The University of Georgia (UGA), located in Athens, Georgia, is known for both its strong academic and athletic programs. In this article, we will dive into the ACT scores and requirements for UGA. Be sure to check out our other posts that discuss UGA’s SAT stats and requirements!
UGA’s average composite ACT score is approximately 30, out of the maximum possible 36 points. This is notably higher than the national average of about 21, reflecting UGA’s high admissions standards.
The 25th percentile score for incoming students is 27, and the 75th percentile is 32. This means that the lowest 25% of scorers achieved a 27 or below, and the highest 25% of scorers had a 32 or above. These numbers reflect UGA’s high academic standards. However, this range also shows that there is no single score that guarantees admission.
The ACT composite score is the average of the scores a student achieves on each of the four test sections: English, mathematics, reading, and science. Here, we will break down the UGA ACT English and Math score statistics. Let’s start with the English section.
The average ACT English score at UGA is 34. Meanwhile, the 25th percentile sits at 32 and the 75th percentile at 35. This indicates that UGA students perform exceptionally well on the English section of the ACT, with many achieving nearly perfect scores.
The average ACT Math score for UGA is 29. In addition, the 25th and 75th percentiles are 27 and 32, respectively. Thus, an ACT Math score of 29 or above would place you around the middle 50% of scorers at UGA. Further, 25% of ACT Math scores at UGA exceed 32, while another 25% don’t exceed 27.
These scores, while slightly lower than the English section scores, are still impressive when compared to the national averages.
For the foreseeable future, UGA requires applicants to submit standardized test scores. This means that for the upcoming admissions cycle, SAT or ACT scores are mandatory for First Year and Dual Enrollment applicants.
UGA allows applicants to self-report their SAT scores on their applications, but official scores must also be submitted electronically by the respective testing agency by the application deadline. UGA does not accept scores that appear on your high school transcript, nor will they consider paper reports.
Additionally, UGA does not require the ACT Writing section and will not use it in their application review. For more information about standardized test scores at UGA, check out their Credit from Testing policy.
Among students admitted to UGA for matriculation in the fall of 2022, 26% chose to submit ACT scores. In addition, 46% submitted SAT scores. The remaining approximate 28% omitted standardized test scores from their application.
From these statistics, we can see that the SAT remains a popular standardized test for admitted UGA applicants, with nearly twice as many students choosing the SAT as the ACT. Although UGA is no longer test-optional, these statistics still demonstrate the popularity of the SAT among UGA applicants. That said, the SAT and ACT are equally accepted. There is no disadvantage to choosing one test over the other.
While UGA requires standardized test scores, it emphasizes that a high score on the SAT or ACT will not compensate for a non-competitive GPA. Your academic coursework and grades are the primary focus of the admissions decision. However, we recommend taking either the ACT or SAT at least once. A good score can boost your application, while a lower score can be omitted.
UGA does superscore the ACT. This means that they take the highest individual score of each section from all test dates to calculate the highest composite score. This policy benefits applicants who have taken the ACT more than once and received better section scores on certain dates more than others.
UGA does not have specific ACT score requirements or cutoffs, but the Board of Regents in Georgia does. To be specific, the ACT English score minimum is 17 and the ACT Math score minimum is 17. However, most admitted UGA students have standardized testing scores much higher than these benchmarks. The average ACT score is around 30, so aiming for a score at or above the average would put you in a good position.
Learn more about UGA’s ACT expectations on their Admissions Tips, Hints, & Myths webpage.
| Section | 25th | 50th | 75th |
|---|---|---|---|
| Composite | 27 | 30 | 32 |
| English | 32 | 34 | 35 |
| Math | 27 | 29 | 32 |
Getting into UGA with a low ACT score is challenging but possible. “Low” is a relative term; below-average scores for UGA are still competitive. Remember, although the ACT English score minimum is 17 and the ACT Math score minimum is 17, the average UGA admit scores well above these minimums.
The lower quartile ACT score at UGA is 27. This means that UGA students in the lowest 25% scored at or below a 27. Therefore, it is still possible to get into UGA with an ACT score below these measurements. Moreover, if you demonstrate strong academic and extracurricular performance, you can remain a competitive applicant.
For students planning to submit applications during their senior year, the best time to take the ACT is generally during the spring of their junior year. This timing allows for retakes if necessary.
That said, applicants seeking admission in the Early Action cycle must take their last ACT by September at the latest. For Regular Decision applicants, the last test date accepted is the December ACT. In order for your exam scores to be included in the evaluation process, you must request your scores to be sent to UGA by the respective application deadline.
UGA’s ACT code for submitting official test scores is 0872.
While standardized testing is required for UGA applicants, it’s crucial to remember that academic performance in the classroom remains the primary focus of the admissions decision. However, submitting a good ACT score can enhance your application. If you’re interested in the SAT instead, check out our article about the UGA SAT scores and requirements!
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