SC: 2024 Requirements, Scores & GPAs

This is the go-to guide for getting into Southwestern College. We suggest you read until the end... Not only will we layout the exact GPA and test scores you should aim for when applying to SC, but we’ll also offer creative ways to help your application stand out from the pack. We breakdown SC statistics better than any article out there and show you how these have changed over time. Also, make sure to check out Southwestern College on CampusReel to see what it’s really like here. You can also use the below calculator to help determine your likelihood of acceptance at SC

What GPA do you need to get into Southwestern College?

Southwestern College’s average GPA is 3.15. Southwestern College does require GPA. Southwestern College is currently selective. However, be aware that oftentimes schools in this GPA range are increasing their selectivity in hope of increasing “prestige”. We can’t read the minds of SC application readers, but they likely want to increase the average GPA from 3.15 to 3.31 this year - to play it safe, we recommend striving for the 3.31 GPA.

*BEFORE CONTINUING PLEASE NOTE: GPA and “prestige” DO NOT mean a college is right for you. Southwestern College may seem amazing on paper, but you may hate it... That’s why 700,000 students transfer colleges every year - they end up going to the wrong school. It’s crucial to watch the videos on CampusReel and make sure you can envision yourself on SC’s campus. These SC admission statistics do not sufficiently tell you what a college or university is like.

What is Southwestern College’s acceptance rate?

Last year Southwestern College’s acceptance rate was 91.16. However, check out how the acceptance rate has changed over time.

As you can see, Southwestern College is getting more and more difficult to get into. If this trend continue it’s likely that SC will be even more competitive by the time you apply.

Acceptance rate alone does not indicate your likelihood for getting into SC - it’s a very high level understanding of the true competition. Use the acceptance rate as a general guide for curating a list of 10-15 schools that fall into different ranges of competitiveness. Then, use the below data to get a deeper understanding of how your application will compare to the rest of the pool.

Does Southwestern College Require Test Scores?

Southwestern College requires that you either take the SAT or ACT. See the table below for how Southwestern College’s accepted students have performed on both tests. You may be wondering how many test scores should you submit. Generally, don’t freak out about taking the test too often. Industry consensus is that you can submit up to 6 tests as a reasonable limit.

Southwestern College SAT Requirements

Southwestern College’s average SAT score is 920 - this is the sum of the math and reading portions of the SAT (the 1600 scale). Check out the below table for a deeper look into how students performed - it’s also very interesting to look at the average test score over time. The trend over time helps give insight into whether Southwestern College is getting more or less competitive.

Southwestern College’s average SAT score is 920. To be a competitive applicant for Southwestern College your SAT score should come close to the average. If you’re closer to the 820, you’re likely going to have a tougher time getting accepted. To consider Southwestern College a “target” school (one that you are likely to get into) you should aim for a score of 1020.

Southwestern College ACT Requirements

Southwestern College’s average ACT score is 48. To be a competitive applicant for Southwestern College your ACT score should come close to the average. If you’re closer to the 51, you’re likely going to have a tougher time getting accepted. To consider Southwestern College a “target” school (one that you have a good chance of getting into) you should aim for a score of 45.

Southwestern College Requirements

Now you know where you need to be for getting into Southwestern College from a grade and test score perspective. Let’s quickly outline what else you’ll need to provide for your application to get reviewed, and then we’ll move onto the most important section: differentiating your app.

How to get into SC

Follow these steps to maximize your chances of getting into SC. Everything you read above will help prepare you for what you need to achieve to have a shot at SC, but these steps will take you even further in applying that knowledge and differentiating your application.

Main Academic Excellence that is in line with SC admission standards.

1. Score at least a 920 on the SAT or 48 on the ACT.
2. Maintain a GPA of at least a 3.15.

Join Extracurriculars that Align with SC’s Values.

1. Join your school band, a sports team or another group activity. If Southwestern College values music heavily, for example, then try to participate in an organization related to that topic.
2. Volunteer in your hometown. Winfield has tons of ways to be involved beyond just the college. Southwestern College wants applicants that are also good ambassadors for the school - they want students who will give back to the local community and broader Winfield area in general.
3. Spend your summer doing something that speaks to your values, personal growth, leadership qualities and other less quantifiable characteristics. SC needs to see past your test scores and grades - they need to know that you will be a valuable and contributing member of their community. You are more than grades and test scores - your experiences should demonstrate that.

Prepare Your Application

1. Write a stellar essay that shows Southwestern College something they can’t figure out from the other parts of your application. For a detailed guide on writing the best college essay, check this out.
2. Get teacher recs that speak to your character. If you know what you’re majoring in and include that in your SC app, try to have at least 1 recommendation from a teacher in that department.
3. Apply Before the Deadline. Too many students wait until the last minute to submit their application, and too much can go wrong during this precious time window. Since many students are applying on the last day, it’s possible that SC’s own system crashes. Don’t risk the added stress this can cause - submit your app a few days early.