Sat score to get into michigan state

Michigan State University (MSU): 2022 Requirements, Scores & GPAs

This is the go-to guide for getting into Michigan State University (MSU). We suggest you read until the end... Not only will we layout the exact GPA and test scores you should aim for when applying to MSU, but we’ll also offer creative ways to help your application stand out from the pack. We breakdown MSU statistics better than any article out there and show you how these have changed over time. Also, make sure to check out Michigan State University (MSU) on CampusReel to see what it’s really like here. If you're interesting in transferring to MSU, the read our transfer guide. You can also use the below calculator to help determine your likelihood of acceptance at MSU

Michigan State University (MSU) chances calculator

This free college chances tool calculates your acceptance chances at UCLA or any other U.S. college

Please note all chances are estimates based on test score and GPA averages.

Check this box if you are not submitting an SAT score Check this box if you are not submitting an ACT score

*or select a school below for a specific calculation

Need chances at another college?

What GPA Do You Need To Get Into Michigan State University (MSU)?

Michigan State University (MSU)’s average GPA is 3.73. Michigan State University (MSU) does require GPA. This average GPA means Michigan State University (MSU) is very selective. Often times, schools in this range are trying to increase their selectivity and “prestige”. We can’t read the minds of MSU application readers, but they likely want to increase the average GPA from 3.73 to 3.92 this year - to play it safe, we recommend striving for the 3.92 GPA.

*BEFORE CONTINUING PLEASE NOTE: GPA and “prestige” DO NOT mean a college is right for you. Michigan State University (MSU) may seem amazing on paper, but you may hate it... That’s why 700,000 students transfer colleges every year - they end up going to the wrong school. It’s crucial to watch the videos on CampusReel and make sure you can envision yourself on MSU’s campus. These MSU admission statistics do not sufficiently tell you what a college or university is like.

What Is Michigan State University (MSU)’s Acceptance Rate?

Last year Michigan State University (MSU)’s acceptance rate was 66.28. However, check out how the acceptance rate has changed over time.

As you can see, Michigan State University (MSU) is getting more and more difficult to get into. If this trend continue it’s likely that MSU will be even more competitive by the time you apply.

Acceptance rate alone does not indicate your likelihood for getting into MSU - it’s a very high level understanding of the true competition. Use the acceptance rate as a general guide for curating a list of 10-15 schools that fall into different ranges of competitiveness. Then, use the below data to get a deeper understanding of how your application will compare to the rest of the pool.

201620172018
Acceptance Rate 66.0 % 72.0 % 66.28 %

Does Michigan State University (MSU) Require Test Scores?

Michigan State University (MSU) requires that you either take the SAT or ACT. See the table below for how Michigan State University (MSU)’s accepted students have performed on both tests. You may be wondering how many test scores should you submit. Generally, don’t freak out about taking the test too often. Industry consensus is that you can submit up to 6 tests as a reasonable limit.

Michigan State University (MSU) SAT Requirements

Michigan State University (MSU)’s average SAT score is 1125 - this is the sum of the math and reading portions of the SAT (the 1600 scale). Check out the below table for a deeper look into how students performed - it’s also very interesting to look at the average test score over time. The trend over time helps give insight into whether Michigan State University (MSU) is getting more or less competitive.

25th Percentile75th PercentileAverage
Math 540 670 605
Reading 450 590 520
2019 Total 990 1260 1125
2018 Total- - -
2017 Total- - -

Michigan State University (MSU)’s average SAT score is 1125. To be a competitive applicant for Michigan State University (MSU) your SAT score should come close to the average. If you’re closer to the 990, you’re likely going to have a tougher time getting accepted. To consider Michigan State University (MSU) a “target” school (one that you are likely to get into) you should aim for a score of 1260.

Michigan State University (MSU) ACT Requirements

Michigan State University (MSU)’s average ACT score is 78. To be a competitive applicant for Michigan State University (MSU) your ACT score should come close to the average. If you’re closer to the 70, you’re likely going to have a tougher time getting accepted. To consider Michigan State University (MSU) a “target” school (one that you have a good chance of getting into) you should aim for a score of 87.

25th Percentile75th PercentileAverage
Math 23 28 25
Reading 23 30 26
Writing 24 29 26
2019 Total 70 87 78
2018 Total- - -
2017 Total- - -

Michigan State University (MSU) Requirements

Now you know where you need to be for getting into Michigan State University (MSU) from a grade and test score perspective. Let’s quickly outline what else you’ll need to provide for your application to get reviewed, and then we’ll move onto the most important section: differentiating your app.

RecommendationsStatus
School Rank Recommended
GPA Required
School Record Required

How to get into MSU

Follow these steps to maximize your chances of getting into MSU. Everything you read above will help prepare you for what you need to achieve to have a shot at MSU, but these steps will take you even further in applying that knowledge and differentiating your application.

Main Academic Excellence that is in line with MSU admission standards.

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  1. Score at least a 1125 on the SAT or 78 on the ACT.
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  3. Maintain a GPA of at least a 3.73.

Join Extracurriculars that Align with MSU’s Values.

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  1. Join your school band, a sports team or another group activity. If Michigan State University (MSU) values music heavily, for example, then try to participate in an organization related to that topic.
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  3. Volunteer in your hometown. East Lansing has tons of ways to be involved beyond just the college. Michigan State University (MSU) wants applicants that are also good ambassadors for the school - they want students who will give back to the local community and broader East Lansing area in general.
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  5. Spend your summer doing something that speaks to your values, personal growth, leadership qualities and other less quantifiable characteristics. MSU needs to see past your test scores and grades - they need to know that you will be a valuable and contributing member of their community. You are more than grades and test scores - your experiences should demonstrate that.

Prepare Your Application

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  1. Write a stellar essay that shows Michigan State University (MSU) something they can’t figure out from the other parts of your application. For a detailed guide on writing the best college essay, check this out.
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  3. Get teacher recs that speak to your character. If you know what you’re majoring in and include that in your MSU app, try to have at least 1 recommendation from a teacher in that department.
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  5. Apply Before the Deadline. Too many students wait until the last minute to submit their application, and too much can go wrong during this precious time window. Since many students are applying on the last day, it’s possible that MSU’s own system crashes. Don’t risk the added stress this can cause - submit your app a few days early.

Michigan State University (MSU) chances calculator

This free college chances tool calculates your acceptance chances at UCLA or any other U.S. college

Please note all chances are estimates based on test score and GPA averages.

Check this box if you are not submitting an SAT score Check this box if you are not submitting an ACT score

*or select a school below for a specific calculation

Need chances at another college?

Can I get into MSU with a 3.0 GPA?

A cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher with strong grade performance. 24 or more credits deemed transferable to MSU, earned after high school graduation. Applicants with less than 24 transferable credits are required to provide final high school transcripts.

What GPA do u need for MSU?

Average GPA: 3.75 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.

What is a good SAT score for Michigan?

Average SAT: 1435 The average SAT score composite at University of Michigan is a 1435 on the 1600 SAT scale. This score makes University of Michigan Strongly Competitive for SAT test scores.

Is Michigan State requiring SAT scores 2023?

The strength and quality of your curriculum. Recent trends in your academic performance. Your class rank. Your ACT or SAT results — however, please note that MSU is test optional and prospective students have the option to apply to MSU without submitting an ACT or SAT score.