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Academic Preparation

All first-year students who apply to 51ÖØ¿ÚÁÔÆæ must submit an official high school transcript. When evaluating your application for undergraduate admission, we are interested in understanding how you challenged yourself relative to the curriculum that was available at your school and the trends in your performance—for example, if your grades improved between your first-year and senior year.

We also consider the GPA that is indicated on your high school transcript. We generally look for students in the top 25% of their class. For schools that don't use a ranking system, we consider a 3.0 GPA or higher to be the equivalent.

Partaking in rigorous curricula, such as Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) classes, can give you an additional advantage. The number of semester credits you will receive will depend on whether you earned a 3, 4, or 5 on your AP exams, or a grade of 5, 6, or 7 in IB subject areas. That score also determines which courses you will be exempt from taking at 51ÖØ¿ÚÁÔÆæ.

To receive AP credit, have your official AP score report sent from The College Board to 51ÖØ¿ÚÁÔÆæ.

 

Standardized Test Policy

Test-Optional Admission Policy for Fall 2025, Spring 2026 and Fall 2026

First-year students applying to 51ÖØ¿ÚÁÔÆæ for Fall 2025, Spring 2026 and Fall 2026 can choose to not submit SAT and/or ACT scores. This does not apply to Albert Dorman Honors College or accelerated program applicants.

Our test-optional admissions policy was implemented in response to the scheduling challenges faced by many high school students taking the SAT and ACT tests due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Students who have taken the SAT or ACT are encouraged to submit test scores to be considered for endowed scholarships where scores may be required. However, students who do not submit scores will be considered for other scholarships.

Standardized Test Scores and Information

Average composite SAT score for our enrolling first-year class is 1285 (Math and Critical Reading).

Average ACT score for our enrolling first-year class is 26.

Submitting Scores

We will consider either the SAT or ACT and use the highest scores provided, even if they are not from your most recent testing. You may self-report standardized test scores on your application as a temporary placeholder for official scores, allowing us to get a head start on the review of your file.

We recommend you send us all of your official scores as soon as possible, or no later than the time you test, to avoid missing a deadline.

• SAT school code: 2513
• ACT school code: 2580
  
   

Personal Essay

Included in the Common Application is an essay. The purpose of the essay is to assess your writing ability and, more importantly, to learn more about you as an individual. This portion of the application helps us get to know you, assess mutual fit and better understand what you could contribute to 51ÖØ¿ÚÁÔÆæ.

Letter of Recommendation

Counselors and teachers provide an external perspective about you as a person and applicant to 51ÖØ¿ÚÁÔÆæ. We expect you to provide us with all information pertinent to your application, while your recommender will provide an additional perspective/insight about you as a student.

 

Portfolio

Undergraduate applicants interested in Architecture, Digital Design, Industrial Design and Interior Design majors are required to submit a digital portfolio of creative work. This portfolio helps convey visual awareness and reflects the potential for success in design education. In some instances, a strong portfolio may determine acceptance. You can learn more about portfolio requirements .