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#41 Best Private Colleges in Pennsylvania

Carlow University Admission Requirements

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

 3 Reviews

Your chances of getting into Carlow University

Admission Rate & Difficulty

Percent Admitted 

92%
Admission Difficulty for Carlow University
Measure Difficulty
Admission Standards Very Easy 
Applicant Competition Very Low 

Acceptance Rate

The acceptance rate at Carlow University is 92%.  Its admission rate is the 86th lowest in Pennsylvania.

Admission Selectivity

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

Carlow 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, 961 out of the 1,044 who applied were admitted.

The school has very easy admission requirements, generally admitting students who can score in the top 43 percent on standardized admission tests. Carlow University typically accepts and attracts "B+" average high school students with an average GPA around 3.6. Most incoming freshmen graduate in the top half of their high school class. 19% of those admitted chose to enroll in the school.

Can you get into Carlow University?

92% 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 Carlow University you should:

  • Have a high school GPA of 3.6 or better
  • Earn B+ grades in high school
  • Score 1050 on the SAT
  • Score 22 on the ACT
  • Graduate in the top half of your high school class

Carlow University GPA

GPA Requirements & Average GPA

Avg. High School GPA 

3.6

Typical High School Grades 

B+

What GPA do you need to get into Carlow University?

GPA Requirements

The GPA requirements for getting into Carlow University are to have around a 3.6 high school GPA. You are required to have very good grades in high school.

If your high school grades are above the average 3.6 GPA, you have a very good chance of being admitted as Carlow University accepts 92% of applicants.

Average GPA

The average unweighted GPA at Carlow University is 3.6 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 #25 in Pennsylvania for highest average GPA.

Importance of GPA

Since Carlow 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 3.6 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 Carlow University students
High School GPA Freshmen Within Range Competitiveness 
4.0 19.89% Good
3.75 to 3.99 23.76% Avg +
3.50 to 3.74 23.2% Avg -
3.25 to 3.49 12.71% Avg -
3.00 to 3.24 8.29% Reach
2.50 to 2.99 7.18% Reach
2.00 to 2.49 4.97% 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 

Carlow University SAT Scores

Test Optional

Submission of SAT or ACT scores is not required for admission to Carlow University. If you submit test scores, they will be considered with your application, but they are not mandatory. 48% of students submitted SAT scores and 6% submitted ACT scores for admission for the most recent academic year..

SAT Requirements & Average SAT Score

SAT Range 

955-1140

Applicants Submitting SAT 

48%
SAT Scores for Carlow University
SAT Test 25th Percentile Score
Reading 25th Percentile 480
Math 25th Percentile 475
Composite 25th Percentile 955
SAT Scores for Carlow University
SAT Test 75th Percentile Score
Reading 75th Percentile 590
Math 75th Percentile 550
Composite 75th Percentile 1140
Average SAT Score 1050

SAT Scores you need to get in

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

Average Score & Range

The average SAT score at Carlow University is 1050 out of 1600 and the range for the middle 50% of accepted students is 955-1140. Students who get into Carlow University score in the top 100 percent of all SAT test takers..  Carlow University ranks #64 in the state of Pennsylvania for highest average SAT composite score.

Score for Acceptance

You should target scoring 1050 or above to be most competitive with other applicants. Carlow University regularly admits students with SAT scores down to 955 on a 1600 scale. However, three quarter of admitted students score higher. If you score below a 955, admission should be considered a reach. Some students may be accepted with minimum SAT's as low as 860, but scores this low are outside the normal range.

Score Submission Requirements

Carlow 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 "considered but not required".

View other colleges which accept students in the 1050 SAT score range.

Data Sources, IPEDS for Fall 2021 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 1047, you have around a 92% chance of being admitted. A 1140 places you well ahead of most other applicants and gives you about a 96% chance of getting in.

Carlow University admission chances by SAT score
SAT Score (1600 scale) Competitiveness  Admission Chances 
1140 and Above Good >96%
1047 to 1140 Avg + 92%-96%
955 to 1047 Avg - 86%-92%
863 to 955 Reach 76%-86%
Less than 863 Low <76%
Calculate My Chances 

Carlow University ACT Scores

ACT Requirements & Average ACT Score

ACT Range 

21-24 

Applicants Submitting ACT 

6%
ACT Scores for Carlow University
ACT Test 25th Percentile Score
Reading 25th Percentile 18
Math 25th Percentile 17
Composite 25th Percentile 21
ACT Scores for Carlow University
ACT Test 75th Percentile Score
Reading 75th Percentile 25
Math 75th Percentile 21
Composite 75th Percentile 24
Average ACT Score 22

ACT Scores needed to get accepted

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

Score Range

The average ACT score for admitted students to Carlow University is 22, while the middle 50% of students (25th to 75th percentile) score between a 21 and 24.  The school ranks #42 in Pennsylvania 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 21 and score in the score in the top 43 percent nationally. The lowest ACT score likely to be admitted is a 20.

6 percent of applicants submit ACT scores to Carlow University.

Score Submission Requirements

You do not have to to submit ACT scores with your application as Carlow University is test optional. The policy from the school on ACT scores is "considered but not required".

Find other colleges with similar ACT score requirements

Data Sources, IPEDS for Fall 2021 starting class

Chance of Acceptance by ACT Score

Here are your predicted chances of getting into Carlow University for different ACT score ranges. A typical applicant with a 22 score has around 92% chance of getting in. Your odds increase to about 96% with a 24 ACT score.

Carlow University admission chances by ACT score
ACT Score Competitiveness  Admission Chances 
24 and Above Good >96%
22 to 24 Avg + 92%-96%
21 to 22 Avg - 88%-92%
20 to 21 Reach 83%-88%
Less than 20 Low <83%
Calculate My Chances 

High School Class Rank

52% of Carlow University freshman are in the top half of their high school graduating class and 32% are in the top quarter.

High School Class Rank for admitted Carlow University students
High School Class Rank Freshmen Within Range
Top 10% of class 12%
Top 25% of class 32%
Top 50% of class 52%
Data Source, Peterson's Data

Applying

Admission Statistics

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

Carlow University admission statistics
Women Men Total
Applied 853 191 1,044
Accepted 801 160 961
Acceptance Rate 94% 84% 92%
Enrolled 159 26 185
Percent of Admitted Who Enrolled (Admission Yield) 20% 16% 19%
Data Sources, IPEDS for Fall 2021 starting class

Application Fee

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

Application Requirements

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

Carlow University Application Requirements
Test Scores Considered but not required
High School GPA Required
High School Class Rank Considered but not required
Completion of College Preparatory Program Recommended
Recommendations Considered but not required
Demonstration of Competencies Neither required nor recommended

Credits Accepted

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

Admission Requirements Summary

Because Carlow 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 3.6 GPA, you are almost certain to getting in. Combining this with an SAT score of 1050 and ACT of 22 will almost guarantee your admission.

Other Colleges to Apply To 

Students applying to Carlow University often consider these colleges

Primary data source, U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=211431 IPEDS survey data for Carlow University.

FAQs

Does Carlow University prefer SAT or ACT?

48% of students submit their SAT scores to Carlow University. 6% of applicants send their ACT scores when applying.

What is my chance of getting into Carlow University?

92% of those who apply are granted admission to Carlow 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 Carlow University?

The middle 50% of addmitted applicants have SAT scores between 955 and 1140. The average SAT score is 1047. See if your SAT score is good enough for admission.

What ACT score is required for Carlow University?

The middle 50% of addmitted applicants have ACT scores between 21 and 24. The average ACT score is 22. See if your ACT score is good enough for admission.