Freshman Admission Criteria
Applications are reviewed on an individual and holistic basis. First and foremost, applicants must be prepared academically for the rigors of college and the academic demands specific to the Purdue college, school, or program to which they are seeking admission.
In its individual review of each applicant, Purdue considers the following factors equally:
- High school course expectations
- Overall grades in academic coursework
- Grades related to intended major
- Strength of student's overall high school curriculum
- Trends in achievement
- Class rank
- Overall grade point average
- Core grade point average (English, academic math, laboratory science, foreign language, speech)
- SAT or ACT score sent from the testing agency (including writing section)
- Ability to be successful in intended major
- Personal Statement
- Personal background and experiences
- Information provided by high school guidance counselor (or other school administrator)
- Time of year the student applies
- Space availability in the intended program
Purdue requires the SAT or ACT if a student has not completed one full year of college work upon Purdue enrollment. The writing section of the SAT or ACT is required.
All applicants must graduate from high school or have a GED, and Indiana residents are given preference.
High School Preparation
Most students who are admitted to Purdue exceed Purdue's high school course expectations. Therefore, all students who plan to apply to Purdue are encouraged to exceed these expectations as well.
Courses that qualify for the subject categories include the following:
- Math* - algebra, geometry, advanced algebra, trigonometry, and calculus, but not computer, general, or business math.
- Laboratory Science* - biology, chemistry, physics, earth/space science, physiology/anatomy, etc.
- English - grammar, composition, literature, speech, and vocabulary, but not journalism, newspaper, yearbook, or theatre arts.
*Math and science courses offered in high school technology preparation programs are acceptable only for the College of Technology.
Indiana Residents Only
Purdue strongly encourages Indiana students to pursue the Academic Honors Diploma.
