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Colleges / Salem State University

Salem State University

Salem, MA 4-Year Public
Acceptance Rate86%

Salem State University Admissions

It is not difficult to get into Salem State University. Around 86% of applicants get into Salem State University each year. Last year, 5,825 students applied to Salem State University and 4,985 were admitted.

If you are planning on applying to Salem State University, the regular decision application deadline is June 1 and the application fee costs $50.

Salem State University Admissions Stats at a Glance

The following is an overiew of some of Salem State University's admissions stats.

Salem State University 2023 Admissions Statistics
Mean Unweighted GPA 3.2
Mean SAT Score 1065
Admissions Test Policy Test Optional
Applicants Who Submit SATs 66%
Waitlist No

Salem State University Application Deadlines

These are the application deadlines for Salem State University.

Application Type Offered Application Deadline Notification Deadline
Early Decision I No
Early Decision II
Early Action Yes November 15
Regular Decision Yes 6 1

Applying Early to Salem State University?


Salem State University does not offer early decision but does offer early action.

🗓️ The Early Action deadline is November 15.

Some students apply to college early because they hope it will increase their chances of acceptance. When you apply early, your application is considered before all the regular decision applicants apply. Applying early may increase your chance of being admitted, since it shows that you are very interested in a school.

➡️ Find a list of some competetive colleges that admit significantly more applicants during early decision or early action than during regular admission.


More on Salem State University Admissions


Transferring to Salem State University

Transfer student admissions is not difficult.

For Students Waitlisted to Salem State University

Salem State University has not reported data for waitlisted and admitted students.

What Does Salem State University Look For in an Applicant?

Colleges consider a range of factors when deciding who to admit for their next incoming class. Each college determines which factors are they consider most important in the admissions process. When assembling your list of schools to apply to, you may want to consider your strengths and any possible weaknesses in your application, and apply to colleges that prioritize the areas where you stand out.

Admissions Factors at Salem State University

What does Salem State University consider during the admissions process? Take a look at the list below to see which factors are most important during the admissions process.

Admissions Factor Level
Academic GPA Very Important
Rigor of Secondary School Record Very Important
Application Essay Important
Recommendation(s) Important
Standardized Test Scores Important
Talent/Ability Important
Volunteer Work Important
Work Experience Important
Alumni/ae Relations Considered
Character/Personal Qualities Considered
Class Rank Considered
Extracurricular Activities Considered
Geographical Residence Considered
Interview Considered
Religious Affiliation/Commitment Considered
State Residency Considered
Level of Applicant's Interest Considered
First Generation Considered

Make sure to check with Salem State University for more information on admission factors.

Salem State University Application Requirements

To apply to Salem State University, all applicants must submit the following items. Double check with Salem State University's admissions department to confirm all application materials and requirements.

Area Required Recommended Required for Some Details (If Any)
Written Essay or Personal Statement
Interview
Other Requirements SAT/ACT scores
Transcript(S) of College Record
Standardized Test Scores
Statement of Good Standing From Prior Institution(S)
Transcript of High School Record

GPA and Testing


What GPA Do I Need To Get Into Salem State University?

Students admitted to Salem State University have an average unweighted GPA of 3.2.

About GPAs

Your high school grade point average (GPA) is a number that highlights your high school academic performance. A weighted GPA or an unweighted GPA are the two possible GPA scores considered by colleges.

An unweighted GPA is an average of your scores from each class on a four-point scale. Unweighted GPAs range from 4.0 to under 1.0. A weighted GPA considers your average grade and the difficulty of your classes. A weighted GPA boosts your average by adding extra points for honors or Advanced Placement courses.

Standardized Test Scores

Salem State University has a test optional admissions policy. Test optional schools allow students to choose if they want to submit ACT or SAT scores with their applications or not.

In 2021, 66% of Salem State University's first-year students submitted their SAT scores with their application.

What is a Good SAT Score for Salem State University?

To be competitive with other Salem State University applicants, you should strive to earn between 980 and 1150 (or higher!) on the SAT. At Salem State University 25% of admitted students scored higher than 1150 and 25% of scored lower than 980, but the majority of students scored somewhere in between these two numbers.The mean composite SAT score for a Salem State University student is 1065.

On the SAT Math Section, 25% of Salem State University students scored 570 or higher and 75% of students scored 490 or higher. On the SAT Critical Reading section (formerly called the Verbal section), 25% of Salem State University students scored 580 or higher, and 75% scored a 490 or higher.

More Information on Transferring to Salem State University

For transfer students, it is not difficult to get admitted to Salem State University.

For transfer students wishing to start in the fall, the deadline to apply is August 1.

Transfer students can enroll in Salem State University during the following terms:

• Fall Term

• Winter Term

• Spring Term

• Winter Term

• Summer Term


Salem State University Admissions FAQs


Can I defer my acceptance to Salem State University?

✅ Yes, admitted students can defer their admission to Salem State University.

Does Salem State University accept transfer credits?

✅ Salem State University accepts eligible transfer credits from accredited institutions. Salem State University accepts:

• CLEP subject tests • DSST/DANTES

Does Salem State University accept Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) credits?

✅ Salem State University accepts International Baccalaureate credits (IB) credits.

Do I have to submit test scores to Salem State University?

❌ No, Salem State University is test optional, so it's up to you if you want to submit test scores or not. If your scores are higher than the school's average, you probably want to include them. If your scores are average or below average, you it might make sense to leave them out of your application.

What is Salem State University's acceptance rate?

✅ Salem State University's acceptance rate is 86%.

What is the early decision acceptance rate at Salem State University?

❌ Salem State University does not offer early decision.

Want To Learn More About Salem State University?

Choose one of the options below to find out more about about Salem State University:

Overview

Student Life

Academics

Tuition & Aid

See what others say about Salem State University in the College Confidential forums

Explore other colleges in Massachusetts or use the college admissions predictor to calculate your chances of getting into some of the top colleges and universities in the U.S.

Salem State University Admissions Requirements

Admission Difficulty

Less Selective

86%

How hard is it to get into Salem State University? Salem State University is a less selective institution. The Salem State University acceptance rate is 86%. This means that the institution accepts 85 out of every 100 applicants.

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Salem State University Application Deadline

First-Year Applications are Due

Jun 1

Transfer Applications are Due

Aug 1

The deadline for Fall first-year applications to Salem State University is Jun 1.

The deadline for Fall transfer applications to Salem State University is Aug 1.

Check the school website for more information about deadlines for specific programs or special admissions programs

Salem State University SAT Scores

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Composite SAT Range

980 - 1150

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Math SAT Range

480 - 570

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Reading SAT Range

490 - 580

Estimated Chance of Acceptance by SAT Score

SAT Score

Estimated Chance

1150 and Above

Good

980 to 1150

Avg

980 and Less

Low

SAT Scores Needed to Get Accepted

The median SAT score for Salem State University students is 1065. Applicants with SAT scores of 1150 and above have a good chance of being admitted to Salem State University, while applicants with SAT scores between 980 to 1150 have an average chance of admittance, and prospective students with an SAT score below 980 have a low chance of being offered a spot at Salem State University.

Salem State University GPA

Avg. High School GPA (non-weighted)

3.17

GPA Needed to Get Accepted

At Salem State University, the average unweighted high-school GPA for admitted students is 3.17. This is the average, which means that some applicants submit GPAs lower than this and some applicants submit GPAs above this level. If your GPA falls below the average, strong test scores or other qualifications may help you make you a more competitive applicant.

Data Source: IPEDs and Peterson's Databases © 2022 Peterson's LLC All rights reserved

Quick Facts

Total Enrollment

5,716

Campus Setting

Urban

Acceptance Rate

86%

Tuition and Fees

In State

$11,979

Out-of-State

$18,119

Fall Freshmen
Application Deadline

Jun 1
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