University of Houston test-optional 2023
|
Standardized test scores will be optional for all University of Houston System students through summer 2022. Show
COVID-19 forced officials to cancel testing dates and close testing sites for the SAT and ACT, according to a UH release. Even though standardized tests have been an “important metric for admissions, “this is a time that requires all of us to be flexible and creative,” Paula Myrick Short, the UH system’s senior vice chancellor for academic affairs, said in a written statement. The new rule will allow 2020 and 2021 high school graduates — many of whom would take their tests in fall semesters — the chance to decide whether they want to be test optional, said Mara Affre, associate vice chancellor for enrollment services. The hope is to alleviate stress and concern for students, she said. Along with the UH System’s four schools, which include the UH flagship, UH-Downtown, UH-Clear Lake and UH-Victoria, Houston area schools like Texas Southern University and Rice University also adopted test optional admissions for this year in hopes of helping students who might not have the ability to take the tests. With cases of the novel coronavirus still surging, many colleges are extending test-optional admissions beyond the 2020 academic year for prospective students. Among them, Baylor University, Texas A&M University, the University of Texas at Austin and Houston Baptist University will offer test-optional admissions through fall 2021. The UH System, which will be test optional through 2022, will continue to automatically admit Texas students who graduate in top of their Texas high school class. In lieu of test scores, additional admissions criteria has been created for students applying to any of the four system universities. A student applicant’s high school grade point average will be considered, and they’ll have to participate in the university's “holistic review” of their overall academic profile and experiences. Those who do not meet the required GPA will be asked to complete essays and a resume highlighting special talents, honors, work, volunteer and family responsibilities as a part of the review. “There isn’t just one thing we will assess, it will be all of these pieces combined,” Affre said. SAT or ACT scores submitted from junior or senior years of high school will be accepted from those who still choose to submit their scores. As for graduate students, programs will individually dictate the use standardized tests for admissions. More information is available on the universities’ individual websites. Affre said a small portion of students took advantage of the test-optional admissions this year, but a majority of applicants had already taken their tests. The university has, however, seen an increase in students taking advantage of test-optional for fall 2021, Affre said. Test-optional could be a permanent part of the UH System admissions process, according to Affre. Officials were already considering it prior to the pandemic, and more recently, UH System’s board of regents have asked UH officials to be prepared to discuss and evaluate test-optional admissions, she said. “The test had long been criticized for having some inherent bias within the exam for low-income and first-generation students,” Affre said. A judge recently ruled that the University of California System cannot use SAT or ACT in its admissions. If adopted, UH System would join the ranks of University of St. Thomas in Houston, which announced its test-optional admissions in 2019 in hopes of making the process more accessible to students. Such an approach is best for students who don’t test well on standardized admissions exams, but earn higher GPAs, said Arthur Ortiz, vice president for student affairs and enrollment management. “UST realizes that standardized test scores alone do not capture someone’s ability to do well in college,” Ortiz said in a statement, adding that the university first considered test-optional admissions after learning that many applicants were strong inside and outside the classroom with impressive grades and interpersonal skills. “But their test scores were holding them back.” What are University of Houston'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: In this guide we'll cover what you need to get into
University of Houston and build a strong application. School location: Houston, TX This school is also known as: U of H 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 University of Houston is 65%. For every 100 applicants, 65 are admitted. This means the school is moderately selective. The school expects you to meet
their requirements for GPA and SAT/ACT scores, but they're more flexible than other schools. If you exceed their requirements, you have an excellent chance of getting in. But if you don't, you might be one of the unlucky minority that gets a rejection letter. 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.
University of Houston GPA RequirementsMany 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: 3.73The average GPA at University of Houston is 3.73. (Most schools use a weighted GPA out of 4.0, though some report an unweighted GPA. With a GPA of 3.73, University of Houston requires 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 3.73, 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 RequirementsEach school has different requirements for standardized testing. Most schools require the SAT or ACT, and many also require SAT subject tests. You must take either the SAT or ACT to submit an application to University of Houston. More importantly, you need to do well to have a strong application. University of Houston SAT RequirementsMany 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: 1225The average SAT score composite at University of Houston is a 1225 on the 1600 SAT scale. This score makes University of Houston Competitive for SAT test scores. University of Houston SAT Score Analysis (New 1600 SAT)The 25th percentile New SAT score is 1150, and the 75th percentile New SAT score is 1300. In other words, a 1150 on the New SAT places you below average, while a 1300 will move you up to above average. Here's the breakdown of new SAT scores by section:
SAT Score Choice PolicyThe Score Choice policy at your school is an important part of your testing strategy. University of Houston has the Score Choice policy of "Highest Sitting." This means that you can choose which SAT tests you want to send to the school. Of all the scores they receive, your application readers will consider the SAT score from your single highest test date (the sum of math, reading, and writing). This is important for your testing strategy. Because you can choose which tests to send in, and University of Houston only considers your highest score on a single test date, you can take the SAT as many times as you want, then submit your strongest score. Your application readers will only see that one score. Therefore, if your SAT score is currently below a 1225, we strongly recommend that you consider prepping for the SAT and retaking it. You don't have much to lose, and you can potentially raise your score and significantly boost your chances of getting in. Exclusive: Want to learn how to improve your SAT score by 160 points? 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 SAT perfect scorers. If you apply the strategies in this guide, you'll study smarter and make huge score improvements.
University of Houston ACT RequirementsJust like for the SAT, University of Houston likely doesn't have a hard ACT cutoff, but if you score too low, your application will get tossed in the trash. Average ACT: 25The average ACT score at University of Houston is 25. This score makes University of Houston Moderately Competitive for ACT scores. The 25th percentile ACT score is 22, and the 75th percentile ACT score is 27. Even though University of Houston likely says they have no minimum ACT requirement, if you apply with a 22 or below, you'll have a harder time getting in, unless you have something else impressive in your application. ACT Score Sending PolicyIf 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 25 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 PolicyBy 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 University of Houston, so you should prep until you reach our recommended target ACT score of 25. Studying for the ACT instead? Want to learn how to improve your ACT score by 4 points? 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.
SAT/ACT Writing Section RequirementsBoth the SAT and ACT have an optional essay section. University of Houston 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. SAT Subject Test RequirementsSchools vary in their SAT subject test requirements. Typically, selective schools tend to require them, while most schools in the country do not. We did not find information that University of Houston requires SAT subject tests, and so most likely it does not. At least 6 months before applying, you should still doublecheck just to make sure, so you have enough time to take the test. Our Expert's NotesWe did more detailed research into this school and found the following information. The Texas Education Code requires that all students meet one of the following college readiness standards in order to be eligible to be considered for admission at a Texas Four-Year Public Institution:
Students who meet the State of Texas’ Uniform Admissions Policy and also meet the requirements below before December 1st are assured admission:
All others will go to individual review. If interested in engineering, business, science, architecture, or arts programs, there are additional admissions requirements you can view at the link. Source Final Admissions VerdictBecause this school is moderately selective, strong academic performance will almost guarantee you admission. Scoring a 1300 SAT or a 27 ACT or above will nearly guarantee you admission. Because the school admits 65% of all applicants, being far above average raises the admission rate for you to nearly 100%. If you can achieve a high SAT/ACT score, the rest of your application essentially doesn't matter. You still need to meet the rest of the application requirements, and your GPA shouldn't be too far off from the school average of 3.73. But you won't need dazzling extracurriculars and breathtaking letters of recommendation to get in. You can get in based on the merits of your score alone. But if your score is a 1150 SAT or a 22 ACT and below, you have a good chance of being one of the unlucky few to be rejected.
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. Admissions CalculatorWhat are your chances of admission at University of Houston? 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: New SAT ACT 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:
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:
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:
Application RequirementsEvery 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 University of Houston here. Application Requirements Overview
Testing Requirements
Coursework Requirements
Deadlines and Early Admissions
Our Expert's NotesWe did more detailed research into this school's admissions process and found the following information: The scholarship priority admissions deadline is December 1, though the final deadline isn't until August 1 for fall entry. Letters of reference from high school teachers, counselors, supervisors and activity leaders along with personal statements can be sent but aren't required. For Honors College admission, submit the separate application by December 1st for priority consideration, or by the final deadline of April 1st, unless all space fills first. Read more about Honors admissions here. And for more on scholarships, including deadlines (some are earlier than others) and amounts, see this page. Source Other Schools For YouIf you're interested in University of Houston, 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 University of Houston. Reach Schools: Harder to Get IntoThese schools are have higher average SAT scores than University of Houston. If you improve your SAT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
Same Level: Equally Hard to Get IntoIf you're competitive for University of Houston, these schools will offer you a similar chance of admission.
Safety Schools: Easier to Get IntoIf you're currently competitive for University of Houston, you should have no problem getting into these schools. If University of Houston is currently out of your reach, you might already be competitive for these schools.
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. 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. 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: Is the University of Texas test optional for 2023?High school students who apply to The University of Texas at Austin for fall 2023 undergraduate admission will not be required to submit an ACT or SAT test score as part of their application. Below are frequently asked questions regarding this policy change.
Does University of Houston have test optional?We've Gone Test Optional
Complete the University of Houston application for admission using either the ApplyTexas Application or The Common Application. Submit just one application. On your application, you will select whether you want your application to be reviewed with a test score or without a test score.
Is UB test optional 2023?Will UB be test optional for the fall 2023 semester? Yes, the official SUNY decision to suspend SAT and ACT requirements for all SUNY schools applies to the spring 2021, fall 2021, spring 2022, fall 2022, spring 2023, fall 2023 and spring 2024 semesters.
Is Brown test optional for fall 2023?Brown has extended our test optional policy for all first-year, transfer and Resumed Undergraduate Education applicants in the 2022-2023 admission cycle. Students who do not submit SAT or ACT scores should be assured that they will not be disadvantaged in our admission process.
|
