Shenandoah University Admission Requirements (2024)

What are Shenandoah 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 Shenandoah University and build a strong application.

School location: Winchester, VA


Admissions Rate: 74.4%

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 Shenandoah University is 74.4%. For every 100 applicants, 74 are admitted.

Shenandoah University Admission Requirements (1)

This means the school islightly 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 Shenandoah University's requirements, you'll be one of the unlucky few people who gets rejected.


Shenandoah University Admission Requirements (2)
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.

Shenandoah University Admission Requirements (3)


Shenandoah 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: 3.7

The average GPA at Shenandoah University is 3.7.

Shenandoah University Admission Requirements (4)

(Most schools use a weighted GPA out of 4.0, though some report an unweighted GPA.

With a GPA of 3.7, Shenandoah Universityrequires you to be above average in your high school class. You'll need at least a mix of A's and B's, with more A's than B's. You can compensate for a lower GPA with harder classes, like AP or IB classes. This will show that you're able to handle more difficult academics than the average high school student.

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 3.7, 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. Only a few schools require the SAT or ACT, but many consider your scores if you choose to submit them.

Shenandoah University hasn't explicitly named a policy on SAT/ACT requirements, but because it's published average SAT or ACT scores (we'll cover this next), it's likely test flexible. Typically, these schools say, "if you feel your SAT or ACT score represents you well as a student, submit them. Otherwise, don't."

Despite this policy, the truth is that most students still take the SAT or ACT, and most applicants to Shenandoah University will submit their scores. If you don't submit scores, you'll have one fewer dimension to show that you're worthy of being admitted, compared to other students. We therefore recommend that you consider taking the SAT or ACT, and doing well.

Shenandoah 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: 1110

The average SAT score composite at Shenandoah University is a 1110 on the 1600 SAT scale.

This score makes Shenandoah University Competitive for SAT test scores.

Shenandoah University Admission Requirements (5)

Shenandoah University SAT Score Analysis (New 1600 SAT)

The 25th percentile SAT score is 1090, and the 75th percentile SAT score is 1273. In other words, a 1090 on the SAT places you below average, while a 1273 will move you up to above average.

Here's the breakdown of SAT scores by section:

SectionAverage25th Percentile75th Percentile
Math550500590
Reading + Writing560510610
Composite111010901273

SAT Score Choice Policy

The Score Choice policy at your school is an important part of your testing strategy.


Shenandoah University ACT Requirements

Just like for the SAT, Shenandoah 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: 23

The average ACT score at Shenandoah University is 23. This score makes Shenandoah University Moderately Competitive for ACT scores.

Shenandoah University Admission Requirements (6)

The 25th percentile ACT score is 20, and the 75th percentile ACT score is 26.

Even though Shenandoah University likely says they have no minimum ACT requirement, if you apply with a 20 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 20 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.

We weren't able to find the school's exact ACT policy, which most likely means that it does not Superscore. Regardless, you can choose your single best ACT score to send in to Shenandoah University, so you should prep until you reach our recommended target ACT score of 20.


Studying for the ACT instead? Want to learn how to improve your ACT score by 4 points?Shenandoah University Admission Requirements (7)

Download our free guide on the top 5 strategies you must be using to improve your score. This guide was written by Harvard graduates and ACT perfect scorers. If you apply the strategies in this guide, you'll study smarter and make huge score improvements.

Shenandoah University Admission Requirements (8)


SAT/ACT Writing Section Requirements

Currently, only the ACT has an optional essay section that all students can take. The SAT used to also have an optional Essay section, but since June 2021, this has been discontinued unless you are taking the test as part of school-day testing in a few states. Because of this, no school requires the SAT Essay or ACT Writing section, but some schools do recommend certain students submit their results if they have them.

Shenandoah 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.



Final Admissions Verdict

Shenandoah University Admission Requirements (9)

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 1090 SAT or a 20 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.


Shenandoah University Admission Requirements (10)
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.

Shenandoah University Admission Requirements (11)


Admissions Calculator

What are your chances of admission at Shenandoah University?

Chances of admission with these scores:

Here's our custom admissions calculator. Plug in your numbers to see what your chances of getting in are.

Pick your test:SATACT

SAT Score

Your 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?

At PrepScholar, we've created the leading online SAT/ACT prep program. We guarantee an improvement of 160 SAT points or 4 ACT points on your score, or your money back.

Here's a summary of why we're so much more effective than other prep programs:

  • PrepScholar customizes your prep to your strengths and weaknesses. You don't waste time working on areas you already know, so you get more results in less time.
  • We guide you through your program step-by-step so that you're never confused about what you should be studying. Focus all your time learning, not worrying about what to learn.
  • Our team is made of national SAT/ACT experts. PrepScholar's founders are Harvard graduates and SAT perfect scorers. You'll be studying using the strategies that actually worked for them.
  • We've gotten tremendous results with thousands of students across the country. Read about our score results and reviews from our happy customers.

There's a lot more to PrepScholar that makes it the best SAT/ACT prep program. Click to learn more about our program, or sign up for our 5-day free trial to check out PrepScholar for yourself:

Shenandoah University Admission Requirements (12)


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 Shenandoah University here.

Application Requirements Overview

  • Common ApplicationNot accepted
  • Electronic ApplicationAvailable
  • Essay or Personal StatementRequired for some freshmen
  • Letters of Recommendation
  • InterviewNot required
  • Application Fee$30
  • Fee Waiver Available?Available
  • Other NotesAudition for conservatory applicants recommended for some freshmen

Testing Requirements

  • SAT or ACTConsidered if submitted
  • SAT Essay or ACT WritingOptional
  • SAT Subject Tests
  • Scores Due in OfficeNone

Coursework Requirements

  • SubjectRequired Years
  • English4
  • Math3
  • Science2
  • Foreign Language
  • Social Studies
  • History
  • Electives

Deadlines and Early Admissions

    • Offered?DeadlineNotification
  • Regular Admission
    • YesAugust 1October 1
  • Early Action
    • No
  • Early Decision
    • No

Admissions Office Information

  • Address:
    1460
    Winchester, VA 22601-5195
  • Phone:(800) 432-2266 x2266
  • Fax:(540) 665-4627
  • Email:[emailprotected]

Other Schools For You

If you're interested in Shenandoah 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 Shenandoah University.


Shenandoah University Admission Requirements (13)

Reach Schools: Harder to Get Into

These schools are have higher average SAT scores than Shenandoah University. If you improve your SAT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.

School NameLocationSAT AvgACT Avg
Temple UniversityPhiladelphia, PA124128
University of AlabamaTuscaloosa, AL122526
Colorado State UniversityFort Collins, CO117826
Quinnipiac UniversityHamden, CT117525
Ohio UniversityAthens, OH117425
University of North TexasDenton, TX116023
University of Texas at ArlingtonArlington, TX116023

Shenandoah University Admission Requirements (14)

Same Level: Equally Hard to Get Into

If you're competitive for Shenandoah University, these schools will offer you a similar chance of admission.

School NameLocationSAT AvgACT Avg
Towson UniversityTowson, MD113022
Washington State UniversityPullman, WA112523
University of Texas at San AntonioSan Antonio, TX112022
Coastal Carolina UniversityConway, SC111023
East Carolina UniversityGreenville, NC110522
Florida Agricultural and Mechanical UniversityTallahassee, FL110521
University of North Carolina at GreensboroGreensboro, NC109725

Shenandoah University Admission Requirements (15)

Safety Schools: Easier to Get Into

If you're currently competitive for Shenandoah University, you should have no problem getting into these schools. If Shenandoah University is currently out of your reach, you might already be competitive for these schools.

School NameLocationSAT AvgACT Avg
Georgia State UniversityAtlanta, GA106722
Georgia Southern UniversityStatesboro, GA106721
Hampton UniversityHampton, VA105922
Indiana University of PennsylvaniaIndiana, PA105121
University of Texas at El PasoEl Paso, TX104020
California State University NorthridgeNorthridge, CA103019
Kean UniversityUnion, NJ99020

Data on this page is sourced from Peterson's Databases © 2023 (Peterson's LLC. All rights reserved.) as well as additional publicly available sources.


Shenandoah University Admission Requirements (16)
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.

Shenandoah University Admission Requirements (17)


If You Liked Our Advice...

Visit our blog for free strategy guides on college admissions and test prep.

Our experts have written hundreds of useful articles on improving your SAT score and getting into college. You'll definitely find something useful here.

Visit our blog now.

Subscribe to our newsletter to get FREE strategies and guides sent to your email. Learn how to ace the SAT with exclusive tips and insights that we share with our private newsletter subscribers.

Get Free SAT Tipsto Boost Your Score

You should definitely follow us on social media. You'll get updates on our latest articles right on your feed. Follow us on all of our social networks:


Shenandoah University Admission Requirements (2024)
Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Chrissy Homenick

Last Updated:

Views: 5533

Rating: 4.3 / 5 (74 voted)

Reviews: 89% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Chrissy Homenick

Birthday: 2001-10-22

Address: 611 Kuhn Oval, Feltonbury, NY 02783-3818

Phone: +96619177651654

Job: Mining Representative

Hobby: amateur radio, Sculling, Knife making, Gardening, Watching movies, Gunsmithing, Video gaming

Introduction: My name is Chrissy Homenick, I am a tender, funny, determined, tender, glorious, fancy, enthusiastic person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.