Navigating GPA Requirements at the University of Dallas

For prospective students and current undergraduates alike, understanding the grade point average (GPA) requirements at the University of Dallas is crucial. This article provides a detailed overview of how GPA is calculated, the minimum requirements for graduation, and other important academic policies related to grades.

GPA Calculation at the University of Dallas

The university grade point average will be calculated according to the values given under "Grades and Quality Points." The grade point average is found by dividing the total number of quality points earned by the total number of GPA hours. Grades earned in college courses taken at other institutions do not affect the students’ cumulative university grade point average.

It's important to note that grades of "I" (Incomplete) earned by undergraduates are averaged into the grade point average as "F" grades until completed. Grades earned for language courses will be recorded on the transcript but will not be included in determining the grade point average. The only exception will be for those upper-level language courses that may be counted for course credit towards the graduate degree.

Minimum GPA Requirements for Graduation

In order to receive a degree, an undergraduate must attain a cumulative grade point average of "C" (2.0). Not more than 30 credit hours passed with a grade of "D" are acceptable for graduation. Generally, students are not allowed to attempt 18 or more credits unless they have at least a 3.0 GPA. The minimum grade point average required for graduation is 3.0. Exceptions for particular programs are indicated under particular departments.

In courses in which a grade lower than a "C" (2.0 points) is given, the grade will count for determining the grade point average but will not satisfy course requirements. A grade of “B” or better is required to fulfill a language requirement.

Understanding Grades and Academic Performance

Student academic performance is generally based on at least two measurements in each course: for example, two examinations, or an examination and a project. The exception would be a Capstone course or a Practicum, which may be solely measured on the student’s overall performance as evaluated by the professor. Upon the student’s request, professors will explain grades but will not change grades unless it can be shown that the original grading was in error. The Dean’s Office must approve any grade changes.

Passing and Failing Grades

A grade of A, A-, B+, B, B-, C+, or C signifies that the course was passed. Students may not retake the course for grade replacement. A grade of C-, D+, D, D-, F or FA signifies that the course was failed and that the student must retake the course and obtain a grade of C or higher. The failing grade remains on the student’s permanent record and is included on any transcript, but it is not used in computing the final GPA or credit hours toward graduation.

If a failing grade is earned in a core course that has been discontinued, it may be repeated successfully by earning a grade of B- or higher in the current core course that is deemed equivalent. If a failing grade is earned in an elective course, the student may either retake the course, (in which case the failing grade will not be included in the GPA) or enroll in another course which will satisfy the elective requirement (in which case the failing grade will be included in the GPA). If a course has been failed more than once, only a single failing grade is excluded from the GPA.

Incomplete Grades

The letter "I" denotes an Incomplete and is given only when a valid emergency prevented the student from completing course work. For an Incomplete grade to be considered, the student must have completed a substantial part of the course requirement with a grade for that work. If the student receives an "I" he/she must perform whatever academic tasks the granting faculty member deems necessary before the Incomplete will be changed to a letter grade. An Incomplete Grade Contract must be completed by the student and the professor specifying the work required and a date for completion. The Incomplete Grade Contract must be submitted to the Office of the Dean, for final approval and a copy will remain on file in the Office of the Registrar. Upon submission of the required work, the professor assigns a grade and submits a grade change form to the Office of the Registrar. If an Incomplete is not changed by the deadline specified within the contract, the grade indicated in the contract will be assigned "I" grades in graduate courses are calculated as F grades in the student’s GPA.

Grade Appeals

If a student wishes to appeal a grade, they should follow these steps:

Read also: History of the Block 'M'

Request a conference (in person, if possible) with the professor so that an explanation of the grade may be given. This request must be submitted in writing within 14 days of the posting of the final course grade.
Submit an appeal to the Dean or the Dean’s designee. This appeal must be made within two weeks following a conference with the professor (or an attempt to meet with the professor). The appeal must be prepared in written form.
The Dean or designee will discuss the appeal with the student and the professor to see if the situation may be resolved. If necessary, the Dean or designee will consult with the Academic Review Board (the student may be asked to appear) prior to making the final decision. A final written statement of the situation will be provided to the student within one month after the appeal is submitted. This is the student’s final appeal.

Admissions and GPA

Each applicant brings unique achievements, experiences and perspectives to our community. Freshman applications are reviewed individually using a holistic review process. Information is provided in optional supplemental materials. As Texas law requires, students will be automatically admitted to UT Dallas as first-time freshmen if they graduate in the top 10% of their class from an accredited Texas high school and successfully earn the Distinguished Level of Achievement. International applicants must meet the criteria for freshman admission and additional steps, such as satisfying the English proficiency requirement.

University of Dallas’s average GPA is 3.9. This average GPA means University of Dallas is brutally selective - the most competitive applicants in the world are already applying to the school, in hopes of taking up residence in Irving, and, somehow, you need to be better. Generally speaking, if your GPA is not at least equal to 3.9 then University of Dallas may be a reach. However, University of Dallas considers the ENTIRE application - we can make up for a weak GPA with more factors that we’ll discuss below.

The acceptance rate at University of Dallas is 53.4%. The school expects you to meet their requirements for GPA and SAT/ACT scores, but they're more flexible than other schools. If you exceed their requirements, you have an excellent chance of getting in. The GPA requirement that really matters is the GPA you need for a real chance of getting in. requires you to be above average in your high school class. You'll need at least a mix of A's and B's, with more A's than B's. You can compensate for a lower GPA with harder classes, like AP or IB classes. If you're currently a junior or senior, your GPA is hard to change in time for college applications. If your GPA is at or below the school average of 3.7, you'll need a higher SAT or ACT score to compensate.

Standardized Testing: SAT and ACT

University of Dallas requires that you either take the SAT or ACT. University of Dallas’s average SAT score is 1165 - this is the sum of the math and reading portions of the SAT (the 1600 scale). To be a competitive applicant for University of Dallas your SAT score should come close to the average. If you’re closer to the 1040, you’re likely going to have a tougher time getting accepted.

University of Dallas’s average ACT score is 79. To be a competitive applicant for University of Dallas your ACT score should come close to the average. If you’re closer to the 68, you’re likely going to have a tougher time getting accepted.

Read also: Legacy of Fordham University

The 25th percentile SAT score is 1140, and the 75th percentile SAT score is 1350. The average ACT score at University of Dallas is 26. The 25th percentile ACT score is 22, and the 75th percentile ACT score is 29.

Strategies for Admission

Now you know where you need to be for getting into University of Dallas from a grade and test score perspective. Follow these steps to maximize your chances of getting into University of Dallas. Join your school band, a sports team or another group activity. Volunteer in your hometown. Irving 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. University of Dallas 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. Write a stellar essay that shows University of Dallas something they can’t figure out from the other parts of your application. Get teacher recs that speak to your character. 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 University of Dallas’s own system crashes. If you can achieve a high SAT/ACT score, the rest of your application essentially doesn't matter. You still need to meet the rest of the application requirements, and your GPA shouldn't be too far off from the school average of 3.7. But you won't need dazzling extracurriculars and breathtaking letters of recommendation to get in.

Additional Application Requirements

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.

To apply to the University of Dallas, you will need to:

Complete the online UDallas Application.
Submit your $50 application fee or an official fee waiver form.
Request a copy of your most recent high school transcript. Reports appearing on official high school transcripts are acceptable. The University of Dallas school code is 04234.
Submit official college transcripts for each institution attended. Transcripts that are faxed or emailed will be considered unofficial and will not fulfill this requirement.
Send your official homeschool transcript. Use the one-page document provided by UD. Use a self-designed template. Courses organized by year. GPA -- must include GPA per year as well as cumulative. Estimated graduation date. background of the applicant. of the course, list of texts used in the course and the final grade. length, but this document typically ranges from 5-15 pages.
REQUIRED: Official ACT, SAT and/or CLT score reports. Scores appearing on official high school transcripts are acceptable. The University of Dallas school code is 04234.
Counselor recommendation or optional teacher recommendation.
Letter of recommendation from a college instructor. Should be submitted by the recommender, not by the student.

Financial Aid and GPA

Maintaining Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) is essential for students who receive financial aid. The minimum standards for eligibility for students who receive financial aid are:

A minimum cumulative GPA requirement.
A minimum of a 2.00 cumulative GPA (on a 4.00 GPA scale) must be earned in order to maintain SAP.
A student must also maintain a minimum completion rate of 67% of all hours attempted.
GPA is determined by dividing the number of quality points earned by the number of hours attempted.
Transfer credits count as earned credits but do not affect the GPA.
Withdrawals, Incompletes, and repeated courses count as attempted hours and can negatively impact the student's completion pace calculation.
A student who fails to meet the minimum SAP requirements will be placed on Financial Aid Warning for one semester.
A student who has been placed on Financial Aid Suspension may submit a formal appeal for the reinstatement of financial aid for one semester.

Additional Information for Graduate Students

Applicants seeking admission to the Graduate School of Management's degree programs should be aware of the following:

Grades earned for language courses will be recorded on the transcript but will not be included in determining the grade point average, except for upper-level language courses that may be counted for course credit towards the graduate degree. A grade of “B” or better is required to fulfill a language requirement.
"I" grades in graduate courses are calculated as F grades in the student’s GPA.
International applicants may have additional requirements, such as providing proof of English proficiency through TOEFL scores. The minimum on the internet based TOEFL (IBT) is 80.

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