Navigating Admission to Kean University: Understanding GPA and Other Requirements
Gaining admission to Kean University involves understanding several key factors, with GPA being a very important academic factor. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the GPA and other requirements necessary for prospective students.
Key Admission Factors
When evaluating your chances of admission to Kean University, focus on three critical numbers: GPA, and acceptance rate. Also, note that 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.
GPA Requirements
The average GPA at Kean University is 3.2. However, Kean University’s average GPA is 3.0. The university accepts below-average students. It's OK to be a B-average student, with some A's mixed in. If you're a junior or senior, your GPA is hard to change from this point on. If your GPA is at or below the school average of 3.2, you'll need a higher SAT score to compensate and show that you're prepared to take on college academics.
Standardized Testing: SAT and ACT
Kean University requires that you either take the SAT or ACT. Half the applicants admitted to Kean University who submitted test scores have an SAT score between 930 and 1150 or an ACT score of 1 and 2. However, one quarter of admitted applicants achieved scores above these ranges and one quarter scored below these ranges.
Kean University’s average SAT score is 920 - this is the sum of the math and reading portions of the SAT (the 1600 scale). To be a competitive applicant for Kean University your SAT score should come close to the average. If you’re closer to the 830, you’re likely going to have a tougher time getting accepted. In other words, a 900 places you below average, while a 1160 will move you up to above average.
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Kean University’s average ACT score is 19. To be a competitive applicant for Kean University your ACT score should come close to the average. If you’re closer to the 17, you’re likely going to have a tougher time getting accepted.
Acceptance Rate
Kean University has an acceptance rate of 76%. Last year Kean University’s acceptance rate was 74.27. As you can see, Kean University is getting more and more difficult to get into. Because this school is not selective, you have a great shot at getting in, as long as you don't fall well below average. Aim for a 900 SAT or higher, and you'll almost certainly get an offer of admission.
Acceptance rate alone does not indicate your likelihood for getting into Kean - it’s a very high level understanding of the true competition. Use the acceptance rate as a general guide for curating a list of 10-15 schools that fall into different ranges of competitiveness.
Application Deadlines and Requirements
The application deadline at Kean University is Aug. 15. SAT/ACT Scores Must Be Received By Aug. 15Kean University ApplicationsApplication DeadlineAug. 15
Too many students wait until the last minute to submit their application, and too much can go wrong during this precious time window. Since many students are applying on the last day, it’s possible that Kean’s own system crashes.
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Additional Tips for a Strong Application
Now you know where you need to be for getting into Kean University from a grade and test score perspective. Follow these steps to maximize your chances of getting into Kean.
- Engage in Extracurricular Activities: Join your school band, a sports team or another group activity.
- Volunteer: Volunteer in your hometown. Union has tons of ways to be involved beyond just the college.
- Meaningful Summer Experiences: Spend your summer doing something that speaks to your values, personal growth, leadership qualities and other less quantifiable characteristics. Kean needs to see past your test scores and grades - they need to know that you will be a valuable and contributing member of their community.
- Craft a Compelling Essay: Write a stellar essay that shows Kean University something they can’t figure out from the other parts of your application.
- Secure Strong Recommendations: Get teacher recs that speak to your character.
Prelicensure BSN (Nursing) Program Admission
Admission CriteriaApplicants selected for admission to the program are admitted as intended Prelicensure BSN students (“Pre-Nursing”). All applicants are selected through a 2-step process. No applicants are admitted directly into the Prelicensure BSN major.
FIRST YEAR APPLICANTS AND APPLICANTS WITH LESS THAN 12 COLLEGE CREDITS
Step 1- Admission to Pre-Nursing: Applicants must meet Kean University’s admission requirements as well as the following additional minimum requirements as set forth by the Department of Nursing:
- Minimum high school 3.5 GPA
- Must have completed Biology in high school with a B or better.
- Submission of SAT/ACT scores remains optional. If submitted, scores will be considered as part of the holistic review process. Although there is no minimum SAT/ACT required score, a score of 1000 or above on the SAT or 20 on the ACT may strengthen the application.
- Placement tests are required upon admission to Kean University (please visit the Placement Testing information page for exemptions). If placement test scores indicate placement into basic skills reading, writing, or math, the student will not be eligible for selection into the PLBSN Cohort until all first year PLBSN courses are completed, and Step 2 requirements are met.
A predetermined number of applicants will be selected from the applicant pool for admission to Pre-Nursing on a rolling basis until the predetermined number has been reached. Admission into Pre-Nursing does not guarantee admission into the Prelicensure BSN Cohort.
Step 2: Admission to the Prelicensure BSN Cohort (PLBSN Major):Selection for the Prelicensure BSN Cohort will occur in May of the 1st year. Selection is based on rank according to 1st year GPA (minimum 2.75 GPA required), Nursing Entrance Exam which is submitted early in the spring semester of the 1st year (minimum score = 60), a Video Essay which is submitted in the spring semester of the 1st year, and consideration of student attributes evaluated through a holistic review. An interview with the Department of Nursing may also be required.The following courses must be completed no later than the spring semester of the first year:
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- GE 1000 Transition to Kean
- ENG 1030 College Composition*
- PSY 1000 General Psychology*
- SOC 1000: Intro to Sociology
- BIO 2403 Human Anatomy and Physiology I*
- ID 1111: Intro to Health Professions * Must be completed with a C+ or higher.
Please note: Due to the limited number of spaces in the Prelicensure BSN Cohort, the number of qualified candidates may exceed the number of available spaces.
EXTERNAL TRANSFER STUDENTS
University policies applicable for external transfer students can be found on Kean University’s Transfer Application Instructions Page.In addition to the University’s policies, the following procedures and policies apply:
Step 1- Admission to Pre-Nursing: Applicants must meet Kean University’s transfer admission requirements as well as the following additional minimum requirements as set forth by the Department of Nursing:
- Individuals who were enrolled in a prelicensure RN program at another institution and who were unsuccessful in any nursing course are not eligible for admission to the program.
- A minimum 2.75 GPA is required to apply for the PLBSN program.
- Individuals with a disciplinary action (academic or otherwise) on their record are not eligible for admission to the program.
APPLICANTS WITH LESS THAN 12 COLLEGE CREDITS: Submission of SAT/ACT scores remains optional. If submitted, scores will be considered as part of the holistic review process. Although there is no minimum SAT/ACT required score, a score of 1000 or above on the SAT or 20 on the ACT may strengthen the application.
APPLICANTS WITH MORE THAN 12 COLLEGE CREDITS: SAT/ACT scores will not be considered during the admissions process.Science courses taken greater than 5 (Anatomy and Physiology I and II, Microbiology) years ago will need to be repeated.Two (2) letters of recommendation are required. One or both letters should be from current or former teachers, professors, or academic advisors. One of the two letters of recommendation may come from an immediate supervisor, manager, or volunteer coordinator. Letters cannot be from personal friends or family members.Resume including a list of high school and/or college activities and/or work experiences, including any leadership positions held.A predetermined number of applicants will be selected from the applicant pool for admission to the Prelicensure BSN major as “Pre-Nursing” students on a rolling basis until the predetermined number has been reached. Admission into Pre-Nursing does not guarantee admission into the Prelicensure BSN Cohort.
Step 2: Admission to the Prelicensure BSN Cohort (PLBSN Major):Selection for the Prelicensure BSN Cohort will occur in May of the 1st year. Selection is based on rank according to 1st year GPA (minimum 2.75 GPA required), Nursing Entrance Exam which is submitted early in the spring semester of the 1st year (minimum score = 60), a Video Essay which is submitted in the spring semester of the 1st year, and consideration of student attributes evaluated through a holistic review. An interview with the Department of Nursing may also be required.The following courses must be completed no later than the spring semester of the first year:
- GE 1000 Transition to Kean
- ENG 1030 College Composition*
- PSY 1000 General Psychology*
- SOC 1000: Intro to Sociology
- BIO 2403 Human Anatomy and Physiology I*
- ID 1111: Intro to Health Professions * Must be completed with a C+ or higher.
Please note: Due to the limited number of spaces in the Prelicensure BSN Cohort, the number of qualified candidates may exceed the number of available spaces.
INTERNAL TRANSFER APPLICANTS
Step 1- Admission to Pre-Nursing: The following policies apply to applicants who are currently enrolled as Kean University students and who are requesting to switch to Pre-Nursing:Internal transfer applicants must be currently enrolled full-time AND have completed a minimum of 12 credits in the semester immediately prior to application to the PLBSN. Please note: Developmental courses or courses graded as Pass/Fail do not count toward the credit requirement.A minimum 2.75 GPA is required to apply for the PLBSN program.Students who have received any disciplinary action for violation of Kean University’s Student Code of Conduct or Academic Integrity Policy are not eligible for admission to the program.Two (2) letters of recommendation. One must be from a current or previous faculty member. An additional letter of recommendation may come from an academic advisor, immediate supervisor, manager, or volunteer coordinator.List of high school and college activities and/or work experiences, indicating any leadership positions held.A predetermined number of applicants will be selected from the applicant pool for admission to the Prelicensure BSN major as “Pre-Nursing” students on a rolling basis until the predetermined number has been reached. Admission into Pre-Nursing does not guarantee admission into the Prelicensure BSN Cohort.
Step 2: Admission to the Prelicensure BSN Cohort (PLBSN Major):Selection for the Prelicensure BSN Cohort will occur in May of the 1st year. Selection is based on rank according to 1st year GPA (minimum 2.75 GPA required), Nursing Entrance Exam which is submitted early in the spring semester of the 1st year (minimum score = 60), a Video Essay which is submitted in the spring semester of the 1st year, and consideration of student attributes evaluated through a holistic review. An interview with the Department of Nursing may also be required.The following courses must be completed no later than the spring semester of the first year:
- GE 1000 Transition to Kean
- ENG 1030 College Composition*
- PSY 1000 General Psychology*
- SOC 1000: Intro to Sociology
- BIO 2403 Human Anatomy and Physiology I*
- ID 1111: Intro to Health Professions * Must be completed with a C+ or higher.
Please note: Due to the limited number of spaces in the Prelicensure BSN Cohort, the number of qualified candidates may exceed the number of available spaces.
OPTIONS FOR PRE-NURSING STUDENTS NOT ACCEPTED INTO THE PLBSN COHORT (NURSING MAJOR)
Kean University offers a range of majors that share common courses with those taken in the first year of Pre-Nursing. This alignment allows students who are not accepted into the PLBSN Cohort (Nursing major) to transition smoothly into other programs without significantly extending their time to graduation. Our advisors work closely with students to explore alternative paths that align with their interests and goals.
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