Southeastern Louisiana University: Understanding ACT Scores and Admissions

Southeastern Louisiana University (Southeastern) is a public university that welcomes a diverse range of students. Understanding the university's admission requirements, particularly the significance of ACT scores, is crucial for prospective students. This article provides a detailed overview of ACT scores in relation to Southeastern admissions, along with other important factors to consider.

General Information about Southeastern Louisiana University

Southeastern Louisiana University is dedicated to providing a comprehensive education, as detailed in its catalog, which outlines the university's work and regulations for students. The university operates on a semester system, with the academic year divided into summer, fall, and spring semesters. Southeastern maintains the right to deny admission if it is deemed detrimental to the student or interferes with the educational experience of others.

Admissions Overview

Southeastern Louisiana University has an acceptance rate of 94%, indicating a relatively high likelihood of admission for applicants. The university's admissions process considers various factors, with GPA being a very important academic factor. The application deadline for Southeastern Louisiana University is August 1.

ACT Score Requirements and Expectations

Southeastern requires official ACT scores from all beginning freshmen and transfer students who have fewer than 18 earned units of college credit (non-developmental). Test results may also be required of upper-class transfer students if developmental and general education needs cannot be determined from transfer credit. Applicants may submit official SAT scores in place of ACT scores; SAT scores will be converted using concordance tables.

ACT Score Range

Half of the applicants admitted to Southeastern who submitted test scores have an ACT score between 20 and 25. However, one quarter of admitted applicants achieved scores above these ranges and one quarter scored below these ranges. While Southeastern Louisiana University's average ACT score is 21, aiming for the school's ACT requirement of 20 and above will increase your chances of acceptance. An ACT score of 25 will move you up to above average.

Read also: Decoding Yale Admissions

Importance of Test Scores

Test scores are a requirement for admission and are used for placement in English and Math. Supplemental courses may be necessary based on placement criteria. The ACT battery of test scores is used for admission and placement purposes. All beginning freshmen must have taken the ACT prior to registering for classes. Athletes must have taken the ACT no later than June for Fall registration and October for Spring registration.

ACT Testing Policy

The ACT may be taken more than once in order to improve scores. Normally, the ACT is offered on a Saturday each September, October, December, February, April, and June. High school juniors and seniors who plan to enter Southeastern should register to take the test at one of these times. Applicants may submit official SAT scores in place of ACT. SAT scores will be converted using the concordance tables provided by College Source. Southeastern Louisiana University considers the SAT Essay/ACT Writing section optional and may not include it as part of their admissions consideration.

Academic Requirements

To be fully admitted to Southeastern, first-time freshmen must complete a high school degree from a public or private high school, or a state-approved homeschool. Students who have graduated from a Louisiana high school before 2004 or from an out-of-state high school will be required to submit an official copy of their high school transcript upon applying to the university. Initial admissions decisions may be based on the six or seven-semester transcript.

Required High School Coursework

One unit of Algebra I
One unit of Algebra II
One unit of Geometry
One unit of Biology
One unit of Chemistry
One unit of Civics or Government
One unit American History
Two units from: World History, Western Civilization, World Geography, European History
Fine Arts Survey or one unit of Art, Dance, Music, or Theatre, or a comparable art course

Certain IB and AP credits may be substituted for Core courses.

GPA Considerations

Southeastern Louisiana University’s average GPA is estimated to be 3.31 or 3.46. This average GPA means Southeastern Louisiana University is very selective. You'll need a mix of A's and B's, and very few C's. If you have a lower GPA, you can compensate with harder courses like AP or IB classes.

Read also: SAT Requirements for LSU

Additional Admission Pathways and Programs

Alternative Criteria Admission

Students who do not meet the regular admission criteria listed above will have an opportunity to appeal the admission decision. Admission under alternative criteria may be granted, based on life experiences, exemplary leadership, artistic ability, or a student’s ability to succeed. Alternative criteria appeal forms may be obtained from the Office of Admissions. Alternative criteria appeal applications, as well as the decision made on those appeals, are honored for only the semester of original application and may not be forwarded to a future semester should the student choose not to attend.

Dual Enrollment Program

Southeastern has entered into cooperative agreements with high schools and school systems in the region to offer dual enrollment opportunities to qualified high school students. Students can earn a maximum of 36 units of college credit through Southeastern’s Dual Enrollment program. High school students who have an ACT composite of 24 or higher and a high school GPA of a 3.0 or better and no more than one developmental course requirement can begin their college coursework at Southeastern during the summers and throughout the school year while they are still attending high school.

Special Program for Adults (SPA)

Persons wishing to pursue credit courses without meeting the full requirements for admission to undergraduate status may apply to the Special Program for Adults (SPA). Adults who have not attended high school or college for at least three years, excluding within the last academic year of SPA enrollment, may apply for participation in this non-degree program and may enroll in one or two undergraduate courses for personal growth. SPA students will be required to have ACT scores or high-school GPA on file or proof of prerequisite completion prior to scheduling any English or Mathematics courses.

Transfer Students

Students transferring to Southeastern from another university or college must be eligible to re-enter the college or university from which they are transferring, and they must meet the minimum scholastic standards set forth elsewhere in this catalog for Southeastern students.

Resources and Support Programs

Orientation

Orientation is a program designed to transition new students to the university environment, and it is required of any student enrolling in Southeastern for the first time and classified as a freshman (29 or fewer transferable units earned).

Read also: Decoding Princeton Admissions

TRIO Grants

TRIO Grants are designed and implemented to promote the educational and cultural preparation, development, and advancement of diverse populations to assist in academic success for junior high, secondary and post-secondary students.

Maximizing Admission Chances

Beyond Test Scores and Grades

Join your school band, a sports team or another group activity. Volunteer in your hometown. Hammond has tons of ways to be involved beyond just the college. Spend your summer doing something that speaks to your values, personal growth, leadership qualities and other less quantifiable characteristics. Southeastern 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.

Additional Tips

Write a stellar essay that shows Southeastern Louisiana University something they can’t figure out from the other parts of your application.
Get teacher recommendations that speak to your character.
Apply Before the Deadline.

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