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FAU Requirements for Admission

Choose your test.

What are FAU'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 FAU and build a strong application.

School location: Boca Raton, FL

This school is also known as: Florida Atlantic University

Admissions Rate: 81.3%

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 FAU is 81.3% . For every 100 applicants, 81 are admitted.

This means the school is lightly 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 FAU's requirements, you'll be one of the unlucky few people who gets rejected.

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We know what kinds of students colleges want to admit. We want to get you admitted to your dream schools.

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FAU 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: 3.78

The average GPA at FAU is 3.78 .

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

With a GPA of 3.78, FAU 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.

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.

FAU 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: 1160

The average SAT score composite at FAU is a 1160 on the 1600 SAT scale.

This score makes FAU Competitive for SAT test scores.

FAU SAT Score Analysis (New 1600 SAT)

The 25th percentile SAT score is 1030, and the 75th percentile SAT score is 1200. In other words, a 1030 on the SAT places you below average, while a 1200 will move you up to above average .

Here's the breakdown of SAT scores by section:

SAT Score Choice Policy

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

FAU has the Score Choice policy of "Highest Section."

This is also known as "superscoring." 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 your highest section scores across all SAT test dates you submit .

Click below to learn more about how superscoring critically affects your test strategy.

For example, say you submit the following 3 test scores:

Even though the highest total you scored on any one test date was 1000, FAU will take your highest section score from all your test dates, then combine them to form your Superscore. You can raise your composite score from 1000 to 1400 in this example.

This is important for your testing strategy. Because you can choose which tests to send in, and FAU forms your Superscore, you can take the SAT as many times as you want, then submit only the tests that give you the highest Superscore. Your application readers will only see that one score.

Therefore, if your SAT superscore is currently below a 1030, we strongly recommend that you consider prepping for the SAT and retaking it . You have a very good chance of raising your score, which will significantly boost your chances of getting in.

Even better, because of the Superscore, you can focus all your energy on a single section at a time. If your Reading score is lower than your other sections, prep only for the Reading section, then take the SAT. Then focus on Math for the next test, and so on. This will give you the highest Superscore possible.

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.

FAU ACT Requirements

Just like for the SAT, FAU likely doesn't have a hard ACT cutoff, but if you score too low, your application will get tossed in the trash.

Average ACT: 24

The average ACT score at FAU is 24. This score makes FAU Moderately Competitive for ACT scores.

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

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.

However, in our research, we found that FAU does in fact offer an ACT superscore policy . To quote their Admissions Office:

We super score by using the highest sub scores from multiple test dates to create the ACT composite and the SAT total.

Superscoring is powerful to your testing strategy, and you need to make sure you plan your testing accordingly. Of all the scores that FAU receives, your application readers will consider your highest section scores across all ACT test dates you submit .

For example, say you submit the following 4 test scores:

Even though the highest ACT composite you scored on any one test date was 20, FAU will take your highest section score from all your test dates, then combine them to form your Superscore. You can raise your composite score from 20 to 32 in this example.

This is important for your testing strategy. Because you can choose which tests to send in, and FAU forms your Superscore, you can take the ACT as many times as you want, then submit only the tests that give you the highest Superscore. Your application readers will only see that one score.

Therefore, if your ACT score is currently below a 20, we strongly recommend that you consider prepping for the ACT and retaking it . You have a very good chance of raising your score, which will significantly boost your chances of getting in.

Even better, because of the Superscore, you can focus all your energy on a single section at a time. If your Reading score is lower than your other sections, prep only for the Reading section, then take the ACT. Then focus on Math for the next test, and so on. This will give you the highest Superscore possible.

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 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.

FAU 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

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 1030 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.

Admissions Calculator

Here's our custom admissions calculator. Plug in your numbers to see what your chances of getting in are. Pick your test: SAT ACT

• 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

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:

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• 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:

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 FAU here.

Application Requirements Overview

• Common Application Not accepted
• Electronic Application Available
• Essay or Personal Statement
• Letters of Recommendation
• Interview Not required
• Application Fee $30
• Fee Waiver Available? Available
• Other Notes

Testing Requirements

• SAT or ACT Required
• SAT Essay or ACT Writing Optional
• SAT Subject Tests
• Scores Due in Office May 1

Coursework Requirements

• Subject Required Years
• Foreign Language 2
• Social Studies 3
• Electives 3

Deadlines and Early Admissions

• Offered? Deadline Notification
• Yes April 1 September 1

Admissions Office Information

• Address: 777 Boca Raton, FL 33431-6424
• Phone: (561) 297-3000 x3000
• Fax: (561) 297-2758
• Email: [email protected]

Our Expert's Notes

We did more detailed research into this school's admissions process and found the following information:

There are some additional application requirements -- including resumes -- if you are interested in applying to the Honors College or Business program. More info on various program requirements can be found here.

There are also merit scholarships available, some of which you are automatically considered for, and others you have to apply to. To learn more about scholarships and the application process, check out their scholarships page.

Other Schools For You

If you're interested in FAU, 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 FAU.

Reach Schools: Harder to Get Into

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

Same Level: Equally Hard to Get Into

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

Safety Schools: Easier to Get Into

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

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

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Florida Atlantic University Schmidt College of Medicine: FAU Secondary Application Essay Prompts and Tips

• Cracking Med School Admissions

Florida Atlantic University Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine cares deeply about serving its community. FAU Admissions wants to recruit students who are passionate about improving community health and who care about social justice. It is important to write about how you have served your community in your FAU medical school secondary application. Read more of our FAU secondary application tips below. 

Pre-Writing Guidance: FAU removes some of its prompts each year, but there is always a leadership question, Why Florida Atlantic University Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine question, a challenge question, and optional questions about your academic career. We would strongly suggest that you look at the FAU secondaries prompts for the last 4 years and pre-write the essays that don’t seem to change too much.

Our  Cracking Med School Admissions team has a track record of helping our mentees receive acceptances to Schmidt FAU College of Medicine for the past several years. Get our help with writing FAU secondaries that stand out with our secondary essay editing packages . 

• Personally Tailored Essays
• Edits by Stanford & Harvard-trained Doctors
• We study your application strengths to see what unique attributes we’ll bring to the medical school

FAU Secondary Application Questions: 2023 – 2024

• Use this area to justify and/or explain any academic hardships on your transcripts (any failed and/or repeated courses due to any reason). (1,600 characters max)
• Use this area to explain exceptions to these prerequisites at your institution.  (1,600 characters max)
• Whether or not you will be a full-time student, please provide details of your activities/employment for the application year. (1,200 characters max)
• Describe why you would like to attend the Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine at FAU. What values, skills, talents, and life experiences would you contribute to our community?  (1,600 characters max)  worded slightly differently this year
• Your AMCAS application should reflect your community service experiences. Tell us about your most meaningful community service experience that is  unrelated to direct patient care. How did you grow? What did you learn? What did you enjoy about serving others?  (1,600 characters max)
• What traits do you feel you have developed through your experiences thus far (such as paid or unpaid work experiences) that will help prepare you to be successful in medical school and a future physician. Experience does not need to be related to patient care.  (1,600 characters max)   New Prompt this year
• Leadership can be defined in many ways. One way of defining leadership is as a set of behaviors used to help people align their collective direction, or lead a group or an organization. Tell us about a time you executed your leadership skills.  (1,600 characters max) Slightly reworded from last year
• Please describe a significant personal challenge you have faced, one which you feel has helped shape you as a person. Focus on what you learned about yourself and how it will help you during challenges you may face during medical school and as a future physician. Describe any support system and/or resources you had available and how you utilized them.  (1,600 characters max) Slightly reworded from last year

For the FAU secondaries prompt, “Use this area to justify and/or explain any academic hardships on your transcripts (any failed and/or repeated courses due to any reason)” you should strongly consider discussing the following:

• Receiving a grade of “C” or lower
• A semester when your Grade Point Average (GPA) was a lot lower than other semesters
• A downward trend in your Grade Point Average
• A semester when you took less credits than you normally do
• Times when you were not a full-time student 

Contact us if you have questions about what you should include.

Removed a couple of essays from last year.

Tips to Answer FAU Secondaries

FAU Secondaries Pre-Writing Guidance: FAU slightly tweaks the wording of its FAU secondary essay prompts each year. However, there are 4-5 prompts that stay fairly similar each year, and our FAU secondary application ti ps on how to answer these questions don’t change.  We think this is a great secondary to pre-write, especially given that FAU is a more time-sensitive school. 

• Download our Cracking Med Secondary Essay Workbook and Examples  to help you with all your secondary essays!

FAU Secondary Application Tip #1: Include as many anecdotes as possible. 1200-1600 characters may not seem like a lot, but our students are successful in incorporating anecdotes for many of their Florida Atlantic University Medical School secondary application essays. In our opinion, you can definitely add anecdotes and stories in the following FAU secondaries prompts: 

• Tell us about your most meaningful community service experience that is unrelated to direct patient care. How did you grow? What did you learn? What did you enjoy about serving others?
• What traits do you feel you have developed through your experiences thus far (such as paid or unpaid work experiences) that will help prepare you to be successful in medical school and a future physician. Experience does not need to be related to patient care.
• Leadership can be defined in many ways. One way of defining leadership is as a set of behaviors used to help people align their collective direction, or lead a group or an organization. Tell us about a time you executed your leadership skills.
• Please describe a significant personal challenge you have faced, one which you feel has helped shape you as a person. Focus on what you learned about yourself and how it will help you during challenges you may face during medical school and as a future physician. Describe any support system and/or resources you had available and how you utilized them. 

FAU Secondary Application Tip #2:  Highlight your leadership, passion to change healthcare, and impact on society. After reading your entire FAU Medical School secondary application, the reader should understand: how are you committed to improving your community?

FAU Secondary Application Tip #3: To answer FAU Medical School’s diversity question, you don’t have to necessarily talk about your ethnic background. You can discuss working with immigrant populations or other talents / activities that have shaped who you are today. 

• Read our helpful blog post:  Medical School Diversity Essay Examples and Tips

FAU Secondary Application Tip #4: Of course, you should incorporate “Why FAU Medical School” in the FAU secondary application question, “ Tell us why you would like to be admitted to the Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine at FAU. What makes you a good fit for our College of Medicine?” But, you can definitely incorporate more “Why FAU Medical School” throughout your other responses. 

• Read our HIGH-YIELD blog post  Why this Medical School? Secondary Essay Example to learn how to write great “Why this medical school” essays. 

FAU Secondary Application Tip #5:  For the question,  “Please describe a significant personal challenge you have faced, one which you feel has helped shape you as a person. Focus on what you learned about yourself and how it will help you during challenges you may face during medical school and as a future physician. Describe any support system and/or resources you had available and how you utilized them”  make sure you clearly discuss what the challenge was and how you overcame this.

Common mistakes students make include:

• Talking about a topic that is too common among premedical students, such getting a “C” in organic chemistry.
• Not providing enough context about the challenge they faced.
• Not discussing how they overcame the stressful situation.
• Not discussing how they grew from the challenge.

Great topics for the FAU Medical School secondary application challenge essay include:

• Challenge in leading a community service project
• Challenge in leading a team
• Challenge with helping a patient receive better healthcare access
• Challenge in a class (but not grade related) and how the applicant became better at studying
• Challenge during a study abroad program
• Challenge when immigrating to America as a new international student

If you have questions about whether your topic is a good topic to write about, send Dr. Mediratta and Dr. Rizal a question through our contact form  below. 

FAU Secondary Application Tip #6: Get our help to edit your FAU secondaries through our secondary essay editing packages . Our Cracking Med School Admissions team has a strong track record of several of our mentees getting accepted to Florida medical schools and residency programs. And, Dr. Rachel Rizal has visited her mentees at the Florida medical schools herself! Have questions about how you can stand out? Contact us below.

[ Read more secondary essay tips:  Florida State University (FSU) , Florida International University (FIU) , University of Central Florida , George Washington )

Your medical school application Coaches, Mentors, & Cheerleaders

We Personally Advise Every Student We Work With.

Rachel Rizal, M.D.

Changing the trajectory of people’s lives.

Undergraduate Princeton University, cum laude

Medical School Stanford School of Medicine

Residency Harvard, Emergency Medicine

Awards & Scholarships Fulbright Scholar USA Today Academic First Team Tylenol Scholarship

Rishi Mediratta, M.D., M.Sc., M.A.

Advising students to attend their dream schools.

Undergraduate Johns Hopkins University, Phi Beta Kappa

Residency Stanford, Pediatrics

Awards & Scholarships Marshall Scholar Tylenol Scholarship Global Health Scholar

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FAU Secondary Application Questions: 2022 – 2023

• Tell us why you would like to be admitted to the Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine at FAU. What makes you a good fit for our College of Medicine? (1,600 characters max)
• Tell us about your leadership experience(s) and/or key leadership skills. (Organized a fundraiser, had club/organization officer role, etc.) How do you motivate or influence people?  If none, please write not applicable. (1,600 characters max)  Slightly reworded from last year
• Briefly describe a situation where you had to overcome adversity; include lessons learned and how you think it will affect your career as a future physician. If none, please write not applicable. (1,600 characters max) Slightly reworded from last year
• The Florida Atlantic University Schmidt College of Medicine has made a commitment to foster an inclusive environment in which every person in our medical school community has the ability to achieve their full potential. We are proud to have a medical school rich in cultural, ethnic, and socioeconomic diversity. What values, skills, talents, and life experiences would you contribute to our community?  (1,600 characters max) Slightly reworded from last year
• You may have worked during or after college. Having to maintain paid employment can be challenging, yet it can also develop a number of qualities that can help you succeed in medical school, as well as beyond. Tell us about your most meaningful paid employment. What was it about the experience that made it meaningful? What qualities and skills did the job help you develop and strengthen? (Experience does not need to be related to patient care, if none, please write none) (1,600 characters max)

FAU Secondary Application Questions: 2021 – 2022

• Your AMCAS application should reflect your community service experiences. However, tell us more about your most meaningful community service involvement, particularly an experience that really inspired you. How did your involvement move you? (Experience does not need to be related to patient care) (1,600 characters max)
• Good leaders add value to the healthcare profession. They have passion, motivation, conflict resolution skills and integrity, among other attributes and traits. Tell us about your leadership experience(s) and/or key leadership skills. Have you organized a fund raiser, had a club organization/leadership role? How do you motivate or influence people? (1,600 characters max)
• Briefly describe a situation where you had to overcome an obstacle or were faced by a difficult challenge or decision. What valuable lessons did you learn? How do you think the experience prepared you for a career as a future physician? (1,600 characters max)
• Diversity means understanding that each individual is unique and recognizing our individual differences. Describe what uniqueness you would bring to the Schmidt COM. We are proud to already have a medical school rich in cultural, ethnic, and socioeconomic diversity. What values, skills, talents, and life experiences would you add to our culture? (1,600 characters max)
• As a community FAU Schmidt COM has made a commitment to be anti-racist and address systemic racism in education and healthcare. Institutionalized racism can be defined as “macro level systems, social forces, institutions, ideologies, and processes that interact with one another to generate and reinforce inequities among racial and ethnic groups.” As a future medical student at FAU, how can you play an active role in addressing and dismantling systemic racism? (1,600 characters max)
• One of the values of the FAU Schmidt College of Medicine is to provide the best medical care for all people. A major challenge for all physicians to provide the best medical care are Social Determinants of Health (SDOH). These can be defined as “conditions in the social, physical, and economic environment in which people are born, live, work, and age.” What will you as a future doctor do to address SDOH? (1,600 characters max)

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FAU Secondary Application Questions: 2020 - 2021

• Tell us about your most meaningful community service experience. How did you grow? What did you learn? What did you enjoy about serving others? (not related to patient care, if none, please write none) (1,600 characters max)
• Tell us about your leadership experience(s) and/or key leadership skills. (Organized a fund raiser, club/organization officer role, how do you motivate or influence people, if none, please write none) (1,600 characters max)
• Briefly describe a situation where you had to overcome adversity; include lessons learned and how you think it will affect your career as a future physician (if none, please write none) (1,600 characters max)

FAU Secondary Application Questions: 2019 – 2020

• Use this area to justify and/or explain any academic hardships on your transcripts (any failed and/or repeated courses due to any reason) (1,600 characters max)
• What MCAT course and when did you take? (1,600 characters max)
• Your AMCAS application should reflect your community service experiences. However, tell us more about your most meaningful community service involvement, particularly an experience that really inspired you. How did your involvement move you? (Experience does not need to be related to patient care, if none, please write none) (1,600 characters max)
• Good leaders add value to the healthcare profession. They have passion, motivation, conflict resolution skills and integrity, among other attributes and traits. Tell us about your leadership experience(s) and/or key leadership skills. Have you organized a fund raiser, had a club/organization officer role? How do you motivate or influence people? (If none, please write none) (1,600 characters max)

FAU Secondary Application Questions: 2018 – 2019

• The college’s mission is to advance the health and well-being of our community by training future generations of humanistic clinicians and scientists and translating discovery to patient-centered care. Therefore, as a community-based medical school, community service is important to the College. What community service activity was your most meaningful and do you currently continue to give your time to the activity? (1,600 characters max)
• Our College believes in working collaboratively. Thus being able to work in a team is vital to the success of an FAU Medical Student, yet being able to lead is equally important. Give an example of when you were part of a team and had a leadership role. How did you influence your team members to carry out their tasks within the group? How did you perform in your role within the team? What did you learn from having to lead a team? Did any problems arise? How did you overcome them? What did you learn about being a part of a team, while also holding a leadership position? (1,600 characters max)
• The FAU College of Medicine Admissions Committee is interested in learning more about you as a person. Please describe a noteworthy personal challenge you have faced, one which you feel has helped to shape you as a person. Examples may include a moral and/or ethical dilemma, a situation of personal adversity, or a hurdle in your life that you worked hard to overcome. Please include how you got through the experience and what you learned about yourself as a result. (1,600 characters max)
• Diversity is an array of things. What unique qualities and/or traits will you bring to our College? What distinctive attributes would you bring to the practice of medicine? What values, skills, talents, and life experiences – and how you would add to the cultural, ethnic, and socioeconomic diversity of the Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine? (1,600 characters max)
• Have you held any type of paid employment? If so, please tell us about your most meaningful employment experience. What traits do you feel you learned while with that employer? (If you have not held paid employment, please write none) (1,600 characters max)

FAU Secondary Application Questions: 2017 – 2018

• Tell us why you would like to be admitted to the Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine at FAU. (1,200 characters max)
• Tell us about your most meaningful community service experience. (not related to patient care if none, please write none) (1,600 characters max)
• Tell us about your leadership experience(s) and/or key leadership skills. (Organized a fundraiser, club/organization officer role, how do you motivate or influence people, if none, please write none) (1,600 characters max)
• Briefly describe a situation where you had to overcome adversity; include lessons learned and how you think it will affect your career as a future physician (if none, please write none)
• Describe what you would bring to the practice of medicine – your values, skills, talents, and life experiences – and how you would add to the cultural, ethnic, and socioeconomic diversity of the Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine. (1,200 characters max)
• Tell us about your most meaningful employment experience. (not related to patient care, if none, please write none)

FAU Secondary Application Questions: 2016 – 2017

• Tell us about your most meaningful community service experience. (not related to patient care if none, please write none) (1,200 characters max)
• Tell us about your most meaningful employment experience. (not related to patient care, if none, please write none) (1,200 characters max)
• Tell us about your most meaningful leadership experience. (if none, please write none) (1,200 characters max)
• Tell us about any creative endeavors you participate(d) in. (e.g., art, dance, music, etc if none, please write none) (1,200 characters max)
• Describe a situation in which you interacted with a culturally diverse group. (if none, please write none) (1,200 characters max)

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Study In Usa > Colleges In Usa > FAU > Admission

Florida Atlantic University Admissions: Deadlines, Admission Requirements for International Students, Decision, Selection Criteria and FAQs

Collegedunia Team

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Florida Atlantic University admissions are offered to around 78% of the total applicants. The admissions take place in three intakes: summer, fall and spring. Students who are looking to apply for admission to graduate programs at Florida Atlantic University can choose from over 30 disciplines. They are required to have a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (85%) in order to be eligible for admission. GMAT and GRE scores are required for some courses, with scores of 500 and 302 respectively. International students are required to submit their TOEFL iBT and IELTS tests with scores ranging between 61-100 and 6.0-7.0 respectively

Florida Atlantic University admissions are offered in around 40 undergraduate courses. Students are required to submit their SAT and ACT tests with scores ranging between 1010-1150 and 20-24 respectively. Florida Atlantic University also offers MBA programs. MBA admissions at FAU are offered by the Florida College of business. GMAT and GRE scores are not required for admission in MBA. Students should adhere to the given admission deadlines while applying for admission in any of the courses.

Florida Atlantic University Admission Deadlines

Florida Atlantic University admissions are offered in three intakes: spring, summer, and fall. Here are the important dates to be considered by the applicants before applying for admission.

Florida Atlantic University Application Deadline

Florida Atlantic University Graduate Admission

Florida Atlantic University offers more than 30 graduate degree programs. Some of the  top graduate programs at FAU  include computer science, business analytics, chemistry, and health administration. Admission requirements for graduate programs are mentioned below.

Application Portal:  Centralized Application Service Application Fees:  30 USD (2,492 INR) Admission Requirements:

• Undergraduate degree
• GPA  or aggregate: 3.0 GPA on a scale of 4.0
• Test Scores: GMAT and GRE scores are optional.
• Letters of recommendation
• Statement of Purpose
• Resume  or CV
• TOEFL IBT  - 61–100
• IELTS - 6.0–7.0

Florida Atlantic University Top Graduate Programs Requirements:

Florida Atlantic University MBA Admission

Florida Atlantic university MBA  is offered by the Florida College of Business. Students can choose from various types of MBA programs including Executive MBA, Online MBA, Traditional MBA, and Professional MBA. The MBA program lasts for around 16 to 24 months, depending on the type and credits required by the institution.

Application Portal:   FAU MBA Portal Application Fees:  30 USD (2,492 INR) Admission Requirements :

• GPA or aggregate: 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale
• Test Scores: GMAT and GRE are not required for admission
• Statement of Purpose or Personal Statement
• Resume or CV
• TOEFL IBT - 100
• IELTS  - 7.0

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Florida Atlantic University Undergraduate Admission

Florida Atlantic University offers graduate admissions in more than 40 programs. Some of the most  popular undergraduate programs at FAU  include marketing, engineering, architecture, health, administration, accounting, and management. Students are required to fulfill the following admission requirements for undergraduate programs.

Application Portal:  Common Application Application Fees:  30 USD or 2,490 INR Admission Requirements:

• High school transcripts
• GPA or aggregate: Average GPA score 3.24–3.82
• SAT  - 1010–1150
• ACT - 20–24
• Letters of reference
• Statement of Purpose  or Personal Statement
• TOEFL IBT - 80
• IELTS - 6.5

Florida Atlantic University Admission Decision

Florida Atlantic University admissions decision is typically announced within four weeks of submission of your application. You may get admission offered in a term other than your requested term due to a high number of applicants at FAU. It is advisable to keep a check on your application through the online admission portal.

Florida Atlantic University Admission: Selection Criteria

Florida Atlantic University  acceptance rate is around 78% for all courses. The admission process is slightly selective. Students applying for graduate programs are required to have a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (85%). GMAT and GRE scores are required for only some specific graduate programs. The GRE score ranges between 301–302, while the minimum GMAT score required is 500. Apart from this, international students are required to submit English language proficiency tests. The commonly accepted test scores include TOEFL iBT, with score ranging between 61–100, and IELTS with scores between 6.0–7.0. Undergraduate applicants are required to submit their SAT, ranging between 1010–1150 and ACT scores ranging between 20–24.

Once you have received your acceptance letter, you are required to confirm your admission. You are likely to hear from the admissions office within four weeks after you submit the application. After the application process, you can then move forward to apply for your  student visa in USA  and your work permit.

Ques. How much is the acceptance rate at FAU?

Ans . Florida Atlantic University acceptance rate is around 78% for all courses. The admission process is not as competitive as other universities. However, students can improve their chances of getting selected by providing letters of recommendation and personal statements/essays along with their application.

Ques. How much is the application fee at Florida Atlantic?

Ans . The application fee at Florida Atlantic University is 30 USD or 2,492 INR for every kind of degree. This fee is non-refundable.

Ques. What are the English language requirements by FAU?

Ans . Florida Atlantic University accepts TOEFL and IELTS as English language proficiency proof. Here are the minimum requirements for these tests:

• IELTS: 6.0–7.0
• TOEFL iBT: 61–100

Ques. What are the minimum requirements for GPA at Florida Atlantic University?

Ans . Students applying at FAU must maintain a minimum GPA score for admission. Here are the GPA requirements for different degrees:

Ques. How long does it take for FAU to announce admission decisions?

Ans . Students may hear from the admissions office within four weeks of submitting their complete application. They can also track the application status through the online application portal.

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I chose this college because of the location as well as the programs I was looking into. I also chose Florida Atlantic University because I needed a change of scenery and I was accepted right after I received my Associates in Arts.

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Florida Atlantic University: 2024 Requirements, Scores & GPAs

This is the go-to guide for getting into Florida Atlantic University. 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 FAU, but we’ll also offer creative ways to help your application stand out from the pack. We breakdown FAU statistics better than any article out there and show you how these have changed over time. Also, make sure to check out Florida Atlantic University on CampusReel to see what it’s really like here . If you're interesting in transferring to FAU, the read our transfer guide. You can also use the below calculator to help determine your likelihood of acceptance at FAU

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

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

What GPA Do You Need To Get Into Florida Atlantic University?

Florida Atlantic University’s average GPA is 3.99. Florida Atlantic University does require GPA. This average GPA means Florida Atlantic University is brutally selective - the most competitive applicants in the world are already applying to the school, in hopes of taking up residence in Boca Raton, and, somehow, you need to be better. Generally speaking, if your GPA is not at least equal to 3.99 then Florida Atlantic University may be a reach. However, Florida Atlantic University considers the ENTIRE application - we can make up for a weak GPA with more factors that we’ll discuss below. If your GPA is equal to or greater than 3.99, you’re sitting right in the sweetspot.

*BEFORE CONTINUING PLEASE NOTE: GPA and “prestige” DO NOT mean a college is right for you. Florida Atlantic University 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 FAU’s campus. These FAU admission statistics do not sufficiently tell you what a college or university is like.

What Is Florida Atlantic University’s Acceptance Rate?

Last year Florida Atlantic University’s acceptance rate was 67.67999999999999. However, check out how the acceptance rate has changed over time.

As you can see, Florida Atlantic University is a little easier to get into than last year.

Acceptance rate alone does not indicate your likelihood for getting into FAU - 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.

Will You Get Into Florida Atlantic University?

Does florida atlantic university require test scores.

Florida Atlantic University requires that you either take the SAT or ACT. See the table below for how Florida Atlantic University’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.

Florida Atlantic University’s average SAT score is 1045 - 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 Florida Atlantic University is getting more or less competitive.

Florida Atlantic University’s average SAT score is 1045. To be a competitive applicant for Florida Atlantic University your SAT score should come close to the average. If you’re closer to the 950, you’re likely going to have a tougher time getting accepted. To consider Florida Atlantic University a “target” school (one that you are likely to get into) you should aim for a score of 1140.

Florida Atlantic University’s average ACT score is 68. To be a competitive applicant for Florida Atlantic University your ACT score should come close to the average. If you’re closer to the 60, you’re likely going to have a tougher time getting accepted. To consider Florida Atlantic University a “target” school (one that you have a good chance of getting into) you should aim for a score of 76.

Florida Atlantic University Requirements

Now you know where you need to be for getting into Florida Atlantic University 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.

How to get into FAU

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

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

• Score at least a 1045 on the SAT or 68 on the ACT.
• Maintain a GPA of at least a 3.99.

Join Extracurriculars that Align with FAU’s Values.

• Join your school band, a sports team or another group activity. If Florida Atlantic University values music heavily, for example, then try to participate in an organization related to that topic.
• Volunteer in your hometown. Boca Raton has tons of ways to be involved beyond just the college. Florida Atlantic University wants applicants that are also good ambassadors for the school - they want students who will give back to the local community and broader Boca Raton area in general.
• Spend your summer doing something that speaks to your values, personal growth, leadership qualities and other less quantifiable characteristics. FAU 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

• Write a stellar essay that shows Florida Atlantic University 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.
• Get teacher recs that speak to your character. If you know what you’re majoring in and include that in your FAU app, try to have at least 1 recommendation from a teacher in that department.
• 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 FAU’s own system crashes. Don’t risk the added stress this can cause - submit your app a few days early.

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“Test Optional” – What it Really Means + Why Your High Schooler Should Still Take the ACT or SAT Test

During the pandemic, ACT and SAT testing was repeatedly postponed in 2020, leading to a domino effect that continues to worry local education leaders into 2021. The term “Test Optional” has become a common topic surrounding college admissions, and some students are delaying their preparations for the SAT or ACT or planning to skip them altogether.

We spoke with Kristi Anderson, Director of Huntington Learning Center in Lakeland , about the impact of SAT/ACT delays, and current misconceptions about colleges and universities making these tests optional. Our first conversation was in Summer 2020, with a follow up in January 2021 – this article has been updated to reflect the changes. Huntington Learning Center is a Lakeland Sponsor, they have many years of experience and a wealth of knowledge about issues related to education, tutoring, and college prep.

Read a summary of our conversation below. Huntington is also available to answer your specific questions about ACT and SAT prep and tutoring, call 863-709-9600 to learn more.

Editor’s Note: We recognize that standardized test scores are only one aspect of a student’s aptitude, and students who struggle with test-taking might not have a score that truly demonstrates their knowledge. Standardized testing is a separate conversation, today our goal is to help high school students and families understand how ACT and SAT scores are used outside of college applications and when to prepare for these tests. 

Q: What trend are you seeing right now with the SAT and ACT?

SAT and ACT Tests that were originally scheduled in Spring and Summer of 2020 were or canceled/postponed. While the testing schedule is finally back on track for 2021, we are still seeing a concerning trend of high school Juniors and Seniors delaying their SAT and ACT Tests, or even skipping them altogether. This could become an issue if students need to re-take the test to raise their scores. Most students take the official test 2-3 times, and should ideally take the SAT or ACT for the first time in the fall of their Junior year. This schedule allows them time to utilize a Test Prep program and retake the test during the Spring of Junior year or fall of Senior year to achieve the score they need for their colleges of choice as well as Bright Futures or other scholarship programs .

Students typically decide months in advance when they will take the ACT vs. SAT (or both) and often spend the 8 to 12 weeks prior to test day preparing for the test. Visit the College Board SAT Website or ACT Website to see upcoming SAT Test Dates and ACT Test Dates as well as registration deadlines. These websites can also help you find testing centers near you.

Q: We’ve been hearing the term “test-optional” lately – what does that mean?

It means that a college or university does not require the ACT or SAT as part of the college application and admission process. There are some schools that already offered test-optional admissions, and a second group of schools that temporarily suspended SAT/ACT requirements for students during the pandemic. Some test-optional colleges do have a minimum GPA requirement for the ACT/SAT to be optional, and most of them still accept test scores as part of the overall application. Also important to note, some schools only accept test-optional applications from in-state students.  I want to be sure all parents and students realize that “test-optional” college applications are only available for select schools, it is not across the board for all colleges and universities, despite it being a trending topic over the past year. It also means that schools will scrutinize your GPA, extracurriculars, and other application details more thoroughly. 

It is important to note that Florida’s Public Schools – the State University System of Florida – are NOT Test Optional . The SAT or ACT is required to apply for any of these schools for Fall 2021 (as of publishing date – 1/28/21). This includes Florida, Florida State, UCF, USF, FAMU, FAU, FIU, FGCU, UWF, New College, Poly .

Q: What kind of conversations are you having with parents and students about the “test-optional” trend? Is this something students should take advantage of and skip taking the SAT and ACT?

There has been a lot of discussion during the pandemic about college application requirements, with some students indicating they would like to skip the test and only apply for test-optional schools. While this seems like a good way to avoid the stress of taking these standardized tests, and may be the right path for some students, there are other ramifications students and parents may not realize. SAT and ACT scores are often required for scholarships and class placement, and can open up additional opportunities for students. 

Q: Can you talk about some of the most common ways SAT or ACT scores are used in addition to college admission applications?

Bright Futures –  To qualify for a Bright Futures Scholarship from the State of Florida, a student must meet the required minimum score on either the ACT or SAT college entrance exam. The minimum scores must be met by June 30 of the high school graduation year. One of our biggest concerns is making sure students don’t miss out on the opportunity to qualify for Bright Futures because of misleading information about test-optional college admissions. College Scholarships –  Many scholarships require an SAT or ACT score to be submitted with the application, especially merit-based scholarships. Some schools even award automatic or guaranteed scholarships based on SAT/ACT scores and/or GPA. Some out of state schools will also give in-state tuition rates to out of students who meet specific GPA and test score criteria. This can be a huge savings!  Admission to Specific Majors – Subject-specific Majors or Colleges within a university may require the SAT or ACT score for their own admission process. Student Athletes –  Athletes may need to meet GPA and test score requirements to play at D1 schools and to receive athletic scholarships.

Q: When should students start thinking about these tests? 

Ideally, a student should take the test for the first time in the fall of Junior year, allowing plenty of time to work on test prep if necessary. Most college applications are due in fall of Senior year, so t he summer between Junior and Senior year is a great time to focus on the ACT or SAT for students planning on traditional college applications. Some students might also need to start thinking about the SAT or ACT as sophomores or juniors – student athletes and students applying to specific programs like dance or film may need scores as early as fall of their Junior year when they begin talking to college scouts.

Q: How can Huntington Learning Center help students prepare for the SAT or ACT?

At Huntington , we create a personalized plan for each and every student in our tutoring and test prep programs. For test prep, we start with a practice test to determine whether to focus on the SAT or ACT based on the student’s strengths. We also talk about goals – a student trying to obtain the highest score on the SAT will have a different study plan than a student who needs just 1 additional point on the ACT to qualify for a scholarship. We can also help students and families understand the difference between the ACT and SAT and decide which test to take. Huntington’s Test Prep Programs are always one to one with experienced teachers and include content review based on student strengths and weaknesses, test-taking strategy, and work on timing. Our test prep includes SAT Practice Tests and ACT Practice Tests. We are happy to be offering both online and in-center sessions depending on student preference and comfort level.  Visit our website to learn more or call us at 863-709-9600.

Q: What else can Juniors and Seniors do to prepare for college during this time of uncertainty?

In addition to SAT/ACT prep, this is a great time to look for local volunteer opportunities, start the  Common App or Coalition App , research colleges online, and take virtual tours. Make a list of the schools you are applying for and their specific requirements. Start thinking about your essay(s) – some schools use the Common App or the Coalition App essay prompts. Others have their own essay or personal statement requirements. If you need recommendation letters, you need to have a plan of who you are going to ask and make sure you give them enough time to write you a good recommendation.

Q: Do you have any other advice for parents and students?

The last year has given us all a lot of challenges. Don’t lose sight of your goals or let yourself get thrown off track for the college admissions process. We are here to help in any way we can. Please reach out and let us know what we can do for you. We even offer free community workshops on this and other education-related topics. If you would like to host one, please let us know. 

Additional Resources: 

• Contact Huntington Learning Center in Lakeland at 863-709-9600
• Learn more about Huntington on their Website
• Huntington Webinar – Transitioning from Junior to Senior Year of High School: What to Know About College Admissions and Entrance Exams
• College Board SAT Website
• ACT Website
• Coalition for College App

Relevant Lakeland Mom Articles:

• Huntington Learning Center: Personalized Tutoring Services & Test Prep in Lakeland
• College Bound: Lakeland Style – Colleges & Technical Schools in Lakeland
• Finding Financial Aid for College or Career School

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SAT , SAT Essay

Planning to take the SAT? Before you sign up, you need to decide whether you're going to take the test with or without the optional Essay . How should you pick? Well, some colleges require that you apply with the SAT with Essay; others don't care whether you submit an SAT score with or without the Essay.

In this article, I'll provide you with a complete list of colleges that require or recommend taking the SAT with the Essay .

UPDATE: SAT Essay No Longer Offered

In January 2021, the College Board announced that after June 2021, it would no longer offer the Essay portion of the SAT (except at schools who opt in during School Day Testing). It is now no longer possible to take the SAT Essay, unless your school is one of the small number who choose to offer it during SAT School Day Testing.

While most colleges had already made SAT Essay scores optional, this move by the College Board means no colleges now require the SAT Essay. It will also likely lead to additional college application changes such not looking at essay scores at all for the SAT or ACT, as well as potentially requiring additional writing samples for placement.

What does the end of the SAT Essay mean for your college applications? Check out our article on the College Board's SAT Essay decision for everything you need to know.

What Is the Optional SAT Essay?

The redesigned SAT debuted in March 2016 with a now-optional Essay section. For the Essay, you have 50 minutes to read a passage (similar to those you see on the Reading section ) and write an essay dissecting how the author made the argument . Did the author use evidence to support the main claim? Appeals to emotion? Specific word choice?

If you take the SAT without Essay, the test length is three hours . However, if you take the SAT with Essay, the optional Essay adds 50 minutes . It also costs more to take the SAT with Essay : $64.50 vs $49.50 without the Essay.

Don't automatically assume you must take the Essay. Whether it's important for you depends on which schools (and scholarships) you're applying to and what the rest of your application looks like. I'll go into more depth later about how to decide which version of the SAT to take.

List of Schools That Require the SAT With Essay

Below, I've compiled a list of colleges that require or recommend taking the SAT with Essay. All data comes from the College Board and some individual schools we consulted separately.

Note: This list is subject to change, so make sure to double-check with each school you're applying to.

Surprisingly (and in contrast to how it's been in the past), top schools mostly do not require the SAT essay . Currently, no Ivy League School requires students to take the SAT with Essay; the same is true for Stanford, Caltech, Duke, Georgetown, Johns Hopkins, MIT, Northwestern, NYU, and UChicago. Many of these schools no longer even recommend students to take the SAT with Essay, which is a huge turnaround from just a couple of years ago.

Similarly, most liberal arts colleges do not require or recommend the SAT with Essay ; however, there are some exceptions, such as Soka University, which does require it.

In general, most state schools also do not require the SAT with Essay, though there's still a significant portion that do. There tends to be some weird variance even within states. For example, all University of California schools require the SAT with Essay, but most of the California State University schools do not.

Regardless of the types of schools you're applying to, don't assume that they all ask for the SAT with Essay . Check with every school to make sure you understand their testing requirements.

How to Decide Whether to Take the SAT Essay: 4 Questions

When making your decision about whether to take the SAT with Essay or the SAT without Essay, you'll need to consider the following four questions.

#1: Do Any Schools I Want to Apply to Require the SAT Essay?

If you're applying to any school that requires the Essay, then you must take the SAT with Essay . If you take the SAT without Essay, your application will be incomplete and you won't get admitted. By contrast, if you apply to any schools that don't require the SAT Essay, you can still take the SAT with Essay since these schools will accept both types of SAT scores (with or without Essay).

To reiterate, colleges that require the SAT Essay won't consider your score if you took the SAT without the Essay . The last thing you want to do is take the SAT without the Essay and get a good score—but then find out that one of your target schools requires you to take the SAT with Essay.

Remember that some colleges change their application policies from year to year, so make sure to double-check the testing policies of the schools you're applying to .

#2: Do Any Schools I Want to Apply to Recommend the SAT Essay?

If you're not applying to any schools that require the SAT Essay section but are applying to some that recommend it, then I'd still suggest taking it . This gives you another dimension schools can use to evaluate your application; however, there are some cases in which you shouldn't take the SAT with Essay.

If, for some reason, you do not qualify for SAT fee waivers and paying the extra cost to take the SAT with Essay would be a financial burden to you , then please don't feel as if you have to take it. In this case, it's fine to take the SAT without Essay instead.

In addition, if you really struggle to write essays under time constraints (due to anxiety), you might want to opt out of the Essay . That said, I only recommend this for students who normally have strong English and writing skills but struggle to write coherent essays when there's the added pressure of a time constraint.

For example, do you get As on essays you can work on at home but Cs on in-class essays because you get easily nervous? If that's the case, taking the SAT with Essay might not be a good idea.

#3: Am I Applying to Any Scholarships That Require an SAT With Essay Score?

Many scholarships (such as National Merit ) require you to submit SAT scores , and some specifically want SAT with Essay scores.

Therefore, be sure to check the requirements of each scholarship you're planning on applying for . While scholarships that don't require or recommend the SAT Essay should still accept your SAT with Essay score, scholarships that require the Essay section will not consider your SAT score if you took the no-essay version .

#4: Will the SAT Essay Enhance My Application in Other Ways?

Generally speaking, taking the SAT Essay if it's not required won't add a lot to your application. In truth, colleges that don't recommend or require the Essay really don't pay much attention to it.

Nevertheless, the Essay might be helpful for international students who want to prove they have strong English skills and who think they'll do especially well on it. If you fall into this category and feel confident you'll get a high score on it ( after doing practice essays , for example), definitely consider taking the SAT with Essay.

On the other hand, if you don't think you'll do well on the Essay, I recommend against taking it.

What's Next?

Need help preparing for the SAT? Read our ultimate study guide to get expert tips on prep and access to the best free online resources. If you're taking the test soon, learn how to cram for the SAT .

Want to learn more about the SAT Essay? Check out our step-by-step guide to writing a great essay .

Not sure where you want to go to college? Learn how to do college research right and figure out your SAT target score .

As an SAT/ACT tutor, Dora has guided many students to test prep success. She loves watching students succeed and is committed to helping you get there. Dora received a full-tuition merit based scholarship to University of Southern California. She graduated magna cum laude and scored in the 99th percentile on the ACT. She is also passionate about acting, writing, and photography.

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