Buena Vista University Admission Requirements

Admission Rate & Difficulty

Acceptance Rate

The acceptance rate at Buena Vista University is 71.8%.  Its admission rate is the 11th lowest in Iowa.

Admission Selectivity

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

Buena Vista University is a moderately competitive school to get into. You have a strong chance of acceptance if you meet the criteria. Last year, 1,108 out of the 1,544 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?

72% 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 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

GPA Requirements & Average GPA

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 GPA meets these requirements, there is a good chance you will be accepted as Buena Vista University accepts 72% of students who apply.

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.

 What do these chances mean?

GPA Data Source, Peterson's Data 2024

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. 1% of students submitted SAT scores and 38% submitted ACT scores for admission for the most recent academic year..

SAT Requirements & Average SAT Score

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 #18 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.

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 72% chance of being admitted. A 1130 places you well ahead of most other applicants and gives you about a 83% chance of getting in.

ACT Requirements & Average ACT Score

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 #15 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.

38 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

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 72% chance of getting in. Your odds increase to about 83% with a 24 ACT score.

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.

Admission Statistics

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

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?

Credits Accepted

Admission Requirements Summary

Because Buena Vista University is moderately competitive, you have a strong chance of acceptance with the right GPA and test scores. If you have a 3.49 GPA, you have a very good likelihood of getting in. A 1030 on the SAT and 22 on the ACT will further lock in your application.