Prospective Students | Freshmen

Auburn University is a test-preferred institution; we recommend that students take and submit official ACT and SAT scores for admissions. Freshman admission is evaluated comprehensively, considering demonstrated academic achievement in high school coursework, course rigor, and grade trends in addition to student engagement and service. While we encourage students to submit standardized test scores, they are not required to be considered for admission or scholarships.

Applying Without a Test Score 

Applicants with at least a 3.6 GPA and unable to test will be reviewed holistically through our test-optional pathway. Any valedictorian or salutatorian from an accredited Alabama school with 50 or more graduates will also qualify for admission.

For Summer and Fall 2025, Admission Decisions will be released in rounds. Early Action Decisions include rounds 1-4. For scholarship consideration, you must have a complete applicant file by any of the early action decision rounds. Regular decision deadline is February 1. Early action decisions are non-binding. To be considered, you must have a complete application file by the materials received date listed below.

Decision Rounds

To be considered for an admission decision, you must have a complete application file consisting of the items below:

Traditional Applicants

Submitted Admission Application.

Paid the $50 non-refundable application fee.*

Official ACT/SAT test scores sent from the testing agency.**

Uploaded copy of your high school transcript(s).

Test-optional Applicants

Minimum 3.6 cumulative GPA.*** 

Submitted Admission Application.

Paid the $50 non-refundable application fee.*

Uploaded copy of your high school transcript(s).

*In both the Common App and Auburn’s admission application, you will select the fee waiver option if you qualify. Auburn University does not require any additional documentation.  

**Starting Fall 2024, Auburn University will accept the ACT Superscore Report. Auburn will calculate a superscore for the SAT and any individual score reports from ACT. Only your best testing result will be used for admissions and scholarship consideration.

***If your GPA is not on a 4-point weighted scale or on a 100-point scale, Auburn will recalculate your GPA. If the recalculated GPA is less than a 3.6 GPA, official test scores will be required to receive an admissions decision.

Auburn University reviews freshman applications utilizing a comprehensive review process. Each application is given personal consideration that values academic achievements, unique qualities, and potential contributions to the Auburn community. The admissions committee will evaluate multiple factors in their review, but academic performance in high school is the primary predictor of success. The review will also include assessing high school coursework, particularly core subjects, grade trends, grades in relevant disciplines, and overall GPA among other factors.

Freshman Profile 

As a guideline, the middle 50% profile for students enrolling in Fall 2023 was:

The ideal candidate will have achieved an academic GPA at or above our middle 50% GPA, demonstrated academic excellence and participated in challenging coursework during high school.

Early Action - Preliminary Academic Review 
We select our freshman class through an evaluation that includes a preliminary academic review of an applicant’s academic performance. Our initial review focuses on the rigor of classes, GPA, and test scores as well as a deeper dive into a whole student. We consider the mix of in-state and out-of-state students and as a land-grant institution, our mission is to serve Alabama residents. Academic factors in our review include:

• ACT or SAT test scores for students applying with a test score. 
• Your 9th-11th grade point average including weighted and unweighted. 
• Grades earned in core curriculum courses. 
• Planned 12th-grade courses. 
• Pattern of grades over time. Marked improvement in academic performance as demonstrated by academic GPA and the quality of coursework completed or in progress. 
• The number of college preparatory, Advanced, Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), honors, gifted, and transferable college courses completed and achievement in those courses. 
• Academic performance relative to other applicants at their high school and the learning opportunities available in their high school. 
• Outstanding performance in one or more specific subject areas.
• Academic area of interest. 

Regular Decision - Comprehensive Review
We select our freshman class through a comprehensive review process.

Understanding Auburn University's Admissions Process

Auburn University uses a comprehensive review to identify exceptional students who demonstrate the greatest potential for success and embody the Auburn Creed. We look for students who excel academically and demonstrate strong commitments to leadership, service, personal growth, and a genuine connection to Auburn—truly reflecting the values of the Auburn Creed. Our review considers a wide range of your experiences and achievements. Here is what we consider:

Academic Rigor and Performance

We care about your academic journey and achievements. Here's how we evaluate this: 

• Course Rigor, Academic Challenge: We consider the difficulty of your courses, including honors, Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), and dual enrollment classes. 
• Standardized Test Scores and GPA: Auburn University is a test-preferred institution; your scores on standardized tests (such as the SAT or ACT) and your overall GPA are important. Applicants with at least a 3.6 GPA who cannot secure a test will be considered for admission under our test-optional pathway. 
• Grade Trends and Class Rank: We look at how your grades have improved over time and your rank in your graduating class. 
• Academic Area of Interest: Your chosen major or field of study and any relevant coursework or experience in that area.  

Engagement and Service 

Being active in your community is key to the Auburn experience. We assess your:

• School and Community Activities: Participation in clubs, sports, and other extracurricular activities, especially leadership roles.
• Service Projects and Community Involvement: Volunteering and participating in community projects.
• Awards and Recognition: Honors and awards you’ve received in academics, sports, arts, or service.
• Achievement in Intellectual and Creative Pursuits: Success in academic projects, research, and creative work.
• Work Experience and Summer Activities: Job experience, internships, and summer programs.

Personal Statement - Optional

Your personal statement is your chance to show us who you are. In your statement, you can share:

• Personal Experiences and Journey: Important life events, challenges you’ve overcome, and personal growth.
• Aspirations and Motivations: Your future goals, why you want to go to college, and why you’re interested in Auburn.
• Community Contributions: How you've contributed to your community. 
• Character and Values: What makes you unique, your values, and your perspective on life. 
• Connection to Auburn: We also want to know about your connection with Auburn University. We value students who show a genuine interest in becoming part of the Auburn Family. 
• Optional Academic Letters of Support: You can also include optional Academic Letters of Support to strengthen your application. 

Auburn University extended the test-flexible option for first-year students who would start in Fall 2025. Applicants with at least a 3.6 GPA and unable to test will be reviewed holistically through our test-optional pathway. 

Official Test Scores 

Your official test scores are required for a completed application. Official test scores must be submitted directly from the testing agency.

Auburn University School codes are:

• ACT 0011
• SAT 1005

Superscoring

Starting Fall 2024, Auburn University will accept the ACT Superscore Report. Auburn will calculate a superscore for the SAT and any individual score reports from ACT. Only your best testing result will be used for admissions and scholarship consideration.

Dates & Deadlines

Below are important dates and deadlines for undergraduate admissions.

August 1: Admission application available.

Mid-September: Early Action Admission Round 1

                            Mid-October decision released.

October 15: Early Action Admission Round 2

                           Mid-November decision released.

Early November: AUSOM Scholarship application available for admitted students.

November 15: Early Action Admission Round 3

                           Mid-December decision released.

Mid-November: Begin awarding Merit Scholarships awards to accepted students

                           Official ACT/SAT required for merit scholarship consideration.

You can submit your admissions application online at auburn.edu/admissions or through the Common Application. Choose the application you're most comfortable with; there's no preference given to either application. We highly encourage you to submit the application you start, filling out both applications may delay your application from being processed. A completed application file includes a submitted admissions application, an application fee or fee waiver, your high school transcript and official ACT/SAT scores.

Official Transcripts 

We encourage all documents to be uploaded in the application or sent electronically through the following services: Parchment, National Clearing House, SCOIR or Scribbles. If you are unable to send documents through these services, don't hesitate to get in touch with your high school counselor, admission advisor or mail the official copy to the address below:

Admission Processing 
1550 East Glenn Ave, Suite 1210 
Auburn, AL 36849

Your Personal Data

The Personal Data that Undergraduate Admissions and the Graduate School collect may be shared internally with academic units, Alumni Affairs and other school officials with a legitimate educational interest. Data may also be shared with third party partners in accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) that we have contracted with in order to perform services for the institution.

Optional Information

By federal law, the submission of certain information at the time of application for admission is optional. These items include social security number, ethnicity, date of birth and sex. At Auburn University, this information is used for reporting, record keeping and data validation.

Disciplinary/Criminal History

All applicants for admission to Auburn University are required to disclose on the admission application prior criminal conduct and prior educational misconduct. The University reviews all applications in which a student discloses misconduct at an educational institution and/or in which a student discloses prior criminal conduct to determine whether the admission of the applicant is in the best interest of the University. Affirmative disclosures do not result in automatic denial of admission.

Incomplete Information

Applicants who fail to give complete and accurate responses to the conduct section of the admission application may be subject to denial of admission, or if already admitted, may be subject to rescission of admission.

New and returning applications for admission to Auburn University indicating a record of previous misconduct at an educational institution or criminal conduct will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis by the University’s Disclosure Review Committee. 

Applicants will be required to provide additional information to the University for consideration. This information may include but is not limited to, copies of criminal disposition records, background checks and screenings, and educational and disciplinary records. Applicants may also be asked to provide information releases. All information requested from the applicant must be received by the University at least 30 days in advance of the first day of the semester. The committee reviews applicants whose files are complete and meet all other admissions criteria. The University shall make a determination within 45 days of the receipt of all requested information.

The University may deny an applicant admission if, upon review of all available information, it is determined that denial of admission or re-admission of the applicant is in the best interest of the University.

Already applied?

Waiting for admissions decisions is always exciting. Check here for updates on the application process and your status.