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Home / Testbook US / Iowa State University Admission

Iowa State University Acceptance Rate, SAT Scores, GPA & ACT Scores!

Last Updated on Mar 04, 2025
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Iowa State University, founded in 1858, is based in Ames, Iowa. It is a highly respected public research university with a reputation for innovation and excellent academic programs. SAT scores are an important consideration in Iowa State University admissions, along with GPA and other considerations. As a research university, it has students from 

all over the world, prioritizing innovation and academic achievement. Knowing Iowa State University SAT scores requirements is important for applicants since good scores indicate readiness for college-level studies. Fulfilling these thresholds can go a long way in determining Iowa State University admissions.

Check Admission Requirements of Top US Universities Accepting SAT & ACT! 

Did You Know Facts About Iowa State University? 

🌱 Pioneering Innovation: Iowa State University is home to the first-ever electronic digital computer, developed by Professor John Atanasoff and his student, Clifford Berry.

🌾 Land-Grant Legacy: As the nation's first land-grant university, Iowa State has a strong tradition in agriculture, engineering, and technology education.

🎡 Cyclone Spirit: The university's athletic teams, known as the Cyclones, have a passionate fan base and compete in the Big 12 Conference.

🏛 Historic Campus: The iconic Campanile bell tower is one of the most recognizable landmarks on campus, standing tall since 1898.

🔬 Research Excellence: Iowa State is a leader in engineering, veterinary medicine, and renewable energy research, making significant contributions to global innovation.

Check Out the Upcoming SAT Test Dates for your SAT Examination!

Elements

Details

College Name

Iowa State University

College Location

Ames, Iowa

College Short Form

ISU

Acceptance Rate

89%

Graduation Rate

76%

FAFSA Deadline

February 4

Early Decision

Not Offered

Regular Application Due

Fall Semester: January 15

Spring Semester: October 1

Summer Semester: November 1

SAT Score

1120-1330

ACT Score

21-28

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Iowa State University Admissions Requirements

Iowa State University admission requirements involve a completed application, official transcripts from high school, and standardized test scores (ACT or SAT). Moreover, applicants are invited to send letters of recommendation and personal statements to give a clear picture of their qualifications and experiences aside from the Iowa State University average SAT scores. Below is a table summarizing the application requirements for Iowa State University:

Requirement

Status

High School GPA

3.73

High School Rank

Considered but not required

SAT Scores

1120-1330

ACT Scores

21-28

Letters of Recommendation

Required; recommended two to three letters

Personal Statement

Required; opportunity to showcase personal strengths

Application Fee

$60 (subject to change)

Extracurricular Activities

Strongly encouraged

Interviews

Optional

AP/IB Courses

Recommended

Portfolio (for specific programs)

Required for certain majors

Get to Know What Does Test Optional Policy Mean for College Admissions?

Iowa State University SAT Scores Requirements

Considering its general requirements for admissions, Iowa State University places a high level of priority on SAT scores. The composite SAT score can help increase the chances of admission for the applicant. Students must aim and target a composite SAT score that falls in this average range. For improving the application, applicants must be well aware of what is required for a SAT score. Applicants' general SAT score must be within the 25th percentile and 75th percentile requirement.

Also, Get Familiar with Should You Guess on SAT & ACT? before appearing for SAT and ACT exams. 

Iowa State University SAT Scores Distribution

SAT scores are standardized scoring that tells how efficiently a student has grasped critical reading, writing and mathematics which is between the range of 1120-1330. While admitting the applicants, Iowa State University does much importance to this score. According to them, they see such scores as an indicator of a student's ability to tackle college academics.

Section

25th Percentile

75th Percentile

Evidence-Based Reading and Writing

550

660

Math

560

690

Composite 

1120

1330

Get a List of All Colleges That Superscore the SAT! 

Average SAT Scores for Admitted Students

Typically, the Iowa State University average SAT scores that an admitted Iowa State University student has. Generally, an average SAT score for Iowa State University is approximately 1225. By seeking scores at or above these levels, students can improve their admission prospects and prove themselves worthy of the academic rigors of Iowa State University.

 

Schools that Accept SAT Scores in Iowa State University

Many colleges and universities consider SAT scores in their admission criteria. Here's some of the notable schools along with Iowa State University that accept SAT score:

  • College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
  • College of Engineering 
  • College of Business 
  • College of Agriculture and Life Sciences 
  • College of Design 

Get to Know the Recent Changes done in the SAT Exam!

 

Iowa State University ACT Scores Requirements

While this guide primarily focuses on SAT scores, it’s important to note that Iowa State University also accepts ACT scores, offering applicants flexibility in showcasing their academic abilities. Understanding the ACT requirements and how they complement SAT performance can enhance your overall admissions strategy.

Iowa State University ACT Scores Distribution 

Iowa State University allows the ACT score choice besides the SAT score. During application, applicants can submit scores from either of these exams. The ACT tests the student for readiness in terms of academics by measuring their ability to read, understand math and science, and apply English. Overall, competitive scores range between 21 to 28 and differ with various programs. 

Find out the Upcoming ACT Test Dates and Deadlines!

Does Iowa State University Superscores the SAT Exam & ACT Scores? 

Yes, Iowa State University does superscore the ACT but not the SAT.

  • ACT Superscore: Iowa State considers your highest section scores across multiple ACT test attempts to calculate a composite superscore. This can improve your chances of meeting admission or scholarship requirements.
  • SAT Policy: The university evaluates the highest single sitting SAT score rather than combining section scores from different test dates.

Iowa State University GPA Requirements 

The GPA would be the key requirement for entering Iowa State University. Competitive applicants generally possess a GPA within a scale of 3.73. This simply means keeping a GPA of this level or higher for success apart from seeking a good Iowa State University Average SAT score. Moreover, it is important to demonstrate an honest academic profile that shows steadiness along with the commitment to challenging oneself from high school onward.

Average GPA for Admitted Students

The average GPA of admitted students in Iowa State University varies around 3.7. To increase chances of being admitted, it is essential to strive for that average level of GPA or higher. If your GPA is below this range, it’s advisable to focus on improving your grades in remaining coursework.

Average GPA Range

Admitted Students

3.73

Upper range

Iowa State University Acceptance Rate

The Iowa State University accepts about 89% of the applicants, thereby being a moderately selective university. The admissions here are holistic based on high school GPA, the scores of the standardized tests (if provided), extracurricular activities, and personal statements.

Particulars 

Details

Total Applicants 

22,995

Admitted Students 

20,496

Acceptance Rate

89%

Iowa State University Scholarships 

Iowa State University provides a number of scholarships to help domestic and international students achieve their academic goals. The scholarships are awarded based on a number of considerations, including academic achievements, leadership skills, financial need, and extracurricular activities.

 

  • For students from abroad, the International Merit Scholarships provide financial aid on the basis of excellent academic performance and scores in standardized tests. 
  • The Legacy Scholarships provide financial aid to students with Iowa State family connections, fostering a heritage of Cyclone spirit. 
  • The George Washington Carver Scholarships also offer assistance to students from underrepresented groups, ensuring diversity and inclusiveness on campus.

Besides these, Iowa State University also offers merit scholarships like the Presidential Scholarship to academically able students, need grants, and departmental awards for specified studies. By such funding aid initiatives, the institution aims at rendering quality education affordable and accessible to worthy learners.

 

In conclusion, it is imperative that prospective students know the Iowa State University average SAT requirements if they want to increase their chances of admission. By considering SAT scores and GPA, as well as other factors of the admission process, students can build a strong application that reflects their preparation for college life at Iowa State University. Being better aware of these Iowa State University average SAT requirements can make a huge difference in attaining admission to this prestigious institution.

 

Acceptance Rate of Top U.S. Universities

Top US Universities

UCLA Acceptance Rate

Harvard Acceptance Rate

NYU Acceptance Rate

Penn State Acceptance Rate

SDSU Acceptance Rate

USC Acceptance Rate

Purdue Acceptance Rate

Notre Dame Acceptance Rate

Rutgers Acceptance Rate

Umich Acceptance Rate

UCF Acceptance Rate

University Of Southern California Acceptance Rate

Colleges That Uses SAT Scores

Category

Colleges/Universities

Ivy League Schools

Harvard University

Yale University

Princeton University

Columbia University

University of Pennsylvania

Dartmouth College

Brown University

Cornell University

Public Research Universities

University of California System (some campuses)

University of Michigan

University of Virginia

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

University of Florida

National Universities

University of Chicago

Northwestern University

Johns Hopkins University

University of Southern California

Liberal Arts Colleges

Williams College

Amherst College

Swarthmore College

Middlebury College

Check Colleges Accepting Low ACT Score

College Name

ACT Score

SAT Score

Texas Southern University

15–19*

820–980*

Tennessee State University

16–21*

890–1080*

Clark Atlanta University

17–20*

860–1053*

Keiser University

15–21*

Not available*

Barry University

16–20*

860–1062*

Colleges That Accept 1200 Score In SAT

University

ACT Score

SAT Score

Wayne State University Admissions

21–27*

940–1200*

Kean University Admissions

16–25*

910–1150*

Eastern Michigan University Admissions

18–26*

910–1150*

Lamar University Admissions

18–24*

910–1120*

Radford University Admissions

19–26*

950–1150*

Grand Valley State University Admissions

21–28*

950–1180*

Central Connecticut State University Admissions

16–27*

925–1140*

University Of Memphis Admissions

17–24*

930–1175*

Sam Houston State University Admissions

19–25*

950–1130*

Oakland University Admissions

20–27*

900–1150*

University Of North Florida Admissions

20–26*

1010–1200*

Iowa State University Admissions FAQs

The acceptance rate at Iowa State University is 89%, which is a moderately selective institution. People with good academic records and good test scores will have a good opportunity for acceptance.

SAT and ACT scores are accepted as part of Iowa State University's admissions requirements which will include a SAT Range between 1120-1330 and an ACT Range between 21-28. Students should score within or higher than these ranges to make their applications stronger.

Yes, Iowa State does superscore the ACT, which is to take the best section scores from different test attempts to compute a composite score. However, it does not superscore the SAT. They use the highest single sitting SAT score.

The overall high school GPA of admitted students is 3.73. GPA is the most important consideration, but good extracurriculars, letters of recommendation, and personal statements can improve an applicant's chances.

Iowa State University follows rolling admissions, with key deadlines on January 15 (Fall), October 1 (Spring), and November 1 (Summer).

Iowa State provides some merit-based and need-based awards, such as Presidential Scholarship (for high-achieving students), International Merit Scholarships (for distinguished international students), George Washington Carver Scholarships (for underrepresented students) and Legacy Scholarships (for students who have family ties to ISU).

Yes, letters of recommendation and a personal statement are required at Iowa State. Although not necessary for all programs, they can strengthen your application by bringing out your strengths and experiences.
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