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#12 Best Private Colleges in Iowa

Buena Vista University Admission Requirements

Storm Lake, Iowa

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Your chances of getting into Buena Vista University

Admission Rate & Difficulty

Percent Admitted 

77.3%
Admission Difficulty for Buena Vista University
Measure Difficulty
Admission Standards Very Easy 
Applicant Competition Very Low 

Acceptance Rate

The acceptance rate at Buena Vista University is 77.3%.  Its admission rate is the 13th lowest in Iowa.

Admission Selectivity

How hard is it to get into Buena Vista University and can you get accepted?

Buena Vista 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, 1,207 out of the 1,562 who applied were admitted.

Buena Vista University typically accepts and attracts "B+" average high school students with an average GPA around 3.49. 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 Buena Vista University?

77% 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.

Calculate your admission chances
Calculate your admission chances

Admission Requirements in Brief

To have the best chance of getting into to Buena Vista University you should:

  • Have a high school GPA of 3.49 or better
  • Earn B+ grades in high school
  • Score 1030 on the SAT
  • Score 22 on the ACT
  • Graduate in the top half of your high school class

Buena Vista University GPA

GPA Requirements & Average GPA

Avg. High School GPA 

3.49

Typical High School Grades 

B+

What GPA do you need to get into Buena Vista University?

GPA Requirements

The GPA requirements for getting into Buena Vista University are to have around a 3.49 high school GPA. You are required to have above average high school grades.

If your high school grades are above the average 3.49 GPA, you have a very good chance of being admitted as Buena Vista University accepts 77% of applicants.

Average GPA

The average unweighted GPA at Buena Vista University is 3.49 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 #15 in Iowa for highest average GPA.

Importance of GPA

Since Buena Vista University 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 3.5 GPA range.

Competitiveness by GPA Ranges

The table below outlines the number of admitted freshmen by GPA range as well as how competitive your GPA will be as compared with other applicants.

High School GPA's for admitted Buena Vista University students
High School GPA Freshmen Within Range Competitiveness 
4.0 4.0% Good
3.75 to 3.99 28.0% Avg +
3.50 to 3.74 26.0% Avg -
3.25 to 3.49 16.0% Avg -
3.00 to 3.24 14.0% Reach
2.50 to 2.99 9.0% Reach
2.00 to 2.49 3.0% Low
1.00 to 1.99 0% Low
less than 1.00 0% Low

 What do these chances mean?

GPA Data Source, Peterson's Data 2022

Calculate My Chances 

Buena Vista University SAT Scores

Testing Requirements

Submission of SAT or ACT scores is not required for admission to Buena Vista University. If you optionally submit test scores, they will be considered with your application, but they are not mandatory. 3% of students submitted SAT scores and 57% submitted ACT scores for admission for the most recent academic year..

SAT Requirements & Average SAT Score

SAT Range 

930-1130

Applicants Submitting SAT 

3%
SAT Scores for Buena Vista University
SAT Test 25th Percentile Score
Reading 25th Percentile 480
Math 25th Percentile 450
Composite 25th Percentile 930
SAT Scores for Buena Vista University
SAT Test 75th Percentile Score
Reading 75th Percentile 570
Math 75th Percentile 560
Composite 75th Percentile 1130
Average SAT Score 1030

SAT Scores you need to get in

What are the SAT requirements for you to be admitted to Buena Vista University?

Average Score & Range

The average SAT score at Buena Vista University is 1030 out of 1600 and the range for the middle 50% of accepted students is 930-1130. Students who get into Buena Vista University score in the top 73 percent of all SAT test takers..  Buena Vista University ranks #17 in the state of Iowa for highest average SAT composite score.

Score for Acceptance

You should target scoring 1030 or above to be most competitive with other applicants. Buena Vista University regularly admits students with SAT scores down to 930 on a 1600 scale. However, three quarter of admitted students score higher. If you score below a 930, admission should be considered a reach. Some students may be accepted with minimum SAT's as low as 830, but scores this low are outside the normal range.

Score Submission Requirements

Buena Vista 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 1030 SAT score range.

Data Sources, IPEDS for Fall 2022 starting class

Chance 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 1030, you have around a 77% chance of being admitted. A 1130 places you well ahead of most other applicants and gives you about a 86% chance of getting in.

Buena Vista University admission chances by SAT score
SAT Score (1600 scale) Competitiveness  Admission Chances 
1130 and Above Good >86%
1030 to 1130 Avg + 77%-86%
930 to 1030 Avg - 64%-77%
830 to 930 Reach 48%-64%
Less than 830 Low <48%
Calculate My Chances 

Buena Vista University ACT Scores

ACT Requirements & Average ACT Score

ACT Range 

20-24 

Applicants Submitting ACT 

57%
ACT Scores for Buena Vista University
ACT Test 25th Percentile Score
Reading 25th Percentile 18
Math 25th Percentile 18
Composite 25th Percentile 20
ACT Scores for Buena Vista University
ACT Test 75th Percentile Score
Reading 75th Percentile 23
Math 75th Percentile 25
Composite 75th Percentile 24
Average ACT Score 22

ACT Scores needed to get accepted

What are the ACT requirements for students to get into Buena Vista University?

Score Range

The average ACT score for admitted students to Buena Vista University is 22, while the middle 50% of students (25th to 75th percentile) score between a 20 and 24.  The school ranks #12 in Iowa for highest average ACT composite score.

Score for Acceptance

For the best chance of admission, you should have an ACT of 22. This will place you in solid competition against other applicants. At a minimum, you should aim for a 20 and score in the score in the top 49 percent nationally. The lowest ACT score likely to be admitted is a 18.

57 percent of applicants submit ACT scores to Buena Vista University.

Score Submission Requirements

You do not have to to submit ACT scores with your application as Buena Vista 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 class

Chance of Acceptance by ACT Score

Here are your predicted chances of getting into Buena Vista University for different ACT score ranges. A typical applicant with a 22 score has around 77% chance of getting in. Your odds increase to about 86% with a 24 ACT score.

Buena Vista University admission chances by ACT score
ACT Score Competitiveness  Admission Chances 
24 and Above Good >86%
22 to 24 Avg + 77%-86%
20 to 22 Avg - 64%-77%
18 to 20 Reach 48%-64%
Less than 18 Low <48%
Calculate My Chances 

High School Class Rank

79% of Buena Vista University freshman are in the top half of their high school graduating class and 45% are in the top quarter.

High School Class Rank for admitted Buena Vista University students
High School Class Rank Freshmen Within Range
Top 10% of class 16%
Top 25% of class 45%
Top 50% of class 79%
Data Source, Peterson's Data

Applying

Admission Statistics

Admission and enrollment rates by gender are detailed the the table below.

Buena Vista University admission statistics
Women Men Total
Applied 724 795 1,562
Accepted 566 617 1,207
Acceptance Rate 78% 78% 77%
Enrolled 110 125 236
Percent of Admitted Who Enrolled (Admission Yield) 19% 20% 20%
Data Sources, IPEDS for Fall 2022 starting class

Application Fee

The cost for prospective students to apply to Buena Vista University is $0. The school is free to apply to.

Application Requirements

What are the requirements for admission to Buena Vista University and what student information is used for admission decisions?

Buena Vista University Application Requirements
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 required for admission, but considered if submitted
Completion of College Preparatory Program Not required for admission, but considered if submitted
Recommendations Not required for admission, but considered if submitted
Demonstration of Competencies Not considered for admission, even if submitted

Credits Accepted

High School Credits Accepted at Buena Vista University
AP Credit Yes
Dual Credit Yes
Credit for Life Experiences Yes

Admission Requirements Summary

Because Buena Vista 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 3.49 GPA, you are almost certain to getting in. Combining this with an SAT score of 1030 and ACT of 22 will almost guarantee your admission.

Primary data source, U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=153001 IPEDS survey data for Buena Vista University.

FAQs

Does Buena Vista University prefer SAT or ACT?

3% of students submit their SAT scores to Buena Vista University. 57% of applicants send their ACT scores when applying.

What is my chance of getting into Buena Vista University?

77% of those who apply are granted admission to Buena Vista University. Admission competition is and the college has very easy admission standards. See if your grades and scores are good enough for admission.

What SAT score is required for Buena Vista University?

The middle 50% of addmitted applicants have SAT scores between 930 and 1130. The average SAT score is 1030. See if your SAT score is good enough for admission.

What ACT score is required for Buena Vista University?

The middle 50% of addmitted applicants have ACT scores between 20 and 24. The average ACT score is 22. See if your ACT score is good enough for admission.