Appalachian State University: Acceptance Rate and Admissions Statistics

Smith-Wright Hall at Appalachian State University

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Appalachian State University is a public university with an acceptance rate of 77%. Located in Boone, North Carolina, the university frequently ranks among the best value colleges because of its strong academic programs and relatively low tuition. Appalachian State offers 150 bachelor's and 70 graduate programs through six undergraduate colleges, one music school, and one graduate school. The university has a 16-to-1 student/faculty ratio and an average class size of 28. In athletics, the Appalachian State Mountaineers compete in the NCAA Division I Sun Belt Conference.

Considering applying to Appalachian State University? Here are the admissions statistics you should know, including average SAT/ACT scores and GPAs of admitted students.

Acceptance Rate

During the 2018-19 admissions cycle, Appalachian State University had an acceptance rate of 77%. This means that for every 100 students who applied, 77 students were admitted, making Appalachian State's admissions process somewhat competitive.

Admissions Statistics (2018-19)
Number of Applicants 16,664
Percent Admitted 77%
Percent Admitted Who Enrolled (Yield) 27%

SAT Scores and Requirements

Appalachian State University requires that all applicants submit either SAT or ACT scores. During the 2018-19 admissions cycle, 49% of admitted students submitted SAT Scores.

SAT Range (Admitted Students)
Section 25th Percentile 75th Percentile
ERW 560 640
Math 540 630
ERW=Evidence-Based Reading and Writing

This admissions data tells us that most of Appalachian State's admitted students fall within the top 35% nationally on the SAT. For the evidence-based reading and writing section, 50% of students admitted to Appalachian State scored between 560 and 640, while 25% scored below 560 and 25% scored above 640. On the math section, 50% of admitted students scored between 540 and 630, while 25% scored below 540 and 25% scored above 630. Applicants with a composite SAT score of 1,270 or higher will have particularly competitive chances at Appalachian State University.

Requirements

Appalachian State does not require the optional SAT essay section or SAT Subject tests. Note that Appalachian State University participates in the scorechoice program, which means that the admissions office will consider your highest score from each individual section across all SAT test dates.

ACT Scores and Requirements

Appalachian State requires that all applicants submit either SAT or ACT scores. During the 2018-19 admissions cycle, 46% of admitted students submitted ACT scores.

ACT Range (Admitted Students)
Section 25th Percentile 75th Percentile
English 21 28
Math 21 26
Composite 22 28

This admissions data tells us that most of Appalachian State's admitted students fall within the top 36% nationally on the ACT. The middle 50% of students admitted to Appalachian State received a composite ACT score between 22 and 28, while 25% scored above 28 and 25% scored below 22.

Requirements

Appalachian State does not require the optional ACT writing section. Unlike many universities, Appalachian State University superscores ACT results; your highest subscores from multiple ACT sittings will be considered.

GPA

In 2019, the average high school GPA for incoming Appalachian State University freshmen was 4.00, and over 78% of incoming students had average GPAs of 3.75 and above. These results suggest that most successful applicants to Appalachian State have primarily A grades.

Self-Reported GPA/SAT/ACT Graph

Appalachian State University Applicants' Self-Reported GPA/SAT/ACT Graph.
Appalachian State University Applicants' Self-Reported GPA/SAT/ACT Graph. Data courtesy of Cappex.

The admissions data in the graph is self-reported by applicants to Appalachian State University. GPAs are unweighted. Find out how you compare to accepted students, see the real-time graph, and calculate your chances of getting in with a free Cappex account.

Admissions Chances

Appalachian State, which accepts just over three quarters of applicants, has a somewhat selective admissions process. If your SAT/ACT scores and GPA fall within the school's average ranges, you have a strong chance of being accepted. However, Appalachian State University has a holistic admissions process involving other factors beyond your grades and test scores. A strong application essay can strengthen your application, as can participation in meaningful extracurricular activities and a rigorous course schedule. Applicants should consider including an "interest statement" which is optional, but recommended, to supplement their application. Note that Appalachian State does not require or recommend letters of recommendation.

In the graph above, the blue and green dots represent accepted students. You can see that the majority of successful applicants had high school GPAs of "B" or better, combined SAT scores of 950 or higher (ERW + M), and ACT composite scores of 19 or better. Slightly higher numbers improve your chances of getting in significantly.

Note that there are some red dots (rejected students) and yellow dots (waitlisted students) mixed in with the green and blue in middle of the graph. Some students with grades and test scores that were on target for Appalachian State University did not gain admission.

All admissions data has been sourced from the National Center for Education Statistics and Appalachian State University's Undergraduate Admissions Office.

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Grove, Allen. "Appalachian State University: Acceptance Rate and Admissions Statistics." ThoughtCo, Aug. 29, 2020, thoughtco.com/appalachian-state-university-gpa-sat-and-act-data-786364. Grove, Allen. (2020, August 29). Appalachian State University: Acceptance Rate and Admissions Statistics. Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/appalachian-state-university-gpa-sat-and-act-data-786364 Grove, Allen. "Appalachian State University: Acceptance Rate and Admissions Statistics." ThoughtCo. https://www.thoughtco.com/appalachian-state-university-gpa-sat-and-act-data-786364 (accessed April 18, 2024).