How To Get Into Purdue University | Our Guide (2024)

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‍Have you always wondered how to get into Purdue University? Read on to learn now!

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Purdue University, known for its prestigious science, technology, engineering, and math programs, has long been one of the U.S.'s strongest universities. Founded in 1869 in Lafayette, Indiana, it has ranked among the top 10 most innovative universities in America five times.

If getting accepted into Purdue has been your calling, here are the best ways to increase your chances of attending Purdue University.

Purdue Acceptance Rate

According to U.S. News, Purdue University has maintained an acceptance rate of 66% and has been ranked 51st out of 443 U.S. universities.

In the Fall 2022 admissions cycle, Purdue received 68,309 applications, which resulted in a first-year class size of 9,354 students.

The odds are that those that were fortunate enough to be a part of the acceptance rate made sure that their application stood out from others by following the tips listed below!

Purdue Admissions Stats & Requirements

For admission to Purdue, aim for a minimum SAT score of 1430 or a minimum ACT score of 33. You should also maintain a GPA of 3.9 to maximize your chances of acceptance. Take AP or IB classes to showcase your academic breadth!

Applying to Purdue calls for students to meet specific requirements. Their primary focus when admitting an applicant consists of high school credits, SAT scores, and competitive GPAs that allow an applicant to be accepted into the prestige of Purdue.

Credits Needed

While different programs at Purdue may require more credits within a particular subject, at minimum, a successful applicant will require the following:

• Eight semesters of Math
• Eight semesters of English
• Six semesters of Lab Science (subject to change based on the major that the student is applying for)
• Six semesters of Social Studies
• Four semesters of World Language

More qualifications may be needed based on the major the student is applying for. To be competitive, a student should aim to receive the highest grades possible in these classes, which will help to boost their GPA.

SAT Scores

Successful applicants at Purdue usually have an SAT score that ranges anywhere from 1190-1430 or an ACT score between 26 and 33.

Grade Point Average

While the minimum GPA usually depends on the candidate’s specific program, successful applicants usually have a GPA in the 3.5-3.9 range.

Purdue Application

The admissions committee considers many factors when reviewing applications. While the SAT, GPA, and overall grades of an applicant are reviewed, Purdue will also evaluate the following:

• Grades related to your specific major and your potential to succeed/Strength of your overall high school curriculum (for example, if a student is taking AP or IB classes compared to others)
• Trends in the achievement of grades (were your weaker grades at the beginning of your high school years? This could impact if the admissions council sees that you were able to persevere and make improvements within your academic career)
• Proof of English proficiency (for non-native English speakers)
• Personal background and experiences
• Information provided by your high school
• Time of year you apply
• Availability within your intended major

A successful application will include self-reported high school grades, self-reported ACT or SAT scores, the application fee or qualified fee waiver, proof of English proficiency if the applicant is a citizen of a non-English speaking country, and an essay prompt.

The essay prompt is required regardless of the major that you are applying for. Applicants will have the option to choose any of these questions in an answer of 250-650 words:

• “Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.
• The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success. Recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience?
• Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome?
• Reflect on something that someone has done for you that has made you happy or thankful in a surprising way. How has this gratitude affected or motivated you?
• Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.
• Describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging that it makes you lose track of time. Why does it captivate you? What or who do you turn to when you want to learn more?
• Share an essay on any topic of your choice. It can be one you've already written, one that responds to a different prompt, or one of your own design.”

Tips To Get Into Purdue University

Meeting the minimum requirements for Purdue University is not enough to guarantee you'll be accepted. With all the other factors evaluated, it's essential to make your application as solid as possible to improve your chances of getting in.

While it may seem hard, with the proper preparation, application, grades, and SAT score, it is possible to be accepted into Purdue. Below, you'll find some tips to edge you above the competition.

Do Your Research

To keep on top of specific requirements, it’s essential to research your intended program. Some programs’ criteria may focus solely on a high GPA or test scores, while others may require students to also complete extracurriculars or a set amount of volunteer hours.

Whatever the case, you'll want to find out the prerequisites of your desired program ahead of time and meet them to the best of your ability. Doing this will allow you to tailor your application to your desired program and increase your chances of acceptance.

Make Sure You Meet the General Requirements

Considering admissions at Purdue can be incredibly competitive, you'll want to ensure you meet all the general requirements with flying colors. This could mean ensuring that your GPA is as competitive as possible by earning high grades in all your courses.

It also means that you should aim for your SAT or ACT to be as high as possible and make a dedicated study plan as soon as possible. A stellar GPA and SAT score will provide you with a robust application that admissions officers at Purdue can’t possibly say no to!

Write an Unforgettable Admissions Essay

While your grades, GPA, and SAT/ACT score play essential roles in your overall admittance to Purdue, one part of the application process that cannot be overlooked is the essay.

Purdue provides all applicants with multiple prompts and allows them to choose one that speaks to them and include it in their application. Since you have the option, it’s encouraged to choose an essay prompt that you have a connection with, so that the admissions council can learn your story and more about who you are.

Think about the defining moments in your life, a passion that you may have, or the achievements that you’ve accomplished that makes you different from others, and find a way to share that within your essay prompt.

The essay prompt allows you to sell yourself to the Purdue admissions committee. You can frame your answer to show who the person behind the application is and, in turn, express your values. This allows the admissions council to visualize how you would fit in with the culture at Purdue.

For these reasons, it's essential to perfect your essay and to make sure it's solid from start to finish.

Purdue Application Timeline

Now that you've learned how to have a strong application for acceptance at Purdue, it's important to know the application timeline. This way, all of your hard work making your application as strong as possible will not go to waste if you miss it!

their education by the early action deadline, as admissions will continue to get more and more competitive as the deadline to accept draws closer.

It’s also important to note that certain programs - such as engineering, nursing, computer science, veterinary nursing, and professional flight technology - subscribe to a Priority Application deadline on November 1st.

This means that after November 1st, applications pertaining to these programs will only be accepted based on the amount of space left in the program. So if you’re interested in any of these programs, make sure to apply as early as possible!

FAQs: How To Get Into Purdue University

If you’re still wondering how to get into Purdue University, we’ve got you covered with answers to the most frequently asked questions below.

1. How Hard Is It To Get Into Purdue University?

With its high GPA and SAT/ACT requirements, getting into Purdue University can take a lot of work. However, it's not impossible - and with hard work, dedication, and preparation, you can achieve acceptance!

2. What Is the Minimum GPA Needed To Get Into Purdue University?

While each program offered at Purdue University may require a different GPA, you can expect an acceptance from Purdue if your GPA is in the 3.5-3.9 range.

3. Can I Get Into Purdue With a 4.0 GPA?

Having a 4.0 GPA would give you a high chance of acceptance at Purdue; however, a 4.0 GPA is not the only requirement to be admitted.

It would be best if you paired that with a high SAT score, a strong high school curriculum, and superb marks in required credits, alongside a strong personal background and experiences.

Final Thoughts

Receiving an acceptance to the prestigious Purdue University is something that does not come without hard work and perseverance. It requires a strong application with high grades, a high SAT or ACT score, alongside a strong essay prompt to prove that you belong at Purdue.

However, if you follow the tips and information above and try your absolute best to meet Purdue's high requirements, there is no doubt that you will receive an acceptance and eventually get the privilege of calling yourself a Purdue student. Best of luck!