Cracking the Code: Understanding Arizona State University SAT Score Requirements
For those aspiring to become a Sun Devil, understanding the Arizona State University (ASU) admission requirements, particularly concerning standardized test scores like the SAT, is crucial. ASU is recognized for its highly-ranked programs across diverse fields, including management, environmental science and engineering, education, and economics. Designated as the country’s most innovative school, ASU provides many research opportunities through initiatives such as the ASU Startup Labs, the Biodesign Institute, and the Barrett Honors College. With a large student body, ASU combines academic opportunities, faculty, a vibrant campus culture, and affordability.
Navigating the ASU Admissions Process
The ASU admissions process is facilitated through both the Common App and the university's application system. The ASU requirements state that the choice of application platform does not affect the admission decision. The university's accessibility is reflected in its acceptance rate, making it a popular choice for applicants worldwide.
Acceptance Rate
The ASU acceptance rate stands at 88%, indicating that it is a highly accessible school. While the acceptance rate reflects the school's competitiveness, it also highlights its popularity among applicants.
Application Deadlines: Regular and Priority
Arizona State University does not have early action or early decision options. ASU’s regular decision cycle received 61,603 applications and accepted 54,329 students (88%). ASU is a widely popular school to apply to. ASU does offer a Priority Deadline. Applications received by the Priority Deadline are given the most consideration. The ASU regular decision deadline is January 15. However, if the school does not fill the class, they will still accept applications on a rolling basis, until as late as May 1. ASU also provides an alternative form of application in addition to regular decision: priority decision. ASU’s priority deadline is November 1.
Transfer Students
Arizona State University’s Transfer Acceptance Rate is high.
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GPA Requirements
The ASU GPA requirements are between 3.0 and 4.0. A high GPA is essential, as admitted students typically graduate in the upper half of their class. If your GPA is lower than suggested at the time you apply, you may have to perform above average on your standardized tests. Applicants’ GPA when applying to ASU should be between 3.0 and 4.0 to be strong candidates. The average GPA at ASU is 3.53.
Test-Optional Policy and SAT Score Considerations
Arizona State University is considered a “Test Optional” school, meaning it does not require standardized test scores, but will consider them if submitted. It’s up to you whether to submit your scores or not. Despite not mandating standardized test scores, ASU considers them for admission if submitted. For the SAT, an 112o composite score (1180 for nonresidents), combining the reading and math sections together is necessary for admission. ASU does NOT require the writing portion of this test. If your SAT is lower than suggested at the time you apply, you may have to perform above average on your other standardized tests or have a stronger GPA to compensate. Applicants should score between 1110 and 1310 on their SAT to be strong candidates for admission to ASU. Having less than this will require compensating by using a substitute ACT score or having an above-average GPA. The 25th percentile SAT score is 1130, and the 75th percentile SAT score is 1360.
Strategic SAT Submission
Because you can choose which tests to send in, and ASU only considers your highest score on a single test date, you can take the SAT as many times as you want, then submit your strongest score. Therefore, if your SAT score is currently below a 1130, we strongly recommend that you consider prepping for the SAT and retaking it.
ACT Score Expectations
The ACT requirements for ASU are a 22 composite score (24 for nonresidents) combining all English, mathematics, reading, and science sections. If your ACT is not what you’d hoped by the time you apply, you may have to make it up by getting above-average scores on the SAT and having a high grade point average. Applicants should score between 21 and 28 on their ACT to be strong candidates for admission to this school. Having less than this will require compensating by using a substitute SAT score or having an above-average GPA. The average ACT score at ASU is 26. The 25th percentile ACT score is 22, and the 75th percentile ACT score is 29.
ACT Submission Strategy
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 22 and above, you should try to take the ACT as many times as you can. By and large, most colleges do not superscore the ACT.
Read also: SAT Requirements for LSU
Optional Essay
ASU considers the SAT Essay/ACT Writing section optional and may not include it as part of their admissions consideration.
Course Competency Requirements
Competency requirements may be met with high school work, college work or test scores. These requirements must be met regardless of your major or the number of transferable hours you have earned. Students must earn a minimum 2.00 GPA in each competency area. Admission may be granted with one deficiency in no more than two competency areas. Deficiencies in both math and laboratory science are not acceptable.
English Competency
Meet one of the following: Four years of high school English (composition- or literature-based). Minimum test score of 21 on ACT English, or 580 on SAT evidence-based reading and writing. One transferable 3-credit college English composition course. All new students will be placed in First-Year Composition ENG 101. Students whose native language is not English will be enrolled in ENG 107. Enrollment in ENG 105, Advanced First Year composition, is based on placement test scores. If you have college-level transfer credit or test credit equivalent to ASU’s first year composition course(s), that credit will be considered in placement. You can search ASU’s equivalency database for transfer credit at tcg.asu.edu. If applicable, be sure to include any of the above when you register for the Academic Orientation Session.
Mathematics Competency
Meet one of the following: Four years of high school courses: one year each of algebra I, geometry, algebra II and an advanced math class for which algebra II is a prerequisite. Minimum test score of 24 on ACT math, or 580 on SAT math. One transferable 3-credit college math course for which at least intermediate algebra is a prerequisite.
Laboratory Science Competency
Students may meet any one or a combination of the following options, provided that three distinct laboratory-based science courses are completed with a 2.00 unweighted GPA or higher. Three years of high school laboratory sciences in three different subject areas, preferably biology, chemistry, earth science or physics. A laboratory-based integrated science course may be allowed to substitute for one of the three lab sciences. Each course should be one year in length. Additionally, a laboratory-based advanced science course may be allowed to substitute for one of the three lab sciences. An advanced science class is a lab science that is generally taken in the last two years of high school and is at least one of the following: an advanced placement course a higher-level international baccalaureate course a dual enrollment course other honors course for which the previous lab science course is a prerequisite Minimum test scores in three standardized tests from three different subject matters. The following tests may be taken: SAT II subject test score in chemistry-600, biology-590, physics-620 or ACT test score in science-20. Three transferable 4-credit college laboratory science courses from the following: biology, chemistry, earth science or physics. An integrated laboratory science or advanced-level laboratory-based science may be substituted for one of these laboratory subjects. ASU requires students to complete three different lab sciences. In order to determine if your lab sciences meet our lab science requirement, we may need additional information from you.
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Additional Admission Requirements
First-year applicants must meet at least one of the following: 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).
Alternative Admission Route
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. Some programs may have higher admission requirements. You must meet all program requirements to be admitted.
The Application Process: A Step-by-Step Guide
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.
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.
Financial Aid
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.
Submitting Test Scores (Optional)
Request 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.
Receiving 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.
Alternatives to Traditional High School Diplomas
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. 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.
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.
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