Navigating Admissions: Understanding SAT/ACT Scores and Requirements at the University of Alabama
For prospective students, understanding the admissions landscape of their target universities is crucial. This article delves into the University of Alabama's (UA) admissions process, with a particular focus on SAT/ACT scores, GPA requirements, and other factors that influence a student's chances of acceptance.
Admission Overview
The University of Alabama has an acceptance rate of 76.64%, indicating that it is less selective. This means that a significant portion of applicants are admitted, but it's still important to meet the school's academic expectations. The application deadline at The University of Alabama is rolling.
GPA Requirements
GPA is a very important academic factor. The average GPA at University of Alabama is 3.86. This signifies that UA requires you to be near the top of your class and well above average. Your transcript should show mostly A's. If your GPA is at or below the school average of 3.86, you'll need a higher SAT or ACT score to compensate.
Test-Optional Policy
The University of Alabama will allow students applying through the Fall 2026 Semester the option to submit or not submit test scores. The presence of a score will not create an unfair advantage or disadvantage to students applying for admission.
Students may elect to send scores. Students who do not send scores will not be penalized as we will review all applications for admission under our holistic model.
Read also: How to Get Old SAT Scores
Holistic Admissions
Holistic admissions at The University of Alabama includes both academic and non-academic criteria. Academic components considered include high school GPA, performance in core subjects, academic honors and standardized test scores, should a student elect to submit them. Non-academic items include leadership experience, volunteer experience, extracurricular activities, employment and non-academic honors. All students must complete the minimum unit requirements.
SAT/ACT Scores: What You Need to Know
While UA is test-optional through Fall 2026, understanding the role of standardized tests can still be beneficial, especially for scholarship eligibility.
SAT Scores
The 25th percentile SAT score is 1110, and the 75th percentile SAT score is 1360. In other words, a 1110 places you below average, while a 1360 will move you up to above average. Because you can choose which tests to send in, and University of Alabama 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 1110, it is strongly recommended that you consider prepping for the SAT and retaking it.
ACT Scores
The average ACT score at University of Alabama is 26. The 25th percentile ACT score is 22, and the 75th percentile ACT score is 30. 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.
Superscoring
UA will superscore for admission purposes. We will not superscore for automatic, merit-based scholarships.
Read also: ACT Scores for Loyola
Test Optional Details
The University of Alabama will not require standardized ACT or SAT scores from students applying through the Fall 2026 Semester. If you are unsure whether or not to submit a standardized test score, contact your high school counselor or Christy Hudgens, UA Recruiter. For more information on Freshman Admissions requirements and test optional information, click on this link, admissions.ua.edu/freshman/requirements/.
Considerations for Test-Optional Applicants
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.
Transfer Students
Transfer students who have completed fewer than 24 credit hours will have the choice to be considered test optional. If you have test scores, you are welcome to submit them.
Additional Admission Requirements
Every school requires an application with the bare essentials - high school transcript and GPA, application form, and other core information. Many schools, as explained above, also require SAT and ACT scores, as well as letters of recommendation, application essays, and interviews.
Course Requirements
Course Category Number of UnitsEnglish4 unitsSocial Sciences4 units, should include world history or a comparable course.
Read also: When Will My ACT Scores Be Released?
Scholarship Opportunities
For competitive scholarships, students are considered regardless of the decision to submit standardized test scores as long as they meet the appropriate deadlines for their intended entry term. For automatic merit scholarships, students must choose to submit standardized to scores and be mindful of appropriate deadlines for their intended entry term in order to be considered. (Only students who submit standardized test scores or are designated as National Merit Scholars are eligible for automatic merit scholarships.)
For scholarship timelines specific to your entry term, please visit the Scholarship and Financial Aid Timeline.
Important Deadlines
To be considered for scholarships, there is an application you must fill out by December 1st. Competitive Scholarships: Mar. Fall 2025 Admissions Application opens August 15, 2024.
Resources for Prospective Students
At The University of Alabama, you’ll have plenty of time and resources to find out. You might want to begin by exploring coursework and programs using our Undergraduate Academic Catalog.
Orientation
Yes, freshman students are required to attend Bama Bound Orientation, UA’s new student orientation. This includes registration for the first semester’s classes, placement testing and seminars on UA policies, procedures and services. An orientation/registration program (Bama Bound) is provided for all new freshman students to assist with the transition to college. Each orientation session gives students the opportunity to learn about the University, as well as academic programs and services offered to students. Students also enroll in classes for their first term at the University. Several orientation sessions are provided each year.
Placement
For all new undergraduate students, initial math placement will be based on ACT or SAT math score or previous college mathematics credit. If a student does not have one of these or wishes to try to improve his or her placement, the student may take the online math assessment. Foreign language placement is determined by several factors. These factors include the following: the number of high-school units completed; language placement examination scores; or, for those with native or heritage competency, faculty evaluation.
Academic Support
What if I need special help with my coursework? Contact the Capstone Center for Student Success.
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