A coastal getaway, here is a university situated on sandy beaches in the Atlantic Ocean, testing academic interest and programs with great fervor. Therefore, as students eye entrance into this lively institution, it is time to review the Coastal Carolina University SAT requirements, the ACT standards, GPA principles, and the Coastal Carolina acceptance rate. Typically, the university finds applicants with high GPAs and competitive scores between 1070 and 1142 on the SAT, between 21 and 24 on the ACT, and an average GPA of 3.5. Coastal Carolina University's acceptance rate is quite favorable, since it stands at 80%; knowledge of these core prerequisites certainly strengthens your chances for admission. Furthermore, applicants should display that they have taken part in leadership roles and extracurricular activities outside of class and student activities; these are looked at very seriously during the admissions process. By aligning your academic achievement and personal strength with the expectations of the university, you can compose an application that stands a good chance of being admitted to Coastal Carolina University.
Elements |
Information |
College Name |
Coastal Carolina University |
College Location |
Conway, South Carolina |
University Short Form |
CCU |
Acceptance Rate |
80% |
Regular Application Deadline |
April 1 |
Early Decision Deadline |
October 15 |
Common Application Accepted |
Yes |
Deadline for housing deposit |
May 1 |
SAT Score |
Average range: 1070–1142 |
ACT Score |
Average range: 21–24 |
Coastal Carolina University seeks the best students passionate about learning and striving for academic excellence. For admission, one is supposed to have some specific requirements; these include SAT and GPA levels. The university also values diversity by involving students in extracurricular activities. When you are interested in applying to CCU, you typically have to balance academics as well as extracurricular work. Good grades in SAT requirements at Coastal Carolina University raise your chances of being accepted.
Requirement |
Status |
Details |
High School GPA |
Required; preference for strong academic performance |
Applicants are generally expected to have a GPA of 3.0 or higher; competitive candidates typically possess a GPA between 3.5 and 4.0. |
High School Rank |
Considered but not required |
A strong class rank can enhance an application, particularly for competitive candidates. |
SAT Scores |
Optional; test-optional policy |
CCU follows a test-optional policy, meaning submitting SAT scores is not required but can enhance an application. |
ACT Scores |
Optional; test-optional policy |
Similar to the SAT, submitting strong ACT scores can enhance an application but is not required. |
Letters of Recommendation |
Recommended |
Letters from teachers or mentors provide insights into the applicant's academic and leadership abilities. |
Personal Statement |
Required |
The personal statement allows applicants to highlight their unique experiences and aspirations. |
Application Fee |
$45 (subject to change) |
The fee is non-refundable; applicants should check CCU's website for fee updates. |
Extracurricular Activities |
Strongly encouraged |
Participation in clubs, sports, or community service enhances an application. |
Interviews |
Optional |
Interviews may provide additional context about the applicant; not required, but beneficial. |
AP/IB Courses |
Recommended |
Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) courses demonstrate academic rigor. |
Coastal Carolina University is test-optional, but good SAT scores will enhance your application. Typically, SAT scores show the level of a student's readiness for perhaps the more difficult academic programs that the university offers.
The middle 50% of students admitted to Coastal Carolina University have SAT scores between 1070 and 1142. Strongly performing in the Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (EBRW) and Math sections can make your application more appealing.
Section |
Average |
25th Percentile |
75th Percentile |
Math |
542 |
520 |
563 |
Evidence-Based Reading |
555 |
530 |
579 |
Composite |
1097 |
1070 |
1142 |
CCU test-optional admission policy; however, strong SAT scores will benefit a student who is applying to a competitive program. The following are some colleges within Coastal Carolina University that take SAT scores into consideration during the admission process:
To achieve a desired SAT score, one must be well-prepared and know how to manage time. Some excellent tips for improving your SAT score are given.
The admission noted herein proceeds via a holistic mechanism; thus, ACT scores hold importance. Though the institute has adopted a test-optional policy, many students submit their ACT scores to strengthen their applications. Indeed, understanding the requirements regarding the ACT and the scores expected from the applicants will significantly increase your chances of admission.
Competitive ACT scores can make students shine through in applications to more selective programs. Although CCU weighs GPA, extracurricular activities, and personal essays, ACT test scores will put a finishing touch to these important application elements.
Indeed, the mid-range of 50 percent admitted students to CCU holds an ACT score from 21 to 24, mostly quite reflective of the high academic standards of the institution.
Percentile |
ACT Score |
25th |
21 |
Middle 50% |
22 |
75th |
24 |
Though Coastal Carolina University operates under a test-optional policy, impressive ACT scores may actually increase a student's chances of admission into one of its more competitive programs. Coastal Carolina University's College ACT scores will be considered for admission among the following:
The GPA is a very important factor in CCU's process of admissions. A strong GPA shows students' performance over time and readiness to take courses at the university level.
Most admitted students at Coastal Carolina University have average GPAs of 3.7. While CCU does not have a strict minimum GPA requirement, applicants with GPAs below 3.0 may face challenges unless they excel in other areas of their application.
The middle 50% of students admitted to Coastal Carolina University have an average GPA between 3.7 on a 4.0 scale. Applicants with lower GPAs should ensure that other parts of their application are strong enough to compensate.
Prior to studying under-graduation, students at Coastal Carolina University (CCU) witnessed an acceptance rate of 80.2 percent; thus, its admission standards are between moderately selective and selective. Around 18,223 students applied for admission in the academic year 2023-2024 at CCU, accepting 14,613 students, of which 2,775 enrolled in their studies. From a base acceptance rate of 78.6 in 2022, it rose moderately to a current 80.2 percent in 2023. Clearly, this signals increased interest among prospective applicants and the growing ease with which they can obtain a seat.
Some consideration ought to be registered by the reader of this writing, that irrespective of higher acceptance rates, a good performance in both GPAs realized in high school and standardized tests will go a long way in assuring admission. CCU offers a full admissions review, trying to assess the applicants by considering some extracurricular activities, personal statements, and letters of recommendation, thus giving an opportunity for deserving candidates to put up a well-structured application.
Acceptance Rate |
Total Applicants |
Admitted |
Enrolled |
80% |
21,028 |
15,828 |
2,677 |
Coastal Carolina University (CCU) has a test-optional admission policy, making it possible for high school seniors to apply for admission as freshmen to college. Those who have a minimum weighted GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale may choose whether or not to submit SAT or ACT scores. Students who do not submit test scores should have a strong high school curriculum and demonstrate leadership through extracurricular involvement, work, or community service activities to help them show their academic potential. Transfer applicants are not eligible for test-optional admission, and specific programs, such as the 1+2+1 Nursing program with Horry Georgetown Technical College, require standardized test scores. Additionally, students applying for NCAA Division I sports eligibility must submit test scores, as they are needed for certification.
To get into Coastal Carolina University, you should have an excellent academic foundation, including competitive SAT and ACT scores and a healthy GPA. Academic performance, nevertheless, is not enough on its own to get in. A holistic application that brings forth leadership, extracurricular activities, and personal details in essays will enhance the opportunity. Students who excel across all aspects of the application process are more likely to gain admission to this dynamic institution.
College Name |
ACT Score |
SAT Score |
15–19* |
820–980* |
|
16–21* |
890–1080* |
|
17–20* |
860–1053* |
|
15–21* |
Not available* |
|
16–20* |
860–1062* |
University |
ACT Score |
SAT Score |
21–27* |
940–1200* |
|
16–25* |
910–1150* |
|
18–26* |
910–1150* |
|
18–24* |
910–1120* |
|
19–26* |
950–1150* |
|
21–28* |
950–1180* |
|
16–27* |
925–1140* |
|
17–24* |
930–1175* |
|
19–25* |
950–1130* |
|
20–27* |
900–1150* |
|
20–26* |
1010–1200* |
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