Auburn University Acceptance Rate Guide.: Auburn University is a highly respected public research university located in Auburn, Alabama. With an acceptance rate of 44% for the 2021-2022 application cycle, Auburn is considered moderately selective in its admissions process.
In this comprehensive guide, we will cover everything you need to know about Auburn University’s acceptance rate, admissions requirements, application process, and tips for getting accepted.
Overview of Auburn University
Founded in 1856, Auburn University is one of the largest universities in Alabama, with over 30,000 students across both undergraduate and graduate programs. Auburn offers 140 degree options across 12 colleges and schools. Some of the most popular majors include business, engineering, education, and health professions.
Auburn’s 1,841 acre campus in Auburn, Alabama provides a beautiful setting for academics with historic buildings, rolling hills, and trees. The university also has an additional campus for agricultural research in Tuskegee, Alabama.
Outside of the classroom, Auburn has over 400 student organizations, Division I NCAA athletics programs, annual traditions like the Auburn Oaks Society tapping ceremony, and a vibrant campus life. The school spirit and community at Auburn is nationally renowned with the cheer “War Eagle!”
Auburn Acceptance Rate Overview
- Overall acceptance rate: 44%
- Early Action acceptance rate: 44%
- Regular Decision acceptance rate: Varies year to year
- Transfer acceptance rate: Varies by application pool each year
This 44% acceptance rate means that for every 100 applicants, about 44 students are admitted. So Auburn University is considered moderately competitive to get into.
However, Auburn’s selectivity and exact acceptance rate fluctuates year to year based on the size and strength of the applicant pool.
“Auburn receives record number of applicants for fall 2023… the acceptance rate for Auburn’s early action periods was 44%.” – Auburn University News
So while the 44% rate provides a good benchmark for selectivity, the exact rate can differ annually.
Auburn University Admissions Requirements
While having strong grades and test scores is important for admission, Auburn takes a holistic approach by evaluating applicants across a variety of factors including academic records, extracurricular involvement, essay responses, letters of recommendation, and more.
Here is an overview of the key components in the Auburn application:
Academic History
- High school GPA: A competitive GPA in high school coursework is highly recommended. Strong performance in challenging classes like Honors, AP, IB, etc is favored.
- Standardized test scores (SAT/ACT): Submitting SAT or ACT scores is optional, but can support applications for students with scores that meet or exceed institutional averages:
- SAT ERW: 590-680
- SAT Math: 590-680
- ACT Composite: 25-31
- Coursework: Admissions officers want to see 4 years of English, 3 years of math, sciences, and social sciences, and at least 2 years of foreign language.
Extracurricular Activities
- Admissions values engagement outside the classroom including clubs, sports, jobs, internships, and volunteer work. Leadership and honors are also pluses.
Essays & Letters of Recommendation
- The personal statement essay provides insight into students’ interests, goals, unique experiences and personality.
- Letters of recommendation from teachers or other mentors reinforce academic and personal qualities.
Special Talents & Campus Contributions
- Having special talents and distinctions can strengthen applications whether that’s through the arts, athletics, research, activism, entrepreneurship or other domains.
Meeting the above criteria makes applicants eligible, though does not guarantee admission given the selective process. Students are encouraged to highlight unique accomplishments and characteristics to make their application stand out.
Auburn Early Action & Regular Decision Acceptance Rates
Auburn has two application rounds – Early Action and Regular Decision – each with their own acceptance rate benchmarks.
- Early Action: Apply by October 15th, receive a decision by January 31st
- Early Action acceptance rate: 44% for Fall 2023 applicants
- Regular Decision: Apply by February 1st, receive a decision by March 31st
- Regular Decision rates vary annually based on applicant pool. Typically lower than 44%.
Applying Early Action has a number of advantages:
- Earlier decision notification
- Priority consideration for scholarships and honors programs
- Increased likelihood of acceptance
- More time to prepare if accepted
So students who feel they are competitive applicants are encouraged to apply Early Action.
How Selective is Auburn University?
While Auburn has a moderately competitive admissions process, it ultimately comes down to the strength of an applicant’s overall profile.
To gauge your personal chances of admission, here are the middle 50% test score and GPA ranges among accepted students at Auburn:
- SAT Scores: 1240 to 1390
- ACT Scores: 25 to 31
- High School GPA: Between 3.8 and 4.3 on a 4.0 scale
Scoring within or above these ranges would position you well for admission. The higher above these averages, the more competitive your candidacy becomes.
“Scoring a 1370 SAT or a 30 ACT or above will nearly guarantee you admission.” – PrepScholar
However, it’s important to remember test scores are optional. Strong grades in challenging coursework are essential regardless.
Tips for Getting Into Auburn University
Beyond just meeting the baseline requirements, there are several ways high school and transfer students can boost their chances of Auburn University acceptance:
1. Pursue a Rigorous High School Curriculum
Admissions looks closely at students’ high school transcripts. Pursuing advanced level classes like Honors, AP, IB demonstrates academic drive. Try to take the most challenging classes offered at your school.
2. Participate in Extracurricular Activities
Join clubs and teams that align with your interests and talents – whether that’s student government, theater, robotics club or volleyball. Taking on leadership roles also helps applications stand out.
3. Prepare Strong Essays and Letters of Recommendation
The personal statement essay is a chance to bring your application to life beyond just stats and scores. Show your passions, background, achievements and personality. Additionally, letters of recommendation from teachers or mentors reinforce strengths.
4. Consider Applying Early Action
Applying Early Action improves students’ chances, since the acceptance rate is higher at 44% vs lower regular decision rates. Submit your application by October 15th.
5. Highlight Exceptional Accomplishments or Attributes
Do you have great artistic talent? Are you a nationally competitive debater? Share unique experiences and recognitions that make you stand out as an applicant. Leverage special talents to overcome any academic weaknesses.
Following these tips provides practical ways to make your Auburn application as appealing as possible to the admissions committee.
What Majors are the Most Competitive to Get Into at Auburn?
With over 140 undergraduate degrees available, certain majors at Auburn University are more competitive for admissions than others based on their selectivity, cost of delivering specialized curriculum, and student demand.
Here are a few of the most competitive bachelor’s degree programs:
- Auburn University Honors College: Very high academics and 28 ACT average
- Harrison School of Pharmacy: 90 average GPA; top 1% test scores
- College of Architecture, Design and Construction: High math skills and portfolio
- College of Business: 3.7+ GPA and 1100+ SAT scores
- College of Engineering: 3.7+ GPA and 1200+ SAT scores
- College of Veterinary Medicine: Extremely high test scores and grades
Meeting elevated academic and testing thresholds helps when applying for Auburn’s more selective schools. Unique experiences in a given field also boost candidacy.
What is the Transfer Acceptance Rate for Auburn University?
Getting into Auburn as a transfer student follows a different process than the freshman admissions. Historically, Auburn has not published an overall transfer acceptance rate across all applicants.
However, students applying from an Alabama community college have access to an Auburn University Transfer Admissions Guarantee (TAG) program. This provides guaranteed acceptance for Alabama transfers who complete associate degree requirements with a 3.5+ GPA before applying.
For out-of-state transfers or Alabama residents not meeting TAG conditions, applications are more competitive. Key criteria include:
- Academic college’s requirements
- Minimum 2.0 GPA on all college coursework
- Good standing at prior institution
While exact transfer acceptance rates aren’t publicized, Auburn encourages transfers to apply highlighting impressive undergraduate credentials. Meeting above eligibility does not guarantee admission.
Key Takeaways
Here are the key highlights about Auburn University’s acceptance rate:
- Competitive admissions: 44% acceptance rate overall through Early Action
- Well-rounded candidates favored: Academics, extracurriculars, essays all matter
- Strong grades essential: High school GPA between 3.8 and 4.3 for accepted students
- Test optional: SAT/ACT not required but can support applications
- Early Action advantages: Higher acceptance rate and earlier decision notifications
- Unique experiences: Share special talents, accomplishments and attributes
Understanding Auburn’s comprehensive admissions process, middle 50% accepted student averages, and tips for standing out provides helpful guidance to prospective applicants vying for a spot in Auburn University’s vibrant campus community.
References
All facts, figures and quotes referenced in this article came from the following authoritative sources:
- Auburn University Admissions Office
- Auburn University News
- BigFuture College Search
- U.S. News College Compass
- Niche.com
