Texas State University established in San Marcos, Texas is a public, Tier 1 research university of distinction at the heart of Texas. It is devoted to providing its students with a world-class educational experience and a high level of commitment to student success. Prepared for a competitive admissions process, aspiring Bobcats will have a place at Texas State if they have invested themselves in all dimensions of their high school experiences-including extracurricular involvement, leadership, and personal achievements. Sat scores and a good GPA form a vital part of this well-rounded approach.

The Guide to Admissions into Texas State University is designed to walk you through the hallways of admissions into Texas State University, breaking down the SAT and GPA expectations and offering advice on what to make an application stand out.

Texas State University Admission Requirements

Although Texas State University considers much more than numbers, a good score on the SAT and high GPA would help in further strengthening an application. Texas State University has a moderately selective admissions process, considering both academic and non-academic factors.The university adopted a holistic form of admission where the campus considers all academics but also personal qualities and extracurricular activities.

SAT Score Requirements

Texas State has become a test-optional institution for the intake cycle 2024-2025. This means that, here, it does not require SAT or ACT scores from the applicants. It is, however, to be noted that if you submit them, it can work even better in your favor. With good SAT scores, it can also demonstrate your preparedness for college-level work, above all, and more importantly, prepared with your critical thinking skills, which is most valued by the admissions committee.

Percentage Distribution of SAT Score

If you are going to send your SAT scores, knowing the distribution of scores for admitted students will be helpful. Texas State generally expects you to do well on two big sections of the SAT: Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (EBRW) and Math.

The middle 50% of admitted students have SAT scores of 1010-1180. If your SAT score is within or above this range, your chance of getting in improves.

The following table shows the distribution of SAT evidence-based reading and writing (EBRW)/Math scores:

Learn about the SAT Tutoring Course as well!

Getting towards the higher end of the scale or even higher will really make your application pop and show Texas State that you can handle intensive academic work.

Middle 50% SAT Scores for Admitted Students

In this score range, the middle 50% score shows the average profile of students offered admission to Texas State. Scores exceeding 1180 are competitive, but applicants at lower ends can balance this by other areas within the application such as GPA, leadership, and personal statements.

Texas State's policy on SAT scores reflects a just assessment of students. Those who score more than the mean would have an upper hand, but low SAT scores can be countered by good GPAs and other aspects of the application.

GPA Requirements

For many students, GPA is an even more significant factor than standardized test scores. Texas State places an especially high premium on any showing of academic excellence in challenging classes at the high school level. The university considers both weighted and unweighted GPAs but gives greater emphasis to the rigor of your curriculum.

Average GPA for Admitted Students

The middle 50 percent of admitted students had an approximately 3.4 to 3.8 GPA, on a 4.0 scale. Students in this GPA range are usually high performers who have consistently excelled in their regular curriculum at high school.

If your GPA falls somewhere toward the lower end of this range, however, you can still create a very strong overall profile by having strong extracurricular activities, leadership positions, or a compelling personal statement.

GPA Range for Texas State University Admissions

The middle 50% of students admitted to Texas State had GPAs between 3.2 and 3.8. Such a range reflects Texas State commitment to academic preparation of the enrolled student but also recognizes other factors that may impact your overall collegiate success.

GPA Range Percentage of Admitted Students

The pie chart below presents the percentage distribution of admitted students based on their GPA ranges. It highlights the competitiveness of each category, showing how students with varying academic performances are evaluated during the admissions process. 

Holistic Admissions Process at Texas State

A holistic admission practice is used by the university, which means besides your academic numbers, it takes into consideration various other factors. So, though GPA and SAT scores matter, there is also an assessment of well-rounded individuals who demonstrate leadership, community services, and personal growth.

Here are some of the essential areas Texas State takes into account:

• Extracurricular activities: The university considers very active participants in their communities and schools. Leadership positions in clubs, sports teams, or organizations will make your application stand out.
• Personal statement: Your personal statement is a great opportunity to tell your story and explain why this is the right time to join Texas State. As much as you can be authentic and reflective, indicating experiences that shaped your goals and passions.
• Letters of Recommendation: While not necessary, good letters of recommendation really make your application pop. They can illustrate what kind of person you are, how you are as a worker, and what makes you stand out in the classroom from teachers or mentors who know you well.
• Application Fee: Texas State charges an application fee of $75. The university offers fee waivers for students with documented financial need.

Tips to Write a Stellar Application for Texas State University

A strong Texas State application takes so much effort that it should not embarrass you if you have never been observant of the details. Here are tips to craft an exemplary application that leads you to ways of bringing out your strengths:

Highlight Your Skills

In your application, you must feature your skills in being a leader: Texas State highly values leadership skills. Ensure that you provide evidence where you have been in a leadership position of a club, sport, or volunteer organization.

Showcase Academic Rigor

If you have taken Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), or honors courses, include these in your application to demonstrate that you challenged yourself academically.

Be Yourself in Your Personal Statement

Use the personal statement to tell your own story. Explain how your experiences have prepared you for college and why you are excited to join the Texas State community.

Get Involved

Community service, part-time jobs, or internships can all positively contribute to your application. These experiences will clearly display that you are a well-balanced individual capable of taking care of all the responsibilities simultaneously.

Texas State University Admission: Summing Up!

While Texas State University is highly competitive for admission based on academic and personal characteristics, it recommends that you focus on your strong GPA, submit SAT scores if yours are competitive, and highlight your extracurricular involvement, leadership, and other personal achievements in your application. Embark on your journey of success to get admitted to Texas State University and achieve good SAT Scores.