Navigating the University of Idaho Admissions: GPA, SAT Scores, and More
For students aspiring to join the University of Idaho (UIdaho), understanding the admission requirements is crucial. This guide provides a detailed overview of the GPA and standardized test scores needed for admission, along with other factors that can strengthen your application.
Understanding the Key Admission Factors
When evaluating your chances of getting into the University of Idaho, three numbers stand out: GPA, SAT/ACT scores, and the acceptance rate.
Acceptance Rate: What It Means for You
The acceptance rate at the University of Idaho is 75.5%. This indicates that the university is not highly selective, meaning you have a good chance of being admitted if you meet the minimum requirements.
Last year University of Idaho’s acceptance rate was 72.05. As you can see, University of Idaho is getting more and more difficult to get into. Acceptance rate alone does not indicate your likelihood for getting into UIdaho - 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.
GPA Requirements: Balancing Academics
The average GPA at the University of Idaho is 3.47. This means that to be competitive, you'll need a mix of A's and B's in your high school coursework, with very few C's.
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University of Idaho’s average GPA is 3.41. This average GPA means University of Idaho is very selective. Often times, schools in this range are trying to increase their selectivity and “prestige”.
If your GPA is below this average, it's not the end of the road. You can compensate with a strong performance on the SAT or ACT. Moreover, taking challenging courses like AP or IB classes can demonstrate your ability to handle college-level work.
It’s crucial to watch the videos on CampusReel and make sure you can envision yourself on UIdaho’s campus.
Standardized Testing: SAT and ACT
The University of Idaho requires that you either take the SAT or ACT. While many schools claim to have no score cutoffs, aiming for the average scores of previously admitted students is advisable.
SAT Scores
The average SAT score at the University of Idaho is 1050 (sum of the math and reading portions). A score close to this average will make you a competitive applicant. If your score is closer to 930, you may face a tougher time getting accepted. The 25th percentile SAT score is 1000, and the 75th percentile SAT score is 1230.
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University of Idaho’s average SAT score is 1050. To be a competitive applicant for University of Idaho your SAT score should come close to the average. If you’re closer to the 930, you’re likely going to have a tougher time getting accepted.
University of Idaho also employs "superscoring," which means they will consider your highest section scores from multiple test dates. This allows you to focus on improving individual section scores and submitting only the tests that yield the highest Superscore.
Even though the highest total you scored on any one test date was 1000, University of Idaho will take your highest section score from all your test dates, then combine them to form your Superscore. This is important for your testing strategy. Because you can choose which tests to send in, and University of Idaho forms your Superscore, you can take the SAT as many times as you want, then submit only the tests that give you the highest Superscore. Therefore, if your SAT superscore is currently below a 1000, we strongly recommend that you consider prepping for the SAT and retaking it. Even better, because of the Superscore, you can focus all your energy on a single section at a time. If your Reading score is lower than your other sections, prep only for the Reading section, then take the SAT. Then focus on Math for the next test, and so on.
ACT Scores
The average ACT score at the University of Idaho is 24. Aiming for this score will make you a competitive applicant. The 25th percentile ACT score is 20, and the 75th percentile ACT score is 26.
University of Idaho’s average ACT score is 68. To be a competitive applicant for University of Idaho your ACT score should come close to the average. If you’re closer to the 58, you’re likely going to have a tougher time getting accepted.
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When sending ACT scores, you have control over which tests you send. This means you have multiple opportunities to improve your score.
Beyond GPA and Test Scores: Strengthening Your Application
While GPA and standardized test scores are important, they are not the only factors considered. University of Idaho seeks students who will contribute to their community and demonstrate strong character.
Here are some ways to make your application stand out:
- Extracurricular Activities: Join your school band, a sports team, or another group activity.
- Volunteer Work: Volunteer in your hometown. Moscow has tons of ways to be involved beyond just the college.
- Summer Activities: Spend your summer doing something that speaks to your values, personal growth, leadership qualities and other less quantifiable characteristics.
- Essays: Write a stellar essay that shows University of Idaho something they can’t figure out from the other parts of your application.
- Recommendations: Get teacher recommendations that speak to your character.
UIdaho 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 Admission 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.
First-Year Students
First-year students are those applying directly from high school or those applying with fewer than 14 semester credits of transferable college work earned after high school graduation.
Regionally Accredited High School Students
First-year students who graduate from a regionally accredited high school must meet all admission requirements in effect for the year they graduated.
- Those enrolling directly from high school.
- Those enrolling directly from high school who have completed college-level work while in high school.
Applicants with fewer than 14 transferable semester credits completed after high school graduation must also meet transfer GPA requirements.
Early admission may be granted based on a sixth or seventh semester high school transcript if it appears that the student will meet admission requirements.
You must submit:
- An application for admission.
- $50 application fee (nonrefundable). No application fee required for Idaho residents.
- Test scores. You may request copies of your ACT or SAT scores. If your ACT or SAT scores are on your school transcript, you do not need to have them sent separately. Every student who has a test score is encouraged to provide it for admission as well as class placement.
- Official high school transcript showing graduation date. If you have not yet graduated from high school, a transcript showing all completed work may be accepted for early admission.
- Official transcripts from any colleges or universities attended.
- Valid government issued photo identification.
New first-year students will automatically be considered for admission if their cumulative unweighted GPA is 3.00 or higher. Test scores are not required.
Applicants who are Idaho residents achieving scores of 3 or higher on both the ISAT Math and Literacy tests are eligible for admission regardless of GPA.
New first-year applicants with a cumulative GPA between 2.60-2.99 must submit ACT or SAT test scores or opt-in to the Vandal Gateway Program.
Those who have cumulative GPAs of 2.30-2.59 will be admitted through the Vandal Gateway Program regardless of test scores.
GED Students
First-year students who have completed their GED instead of graduating from an accredited high school and have earned fewer than 14 transferable semester credits since obtaining their GED will have their application for admission referred to the Admissions Committee for a decision.
You must submit:
- An application for admission.
- $50 application fee (nonrefundable). No application fee required for Idaho residents.
- ACT or SAT test scores. If you have an ACT composite of 26 or higher or an SAT Evidence Based Reading + Math score of 1260 or higher, you are not required to submit the letters of recommendation or the written statement referenced below.
- Official high school transcript showing the work completed. High school transcripts are required from any high school attended even if the student did not graduate.
- A copy of the GED test results.
- Official transcripts from any colleges or universities attended.
- Three signed letters of recommendation from individuals who can attest to the student’s academic ability.
- A written statement from the student which includes the student’s goals, educational and/or professional objectives, an explanation of past academic performance, information and/or documentation regarding any extenuating circumstances and any other information the student wishes to have considered.
- Valid government issued photo identification.
Applicants with fewer than 14 transferable semester credits completed since obtaining their GED must also meet the admission requirements for new transfers.
Home-Schooled Students
First-year students who have been home-schooled either partially or completely for grades nine through 12 and have earned fewer than 14 transferable semester credits since graduating from home-school will have their application for admission referred to the Admissions Committee for a decision.
You must submit:
- An application for admission.
- $50 application fee (nonrefundable). No application fee required for Idaho residents.
- ACT or SAT test scores. If you have an ACT composite of 26 or higher or an SAT Evidence Based Reading + Math score of 1260 or higher, you are not required to submit the letters of recommendation or the written statement referenced below.
- Home-school transcript or a description of your educational background including subjects studied.
- Official transcripts from any secondary school attended prior to or in addition to home schooling.
- A copy of the GED test results if obtained.
- Official transcripts from any colleges or universities attended.
- Three signed letters of recommendation from individuals who can attest to the student’s academic ability.
- A written statement from the student that includes the student’s goals, educational and/or professional objectives, an explanation of past academic performance, information and/or documentation regarding any extenuating circumstances and anything else the committee might find useful when reviewing your file.
- Valid government issued photo identification.
Applicants with fewer than 14 transferable semester credits completed since graduating from home-school must also meet the admission requirements for new transfers.
Non-Accredited High School Students
First-year students who graduate from non-accredited high schools (high schools without accreditation from a regional accrediting agency such as the Northwest Association of Schools and Colleges) and have earned fewer than 14 transferable semester credits since graduating from high school will have their application for admission referred to the Admissions Committee for a decision.
You must submit:
- An application for admission.
- $50 application fee (nonrefundable). No application fee required for Idaho residents.
- ACT or SAT test scores. If you have an ACT composite of 26 or higher or an SAT Evidence Based Reading + Math score of 1260 or higher, you are not required to submit the letters of recommendation or the written statement referenced below.
- Official high school transcript showing the work completed.
- A copy of the GED test results if obtained.
- Official transcripts from any colleges or universities attended.
- Three signed letters of recommendation from individuals who can attest to the student’s academic ability.
- A written statement from the student that includes the student’s goals, educational and/or professional objectives, an explanation of past academic performance, information and/or documentation regarding any extenuating circumstances and anything else the committee might find useful when reviewing your file.
- Valid government issued photo identification.
Applicants with fewer than 14 transferable semester credits completed after high school graduation must also meet transfer GPA requirements.
Students with Fewer Than 14 Transferable Credits
First-year students who have earned fewer than 14 transferable semester credits since high school graduation must meet both first year and transfer admission requirements.
You must submit:
- An application for admission.
- $50 application fee (nonrefundable). No application fee required for Idaho residents.
- ACT or SAT test scores.
Transfer Students
Transfer students are admitted if they have a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher (C average) on all transferable college‑level courses from accredited institutions. Students transferring into the College of Engineering from out‑of-state schools must have a minimum GPA of 2.80. Some programs may have additional transfer requirements - check with your intended department for details.
International students should review the international admission requirements as they differ from domestic transfer criteria.
As a transfer student you must submit:
- An application for admission.
- $50 application fee (non-refundable).
Academic Probation and Disqualification
The University of Idaho has regulations regarding academic standing.
- Academic Probation (L-1, L-2): At the end of a semester, students who do not attain a U of I cumulative grade-point average of 2.00 are placed on academic probation for the next semester of enrollment and are referred to the appropriate academic dean for advising. The effect of this probationary status is to serve notice that if a student's cumulative record at the end of the next semester in residence is unsatisfactory, they will be disqualified and ineligible to continue at U of I. Registration for an ensuing term must be considered tentative until the student's academic standing may be determined.
- Academic Disqualification (L-3): Students on academic probation with less than 33 cumulative net credits will be disqualified if their semester grade-point average falls below a 2.00 and their U of I cumulative grade-point average falls below a 1.80. To reregister after being academically disqualified, students must be reinstated. Registration for an ensuing term must be considered tentative until the student's academic standing may be determined.
- Reinstatement (L-4): After a first academic disqualification, students may be reinstated (i.e., have their eligibility to continue restored) by petition to and favorable action by the college in which they are enrolled OR by remaining out of U of I for at least one semester.
- Academic Warning (L-5): Students not on probation who attain a grade-point average below 2.00 during a given semester without dropping below a U of I cumulative grade-point average of 2.00 receive an academic warning.
- Summer Enrollment (L-6): Academic disqualification at the end of a spring semester does not affect a student's eligibility to continue in the immediately ensuing summer, but to register in any subsequent term, the student must be reinstated.
- Fresh Start Program (L-7): After returning to the University of Idaho, a student must complete 24 credits of academic courses with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.00 before applying for a Fresh Start. A student must apply for a Fresh Start through their College Dean's Office by the end of the semester following that in which they met these minimum credit and GPA requirements. To graduate with honors, a student in the Fresh Start Program must have at least 56 credits in U of I courses after the Fresh Start (see K-1).
Regulation L does not apply to law students.
Final Steps: Application and Beyond
Once you have a clear understanding of the GPA and test scores needed, along with the other application requirements, it's time to prepare your application.
- 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 UIdaho’s own system crashes.
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