Your chances of getting into James Madison University
Admission Rate & Difficulty
Acceptance Rate
The acceptance rate at JMU is 78.3%. Its admission rate is the 20th lowest in Virginia.
Admission Selectivity
How hard is it to get into JMU and can you get accepted?
James Madison University is an easy school to get into and you have a very good chance of acceptance if you meet the admission criteria. Last year, 24,062 out of the 30,727 who applied were admitted.
James Madison University typically accepts and attracts "B+" average high school students with an average GPA around 3.57. Most incoming freshmen graduate in the top half of their high school class. 20% of those admitted chose to enroll in the school.
Can you get into JMU?
78% are accepted, can you get in? Use the admission calculator to see if you have the grades and test scores needed to get in. See your admission chances based on your extracurriculars, intended major, background, and more.
Admission Requirements in Brief
To have the best chance of getting into to James Madison University you should:
- Have a high school GPA of 3.57 or better
- Earn B+ grades in high school
- Score 1230 on the SAT
- Score 26 on the ACT
- Graduate in the top half of your high school class
JMU GPA
GPA Requirements & Average GPA
What GPA do you need to get into James Madison University?
GPA Requirements
The GPA requirements for getting into JMU are to have around a 3.57 high school GPA. You are required to have very good grades in high school.
If your high school grades are above the average 3.57 GPA, you have a very good chance of being admitted as JMU accepts 78% of applicants.
Average GPA
The average unweighted GPA at JMU is 3.57 on the 4.0 scale. To achieve the average GPA for admission, you need to earn B+ letter grades and regularly score around 87-89 percent on tests and assignments in high school. The school ranks #18 in Virginia for highest average GPA.
Importance of GPA
Since JMU is a test optional college, extra focus will be placed on your GPA when the school considers your application. As a result, it is very important that you meet the GPA requirements.
See additional colleges accepting applicants in the 3.6 GPA range.
*This school has not published high school GPA data for its incoming freshman class. In these cases, CollegeSimply uses an algorithm to predict GPA based on this school's test scores and a large sample of college GPA data. 3.57 is a prediction of the school's average incoming freshman GPA.
JMU SAT Scores
Testing Requirements
Submission of SAT or ACT scores is not required for admission to James Madison University. If you optionally submit test scores, they will be considered with your application, but they are not mandatory. 23% of students submitted SAT scores and 3% submitted ACT scores for admission for the most recent academic year..
SAT Requirements & Average SAT Score
| SAT Test | 25th Percentile Score |
|---|---|
| Reading 25th Percentile | 580 |
| Math 25th Percentile | 560 |
| Composite 25th Percentile | 1140 |
| SAT Test | 75th Percentile Score |
|---|---|
| Reading 75th Percentile | 670 |
| Math 75th Percentile | 650 |
| Composite 75th Percentile | 1320 |
| Average SAT Score | 1230
|
SAT Scores you need to get in
What are the SAT requirements for you to be admitted to James Madison University?
Average Score & Range
The average SAT score at JMU is 1230 out of 1600 and the range for the middle 50% of accepted students is 1140-1320. Students who get into James Madison University score in the top 34 percent of all SAT test takers.. JMU ranks #11 in the state of Virginia for highest average SAT composite score.
Score for Acceptance
You should target scoring 1230 or above to be most competitive with other applicants. JMU regularly admits students with SAT scores down to 1140 on a 1600 scale. However, three quarter of admitted students score higher. If you score below a 1140, admission should be considered a reach. Some students may be accepted with minimum SAT's as low as 1050, but scores this low are outside the normal range.
Score Submission Requirements
James Madison University is a test optional school meaning do not have to submit SAT scores with your application. The position on SAT scores from the college is "not required for admission, but considered if submitted (test optional)".
View other colleges which accept students in the 1230 SAT score range.
Data Sources, IPEDS for Fall 2022 starting classChance of Acceptance by SAT Score
The table below outlines your predicted admission chances based on SAT score alone. If you are an average applicant with a score of 1230, you have around a 78% chance of being admitted. A 1320 places you well ahead of most other applicants and gives you about a 87% chance of getting in.
JMU ACT Scores
ACT Requirements & Average ACT Score
| ACT Test | 25th Percentile Score |
|---|---|
| Reading 25th Percentile | N/A |
| Math 25th Percentile | N/A |
| Composite 25th Percentile | 23 |
| ACT Test | 75th Percentile Score |
|---|---|
| Reading 75th Percentile | N/A |
| Math 75th Percentile | N/A |
| Composite 75th Percentile | 29 |
| Average ACT Score | 26
|
ACT Scores needed to get accepted
What are the ACT requirements for students to get into JMU?
Score Range
The average ACT score for admitted students to JMU is 26, while the middle 50% of students (25th to 75th percentile) score between a 23 and 29. The school ranks #13 in Virginia for highest average ACT composite score.
Score for Acceptance
For the best chance of admission, you should have an ACT of 26. This will place you in solid competition against other applicants. At a minimum, you should aim for a 23 and score in the score in the top 32 percent nationally. The lowest ACT score likely to be admitted is a 20.
3 percent of applicants submit ACT scores to James Madison University.
Score Submission Requirements
You do not have to to submit ACT scores with your application as James Madison University is test optional. The policy from the school on ACT scores is "not required for admission, but considered if submitted (test optional)".
Find other colleges with similar ACT score requirements
Data Sources, IPEDS for Fall 2022 starting classChance of Acceptance by ACT Score
Here are your predicted chances of getting into JMU for different ACT score ranges. A typical applicant with a 26 score has around 78% chance of getting in. Your odds increase to about 87% with a 29 ACT score.
High School Class Rank
85% of James Madison University freshman are in the top half of their high school graduating class and 28% are in the top quarter.
| High School Class Rank | Freshmen Within Range |
|---|---|
| Top 10% of class | 14.7% |
| Top 25% of class | 28.2% |
| Top 50% of class | 85% |
Applying
Admission Statistics
Admission and enrollment rates by gender are detailed the the table below.
| Women | Men | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Applied | 18,148 | 12,477 | 30,727 |
| Accepted | 14,837 | 9,143 | 24,062 |
| Acceptance Rate | 82% | 73% | 78% |
| Enrolled | 2,732 | 2,125 | 4,863 |
| Percent of Admitted Who Enrolled (Admission Yield) | 18% | 23% | 20% |
Fall 2024 Application Deadline
Applications Due
Days left to Apply
The application deadline for Fall 2024 has passed. Applications were due on Jan 15, 2024.
Application Fee
The cost for prospective students to apply to James Madison University is $70.
Application Requirements
What are the requirements for admission to James Madison University and what student information is used for admission decisions?
| Test Scores | Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional) |
| High School GPA | Required to be considered for admission |
| High School Class Rank | Not considered for admission, even if submitted |
| Completion of College Preparatory Program | Required to be considered for admission |
| Recommendations | Not required for admission, but considered if submitted |
| Demonstration of Competencies | Not considered for admission, even if submitted |
Credits Accepted
| AP Credit | Yes |
| Dual Credit | Yes |
| Credit for Life Experiences | Yes |
Admission Requirements Summary
Because James Madison University is lightly competitive to get into, you have a very good chance of acceptance with the right GPA and test scores. If you have a 3.57 GPA, you are almost certain to getting in. Combining this with an SAT score of 1230 and ACT of 26 will almost guarantee your admission.
Other Colleges to Apply To
Students applying to James Madison University often consider these colleges
Primary data source, U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=232423 IPEDS survey data for James Madison University.
FAQs
Does James Madison University prefer SAT or ACT?
23% of students submit their SAT scores to JMU. 3% of applicants send their ACT scores when applying.
What is my chance of getting into James Madison University?
78% of those who apply are granted admission to JMU. Admission competition is and the college has difficult admission standards. See if your grades and scores are good enough for admission.
What SAT score is required for James Madison University?
The middle 50% of addmitted applicants have SAT scores between 1140 and 1320. The average SAT score is 1230. See if your SAT score is good enough for admission.
What ACT score is required for James Madison University?
The middle 50% of addmitted applicants have ACT scores between 23 and 29. The average ACT score is 26. See if your ACT score is good enough for admission.