How Standardized Tests
Relate to Admissions Standards
Admission Standard
Typical ACT
Composite
Averages*
Typical SAT I
Total Score
(V + M) Score
Open - All high school graduates are accepted until the school's enrollment capacity is reached.
17-20
830-950
Liberal - Some of freshmen who are accepted are in the lower half of their high school graduating class.
18-21
870-990
Traditional - The majority of those freshmen who are accepted are in the top percent of their high school graduating class.
20-23
950-1070
Selective - The majority of those freshmen who are accepted are in the top 25 percent of their high school graduating class.
22-27
1030-1220
Highly Selective - The majority of those freshmen who are accepted are in the top 10 percent of their high school graduating class.
27-31
1220-1380
* Remember, an average test score only means that about half the students score higher and about half score lower. Also, the score range for the ACT is 1-36; the range for the SAT (total score) is 400-1600.