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DePaul University Requirements for Admission

What are DePaul University'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 DePaul University and build a strong application.

School location: Chicago, IL

This school is also known as: DPU

Admissions Rate: 70.2%

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 DePaul University is 70.2% . For every 100 applicants, 70 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 DePaul University'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.

Learn more about PrepScholar Admissions to maximize your chance of getting in.

DePaul University 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: 3.8

The average GPA at DePaul University is 3.8 .

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

With a GPA of 3.8, DePaul University requires you to be near the top of your class , and well above average. Your transcript should show mostly A's. Ideally, you will also have taken several AP or IB classes to show that you can handle academics at a college level.

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 3.8, 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 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.

DePaul University hasn't explicitly named a policy on SAT/ACT requirements, but because it's published average SAT or ACT scores (we'll cover this next), it's likely test flexible. Typically, these schools say, "if you feel your SAT or ACT score represents you well as a student, submit them. Otherwise, don't."

Despite this policy, the truth is that most students still take the SAT or ACT, and most applicants to DePaul University will submit their scores. If you don't submit scores, you'll have one fewer dimension to show that you're worthy of being admitted, compared to other students. We therefore recommend that you consider taking the SAT or ACT, and doing well.

DePaul University 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: 1189

The average SAT score composite at DePaul University is a 1189 on the 1600 SAT scale.

This score makes DePaul University Competitive for SAT test scores.

DePaul University SAT Score Analysis (New 1600 SAT)

The 25th percentile SAT score is 1090, and the 75th percentile SAT score is 1290. In other words, a 1090 on the SAT places you below average, while a 1290 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.

DePaul University has the Score Choice policy of "Contact School."

This means that the school wants you to contact them to learn more about their Score Choice policies. Keep reading - we may have extra notes about this from our own expert research.

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.

DePaul University ACT Requirements

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

Average ACT: 25

The average ACT score at DePaul University is 25. This score makes DePaul University Moderately Competitive for ACT scores.

The 25th percentile ACT score is 22, and the 75th percentile ACT score is 28.

Even though DePaul University 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 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 22 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.

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 DePaul University, so you should prep until you reach our recommended target ACT score of 22.

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.

DePaul University 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 1090 SAT or a 22 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:

• PrepScholar customizes your prep to your strengths and weaknesses . You don't waste time working on areas you already know, so you get more results in less time.
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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 DePaul University here.

Application Requirements Overview

• Common Application Accepted, supplemental forms required
• Electronic Application Available
• Essay or Personal Statement Recommended for all freshmen
• Letters of Recommendation
• Interview Not required
• Application Fee No fee required for domestic applicants
• Fee Waiver Available? None
• Other Notes Audition/interview for School of Music and Theatre recommended for some freshmen

Testing Requirements

• SAT or ACT Considered if submitted
• SAT Essay or ACT Writing Optional
• SAT Subject Tests
• Scores Due in Office February 1

Coursework Requirements

• Subject Required Years
• Foreign Language
• Social Studies

Deadlines and Early Admissions

• Offered? Deadline Notification
• Yes February 1 March 15
• Yes November 15 December 15

Admissions Office Information

• Address: 1 Chicago, IL 60604-2287
• Phone: (312) 362-8000 x8000
• Fax: (312) 362-5749
• Email: [email protected]

Other Schools For You

If you're interested in DePaul University, 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 DePaul University.

Reach Schools: Harder to Get Into

These schools are have higher average SAT scores than DePaul University. 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 DePaul University, these schools will offer you a similar chance of admission.

Safety Schools: Easier to Get Into

If you're currently competitive for DePaul University, you should have no problem getting into these schools. If DePaul University 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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DePaul University

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DePaul University > Admission & Aid > Types of Admission

Find your admission type and learn how to apply

Many students take a fairly traditional route and come to DePaul directly after high school. But not every path is the same. We provide an education that’s accessible to everyone — no matter what you’re up to outside of class.

There are nine student types at DePaul. Find the one that best fits you and learn more about applying.

Degree-seeking.

Freshman Student You are under age 24 and have completed at least six semesters of high school.

Transfer Student You are under age 24 and have completed college courses at a regionally accredited institution.

Adult Undergraduate Student You are age 24 or over, with or without prior college coursework, and are interested in an undergraduate degree.

Graduate Student You have an undergraduate degree and are applying for a graduate degree program. Or you want to take graduate courses without pursuing a degree.

International Student You have been educated outside the United States and will submit international educational credentials as part of your application, and/or you are or will have F-1 or J-1 visa status.

Returning Student You are a former DePaul student previously enrolled in an undergraduate degree program who has been absent from the university for three or more consecutive quarters (excluding summer sessions).

Visiting Undergraduate Student You are a high school student, high school graduate or a college student interested in taking undergraduate courses for credit that will transfer to another institution.

Non-Degree Student You are a college graduate interested in taking courses for credit (i.e., for graduate school preparation, career development or personal interest) without the intent of completing a degree.

Continuing Education Student You are a professional seeking an online certificate, endorsement or review course. These options do not require an application. Simply find your program of interest and register.

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College of Liberal Arts & Social Sciences > Academics > English > Graduate Programs > Writing and Publishing (MA) > Admission Requirements

Students with a bachelor's degree in any field will be considered for admission. For admission, a student must also present the following:

• A strong record of previous academic achievement.
• Relevant course work in creative writing or experience with creating writing gained on the job or through endeavors such as publishing original work and/or participating in a writers' circle or group.

To apply, please submit the following:

• A completed application .
• Official transcripts detailing course work from all colleges and universities you have attended. If you send transcripts directly to DePaul, they must be in a sealed envelope with the official registrar's stamp across the envelope flap.
• A résumé that summarizes your education and relevant experience.
• A reflective essay, from 500 to 750 words long, describing your objectives in applying to DePaul's MA in Writing and Publishing program and your plans for the future. The admissions committee takes this statement seriously, so please be as specific as possible about how and why this program would help you reach your creative and professional goals.
• A portfolio (approximately 25 pages) of representative creative writing. You may submit creative nonfiction (including narrative or feature journalism), fiction, poetry, or a combination. If you are submitting poetry, please ensure that at least half of your portfolio contains samples of your prose writing. 
• A $40 domestic application fee, $75 international application fee.
• Two letters of recommendation
• Students applying for graduate assistantships must submit two letters of recommendation attesting to the candidate's ability to succeed in graduate study.
• International students should also see International Admission . We follow the LAS Graduate College's requirements for English proficiency. Visit this page to see the TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo scores you must meet for admission to our graduate program.

APPLICATION INFORMATION

We accept applications all year round, and students may begin their studies in any academic term. We strongly suggest that students submit their applications eight to ten weeks prior to the quarter in which they wish to begin their studies (late June for fall entry, late October for winter entry, mid-January for spring entry). Those students who wish to apply for graduate assistantships should submit their application materials no later than January 15 prior to the academic year for which they wish to receive an assistantship.

ALL application materials should be sent to the following address:

Office of Graduate Admission College of Liberal Arts & Social Sciences 2400 N. Sheffield Avenue Chicago, IL 60614

Application materials can also be emailed to the Office of Graduate Admission at [email protected] .  Colleges and universities that provide official electronic transcripts services should send transcripts to  [email protected] .  Please make sure your name is on all documents. Letters of recommendation must be emailed directly from the recommender as an attached pdf document on letterhead with the recommender's signature.

Learn more about Graduate Admission .

Ready to apply?

If you need assistance to complete your application and/or have questions, contact the LAS Graduate Admission office at (773) 325-7315 or [email protected] .

Calculate for all schools

Your chance of acceptance, your chancing factors, extracurriculars, depaul admission requirements.

Hi everyone! I'm starting to research colleges and DePaul University caught my eye. Can anyone share some insight on their admission requirements? What should I focus on to strengthen my application? Thanks!

Hello! DePaul University is a great choice for many students, and I'm happy to help you understand their admission requirements. Here are the main components of your application that DePaul will consider:

1. High School Courses: DePaul recommends that you complete the following coursework: 4 years of English, 3 years of mathematics (including Algebra, Geometry, and Algebra 2/Trigonometry), 3 years of natural sciences (with at least two labs), 3 years of social sciences, 2 years of the same foreign language, and 2 years of electives (such as arts, music, or additional courses in the subjects listed above).

2. High School GPA: Although DePaul doesn't have a minimum GPA requirement, they do consider your academic performance in high school, so aim for a strong GPA. The average GPA for admitted students at DePaul is around 3.7 (on a 4.0 scale).

3. Test Scores (Optional): DePaul University has a test-optional policy, which means you don't have to submit SAT or ACT scores if you don't feel they reflect your academic ability. However, if you do choose to submit test scores, the average SAT score for admitted students is about 1190, while the average ACT score is 24. Be sure to weigh your scores against the averages and assess whether they will help or hurt your application. Or, if you're wondering whether you should submit a test score and want guidance on how to navigate test-optional policies, check out this blog post from CollegeVine: https://blog.collegevine.com/does-test-optional-mean-test-optional/

4. Extracurricular Activities: DePaul values students with a well-rounded profile, so make sure to highlight your involvement in activities outside of school, such as clubs, sports, community service, or a part-time job. Focus on demonstrating leadership, commitment, and passion in these activities.

5. School Report and Recommendation Letters: DePaul requires a school report from your school counselor, which will provide broader context about the course offerings and broader academic rigor at your high school, and allows students to submit up to three optional letters of recommendation along with the school report. If you choose to submit letters of rec, choose someone who can speak to your strengths, work ethic, and potential for growth, to paint an even more detailed picture of you as an applicant.

6. Personal Essay (Optional): While not required, the personal essay (which is part of the Common Application) is a chance to tell your story, express your values, and connect on a deeper level with the admissions committee. Be authentic and write about a topic that's meaningful to you. The essay is an excellent opportunity to differentiate yourself from other applicants and showcase your unique qualities.

Overall, focus on maintaining a strong GPA, pursuing meaningful extracurricular activities, and, if you so desire, crafting a genuine, well-written essay to strengthen your application. Good luck with your college search and your application to DePaul!

About CollegeVine’s Expert FAQ

CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.

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You are under age 24 and have completed at least six semesters of high school.

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Liberal Studies Program

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The Liberal Studies Program is the common curriculum taken by all students in the eight undergraduate colleges of DePaul University. Overall, the program is designed to develop students' writing abilities, computational and technological proficiencies, and critical and creative thinking skills. Targeted liberal studies courses introduce the institution's unique Catholic, Vincentian, and urban mission and identity, and may include opportunities for community service. While the liberal studies curriculum itself is quite varied, the program as a whole shares these six learning goals: 1) Mastery of Content, 2) Intellectual and Creative Skills, 3) Personal and Social Responsibility, 4) Intercultural and Global Understanding, 5)Integration of Learning, and 6) Preparation for Career and Beyond.

Liberal Studies Program Office

Office Email: [email protected]

For inquires specific to the First-Year Program (Chicago Quarter, Focal Point Seminar, Quantitative Reasoning, and First-Year Writing), additional contact information is available under the FYP page .