Your chances of getting into Shenandoah University
Admission Rate & Difficulty
Acceptance Rate
The acceptance rate at SU is 74.4%. Its admission rate is the 13th lowest in Virginia.
Admission Selectivity
How hard is it to get into SU and can you get accepted?
SU is a moderately competitive school to get into. You have a strong chance of acceptance if you meet the criteria. Last year, 1,945 out of the 2,616 who applied were admitted.
The school has average admission requirements, generally admitting students who can score in the top 58 percent on standardized admission tests. Shenandoah University typically accepts and attracts "A-" average high school students with an average GPA around 3.7. Most incoming freshmen graduate in the top quarter of their high school class. 26% of those admitted chose to enroll in the school.
Can you get into SU?
74% 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 Shenandoah University you should:
- Have a high school GPA of 3.7 or better
- Earn A- grades in high school
- Score 1120 on the SAT
- Score 22 on the ACT
- Graduate in the top 25% of your high school class
SU GPA
GPA Requirements & Average GPA
What GPA do you need to get into Shenandoah University?
GPA Requirements
The GPA requirements for getting into SU are to have around a 3.7 high school GPA. You are required to have very good grades in high school.
If your high school GPA meets these requirements, there is a good chance you will be accepted as SU accepts 74% of students who apply.
Average GPA
The average unweighted GPA at SU is 3.7 on the 4.0 scale. 35% 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 A- letter grades and regularly score around 90-92 percent on tests and assignments in high school. The school ranks #12 in Virginia for highest average GPA.
Importance of GPA
Since SU 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 3.7 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
SU SAT Scores
Test Optional
Submission of SAT or ACT scores is not required or recommended by Shenandoah University.
SAT Requirements & Average SAT Score
| SAT Test | 25th Percentile Score |
|---|---|
| Reading 25th Percentile | 510 |
| Math 25th Percentile | 500 |
| Composite 25th Percentile | 1010 |
| SAT Test | 75th Percentile Score |
|---|---|
| Reading 75th Percentile | 630 |
| Math 75th Percentile | 600 |
| Composite 75th Percentile | 1230 |
| Average SAT Score | 1120
|
SAT Scores you need to get in
What are the SAT requirements for you to be admitted to Shenandoah University?
Average Score & Range
The average SAT score at SU is 1120 out of 1600 and the range for the middle 50% of accepted students is 1010-1230. Students who get into Shenandoah University score in the top 59 percent of all SAT test takers.. SU ranks #23 in the state of Virginia for highest average SAT composite score.
Score for Acceptance
You should target scoring 1120 or above to be most competitive with other applicants. SU regularly admits students with SAT scores down to 1010 on a 1600 scale. However, three quarter of admitted students score higher. If you score below a 1010, admission should be considered a reach. Some students may be accepted with minimum SAT's as low as 900, but scores this low are outside the normal range.
Score Submission Requirements
Shenandoah 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 "neither required nor recommended".
View other colleges which accept students in the 1120 SAT score range.
Data Sources, IPEDS for Fall 2021 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 1120, you have around a 74% chance of being admitted. A 1230 places you well ahead of most other applicants and gives you about a 84% chance of getting in.
SU ACT Scores
ACT Requirements & Average ACT Score
| ACT Test | 25th Percentile Score |
|---|---|
| Reading 25th Percentile | 18 |
| Math 25th Percentile | 17 |
| Composite 25th Percentile | 19 |
| ACT Test | 75th Percentile Score |
|---|---|
| Reading 75th Percentile | 26 |
| Math 75th Percentile | 26 |
| Composite 75th Percentile | 26 |
| Average ACT Score | 22
|
ACT Scores needed to get accepted
What are the ACT requirements for students to get into SU?
Score Range
The average ACT score for admitted students to SU is 22, while the middle 50% of students (25th to 75th percentile) score between a 19 and 26. The school ranks #25 in Virginia 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.
23 percent of applicants submit ACT scores to Shenandoah University.
Score Submission Requirements
You do not have to to submit ACT scores with your application as Shenandoah University is test optional. The policy from the school on ACT scores is "neither required nor recommended".
Find other colleges with similar ACT score requirements
Data Sources, IPEDS for Fall 2021 starting classChance of Acceptance by ACT Score
Here are your predicted chances of getting into SU for different ACT score ranges. A typical applicant with a 22 score has around 74% chance of getting in. Your odds increase to about 86% with a 26 ACT score.
High School Class Rank
65% of Shenandoah University freshman are in the top twenty five percent of their high school graduating class and 32% are in the top ten percent.
| High School Class Rank | Freshmen Within Range |
|---|---|
| Top 10% of class | 32% |
| Top 25% of class | 65% |
| Top 50% of class | 93% |
Applying
Admission Statistics
Admission and enrollment rates by gender are detailed the the table below.
| Women | Men | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Applied | 1,673 | 943 | 2,616 |
| Accepted | 1,152 | 793 | 1,945 |
| Acceptance Rate | 69% | 84% | 74% |
| Enrolled | 298 | 211 | 509 |
| Percent of Admitted Who Enrolled (Admission Yield) | 26% | 27% | 26% |
Fall 2024 Application Deadline
Applications Due
Days left to Apply
Applicants have 312 days left until the Fall 2024 term applications are due on Aug 1, 2024.
Application Fee
The cost for prospective students to apply to Shenandoah University is $30.
Application Requirements
What are the requirements for admission to Shenandoah University and what student information is used for admission decisions?
| Test Scores | Neither required nor recommended |
| High School GPA | Required |
| High School Class Rank | Neither required nor recommended |
| Completion of College Preparatory Program | Considered but not required |
| Recommendations | Considered but not required |
| Demonstration of Competencies | Required |
Credits Accepted
| AP Credit | Yes |
| Dual Credit | Yes |
| Credit for Life Experiences | No |
Admission Requirements Summary
Because SU is moderately competitive, you have a strong chance of acceptance with the right GPA and test scores. If you have a 3.7 GPA, you have a very good likelihood of getting in. A 1120 on the SAT and 22 on the ACT will further lock in your application.
Other Colleges to Apply To
Students applying to Shenandoah University often consider these colleges
Primary data source, U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=233541 IPEDS survey data for Shenandoah University.
FAQs
Does Shenandoah University prefer SAT or ACT?
87% of students submit their SAT scores to SU. 23% of applicants send their ACT scores when applying.
What is my chance of getting into Shenandoah University?
74% of those who apply are granted admission to SU. Admission competition is low and the college has average admission standards. See if your grades and scores are good enough for admission.
What SAT score is required for Shenandoah University?
The middle 50% of addmitted applicants have SAT scores between 1010 and 1230. The average SAT score is 1120. See if your SAT score is good enough for admission.
What ACT score is required for Shenandoah University?
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.