How Do ACT/SAT Scores Affect Admission and Scholarships?
We've made it easier than ever to apply. Learn how your GPA — with or without test
scores — works for admission and scholarships.
Admission and testing FAQs
Whether you’re submitting test scores or going test-optional, we make admission accessible
and student-focused. View detailed admission requirements.
If your highest cumulative GPA (weighted or unweighted) is 3.0 or above on a 4.0 scale,
then you are not required to submit a test score for automatic admission.
If your highest cumulative GPA is below 3.0, you will need to submit a test score
for admission consideration.
We do not have a preference. We encourage you to take the test that works best for
you.
No, Missouri State does not require you to actively opt-in to test-optional admission
consideration. Instead, we will review your application to see if you qualify for
admission without a test score.
As long as you meet Missouri State's automatic admission requirements, choosing not
to submit a test score will not hurt your chances for admission. You can also complete
a supplemental application if you do not meet our admission requirements.
No, sending test scores will never hurt your chances of being admitted or receiving
scholarships. It can only help!
Yes! We will use your ACT or SAT superscore if it helps you meet our admission requirements
and/or increases your scholarship options.
Scholarships and testing FAQs
Submitting test scores can boost your financial aid and help you save on college costs.
Visit the Scholarships for Freshmen webpage for more details.
We encourage all students to submit test scores because they can help maximize your
scholarship options.
Missouri State’s top scholarship – the Presidential Scholarship – requires a qualifying test score.
Our highest-valued automatic scholarships – the Board of Governors, Provost and Deans scholarships – also require test scores.
Absolutely! If you are able to increase your GPA and/or test composite/superscore,
we will increase your automatic scholarship award. The last test scores we will accept
for automatic scholarship consideration is the April exam of your senior year.
Testing deadlines and submitting scores
To ensure you don’t miss out on admission and scholarship opportunities, here’s a
quick chart detailing when and how to submit your test scores.
Purpose
Last test date
Additional information
Admission (fall semester)
July (after senior year)
Final test date for fall admits
Automatic scholarship consideration
April (during senior year)
Scholarships automatically adjusted based on new test scores and//or GPA
Presidential Scholarship consideration
October (during senior year)
Application deadline is Dec. 1
FAQs about deadlines and submitting scores
No, we will consider any scores you send to us.
You have a couple of options when sending your scores to us:
List Missouri State University on your ACT or SAT when you register, OR
Request your scores to be sent directly to us using our code:
ACT: 2370
SAT: 6665
Yes! We will consider test scores listed on high school transcripts as official.
ACT-specific FAQs
With the recent ACT changes, you may have questions about how Missouri State uses ACT scores. Rest assured that
we will use your scores to showcase your strengths and support your success.
Missouri State considers the three mandatory ACT sections: English, Math and Reading.
We do not consider the optional ACT writing section.
No, the ACT science section is not required for students applying to Missouri State
for the Fall 2026 semester and beyond.
Yes, the ACT science section can help you! We will still consider this section only
if it increases your composite or superscore.
The ACT science section will never hurt you. If you take this section and it does
not increase your overall score, we will not consider it.
