collageXavier University Requirements for Admission
What are Xavier University’s admission requirements? While there are a lot of pieces that go into a college application, you should focus on only a few critical things:
- GPA requirements
- Testing requirements, including SAT and ACT requirements
- Application requirements
In this guide we’ll cover what you need to get into Xavier University and build a strong application.
School location: Cincinnati, OH
Admissions Rate: 73.1%
If you want to get in, the first thing to look at is the acceptance rate. This tells you how competitive the school is and how serious their requirements are.
The acceptance rate at Xavier University is 73.1%. For every 100 applicants, 73 are admitted.
This means the school is lightly selective. The school will have their expected requirements for GPA and SAT/ACT scores. If you meet their requirements, you’re almost certain to get an offer of admission. But if you don’t meet Xavier University’s requirements, you’ll be one of the unlucky few people who gets rejected.
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Xavier University GPA Requirements
Many schools specify a minimum GPA requirement, but this is often just the bare minimum to submit an application without immediately getting rejected.
The GPA requirement that really matters is the GPA you need for a real chance of getting in. For this, we look at the school’s average GPA for its current students.
Average GPA: 3.52
The average GPA at Xavier University is 3.52.
(Most schools use a weighted GPA out of 4.0, though some report an unweighted GPA.
With a GPA of 3.52, Xavier University requires you to be around average in your high school class. You’ll need a mix of A’s and B’s, and very few C’s. If you have a lower GPA, you can compensate with harder courses like AP or IB classes. This will help boost your weighted GPA and show your ability to take college 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 3.52, you’ll need a higher SAT or ACT score to compensate. This will help you compete effectively against other applicants who have higher GPAs than you.
SAT and ACT Requirements
Each school has different requirements for standardized testing. Most schools require the SAT or ACT, and many also require SAT subject tests.
You must take either the SAT or ACT to submit an application to Xavier University. More importantly, you need to do well to have a strong application.
Xavier University SAT Requirements
Many schools say they have no SAT score cutoff, but the truth is that there is a hidden SAT requirement. This is based on the school’s average score.
Average SAT: 1170
The average SAT score composite at Xavier University is a 1170 on the 1600 SAT scale.
This score makes Xavier University Competitive for SAT test scores.
Xavier University SAT Score Analysis (New 1600 SAT)
The 25th percentile New SAT score is 1060, and the 75th percentile New SAT score is 1270. In other words, a 1060 on the New SAT places you below average, while a 1270 will move you up to above average.
Here’s the breakdown of new SAT scores by section:
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
| Math | 570 | 520 | 620 |
| Reading + Writing | 600 | 540 | 650 |
| Composite | 1170 | 1060 | 1270 |
SAT Score Choice Policy
The Score Choice policy at your school is an important part of your testing strategy.
Xavier University has the Score Choice policy of “Highest Section.”
This is also known as “superscoring.” This means that you can choose which SAT tests you want to send to the school. Of all the scores they receive, your application readers will consider your highest section scores across all SAT test dates you submit.
Click below to learn more about how superscoring critically affects your test strategy.How does superscoring change your test strategy?(Click to Learn)
For example, say you submit the following 3 test scores:
| Section | R+W | Math | Composite |
| Test 1 | 700 | 300 | 1000 |
| Test 2 | 300 | 700 | 1000 |
| Test 3 | 300 | 300 | 600 |
| Superscore | 700 | 700 | 1400 |
Even though the highest total you scored on any one test date was 1000, Xavier University will take your highest section score from all your test dates, then combine them to form your Superscore. You can raise your composite score from 1000 to 1400 in this example.
This is important for your testing strategy. Because you can choose which tests to send in, and Xavier University 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. Your application readers will only see that one score.
Therefore, if your SAT superscore is currently below a 1060, we strongly recommend that you consider prepping for the SAT and retaking it. You have a very good chance of raising your score, which will significantly boost your chances of getting in.
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. This will give you the highest Superscore possible.
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Xavier University ACT Requirements
Just like for the SAT, Xavier University likely doesn’t have a hard ACT cutoff, but if you score too low, your application will get tossed in the trash.
Average ACT: 25
The average ACT score at Xavier University is 25. This score makes Xavier University Moderately Competitive for ACT scores.
The 25th percentile ACT score is 22, and the 75th percentile ACT score is 27.
Even though Xavier University likely says they have no minimum ACT requirement, if you apply with a 22 or below, you’ll have a harder time getting in, unless you have something else impressive in your application.
ACT Score Sending Policy
If you’re taking the ACT as opposed to the SAT, you have a huge advantage in how you send scores, and this dramatically affects your testing strategy.
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. This is unlike the SAT, where many schools require you to send all your tests ever taken.
This means that you have more chances than you think to improve your ACT score. To try to aim for the school’s ACT requirement of 22 and above, you should try to take the ACT as many times as you can. When you have the final score that you’re happy with, you can then send only that score to all your schools.
ACT Superscore Policy
By and large, most colleges do not superscore the ACT. (Superscore means that the school takes your best section scores from all the test dates you submit, and then combines them into the best possible composite score). Thus, most schools will just take your highest ACT score from a single sitting.
However, from our research, Xavier University is understood to superscore the ACT. We couldn’t confirm it directly from the school’s admissions website, but multiple sources confirm that the school does superscore the ACT. We recommend you call their admissions office directly for more information.
Superscoring is powerful to your testing strategy, and you need to make sure you plan your testing accordingly. Of all the scores that Xavier University receives, your application readers will consider your highest section scores across all ACT test dates you submit.
Click below to learn more about how superscoring critically affects your test strategy.How does superscoring change your test strategy?(Click to Learn)
For example, say you submit the following 4 test scores:
| English | Math | Reading | Science | Composite | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test 1 | 32 | 16 | 16 | 16 | 20 |
| Test 2 | 16 | 32 | 16 | 16 | 20 |
| Test 3 | 16 | 16 | 32 | 16 | 20 |
| Test 4 | 16 | 16 | 16 | 32 | 20 |
| Superscore | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 |
Even though the highest ACT composite you scored on any one test date was 20, Xavier University will take your highest section score from all your test dates, then combine them to form your Superscore. You can raise your composite score from 20 to 32 in this example.
This is important for your testing strategy. Because you can choose which tests to send in, and Xavier University forms your Superscore, you can take the ACT as many times as you want, then submit only the tests that give you the highest Superscore. Your application readers will only see that one score.
Therefore, if your ACT score is currently below a 22, we strongly recommend that you consider prepping for the ACT and retaking it. You have a very good chance of raising your score, which will significantly boost your chances of getting in.
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 ACT. Then focus on Math for the next test, and so on. This will give you the highest Superscore possible.
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SAT/ACT Writing Section Requirements
Both the SAT and ACT have an optional essay section.
Xavier University considers the SAT Essay/ACT Writing section optional and may not include it as part of their admissions consideration. You don’t need to worry too much about Writing for this school, but other schools you’re applying to may require it.
SAT Subject Test Requirements
Schools vary in their SAT subject test requirements. Typically, selective schools tend to require them, while most schools in the country do not.
We did not find information that Xavier University requires SAT subject tests, and so most likely it does not. At least 6 months before applying, you should still doublecheck just to make sure, so you have enough time to take the test.
Final Admissions Verdict
Because this school is lightly selective, you have a great shot at getting in, as long as you don’t fall well below average. Aim for a 1060 SAT or a 22 ACT or higher, and you’ll almost certainly get an offer of admission. As long as you meet the rest of the application requirements below, you’ll be a shoo-in.
But if you score below our recommended target score, you may be one of the very few unlucky people to get rejected.
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Learn more about PrepScholar Admissions to maximize your chance of getting in.
Admissions Calculator
What are your chances of admission at Xavier University?Chances of admission with these scores:71.99%
Here’s our custom admissions calculator. Plug in your numbers to see what your chances of getting in are.
Pick your test: New SAT ACTSAT ScoreYour GPA
Note: Your admission decision relies not only on your GPA and SAT/ACT scores, but also on your coursework difficulty, extracurriculars, letters of recommendation, and personal statements. This tool provides only a simplistic estimate of your chances of admission. Instead of treating this tool as a crystal ball, we recommend you consider the big picture of what your chance means:
- 80-100%: Safety school: Strong chance of getting in
- 50-80%: More likely than not getting in
- 20-50%: Lower but still good chance of getting in
- 5-20%: Reach school: Unlikely to get in, but still have a shot
- 0-5%: Hard reach school: Very difficult to get in
We recommend you apply to schools across a range of chances. Applying to some safety schools will guarantee you have a college to go to, while applying to some reach schools will give you a shot at getting into the school at the top of your range.
How would your chances improve with a better score?
Take your current SAT score and add 160 points (or take your ACT score and add 4 points) to the calculator above. See how much your chances improve?
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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. We’ll cover the exact requirements of Xavier University here.
Application Requirements Overview
- Common ApplicationAccepted
- Universal ApplicationNot accepted
- Electronic ApplicationAvailable
- Essay or Personal StatementRequired for all freshmen
- Letters of Recommendation1
- InterviewNot required
- Application Fee$35: may be reduced if applying online. Check with Admissions Office
- Fee Waiver Available?Available
- Other Notes
Testing Requirements
- SAT or ACTRequired
- SAT Essay or ACT WritingOptional
- SAT Subject Tests
- Scores Due in OfficeFebruary 1
Coursework Requirements
- SubjectRequired Years
- English
- Math
- Science
- Foreign Language
- Social Studies
- History
- Electives
Deadlines and Early Admissions
-
- Offered?DeadlineNotification
- Regular Admission
- YesRollingRolling, notification begins October 15
- Early Action
- No
- Early Decision
- No
Admissions Office Information
- Address:3800
Cincinnati, OH 45207 - Phone:(513) 745-3301
- Fax:(513) 745-4319
- Email:xuadmit@xavier.edu
Other Schools For You
If you’re interested in Xavier University, you’ll probably be interested in these schools as well. We’ve divided them into 3 categories depending on how hard they are to get into, relative to Xavier University.
Reach Schools: Harder to Get Into
These schools are have higher average SAT scores than Xavier University. If you improve your SAT score, you’ll be competitive for these schools.
| School Name | Location | SAT Avg | ACT Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Syracuse University | Syracuse, NY | 1275 | 28 |
| United States Military Academy | West Point, NY | 1270 | 28 |
| Penn State University Park | University Park, PA | 1265 | 28 |
| University of Cincinnati | Cincinnati, OH | 1265 | 27 |
| Hofstra University | Hempstead, NY | 1250 | 28 |
| Temple University | Philadelphia, PA | 1238 | 27 |
| Seton Hall University | South Orange, NJ | 1231 | 26 |
Same Level: Equally Hard to Get Into
If you’re competitive for Xavier University, these schools will offer you a similar chance of admission.
| School Name | Location | SAT Avg | ACT Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Oregon | Eugene, OR | 1185 | 25 |
| University of Alabama | Tuscaloosa, AL | 1184 | 27 |
| Colorado State University | Fort Collins, CO | 1180 | 26 |
| Quinnipiac University | Hamden, CT | 1175 | 26 |
| Ohio University | Athens, OH | 1170 | 24 |
| University of North Texas | Denton, TX | 1160 | 23 |
| University of Texas at Arlington | Arlington, TX | 1160 | 23 |
Safety Schools: Easier to Get Into
If you’re currently competitive for Xavier University, you should have no problem getting into these schools. If Xavier University is currently out of your reach, you might already be competitive for these schools.
| School Name | Location | SAT Avg | ACT Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hampton University | Hampton, VA | 1130 | 22 |
| Washington State University | Pullman, WA | 1125 | 23 |
| University of Texas at San Antonio | San Antonio, TX | 1125 | 22 |
| East Carolina University | Greenville, NC | 1105 | 22 |
| Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University | Tallahassee, FL | 1105 | 21 |
| Indiana University – Purdue University Indianapolis | Indianapolis, IN | 1100 | 22 |
| Texas State University | San Marcos, TX | 1095 | 23 |
Want to build the best possible college application?
We can help. PrepScholar Admissions is the world’s best admissions consulting service. We combine world-class admissions counselors with our data-driven, proprietary admissions strategies. We’ve overseen thousands of students get into their top choice schools, from state colleges to the Ivy League.
We know what kinds of students colleges want to admit. We want to get you admitted to your dream schools.
Learn more about PrepScholar Admissions to maximize your chance of getting in.
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Xavier Admission Requirements
CINCINNATI, OHIO
Chances of getting into Xavier University
Acceptance Rate
ACCEPTANCE RATE
73.8%
| Admission Standards | Difficult | |
| Applicant Competition | Low |
How hard is it to get into Xavier and can I get accepted? The school has a 74% acceptance rate ranking it #43 in Ohio for lowest rate of acceptance. Last year, 11,143 out of 15,100 applicants were admitted making Xavier a moderately competitive school to get into with a strong chance of acceptance if you meet the requirements. Academically, it has difficult requirements for admission test scores, generally admitting students who score in the top 42 percent. Xavier University typically accepts and attracts “B+” average high school students. Only 13% of those admitted chose to enroll in the school. Most incoming freshmen graduated in the top quarter of their high school class.
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Xavier SAT Scores
SAT Requirements & Average SAT Score
SAT RANGE
1070-1250
APPLICANTS SUBMITTING SAT
42%
| SAT Reading 25th | 540 |
| SAT Math 25th | 530 |
| SAT Composite 25th | 1070 |
| SAT Reading 75th | 630 |
| SAT Math 75th | 620 |
| SAT Composite 75th | 1250 |
| Average SAT Score | 1160 |
SAT Scores you need to get in
What are the SAT requirements for students to be admitted to Xavier University?
Xavier University typically requires applicants to be in the top 47 percent of SAT test takers. The school consistently takes SAT composite scores down to 1070 on a 1600 scale, below which admission should be considered a reach. We estimate some students could be accepted with SAT’s as low as 980. The estimated average SAT composite for admitted freshman is 1160 out of 1600. The school ranks #17 in Ohio for highest average SAT composite score. 42 percent of applicants submit SAT scores to the school. Note: SAT scores presented on this page have been adjusted upwards per the College Board’s concordance tables for test takers after March 2016.Data Sources, IPEDS for Fall 2018 starting class
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Estimated Chance of Acceptance by SAT Score
| SAT SCORE (1600 SCALE) | COMPETITIVENESS | ADMISSION CHANCES |
|---|---|---|
| 1250 and Above | Good | >83% |
| 1160 to 1250 | Avg + | 74%-83% |
| 1070 to 1160 | Avg – | 63%-74% |
| 980 to 1070 | Reach | 50%-63% |
| Less than 980 | Low | <50% |
Xavier ACT Scores
ACT Requirements & Average ACT Score
ACT RANGE
22-28
APPLICANTS SUBMITTING ACT
71%
| ACT Reading 25th | 22 |
| ACT Math 25th | 21 |
| ACT Composite 25th | 22 |
| ACT Reading 75th | 29 |
| ACT Math 75th | 27 |
| ACT Composite 75th | 28 |
| Average ACT Score | 25 |
ACT Scores needed to get accepted
What are the ACT requirements for prospective students to get into Xavier?
Admission data indicates that Xavier regularly accepts students with ACT’s of 22 and above. Successful applicants typically send ACT scores in the top 37 percent nationally. We estimate the school accepting minimum ACT composite scores around 19 in some instances. Prospective students submitting an ACT composite of 25 or higher should be in the upper half of applicants – and students with a 28 and above have very competitive chances. The school ranks #13 in Ohio for highest average ACT composite score. Scoring well on the ACT is very important as 71 percent of applicants submit ACT scores to Xavier University.Data Sources, IPEDS for Fall 2018 starting class
Estimated Chance of Acceptance by ACT Score
| ACT SCORE | COMPETITIVENESS | ADMISSION CHANCES |
|---|---|---|
| 28 and Above | Good | >83% |
| 25 to 28 | Avg + | 74%-83% |
| 22 to 25 | Avg – | 63%-74% |
| 19 to 22 | Reach | 50%-63% |
| Less than 19 | Low | <50% |
Estimated GPA Requirements & Average GPA
AVG. HIGH SCHOOL GPA
3.62
TYPICAL HIGH SCHOOL GRADES
B+
You will need very good grades in high school to get into Xavier University. The average high school GPA of the admitted freshman class at Xavier University was 3.62 on the 4.0 scale indicating that primarily B+ students are accepted and ultimately attend. The school ranks #10 in Ohio for highest average GPA. If your high school GPA meets these requirements, there is a good chance you will be accepted as Xavier accepts 74% of students who apply.
| HIGH SCHOOL GPA | FRESHMEN WITHIN RANGE | COMPETITIVENESS |
|---|---|---|
| 3.75+ | 33% | Good |
| 3.50 to 3.75 | 20% | Avg + |
| 3.25 to 3.50 | 19% | Avg – |
| 3.00 to 3.25 | 12% | Avg – |
| 2.75 to 3.00 | 14% | Reach |
| 2.50 to 2.75 | 2% | Reach |
| 2.25 to 2.50 | N/A% | Low |
| 2.00 to 2.25 | N/A% | Low |
GPA Data Source, Wintergreen Orchard House
High School Class Rank
54% of Xavier University freshman were in the top twenty five percent of their high school graduating class.
| HIGH SCHOOL CLASS RANK | FRESHMEN WITHIN RANGE |
|---|---|
| Top 10% of class | 22% |
| Top 25% of class | 54% |
| Top 50% of class | 85% |
| Bottom 50% of class | 15% |
| Bottom 25% of class | 3% |
Data Sources, Wintergreen Orchard House
Admission Statistics
| WOMEN | MEN | TOTAL | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Applied | 8,256 | 6,844 | 15,100 |
| Accepted | 6,038 | 5,105 | 11,143 |
| Acceptance Rate | 73% | 75% | 74% |
| Enrolled | 714 | 688 | 1,402 |
| Percent of Admitted Who Enrolled (Admission Yield) | 12% | 13% | 13% |
Admission Requirements
What are the requirements for admission to Xavier University and what considerations affect admission decisions?
| Test Scores | Required |
| High School GPA | Required |
| High School Class Rank | Recommended |
| Completion of College Preparatory Program | Recommended |
| Recommendations | Required |
| Demonstration of Competencies | Neither required nor recommended |
Credits Accepted
| AP Credit | Yes |
| Dual Credit | Yes |
| Credit for Life Experiences | No |
Other Colleges to Consider
Hanover College
Hanover, Indiana
The University of Findlay
Findlay, Ohio
Grace College and Theological Seminary
Winona Lake, Indiana
Saint Mary’s College
Notre Dame, Indiana
Baldwin Wallace College
Berea, Ohio
Albion College
Albion, Michigan
Johnson University
Knoxville, Tennessee
Primary data source, U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=206622 IPEDS survey data for Xavier University.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Xavier University prefer SAT or ACT?
42% of students submit their SAT scores to Xavier. 71% of applicants send their ACT scores when applying.
What is my chance of getting into Xavier University?
What SAT score is required for Xavier University?
What ACT score is required for Xavier University?
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