test scores.

The Importance of ACT Scores

While FAU does not have a strict ACT score requirement, understanding the average scores of admitted students is essential for gauging the competitiveness of your application. Half the applicants admitted to Florida Atlantic University who submitted test scores have an ACT score between 21 and 26. However, one quarter of admitted applicants achieved scores above these ranges and one quarter scored below these ranges.

Average ACT Score at FAU

The average ACT score at FAU is 24. The 25th percentile ACT score is 21, and the 75th percentile ACT score is 26. In other words, a 21 places you below average, while a 26 will move you up to above average. Scoring at a 26 ACT or above will already give you a great shot at getting in.

FAU's Superscore Policy

In our research, we found that FAU does in fact offer an ACT superscore policy. Superscoring is powerful to your testing strategy, and you need to make sure you plan your testing accordingly. Even though the highest ACT composite you scored on any one test date was 20, FAU will take your highest section score from all your test dates, then combine them to form your Superscore. This is important for your testing strategy. Because you can choose which tests to send in, and FAU forms your Superscore, you can take the ACT as many times as you want, then submit only the tests that give you the highest Superscore. Therefore, if your ACT score is currently below a 24, we strongly recommend that you consider prepping for the ACT and retaking it. Even better, because of the Superscore, you can focus all your energy on a single section at a time. If your Reading score is lower than your other sections, prep only for the Reading section, then take the ACT. Then focus on Math for the next test, and so on.

Read also: How to Get Old SAT Scores

Aiming for a Competitive ACT Score

To maximize your chances of admission, aim for an ACT score within or above the middle 50% range for FAU (22-27). However, don't be too discouraged if your score is below this range, as the university considers the entire application holistically. It's important to focus on the other components of your application, such as showcasing your unique skills, experiences, and interests to set yourself apart from other applicants.

GPA Considerations

The average GPA at FAU is 3.83. The GPA requirement that really matters is the GPA you need for a real chance of getting in. requires you to be near the top of your class, and well above average. Your transcript should show mostly A's. If you're currently a junior or senior, your GPA is hard to change in time for college applications. If your GPA is at or below the school average of 3.83, you'll need a higher ACT score to compensate.

GPA Distribution of Admitted Students

GPA Range	Percentage
3.75+	57%
3.50-3.74	20%
3.25-3.49	14%
3.00-3.24	8%
2.50-2.99	1%
2.00-2.49	Less than 1%
Below 2.00	Less than 1%

Holistic Application Review

FAU employs a holistic review process, considering various factors beyond just GPA and ACT scores. These factors include:

Coursework Difficulty: Most successful applicants have taken a rigorous course load and have challenged themselves by taking courses with additional weight. If you are currently taking or have taken courses that are clearly marked as Honors, Advanced, Gifted, Advanced Placement, Advanced International Certificate of Education, or International Baccalaureate, additional weight will be given for these courses.
Extracurricular Activities: Showcasing your involvement in extracurriculars demonstrates your interests, skills, and commitment outside of academics.
Personal Statement: The personal statement provides an opportunity to highlight your unique skills, experiences, and interests, allowing you to stand out from other applicants.
Letters of Recommendation: recommendation are not considered by admissions officials at Florida Atlantic University.

Application Requirements and Deadlines

To apply to FAU, you'll need to submit the following:

A completed, signed application for admission.
High school transcript and GPA.
Official CLT/SAT/ACT scores. Official results of CLT or SAT or ACT examinations must be submitted by all applicants with fewer than 60 degree credits completed at a postsecondary institution.
Self-Reported Student Academic Record (SSAR). This new method allows students to enter all courses and associated grades that have been attempted, or will be attempted, for high school and/or college credit without requiring the submission of an official transcript to the university. Official transcripts will be required after high school graduation only.
$200 non-refundable tuition deposit from all admitted freshman students in order to confirm enrollment in the freshman class. The tuition deposit is applied directly toward tuition and fees for the student's first semester.

The application deadline at Florida Atlantic University is March 14. Freshman applications completed by the priority filing date will be assured of review. All documentation in support of the application must be submitted by the filing date.

Read also: ACT Scores for Loyola

Submitting Test Scores

First-year applicants are required to submit official CLT/SAT/ACT scores to receive an admission decision. In order to expedite the review of their admissions application, students can self-report the test scores at admissions.fau.edu/status. For first-year applicants, the University has adopted the Self-Reported Student Academic Record (SSAR). This new method allows students to enter all courses and associated grades that have been attempted, or will be attempted, for high school and/or college credit without requiring the submission of an official transcript to the university. Official transcripts will be required after high school graduation only. Final transcripts (from high school and previously attended colleges) must be official. Official transcripts from each postsecondary school attended must be provided. An official transcript is one that is issued by the school or college attended. It must bear appropriate signatures or seals and be in a sealed envelope until delivered to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions. Transcripts opened prior to delivery are no longer official.

Additional Information for Prospective Students

Honors College and Limited Access Programs: For reasons of accreditation standards, state certification requirements, space or fiscal limitations, the Florida Board of Governors has designated the undergraduate programs in nursing and architecture, as well as the Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College, as limited access. Additionally, the College of Business, College of Engineering and Computer Science, College of Science, School of Communication and Multimedia Studies and the Department of Music are all selective in the admission of students to their programs. Admission to FAU does not guarantee admission to a selective or limited access program.
Talented Twenty Program: A student applying for admission who is a graduate of a Florida public high school, has completed 18 required high school units as listed in the Florida Department of Education Rule 6C-6.002(3)(a), ranks in the top 20 percent of his/her high school graduating class, and has submitted either SAT or ACT test scores shall be admissible to a public university in Florida under the Talented Twenty program.
Dual Enrollment: The High School Dual Enrollment Program allows qualified students from Broward and Palm Beach counties in 6th through 12th grades to earn college credit toward a postsecondary degree or certificate at a Florida public institution that will also count as credit toward a high school diploma.
Early Admission: Students who have completed their junior year of high school in Florida may be considered for Early Admission. Students must enter for the fall term. If accepted for Early Admission, students enter FAU as freshmen instead of attending high school for their senior year.
Appealing an Admission Decision: Undergraduate applicants who do not meet the minimum admission requirements may be reviewed by the executive director of Undergraduate Admissions and the Faculty Committee on Student Admissions (FCSA). Students with special talents or abilities; physical, learning or emotional disabilities; or personal or family hardships may appeal the initial admission decision.

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