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#16 Best Private Colleges in Virginia

SVU Admission Requirements

Buena Vista, Virginia

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Your chances of getting into Southern Virginia University

Admission Rate & Difficulty

Percent Admitted 

99.4%
Admission Difficulty for Southern Virginia University
Measure Difficulty
Admission Standards Moderate 
Applicant Competition Very Low 

Acceptance Rate

The acceptance rate at SVU is 99.4%.  Its admission rate is the 45th lowest in Virginia.

Admission Selectivity

How hard is it to get into SVU and can you get accepted?

Southern Virginia University is an easy school to get into and you have a very good chance of acceptance if you meet the admission criteria. Last year, 1,084 out of the 1,090 who applied were admitted.

Southern Virginia University typically accepts and attracts "B" average high school students with an average GPA around 3.19. Most incoming freshmen graduate in the top half of their high school class. 35% of those admitted chose to enroll in the school.

Can you get into SVU?

99% are accepted, can you get in? Use the admission calculator to see if you have the grades and test scores needed to get in. See your admission chances based on your extracurriculars, intended major, background, and more.

Calculate your admission chances
Calculate your admission chances

Admission Requirements in Brief

To have the best chance of getting into to Southern Virginia University you should:

  • Have a high school GPA of 3.19 or better
  • Earn B grades in high school
  • Score 1080 on the SAT
  • Score 21 on the ACT
  • Graduate in the top half of your high school class

SVU GPA

GPA Requirements & Average GPA

Avg. High School GPA 

3.19

Typical High School Grades 

B

What GPA do you need to get into Southern Virginia University?

GPA Requirements

The GPA requirements for getting into SVU are to have around a 3.19 high school GPA. You need about average high school grades.

If your high school grades are above the average 3.19 GPA, you have a very good chance of being admitted as SVU accepts 99% of applicants.

Average GPA

The average unweighted GPA at SVU is 3.19 on the 4.0 scale. To achieve the average GPA for admission, you need to earn B letter grades and regularly score around 83-86 percent on tests and assignments in high school.  The school ranks #36 in Virginia for highest average GPA.

Importance of GPA

Since SVU is a test optional college, extra focus will be placed on your GPA when the school considers your application. As a result, it is very important that you meet the GPA requirements.

See additional colleges accepting applicants in the 3.2 GPA range.

GPA Data Source, Peterson's Data 2022

Calculate My Chances 

SVU SAT Scores

Testing Requirements

Submission of SAT or ACT scores is not required for admission to Southern Virginia University. If you optionally submit test scores, they will be considered with your application, but they are not mandatory. 4% of students submitted SAT scores and 23% submitted ACT scores for admission for the most recent academic year..

SAT Requirements & Average SAT Score

SAT Range 

900-1250

Applicants Submitting SAT 

4%
SAT Scores for Southern Virginia University
SAT Test 25th Percentile Score
Reading 25th Percentile 450
Math 25th Percentile 450
Composite 25th Percentile 900
SAT Scores for Southern Virginia University
SAT Test 75th Percentile Score
Reading 75th Percentile 620
Math 75th Percentile 630
Composite 75th Percentile 1250
Average SAT Score 1080

SAT Scores you need to get in

What are the SAT requirements for you to be admitted to Southern Virginia University?

Average Score & Range

The average SAT score at SVU is 1080 out of 1600 and the range for the middle 50% of accepted students is 900-1250. Students who get into Southern Virginia University score in the top 78 percent of all SAT test takers..  SVU ranks #27 in the state of Virginia for highest average SAT composite score.

Score for Acceptance

You should target scoring 1080 or above to be most competitive with other applicants. SVU regularly admits students with SAT scores down to 900 on a 1600 scale. However, three quarter of admitted students score higher. If you score below a 900, admission should be considered a reach. Some students may be accepted with minimum SAT's as low as 720, but scores this low are outside the normal range.

Score Submission Requirements

Southern Virginia University is a test optional school meaning do not have to submit SAT scores with your application. The position on SAT scores from the college is "not required for admission, but considered if submitted (test optional)".

View other colleges which accept students in the 1080 SAT score range.

Data Sources, IPEDS for Fall 2022 starting class

Chance of Acceptance by SAT Score

The table below outlines your predicted admission chances based on SAT score alone. If you are an average applicant with a score of 1075, you have around a 99% chance of being admitted. A 1250 places you well ahead of most other applicants and gives you about a 99% chance of getting in.

Southern Virginia University admission chances by SAT score
SAT Score (1600 scale) Competitiveness  Admission Chances 
1250 and Above Good >99%
1075 to 1250 Avg + 99%-99%
900 to 1075 Avg - 98%-99%
725 to 900 Reach 96%-98%
Less than 725 Low <96%
Calculate My Chances 

SVU ACT Scores

ACT Requirements & Average ACT Score

ACT Range 

18-24 

Applicants Submitting ACT 

23%
ACT Scores for Southern Virginia University
ACT Test 25th Percentile Score
Reading 25th Percentile 17
Math 25th Percentile 17
Composite 25th Percentile 18
ACT Scores for Southern Virginia University
ACT Test 75th Percentile Score
Reading 75th Percentile 24
Math 75th Percentile 24
Composite 75th Percentile 24
Average ACT Score 21

ACT Scores needed to get accepted

What are the ACT requirements for students to get into SVU?

Score Range

The average ACT score for admitted students to SVU is 21, while the middle 50% of students (25th to 75th percentile) score between a 18 and 24.  The school ranks #34 in Virginia for highest average ACT composite score.

Score for Acceptance

For the best chance of admission, you should have an ACT of 21. This will place you in solid competition against other applicants. At a minimum, you should aim for a 18 and score in the score in the top 62 percent nationally. The lowest ACT score likely to be admitted is a 15.

23 percent of applicants submit ACT scores to Southern Virginia University.

Score Submission Requirements

You do not have to to submit ACT scores with your application as Southern Virginia University is test optional. The policy from the school on ACT scores is "not required for admission, but considered if submitted (test optional)".

Find other colleges with similar ACT score requirements

Data Sources, IPEDS for Fall 2022 starting class

Chance of Acceptance by ACT Score

Here are your predicted chances of getting into SVU for different ACT score ranges. A typical applicant with a 21 score has around 99% chance of getting in. Your odds increase to about 99% with a 24 ACT score.

Southern Virginia University admission chances by ACT score
ACT Score Competitiveness  Admission Chances 
24 and Above Good >99%
21 to 24 Avg + 99%-99%
18 to 21 Avg - 98%-99%
15 to 18 Reach 96%-98%
Less than 15 Low <96%
Calculate My Chances 

High School Class Rank

72% of Southern Virginia University freshman are in the top half of their high school graduating class and 36% are in the top quarter.

High School Class Rank for admitted Southern Virginia University students
High School Class Rank Freshmen Within Range
Top 10% of class 17%
Top 25% of class 36%
Top 50% of class 72%
Data Source, Peterson's Data

Applying

Admission Statistics

Admission and enrollment rates by gender are detailed the the table below.

Southern Virginia University admission statistics
Women Men Total
Applied 564 526 1,090
Accepted 562 522 1,084
Acceptance Rate 100% 99% 99%
Enrolled 196 184 380
Percent of Admitted Who Enrolled (Admission Yield) 35% 35% 35%
Data Sources, IPEDS for Fall 2022 starting class

Application Fee

The cost for prospective students to apply to Southern Virginia University is $35.

Application Requirements

What are the requirements for admission to Southern Virginia University and what student information is used for admission decisions?

Southern Virginia University Application Requirements
Test Scores Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional)
High School GPA Required to be considered for admission
High School Class Rank Not considered for admission, even if submitted
Completion of College Preparatory Program Not required for admission, but considered if submitted
Recommendations Not required for admission, but considered if submitted
Demonstration of Competencies Not required for admission, but considered if submitted

Credits Accepted

High School Credits Accepted at Southern Virginia University
AP Credit Yes
Dual Credit Yes
Credit for Life Experiences No

Admission Requirements Summary

Because Southern Virginia University is lightly competitive to get into, you have a very good chance of acceptance with the right GPA and test scores. If you have a 3.19 GPA, you are almost certain to getting in. Combining this with an SAT score of 1080 and ACT of 21 will almost guarantee your admission.

Other Colleges to Apply To 

Students applying to Southern Virginia University often consider these colleges

Primary data source, U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=233611 IPEDS survey data for Southern Virginia University.

Last updated February 24, 2024