UM Western Admission Requirements

Open Admission Policy

Can I get into UM Western? The University of Montana Western is an open admission policy institution. Open admission colleges typically have few admission thresholds and will admit all applicants so long as certain minimum requirements are met. New admission is often granted continually throughout the year. Please consult The University of Montana Western directly to learn the specifics of its open admission policy.

GPA Requirements & Average GPA

What GPA do you need to get into The University of Montana Western?

GPA Requirements

The GPA requirements for getting into UM Western are to have around a 3.2 high school GPA. You need about average high school grades.

Even with a competitive GPA, admission to UM Western will be challenging as the school denies more applicants than it admits.

Average GPA

The average unweighted GPA at UM Western is 3.2 on the 4.0 scale. To achieve the average GPA for admission, you need to earn B letter grades and regularly score around 83-86 percent on tests and assignments in high school.  The school ranks #7 in Montana for highest average GPA.

Importance of GPA

Since UM Western 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 3.2 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 2022

Test Optional

Submission of SAT or ACT scores is recommended but not required for admission to The University of Montana Western. If you submit test scores, they will be considered with your application.

SAT Requirements & Average SAT Score

SAT Scores you need to get in

What are the SAT requirements for you to be admitted to The University of Montana Western?

Average Score & Range

The average SAT score at UM Western is 1010 out of 1600 and the range for the middle 50% of accepted students is 890-1120. Students who get into The University of Montana Western score in the top 79 percent of all SAT test takers..  UM Western ranks #7 in the state of Montana for highest average SAT composite score.

Score for Acceptance

You should target scoring 1010 or above to be most competitive with other applicants. UM Western regularly admits students with SAT scores down to 890 on a 1600 scale. However, three quarter of admitted students score higher. If you score below a 890, admission should be considered a reach. Some students may be accepted with minimum SAT's as low as 770, but scores this low are outside the normal range.

Score Submission Requirements

The University of Montana Western 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 "recommended".

View other colleges which accept students in the 1010 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 1005, you have around a 33% chance of being admitted. A 1120 places you well ahead of most other applicants and gives you about a 48% 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 UM Western?

Score Range

The average ACT score for admitted students to UM Western is 18, while the middle 50% of students (25th to 75th percentile) score between a 16 and 21.  The school ranks #7 in Montana for highest average ACT composite score.

Score for Acceptance

For the best chance of admission, you should have an ACT of 18. This will place you in solid competition against other applicants. At a minimum, you should aim for a 16 and score in the score in the top 75 percent nationally. The lowest ACT score likely to be admitted is a 14.

15 percent of applicants submit ACT scores to The University of Montana Western.

Score Submission Requirements

You do not have to to submit ACT scores with your application as The University of Montana Western is test optional. The policy from the school on ACT scores is "recommended".

Find other colleges with similar ACT score requirements

Chance of Acceptance by ACT Score

Here are your predicted chances of getting into UM Western for different ACT score ranges. A typical applicant with a 18 score has around 33% chance of getting in. Your odds increase to about 52% with a 21 ACT score.

High School Class Rank

54% of The University of Montana Western freshman are in the top half of their high school graduating class and 21% are in the top quarter.

Application Fee

The cost for prospective students to apply to The University of Montana Western is $30.

Application Requirements

What are the requirements for admission to The University of Montana Western and what student information is used for admission decisions?

Credits Accepted