 copy.jpg){kind=avatar}
How to Get Into Purdue: Admissions Stats + Tips
Before he took the first steps a human has ever taken on the moon, Neil Armstrong graduated from Purdue University, joining many other acclaimed professionals who call the school their alma mater. Founded in 1869, Purdue is a public land-grant research university with its flagship campus in West Lafayette, Indiana. From engineering to business, the school boasts numerous programs across academic disciplines. Interested in applying? Here’s what you should know. In the 2020–2021 admission cycle, 57,279 students applied, and 38,457 were admitted, for an admissions rate of 67%. Purdue is somewhat selective, but your personal chances of admission depend on your unique profile. To predict your chances at Purdue, try our free admissions calculator. Using your grades, test scores, extracurriculars, and more, we’ll estimate your odds of acceptance, and give you tips on improving your profile! The average high school GPA for the freshmen class was 3.67, and 9.86% of students had a 4.0. The middle 50% SAT range was 1190-1430 (82% submitted), and the middle 50% ACT range was 25-33 (46% submitted). Of those submitting class rank, 48% of Purdue’s freshman class were in the top 10% of their graduating high school class, and 79% were in the top 25%. Are you academically prepared to succeed in your desired program? Are you a competitive candidate in the context of the overall pool of applicants applying? These are the two questions the Purdue adcom asks when reviewing your application. Purdue seeks students who offer unique perspectives, along with qualities like determination. You can demonstrate this through materials like your essays and extracurricular engagement. You need to have the capability to work hard and you should strive to be successful. You should have clear, focused goals and have the drive to persist through challenging college curriculum. Purdue will conduct a holistic review of your application, assessing both academic and nonacademic factors. At minimum, you should have fulfilled these requirements: If you’re an Indiana resident, the university strongly advises you to earn the Academic Honors Diploma. All candidates, meanwhile, will be evaluated according to: According to Purdue’s 2020–21 Common Data Set, Purdue ranks the following factors “very important”: These are “important”: These are “considered”: These are “not considered”:
Many schools use the Academic Index to ensure applicants meet their minimum standards. This takes into account factors like your GPA and test scores. It’s important to have a GPA that’s at least the average for Purdue—3.67—to boost your Academic Index score and be more competitive than other applicants. You should also be taking the most challenging courses available, and doing well in them, while bearing in mind that you won’t be penalized if you don’t have APs, IBs or honors courses available to you. Purdue also notes that trends in your grades are important. This means that if your grades are weaker earlier on in high school you won’t be penalized as long as you improved over the years. In general, Purdue wants to see an upward trend, showing progress. If your GPA is lower, and you’re earlier on in your high school career, check out our tips for increasing your GPA. If you’re a junior or senior, it will be harder to increase your GPA, so the easiest way to increase your Academic Index is to get a higher test score. Test scores are also part of the Academic Index. Students should aim for scores at the 75th percentile of enrolled students, which, for Purdue, means 1430 SAT or 33 ACT. However, anything within the middle 50% ranges of 1190-1430 SAT and 25-33 is fine, especially during the pandemic, when most schools are test-optional. We suggest taking the test(s) if you can do so safely and submitting scores that are at the 25th percentile or higher. Students can get recommendations on whether or not they should apply test-optional using our free Chancing Engine. For tips on improving your scores, check out: Purdue is a place for hard workers with goals and defined interests. Extracurriculars are one of the best ways to demonstrate these interests. Ideally, you’ll have one or two areas of specialization (a “spike”), around which your activities are grouped, such as writing or medicine. Consider your activities according to the 4 Tiers of Extracurriculars: You should aim to have at least one or two Tier 1-2 activities that demonstrate your spike, along with several Tier 3-4 activities to show your engagement and other passions. Here are more examples of impressive ECs for college. Your essays are an opportunity to showcase your personality. Once you’ve demonstrated that you meet Purdue’s academic thresholds, they are a way to set yourself apart from other qualified applicants. The current prompts ask you to describe your interest in Purdue and your goals and passions. This is a great chance to help the adcom get to know you—so make the most of it! Check out how to write the Purdue essays here! While Purdue has an RD deadline in January, many of the special programs, including the Honor’s College and scholarship considerations, are due at the same time as Early Action applications on November 1. This is also the priority deadline for computer science, nursing, and professional flight technology, meaning they will only admit applicants who apply later as space allows. It’s in your best interest to apply early whether or not you intend to apply for a special program because this is a non-binding plan. Early Action/Scholarships/Honor’s College/veterinary nursing/Priority for computer science, nursing, and professional flight technology November 1 Regular Decision January 15 Spring Admission As soon as possible prior to the start of the term
What’s Covered:
How Hard Is It to Get Into Purdue?
Average Academic Profile of Accepted Purdue Students
GPA
SAT/ACT
Class Rank
What is Purdue Looking for?
How Purdue Evaluates Applications
How to Improve Your Chances of Getting into Purdue
1. Achieve at least a 3.67 while taking the most challenging classes available.
2. Aim for a 1430 SAT and 33 ACT.
3. Cultivate at least one or two Tier 1-2 extracurriculars (find your “spike”).
4. Write engaging essays.
5. Apply Early Action.
How to Apply to Purdue
Deadlines
Application Requirements
Learn more about Purdue
