University of Oregon: Understanding GPA and Admission Requirements

Gaining admission to a university requires careful planning and a thorough understanding of the institution's requirements. The University of Oregon (UO) seeks students with strong academic records and diverse experiences. This article breaks down the GPA requirements and other factors considered for admission, offering a comprehensive guide for prospective students.

Standard Admission Requirements for Freshmen

The University of Oregon defines a freshman applicant as a student who will not attempt any post-secondary (college) coursework after high school graduation (or earning a GED). This is separate from any coursework while enrolled in high school (AP, IB, AICE, dual enrollment, or college in HS). To be considered for admission as a freshman, applicants must meet several standard requirements, encompassing academic preparation, submission of transcripts, and optional standardized test scores.

High School Graduation

Applicants must graduate from a standard or accredited high school. Proof of graduation must be from a valid high school or an entity the university accepts their certification of graduation. If the Secretary of Education has reason to believe that the high school diploma is not valid or was not obtained from an entity that provides secondary school education, your file will require additional review.

College Preparatory Courses

A minimum of 15 college preparatory courses with a grade of C- or better is required. These courses should include:

English/Language Arts-4 years: All four years should be in preparatory composition and literature with emphasis on and frequent practice in writing expository prose.
Mathematics-3 years: Effective through fall 2023 enrollment, coursework must include first-year algebra and two additional years of college-preparatory mathematics, including Algebra II (or equivalent) or higher. An advanced mathematics course is highly recommended in your senior year. One year of either algebra or geometry taken prior to ninth grade are acceptable. Effective for enrollment after fall 2023, students interested in attending a State of Oregon Public Higher Education Institution should take at least three years of high school math. The third year could be satisfied by any math course with a primary focus on concepts in algebra, calculus, data science, discrete mathematics, geometry, mathematical analysis, probability, or statistics. Prospective students are encouraged to take a fourth math course in their senior year. Those intending to study a STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) major or another field for which calculus is required are strongly encouraged to take pre-calculus and, if possible, calculus in high school.
Science-3 years: Must include a year each in two fields of college-preparatory science such as biology, chemistry, physics, or earth and physical science. One year of laboratory science is recommended.
Social studies-3 years: Complete three years of social studies from such areas as global studies, history, or social studies electives.
Second language-2 years: The UO offers several options for meeting the second-language requirement.

Transcript Submission

Applicants must submit their self-reported transcript. Self-reported transcript information [Self-Reported Transcript and Academic Record System (STARS)] must be provided in order for your application to be reviewed. Prior to enrolling at the UO, submit a final official transcript confirming graduation and showing all academic course work. If you have completed dual-enrollment or college (post-secondary) we would need a copy of your official college or dual-enrollment transcript prior to enrollment.

Standardized Tests (Optional)

Effective with applicants for fall 2021 or beyond, submitting scores from the SAT/ACT is now optional for admissions. Many students will still provide scores, so if you do send them, we prefer scores to be sent directly from the testing service. We also accept scores reported on official high school transcripts. The school code number for the SAT Reasoning Test is 4846; the code for the ACT is 3498.

Application Essay

The UO is interested in learning more about you. Write an essay of 650 words or less that shares information that we cannot find elsewhere on your application. Any topic you choose is welcome. Some ideas you might consider include your future ambitions and goals; a special talent, extracurricular activity, or unusual interest that sets you apart from your peers; or a significant experience that influenced your life. If you are applying to the UO's Robert D. Clark Honors College, we recommend submitting a separate essay for the honors college prompt and the UO admissions application essay prompt to give those reviewing your application as much information about you as possible.

Optional Second Essay

As you’ve looked into what it will be like to attend Oregon, you’ve hopefully learned about what makes Ducks Ducks. No two are alike, though, so tell us what makes you you, and how that connects to our campus community. We are interested in your thoughts and experiences recognizing difference and supporting equity and inclusion, and choosing one of the two options below will guide you in sharing those thoughts. Maximum statement length is 500 words. This statement is not required.

What have you learned from a social justice issue that inspires you, and how will you apply those lessons to drive change?
The University of Oregon values difference, and we take pride in our diverse community. Please explain how you will share your experiences, values, and interests with our community. In what ways can you imagine offering your support to others?

Understanding GPA Expectations

While the University of Oregon does not explicitly state a minimum GPA requirement, it is generally expected that applicants will have above-average grades. Aiming for a mix of A's and B's, with more A's than B's, is advisable. Taking harder classes, like AP or IB classes, can compensate for a lower GPA.

GPA and Holistic Review

Applicants with a GPA below 3.00 on a 4.00 scale are not generally considered eligible for admission. However, they will still be reviewed for a combination of factors in a holistic fashion as appropriate. The UO employs a holistic review process, considering various factors beyond GPA, including coursework difficulty, extracurricular activities, letters of recommendation, and personal statements.

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Test-Optional Policy and Score Considerations

Submitting scores from the SAT/ACT is now optional for admissions. Many students will still provide scores, so if you do send them, we prefer scores to be sent directly from the testing service. We also accept scores reported on official high school transcripts. Our school code number for the SAT Reasoning Test is 4846; our code for the ACT is 3498.

SAT Score Insights

The 25th percentile SAT score is 1130, and the 75th percentile SAT score is 1360. This is also known as "superscoring." This means that you can choose which SAT tests you want to send to the school. Because you can choose which tests to send in, and University of Oregon 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 1130, 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 Score Insights

The average ACT score at University of Oregon is 26. The 25th percentile ACT score is 23, and the 75th percentile ACT score is 30. Here it is: when you send ACT scores to colleges, you have absolute control over which tests you send. You could take 10 tests, and only send your highest one. By and large, most colleges do not superscore the ACT. To try to aim for the school's ACT requirement of 23 and above, you should try to take the ACT as many times as you can.

Holistic Review: Beyond GPA and Test Scores

The University of Oregon utilizes a holistic admission process, meaning that they assess applicants based on a wide array of factors, not just academic metrics. This approach allows the admissions committee to gain a comprehensive understanding of each applicant's potential and how they might contribute to the university community.

Key Factors in Holistic Review

Coursework Difficulty: The rigor of the applicant's high school coursework, including the number of AP, IB, or honors courses taken, is considered.
Extracurricular Activities: Involvement in clubs, sports, volunteer work, and other activities demonstrates a student's interests, leadership skills, and commitment to their community.
Letters of Recommendation: Recommendations from teachers and counselors provide insights into the applicant's character, work ethic, and academic abilities.
Personal Statements and Essays: These written components allow applicants to showcase their personality, values, and experiences, and to articulate their goals and aspirations.

The Importance of Essays

Freshman applicants are required to submit an essay that serves as a personal statement to show not only writing ability but also insights into the applicant’s personal characteristics. The UO is interested in learning more about you. Write an essay of 650 words or less that shares information that we cannot find elsewhere on your application. Any topic you choose is welcome. Some ideas you might consider include your future ambitions and goals; a special talent, extracurricular activity, or unusual interest that sets you apart from your peers; or a significant experience that influenced your life. If you are applying to the UO's Robert D. Clark Honors College, we recommend submitting a separate essay for the honors college prompt and the UO admissions application essay prompt to give those reviewing your application as much information about you as possible.

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The UO provides an optional second essay. As you’ve looked into what it will be like to attend Oregon, you’ve hopefully learned about what makes Ducks Ducks. No two are alike, though, so tell us what makes you you, and how that connects to our campus community. We are interested in your thoughts and experiences recognizing difference and supporting equity and inclusion, and choosing one of the two options below will guide you in sharing those thoughts. Maximum statement length is 500 words. This statement is not required.

What have you learned from a social justice issue that inspires you, and how will you apply those lessons to drive change?
The University of Oregon values difference, and we take pride in our diverse community. Please explain how you will share your experiences, values, and interests with our community. In what ways can you imagine offering your support to others?

Activities Outside the Classroom

Most applicants are required to share a set number of examples of their activities outside the classroom. Students choose a variety of ways to be involved in activities-lead, volunteer, intern, hold jobs, and achieve special recognition. No type of activity will be valued more highly than another, so students should consider anything they have done as a possibility to share and discuss. However, applicants are limited to a finite number of items, because the selection process does not reward sheer volume of activity.

Additional Statements

Applicants whose high school or college performance was affected by any serious illness, diagnosed disability, personal difficulties, or family circumstances should provide a statement to summarize their situation. Dates should be included when applicable.

Alternative Admission

If you do not meet one or more of the standard admission requirements, review the options for alternative admission, including information for students from nonaccredited high schools. The UO welcomes applications from students who have not met the standard admission requirements or have graduated from nonaccredited high schools.

Admission for Transfer Students

The amount of credit transferred depends on the nature of the applicant’s college work, which is evaluated according to the academic requirements of the University of Oregon. Only college-level academic course work from regionally accredited two- and four-year colleges or universities will be considered for transfer. An official transcript from each college and university attended. It is a firm requirement that applicants submit transcripts from any previous institution where credit was attempted, regardless of the grades or amount of credit earned, and regardless of how or whether the applicant intends to apply these credits toward UO requirements. A high school transcript is not always required, but is often needed-not only for admission but for federal aid eligibility. Transfer students may submit their applications up to six months before they plan to enroll at the university, but may be asked to provide updated transcripts before final decisions are reached.

Admission for International Students

International applicants, whether freshman or transfer, may apply for admission fall, winter, and spring terms and summer session. All deadlines are the same as for US students in these categories. Applications received after the deadlines are considered on a space-available basis.

English Proficiency

Students whose native language is not English must supply results of a standardized language-proficiency test. The University of Oregon currently accepts the TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test (DET) examinations for establishing proficiency, as well as the SAT or ACT. To be considered for full admission without an English placement test upon arriving, applicants must score an 88 on the TOEFL iBT, 6.5 in the IELTS, or a 100 on the DET. An applicant with at least a 61 TOEFL or 6.0 IELTS can be considered for full admission and will take an English language placement test after arriving at the university. Placement test results determine whether students are required to take language support courses in the Academic English for International Students (AEIS) program.

Conditional Admission

International applicants who do not meet the proficiency requirements above may be offered conditional admission if their academic record is otherwise strong for admission.

Required Documents

Official transcripts of all schoolwork taken beyond the eighth year of school (i.e., the equivalent of the American secondary school grades 9-12 and for any college or university work). An official transcript is an original or a certified copy in a sealed envelope. Proof of sufficient funds to pay one year’s tuition and living expenses while at the University of Oregon, consisting of a bank statement or certificate of balance prepared within the last six months, or a scholarship letter.

Graduate Admission

A candidate for admission to the graduate program must hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year university and is recommended to have a grade point average (GPA) of 3.30 or better for all academic work. The Global Studies Graduate Application is primarily an online process. You may upload PDF copies of your statement of purpose and resume. Your recommendation letter writers may upload PDF copies of your recommendation letters.

GRE Test or Writing Sample

Traditionally programs like ours have used the GRE as a key indicator of an applicant’s capacity for the kind of focused, informed, and goal-oriented work graduate level study requires. While we see value in this type of assessment, we are aware of its intellectual limits, and we are sensitive to the logistical and financial challenges it may present for people applying to our program. In our experience, we have found that substantive writing samples can offer an equally valid and informative indicator of the potential for success in our program. For these reasons we allow applicants to choose to submit a) GRE scores OR b) a writing sample*.

*If you decide on the writing sample, select your submission carefully in order to give the faculty a good sense of your ability to craft a clear written argument. The sample may be an academic paper (a class paper or thesis), or another format that demonstrates your analytical writing skills (e.g.: a policy brief or published news story). Please do not submit a document longer than 7,000 words (a maximum of 20 pages of double-spaced 12-point font). Shorter pieces or extracts of longer pieces are acceptable. Should you excerpt from a longer work (e.g. an undergraduate or M.A. thesis), please include a brief explanatory note providing the context of the selection and a description of the scope and argument of the larger work. Plagiarized samples will disqualify the applicant. This upload is separate from the "Personal Statement/Written Essay" upload. If you use this option, your application will have two writing uploads.

TOEFL or IELTS

International students and applicants whose native language is not English must show proof of language proficiency by passing the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS). TOEFL minimum scores - 575 on the paper-based test or 90 on the internet-based test. IELTS minimum scores - (Academic module) overall band score for graduate admission is 7.0. We suggest you take the exam 4-6 weeks before the application deadline of January 5. We must receive your official scores no later than January 5. Please see the English Language Proficiency Requirement for more information. TOEFL or IELTS Waiver - International students who have graduated from an accredited 4-year US university or from one of the following countries: Australia, Canada (excluding Quebec), Ireland, New Zealand, or the United Kingdom are not required to take the TOEFL or IELTS.

Transcripts

As of 2023, official transcripts are no longer required with application, unless a student is accepted into the program. If the latter, applicants must submit unofficial transcripts from all colleges or universities where they received a bachelor's degree and all subsequent degrees, including the University of Oregon. Applicants who accept their offer of admission and matriculate must submit official transcripts from all colleges or universities from which they received a bachelor’s degree or higher. Detailed information about submitting official transcripts is available here. Transcripts must show degrees awarded. Required documents must be sent directly from the institution to the Office of the Registrar. If you are accepted for admission, your official degree transcript must be sent as soon as you have graduated.

Application Process

Ready to apply? Start your application on Slate, the centralized application portal for graduate admissions at the University of Oregon. An application fee of $70 (for domestic applicants) and $90 (for international applicants) must accompany this application. The Division of Graduate Studies may waive the application fee if you qualify. Check out link below to find out: 1) if you qualify, 2) type of waiver for which you qualify, and 3) how to apply for the waiver.

Admission to the Lundquist College of Business

Students seeking standard admission will need to complete the lower division core and supporting coursework, meet the GPA requirements, and apply to become a business or accounting major around the time they complete 90 credits.

Steps to Apply

Apply to the University of Oregon: If you want to pursue an undergraduate degree in business at the University of Oregon, the first step is to apply to the university through the UO Office of Admissions and select “pre-business” as your major. You can do this as early as the beginning of your senior year in high school.
Complete lower-division business course and GPA requirements: Students who achieve a 3.0 cumulative GPA (including their transfer work) as well as a 3.0 in their lower division business core will qualify for guaranteed admission, pending successful completion of the online application.
Apply for full business or accounting major status: In the term you completes your lower division business requirements, you should apply for admission to the Lundquist College of Business as a full major. You can major in business administration or accounting with the option to concentrate your degree in select focus areas.

Pre-business students can gain admission to the full business or accounting major through one of two ways:

Guaranteed Admission: Students who achieve a 3.0 cumulative GPA (including their transfer work) as well as a 3.0 in their lower division core will qualify for guaranteed admission, pending successful completion of the online application (essays, cover letter, resume, transcripts).
Holistic Review: Students who have demonstrated a strong academic record-but do not meet the 3.0 GPA requirements-may also submit an application to compete for admission. This is a competitive selection process and students should be strategic in developing their holistic qualifications.

Key Takeaways

The University of Oregon employs a holistic admission process, considering various factors beyond GPA and test scores.
While there is no explicitly stated minimum GPA, aiming for above-average grades is advisable.
Submitting SAT/ACT scores is optional; however, strong scores can enhance an application.
Extracurricular activities, letters of recommendation, and personal statements play a significant role in the admission decision.
Alternative admission pathways are available for students who do not meet the standard requirements.

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