Navigating Admissions at Point Loma Nazarene University: GPA and Other Requirements

Point Loma Nazarene University (PLNU) is a selective, Christian liberal arts university located in San Diego, California. Home to approximately 2,400 undergraduates and 1,100 graduate students, PLNU is committed to teaching, shaping, and sending students into the world prepared to use their gifts. If you're considering applying to PLNU, understanding the GPA requirements and other admission factors is crucial. This article provides a comprehensive overview of what it takes to be a competitive applicant.

Academic Profile of Admitted Students

GPA Expectations

Point Loma Nazarene University's average GPA is 3.86. This average GPA means Point Loma Nazarene University is very selective. The GPA requirement that really matters is the GPA you need for a real chance of getting in. requires you to be above average in your high school class. You'll need at least a mix of A's and B's, with more A's than B's. This suggests that successful applicants typically have a strong academic record with a significant number of A's. Taking harder classes, like AP or IB classes, you can compensate for a lower GPA.

PLNU uses a cumulative, weighted GPA for admissions and for awarding merit scholarships. By "cumulative", we mean all courses (academic and non-academic), throughout all eight semesters of high school are included. By "weighted", we mean that courses listed on transcripts as Honors, AP, or IB HL courses are calculated on a 5.0 scale, rather than the unweighted 4.0 scale.

Standardized Testing: SAT and ACT

Point Loma Nazarene University requires that you either take the SAT or ACT. SAT/ACT scores are considered but not required to apply. Point Loma Nazarene University 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 Point Loma Nazarene University 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.

Point Loma Nazarene University’s average SAT score is 1220 - this is the sum of the math and reading portions of the SAT (the 1600 scale). To be a competitive applicant for Point Loma Nazarene University your SAT score should come close to the average. If you’re closer to the 1140, you’re likely going to have a tougher time getting accepted. In other words, a 1180 places you below average, while a 1365 will move you up to above average.

Read also: Decoding the 5.0 GPA Scale

Point Loma Nazarene University’s average ACT score is 78. To be a competitive applicant for Point Loma Nazarene University your ACT score should come close to the average. If you’re closer to the 70, you’re likely going to have a tougher time getting accepted. The average ACT score at Point Loma Nazarene University is 27. The 25th percentile ACT score is 25, and the 75th percentile ACT score is 32.

Here it is: when you send ACT scores to colleges, you have absolute control over which tests you send. You could take 10 tests, and only send your highest one. This means that you have more chances than you think to improve your ACT score. To try to aim for the school's ACT requirement of 25 and above, you should try to take the ACT as many times as you can.

Acceptance Rate and Selectivity

Last year Point Loma Nazarene University’s acceptance rate was 71.34. The acceptance rate at Point Loma Nazarene University is 83.7%. lightly selective. The school will have their expected requirements for GPA and SAT/ACT scores. If you meet their requirements, you're almost certain to get an offer of admission. 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 1180 SAT or higher, and you'll almost certainly get an offer of admission.

Holistic Review

Point Loma Nazarene University is known for one of its top majors: Education, General. Beyond academic achievements, PLNU employs a holistic admission review, considering various aspects of an applicant's profile. These include:

Extracurricular Activities: Participation in school bands, sports teams, volunteer work in the community, and other group activities demonstrates a commitment to personal growth, leadership, and community involvement. San Diego has tons of ways to be involved beyond just the college. Spend your summer doing something that speaks to your values, personal growth, leadership qualities and other less quantifiable characteristics. PLNU 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.

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Essays: A well-written essay provides an opportunity to showcase your personality, values, and unique experiences. Write a stellar essay that shows Point Loma Nazarene University something they can’t figure out from the other parts of your application.
Letters of Recommendation: Recommendations from teachers or counselors can highlight your character, work ethic, and potential for success. Get teacher recs that speak to your character.

Application Requirements

To be considered for admission into PLNU, you must have a complete application, including high school transcripts, SAT or ACT scores (optional for applicants), and two letters of recommendation.

Application Deadlines

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 PLNU’s own system crashes.

First-year applicants may apply for early action or regular admission. Early action is an option reserved for students who have made Point Loma Nazarene University one of their top-choice institutions providing notification by December 20. The deadline for early action is November 15 and requires receipt of all admission materials, including transcripts and test scores, if you choose to submit test scores.

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Applicants for the February 15 regular admission priority deadline and those deferred from Early Action may receive notification between mid-March and the first week of April.

Transfer Students

To be considered for admission into PLNU, you must have a complete application, including all college/university transcripts, high school transcripts and SAT or ACT scores, and two letters of recommendation.

PLNU does not have specific courses that must be completed prior to transferring, except for nursing (see requirements below). You can apply to PLNU with any number of units or credits, but if you have completed fewer than 36 transferable units at the time you apply, we require you to submit your final high school transcripts and SAT or ACT scores in addition to your college transcripts to complete your file.

International Students

To be considered for admission into PLNU, you must have a complete application, including high school and/or college transcripts, English proficiency scores (see below for accepted exams), two essays, and two letters of recommendation. You also have the option of conducting an interview with the international admissions counselor, which is highly recommended.

Students for whom English is not the native language must demonstrate English language proficiency by taking the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), International English Language Testing System (IELTS), or the Duolingo English test. Minimum scores to be considered are an 80 iBT on TOEFL, 110 on Duolingo, or 6.5 on IELTS. This requirement can be waived by submitting SAT or ACT scores.

ROTC

PLNU serves as a cross-town affiliate for ROTC programs with the Navy, Marines, Army, and Air Force. If you are planning on doing ROTC and are currently a high school senior, the process for applying to PLNU is exactly the same as for non-ROTC students. Simply follow the application instructions above to apply to PLNU.

Nursing Program

PLNU’s nursing program is a direct entry program. That means when you’re admitted as a high school applicant, you’re admitted to our four-year nursing program.

Early Action is required for all nursing applicants. Early Action is non-binding. Students who do not apply Early Action may have a chance to apply for the nursing waitlist, depending on Early Action applicant numbers.

Deadline: November 15 - Early Action is required for all nursing applicants. Early Action is non-binding.

Prerequisite courses needed to apply as a transfer to PLNU’s School of Nursing:

Inorganic and organic biological chemistry -or- organic chemistry (4 or 5 semester units - with labs)
Human anatomy and physiology (8 semester units - with labs)
General psychology or personal identity (3 or 4 semester units)
College-level algebra (determined by PLNU math placement test)
Microbiology (4 semester units with lab)

PA Scholars Program

Point Loma Nazarene University's PA Scholars program is an exclusive opportunity for freshmen to be guaranteed a position in PLNU's physician assistant program upon graduation from specific pre-PA degree programs offered at PLNU.

Application Requirements:

Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.75, weighted or unweighted, as reported on the senior year high school transcripts.
Completion of at least three years of high school math and science - four years of math and science are highly recommended
Complete and submit an online PA Scholars application for admission.
Maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 3.75 through completion of the Bachelor’s program.
Obtain a “B” or higher in all the following prerequisite courses.
Complete all prerequisite courses at PLNU:
- General Chemistry I and II (CHE 1052, CHE 1052L, CHE 1053, and CHE 1053L)
- Organic Chem I and II (CHE 2094, CHE 2094L, CHE 2096, and CHE 2096L)
- Anatomy and Physiology I and II (BIO 1030, BIO 1030L, BIO 1040, and BIO 1040L)
- Cell Biology and Biochemistry (BIO 2010 and BIO 2010L)
- Microbiology (BIO 2020 and BIO 2020L or BIO 3015 and BIO 3015L)
- Statistics (MTH 2003 or MTH 3063)
- Advanced Biochemistry (BIO/CHE 4050 and BIO/CHE 4050L)
- Genetics (BIO 3045 and BIO 3045L)
- Choose at least one of the following courses:
  - Pathology of Injury and Illness (KIN 3085)
  - The Physiology of Exercise (KIN 3040)
  - Assessment of Lower Extremity Pathology (KIN 3087)
  - Assessment of Head, Spinal and Upper Extremity Pathology (KIN 3088)
  - Orthopedic Assessment (KIN 3089)
Complete pre-approved direct patient care hours:
- 400 hours by August 31 at the start of junior year
- 700 hours by August 31 at the start of senior year
- 1000 hours by August 31 prior to matriculation into the PA program
Attend two PA information sessions: one in the Spring semester of Freshman year, to ensure candidates understand the requirements to remain in the program and a second in the Spring semester of Junior year, to ensure candidates are on track with their CASPA application
PA Scholars are required to complete the online Central Application Service for Physician Assistants (CASPA) by August 31 at the start of Senior year. (Applications open in late April). A PLNU supplemental application is also required.
Attend a PLNU PA Interview fall of Senior year at PLNU. Dates will vary.

OT Scholars Program

Point Loma Nazarene's Occupational Therapy (OT) Scholars' program is an exclusive opportunity for freshmen, sophomores, and juniors to be guaranteed a position in PLNU's Master of Science in OT program upon graduation from specific pre- degree programs offered at PLNU.

Application Requirements:

Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.3.
Enroll in one of the approved undergraduate majors listed below.
Two references required. Can be from high school teachers, coaches, volunteer/church leaders, and/or from PLNU contacts.

Approved Under-Graduate Majors

Child Development (BA, AUG)
Child and Adolescent Development (BA, TUG)
Psychology (BA)
Sociology (BA)
Health Science (BS)

Timeline:

Complete the online OT Scholars’ application by the end of the first week of the spring semester of your freshman, sophomore, or junior year.
Students must expect to be at PLNU for a minimum of four semesters to apply to this program.
Students will be notified of their acceptance to the program by the middle of the spring term.

Requirements to Remain in the Occupational Therapy Scholars’ Program:

Maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 3.3 through completion of your Bachelor program.
Obtain a B (3.) or higher in all required MSOT program prerequisite courses. A minimum grade of a B- will be allowed for anatomy and physiology coursework.
OT Scholars will be required to submit their application to PLNU Graduate admissions by August 1st prior to Senior Year.
OT Scholars will attend a PLNU OT interview in the beginning of Senior Year. Dates will vary. A minimum of 40 observation hours (virtual or in-person) of an occupational therapist must be completed by the time of interview.

Required Prerequisite Courses for MSOT Program:

Anatomy and Physiology I and II (BIO 1030, BIO 1030L, BIO 1040, and BIO 1040L). Alternatively, students may take one semester of anatomy and one semester of physiology (ANT 2000 and ANT 2001). Online and in-person classes accepted.
Introductory Statistics (MTH 2003/MAT 1093 or MTH 3063)High School AP statistics course credit may be accepted based on the Program Director/Admission Committee Review
Human Development (CHD 1050) OR Development of Children and Adolescents (CDV 3023)
Medical Terminology (KIN 2050)
Social Psychology (SOC 3020/PSY 3020) OR Introduction to Sociology (SOC 1001 / SCL 1001)
Abnormal Psychology (PSY 3021/ PCY 3021)

One Elective Course from the List Below:

Therapeutic Exercise (KIN 4010)
Internship in Kinesiology (KIN 4088)
Medical Sociology (SOC 4070)
Sociology of Aging (SOC 3016)
Race and Ethnicity (SOC 3060/ SCL 3060)
Personality and Adult Development (PSY 3000)
Child, Family and Community (CHD 4020)
Child Development, Family Systems and Social Change (CDV 4083)
Motor Learning and Motor Development (KIN 3012)

Attend All Required OT Information Sessions:

Fall Semester before applying to the OT Scholars Program.
Each spring semester after acceptance into the program.

Observation Hours:

All OT scholar students must complete 40 observation hours of an occupational therapist and/or an occupational therapy assistant by the time of interview in the beginning of Senior Year

Additional Information

Financial Aid

Two forms are required to apply for financial aid: the Application for Financial Assistance, which is part of the Undergraduate Application for Admission, and the FAFSA, which is submitted to the federal government.

Interviews

We strongly encourage our applicants to complete an admissions interview with their admissions counselor, but an interview is not required.

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