Navigating Admissions at Kennesaw State University: A Comprehensive Guide

Kennesaw State University (KSU), a dynamic institution with two campuses and nearly 48,000 students, offers over 190 degree and certificate programs across 11 colleges. Known for its innovative teaching and learning, KSU provides a vibrant campus culture with close proximity to the opportunities of Atlanta. This guide provides a detailed overview of KSU's undergraduate admission requirements and related processes.

Acceptance Rate and Academic Expectations

Kennesaw State University has an acceptance rate of 69.2%, indicating that it is moderately selective. This means that while the university has certain academic expectations, it also offers some flexibility. To increase your chances of admission, it is essential to meet the GPA and standardized test score requirements. Exceeding these requirements will significantly improve your prospects.

GPA Requirements

The GPA is a critical factor in the admission process. Successful applicants typically have a mix of A's and B's in their high school coursework, with few C's. While the school average GPA is 3.48, a lower GPA can be compensated for by taking more challenging courses, such as AP or IB classes. If your GPA is below the average, a higher SAT or ACT score can also help to strengthen your application.

Standardized Testing: SAT and ACT

Kennesaw State University requires either the SAT or ACT for some applicants. However, first-year students applying for the through Summer 2026 semesters may be admitted without an ACT or SAT score if they have a GPA of 3.2 or higher. Students with a GPA of less than 3.2 should submit official ACT or SAT scores along with their high school transcript to be considered for admission. Effective for students applying for Fall 2026 or beyond, all first-year applicants will be required to submit SAT or ACT by admissions deadlines.

It is important to note that KSU does not combine SAT with ACT scores.

Read also: Applying to Emory University

SAT Details

Kennesaw State University's 25th percentile SAT score is 1010, and the 75th percentile SAT score is 1210. The university uses "superscoring," which means they will consider your highest section scores from multiple test dates.

Superscoring Strategy:

Take the SAT as many times as needed to achieve your highest possible Superscore.
Focus your preparation on individual sections to maximize your scores.
Submit only the tests that give you the highest Superscore.

If your SAT superscore is below 1110, consider retaking the test and focusing on improving individual section scores.

ACT Details

The average ACT score at Kennesaw State University is 22. The 25th percentile ACT score is 19, and the 75th percentile ACT score is 26. Kennesaw State University requires full ACT test score reports for any test score submissions.

ACT Submission Strategy:

You have control over which ACT scores you send to colleges.
Aim for a score of 22 or higher to meet the school's requirement.
Take the ACT as many times as you can to improve your score.
KSU does not superscore the ACT.

SAT Essay/ACT Writing Section

Kennesaw State University considers the SAT Essay/ACT Writing section optional and may not include it as part of their admissions consideration.

Achieving Guaranteed Admission

Strong academic performance is crucial for admission to Kennesaw State University. Scoring a 1210 SAT or a 26 ACT or above will nearly guarantee you admission. While a high SAT/ACT score can significantly boost your application, you still need to meet the other application requirements, and your GPA should be close to the school average of 3.48.

Read also: Knoxville Undergraduate Admissions

Application Essentials

Every school requires an application with the bare essentials - high school transcript and GPA, application form, and other core information. Many schools, as explained above, also require SAT and ACT scores, as well as letters of recommendation, application essays, and interviews.

Additional Admission Information

Application Process

To apply to Kennesaw State University, you will need to:

Complete the application form.
Submit official transcripts from high school and all prior colleges attended. Transcripts should be sent directly from the institution electronically through Clearinghouse, Common App, GA Futures, Parchment, SCOIR, or Scribbles.
Submit official SAT or ACT scores (if required based on GPA and intended semester of enrollment).

You may enter your scores on the application, but KSU will require official scores sent directly from the testing agency before making a final admissions decision. For the SAT, KSU will take the highest Evidence-based Reading & Writing section and Mathematics section if there is more than one set of scores. For the ACT, KSU will take the highest ACT English or Reading and ACT Math scores if there is more than one set of scores. KSU doesn’t superscore SAT with ACT scores.

You can check your application status via the Pathway to Enrollment Portal. In the Portal, you are provided with a checklist of items KSU has and has not received. If your application shows "incomplete" due to missing test scores, log in to your College Board or ACT account and send your official test scores to Kennesaw State.

Special Admission Categories

Kennesaw State University recognizes that students have unique educational journeys, goals and aspirations.

Non-Traditional Students: Applicants eligible for review in this category are exempt from the SAT/ACT and High School College Preparatory Coursework requirement. However, non-traditional students in this category will be required to take the ACCUPLACER exam. Students can register for ACCUPLACER through KSU's Testing Center.
Transient Students: As a transient student, you are not eligible to receive Financial Aid from KSU. You will need to provide a letter of good standing from a Scholarship or Zell Miller Scholarship officials from your home institution.
Audit Students: Audit students are not permitted to receive credit nor change from an audit to a credit status while enrolled in a course.

Senior Citizen Tuition Waiver

If you are a legal resident of Georgia aged 62 years and older, you may qualify for the Senior Citizen Tuition Waiver. Once registered for classes, students will submit proof of age to the Office of the Bursar.

Non-Degree-Seeking Students

If you already have a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution and wish to take courses for personal enrichment, you can apply as a non-degree-seeking student.

Online Programs

Kennesaw State University offers a variety of online courses and degree programs, including 12 online degree programs and over 400 online courses. Note that Online Degree and Certificate Programs may not be available in all states.

Post-Acceptance Steps

Once you are accepted into Kennesaw State University, there are several important steps to complete:

New Student Orientation

Student Orientation is required for all new undergraduate first-year students, including transfer students and international students. Fall 2025 semester sign-ups open December 2, 2024. Once accepted, you’ll be able to meet with an academic advisor prior to Orientation. You are encouraged to complete parking sign-up 24 hours after you register for classes for an early orientation date so you can selection your parking area earlier.

Financial Aid

You are encouraged to complete the FAFSA as early as possible to allow ample time to plan for your college expenses. The FAFSA is typically available starting on October 1 each year. Be sure to monitor communications from KSU's Financial Aid Office for the latest information. Once financial aid awards are posted, you can contact your assigned financial aid counselor for additional guidance and assistance. Financial aid counselors are assigned based on the first letter of a student’s last name.

Housing

New students can apply for housing after they’re accepted into KSU. Once accepted, you can apply as soon as the 2025-26 Housing Application opens, which is typically around Dec. 2. Students are issued time tickets for Room Selection in April based on the date their application fee is paid. The earlier you apply for housing and pay your application fee, the better chance you’ll have of getting your preferred housing location and floor plan. Some Special Interest Housing, like KSU Journey Honors Housing, fill even earlier than others. See Housing and Residence Life for First Year and Transfer Students.

KSU Journey Honors College

Incoming freshmen indicate an interest in KSU's Journey Honors College by filling out the related sections of KSU's CommonApp. The priority deadline for Honors scholarships is Feb. 1, 2025.

Campus Visits

If you've not yet visited the KSU campus, come for a tour or special event. Campus tours are major specific. Please select the campus where your major is located.

tags: #ksu #office #of #undergraduate #admissions #requirements