Navigating Towson University Admissions: ACT Scores and Requirements
Gaining admission to Towson University requires careful consideration of several factors, including academic performance and standardized test scores. While Towson University has adopted a test-optional policy, understanding the role of ACT scores in the admissions process remains crucial for prospective students.
Understanding Towson University's Acceptance Rate
The acceptance rate provides a general overview of the university's selectivity. With an acceptance rate of 82%, Towson University is considered lightly selective. Meeting the university's GPA and ACT score expectations significantly increases your chances of admission.
GPA Requirements: Demonstrating Academic Excellence
GPA is a very important academic factor. The average GPA at Towson University is 3.78, indicating that successful applicants generally have a strong academic record. To be competitive, you'll need a mix of A's and B's, with a leaning toward A's, requiring you to be above average in your high school class. While a lower GPA can be compensated for with challenging coursework like AP or IB classes, maintaining a high GPA remains a key factor in the admissions process.
Test-Optional Policy: A Shift in Admissions
In recent years, many universities have switched to become permanent test-optional institutions, meaning submitting SAT or ACT scores is optional when applying for admission. Towson University has adopted a test-optional policy. TU has seen an overall decrease in enrollment since 2019, but with discrepancies between the demographics of students. The University System of Maryland declared in 2022 that each institution could render its own decision about test policies instead of USM having to approve the policy for each academic year.
ACT Scores: Understanding the Averages
The average ACT score at Towson University is 23. Half the applicants admitted to Towson University who submitted test scores have an ACT score between 19 and 25. However, one quarter of admitted applicants achieved scores above these ranges and one quarter scored below these ranges. In other words, a 19 places you below average, while a 27 will move you up to above average.
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The Importance of Superscoring
Towson University 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, Towson University 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 Towson University 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 19, 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.
Strategic ACT Preparation
To try to aim for the school's ACT requirement of 19 and above, you should try to take the ACT as many times as you can. 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.
Holistic Review: Beyond Test Scores and GPA
Freshmen applications are reviewed using a holistic process that places a priority on a student's high school academic performance as determined by their earned grades. Holistic review also considers, among other factors, the rigor of a student's curriculum compared to their curricular options, their extracurricular involvement, their Common Application essay, and other information provided on the application. Many applicants exceed minimum high school graduation requirements in terms of their coursework and level of academic rigor. Any applicant whose high school transcript does not include this combination of curriculum requirements may be admitted with the understanding that select deficiencies may be required to be completed during the first term of their freshman year.
Application Requirements and Deadlines
Every school requires an application with the bare essentials - high school transcript and GPA, application form, and other core information. The application deadline at Towson University is May 1. Applications submitted after the regular decision deadline receive decisions on a case-by-case basis. A $50 non-refundable application fee is required when you apply. High school transcripts are required to complete your application and must be official in order to be reviewed.
Additional Factors in Admissions
Note: 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. This tool provides only a simplistic estimate of your chances of admission. We recommend you apply to schools across a range of chances. Recommendation are not considered by admissions officials at Towson University.
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Weighing the Decision to Submit ACT Scores
If test scores are submitted with an application, they will be considered, but will not negatively impact an application for admission. “For many students, standardized test scores may not fully reflect their academic potential, especially for those from under-resourced schools or those who face systemic barriers to testing opportunities.
Resources for Prospective Students
At PrepScholar, we've created the leading online SAT/ACT prep program. PrepScholar customizes your prep to your strengths and weaknesses. We guide you through your program step-by-step so that you're never confused about what you should be studying. Our team is made of national SAT/ACT experts. PrepScholar's founders are Harvard graduates and SAT perfect scorers. We've gotten tremendous results with thousands of students across the country. There's a lot more to PrepScholar that makes it the best SAT/ACT prep program. You should definitely follow us on social media. You'll get updates on our latest articles right on your feed.
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