Your chances of getting into Central College
Admission Rate & Difficulty
Acceptance Rate
The acceptance rate at Central College is 79.2%. Its admission rate is the 14th lowest in Iowa.
Admission Selectivity
How hard is it to get into Central College and can you get accepted?
Central College is an easy school to get into and you have a very good chance of acceptance if you meet the admission criteria. Last year, 1,561 out of the 1,970 who applied were admitted.
Central College typically accepts and attracts "B+" average high school students with an average GPA around 3.52. Most incoming freshmen graduate in the top half of their high school class. 22% of those admitted chose to enroll in the school.
Can you get into Central College?
79% 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 Central College you should:
- Have a high school GPA of 3.52 or better
- Earn B+ grades in high school
- Score 1130 on the SAT
- Score 22 on the ACT
- Graduate in the top half of your high school class
Central College GPA
GPA Requirements & Average GPA
What GPA do you need to get into Central College?
GPA Requirements
The GPA requirements for getting into Central College are to have around a 3.52 high school GPA. You are required to have very good grades in high school.
If your high school grades are above the average 3.52 GPA, you have a very good chance of being admitted as Central College accepts 79% of applicants.
Average GPA
The average unweighted GPA at Central College is 3.52 on the 4.0 scale. 21% of students who get in have perfect 4.0 GPA's in high school. 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 #13 in Iowa for highest average GPA.
Importance of GPA
Since Central College 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.
GPA Data Source, Peterson's Data 2022
Central College SAT Scores
Testing Requirements
Submission of SAT or ACT scores is not required for admission to Central College. If you optionally submit test scores, they will be considered with your application, but they are not mandatory. 10% of students submitted SAT scores and 63% submitted ACT scores for admission for the most recent academic year..
SAT Requirements & Average SAT Score
| SAT Test | 25th Percentile Score |
|---|---|
| Reading 25th Percentile | 520 |
| Math 25th Percentile | 520 |
| Composite 25th Percentile | 1040 |
| SAT Test | 75th Percentile Score |
|---|---|
| Reading 75th Percentile | 608 |
| Math 75th Percentile | 610 |
| Composite 75th Percentile | 1218 |
| Average SAT Score | 1130
|
SAT Scores you need to get in
What are the SAT requirements for you to be admitted to Central College?
Average Score & Range
The average SAT score at Central College is 1130 out of 1600 and the range for the middle 50% of accepted students is 1040-1218. Students who get into Central College score in the top 53 percent of all SAT test takers.. Central College ranks #11 in the state of Iowa for highest average SAT composite score.
Score for Acceptance
You should target scoring 1130 or above to be most competitive with other applicants. Central College regularly admits students with SAT scores down to 1040 on a 1600 scale. However, three quarter of admitted students score higher. If you score below a 1040, admission should be considered a reach. Some students may be accepted with minimum SAT's as low as 950, but scores this low are outside the normal range.
Score Submission Requirements
Central College 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 1130 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 1129, you have around a 79% chance of being admitted. A 1218 places you well ahead of most other applicants and gives you about a 88% chance of getting in.
Central College ACT Scores
ACT Requirements & Average ACT Score
| ACT Test | 25th Percentile Score |
|---|---|
| Reading 25th Percentile | 17 |
| Math 25th Percentile | 18 |
| Composite 25th Percentile | 19 |
| ACT Test | 75th Percentile Score |
|---|---|
| Reading 75th Percentile | 25 |
| Math 75th Percentile | 25 |
| Composite 75th Percentile | 26 |
| Average ACT Score | 22
|
ACT Scores needed to get accepted
What are the ACT requirements for students to get into Central College?
Score Range
The average ACT score for admitted students to Central College is 22, while the middle 50% of students (25th to 75th percentile) score between a 19 and 26. The school ranks #13 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 19 and score in the score in the top 56 percent nationally. The lowest ACT score likely to be admitted is a 16.
Scoring well on the ACT is very important as 63 percent of applicants submit ACT scores to Central College.
Score Submission Requirements
You do not have to to submit ACT scores with your application as Central College 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 Central College for different ACT score ranges. A typical applicant with a 22 score has around 79% chance of getting in. Your odds increase to about 89% with a 26 ACT score.
High School Class Rank
79% of Central College freshman are in the top half of their high school graduating class and 44% are in the top quarter.
| High School Class Rank | Freshmen Within Range |
|---|---|
| Top 10% of class | 23% |
| Top 25% of class | 44% |
| Top 50% of class | 79% |
Applying
Admission Statistics
Admission and enrollment rates by gender are detailed the the table below.
| Women | Men | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Applied | 952 | 1,018 | 1,970 |
| Accepted | 759 | 802 | 1,561 |
| Acceptance Rate | 80% | 79% | 79% |
| Enrolled | 159 | 192 | 351 |
| Percent of Admitted Who Enrolled (Admission Yield) | 21% | 24% | 22% |
Application Fee
The cost for prospective students to apply to Central College is $25.
Application Requirements
What are the requirements for admission to Central College 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 required for admission, but considered if submitted |
| Completion of College Preparatory Program | Not required for admission, but considered if submitted |
| Recommendations | Not considered for admission, even if submitted |
| Demonstration of Competencies | Not considered for admission, even if submitted |
Credits Accepted
| AP Credit | Yes |
| Dual Credit | Yes |
| Credit for Life Experiences | No |
Admission Requirements Summary
Because Central College 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 3.52 GPA, you are almost certain to getting in. Combining this with an SAT score of 1130 and ACT of 22 will almost guarantee your admission.
Other Colleges to Apply To
Students applying to Central College often consider these colleges
Primary data source, U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=153108 IPEDS survey data for Central College.
FAQs
Does Central College prefer SAT or ACT?
10% of students submit their SAT scores to Central College. 63% of applicants send their ACT scores when applying.
What is my chance of getting into Central College?
79% of those who apply are granted admission to Central College. Admission competition is and the college has moderate admission standards. See if your grades and scores are good enough for admission.
What SAT score is required for Central College?
The middle 50% of addmitted applicants have SAT scores between 1040 and 1218. The average SAT score is 1129. See if your SAT score is good enough for admission.
What ACT score is required for Central College?
The middle 50% of addmitted applicants have ACT scores between 19 and 26. The average ACT score is 22. See if your ACT score is good enough for admission.