Navigating GPA Requirements at Winston-Salem State University

For prospective students eyeing Winston-Salem State University (WSSU), understanding the GPA requirements is a crucial step in the application process. This article breaks down the GPA expectations, standardized testing policies, and other academic prerequisites for various programs at WSSU, offering a comprehensive guide for aspiring Rams.

General GPA Expectations

Winston-Salem State University seeks students who demonstrate academic preparedness. The average GPA of admitted students is around 3.33, suggesting that WSSU accepts below-average students. While it's alright to be a B-average student with some A's mixed in, applicants with a GPA at or below 3.33 should compensate with a higher SAT or ACT score.

The university's acceptance rate stands at 78.3%, indicating that it is lightly selective. Meeting the GPA requirements significantly increases the likelihood of admission.

GPA Ranges of Admitted Students

To provide a clearer picture of the GPA landscape at WSSU, here's a breakdown of GPA ranges among admitted students:

3.75+: 23.1%
3.50-3.74: 13.75%
3.25-3.49: 15.36%
3.00-3.24: 16.65%
2.50-2.99: 30.18%
2.00-2.49: Less than 1%
Below 2.00: Less than 1%

These figures highlight that a significant portion of admitted students have GPAs above 3.0, but a considerable percentage falls within the 2.50-2.99 range.

Standardized Testing Policies: SAT and ACT

Winston-Salem State University requires the SAT or ACT for some applicants. The 25th percentile SAT score is 830, while the 75th percentile is 1050. For the ACT, the 25th percentile score is 15, and the 75th percentile is 20.

Aiming for at least a score of 830 on the SAT or 15 on the ACT will substantially improve your chances of admission.

SAT/ACT Essay Policy

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

Medical Laboratory Science (MLS) Program GPA Requirements

For students interested in the on-campus professional phase of the Medical Laboratory Science (MLS) Program, specific GPA requirements must be met:

A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5.
A math/science GPA of 2.8 on a 4.0 scale.

In addition to these GPA requirements, students must complete general education requirements and MLS pre-professional courses before applying for the professional phase. Completed applications are due in the office of the Chair, Department of Medical Laboratory Science during the spring semester.

Essential Functions for MLS Students

Beyond academic qualifications, MLS students must also meet certain physical and emotional requirements:

Sufficient upper body muscle coordination and dexterity to handle specimens and equipment safely.
Ability to perform delicate manipulations on specimens and equipment.
Ability to lift and move objects up to 50 pounds.
Emotional stability to work accurately and safely under stress.
Effective communication skills in verbal and written English.
Attributes such as integrity, responsibility, and tolerance.

These standards are essential for admission, retention, and graduation from the program.

Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) Program Prerequisites

Applicants to the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program at WSSU must meet specific academic prerequisites, including GPA considerations.

Application Submission via PTCAS

Applicants should not submit an additional graduate school application directly to WSSU’s Graduate School; application materials are only accepted via PTCAS (Physical Therapist Centralized Application Service).

GRE Scores

WSSU DPT does not require a minimum GRE score to apply. However, applicants must submit an official GRE score report to PTCAS using the code #7635. Manually entered scores will not meet this requirement.

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Letters of Recommendation and Observation Hours

One letter of recommendation must come from a professor, preferably in the applicant's major.
Applicants must complete at least 25 hours of verified observation time, preferably with a licensed Physical Therapist (PT), to apply to the program. Up to 100 hours of observations are recommended. All observation hours must be verified at the time the application is submitted.

Prerequisite Coursework

Transcripts with three or more incomplete prerequisite courses at the time of submission will not be accepted.
Applicants must complete an Academic Update once they have completed current coursework.
At least 10 of the 12 prerequisite courses MUST be completed by the end of the 2025 Fall Semester.
A minimum of 11 of the 12 prerequisite courses MUST be completed by the end of the 2026 Spring Semester, with all prerequisite coursework completed by the end of the 2026 Summer Semester.
Any grade of a C- or below is not accepted as a prerequisite and must be repeated. The higher of grades from repeated attempts will be used to calculate the prerequisite GPA.
Canadian coursework is not included in PTCAS GPAs, and the transcript will be evaluated separately.

Application Deadlines

The priority deadline for the DPT program is November 3, 2025, and the final deadline is February 16, 2026.

General Application Requirements

Regardless of the specific program, all applicants to Winston-Salem State University must submit:

High school transcript and GPA.
Application form.
Other core information.

Additional materials may include SAT and ACT scores, letters of recommendation, application essays, and interviews.

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