Missouri State University

Skip to content Skip to navigation
a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z

News

Your source for what's happening at Missouri State University

  • Headlines
  • Awards
  • Discovery
  • University Life
  • In the News
  • Media Resources
  • Office of Strategic Communication

Missouri State adopts superscores, test-optional policies for freshman admissions

Student-friendly changes follow national trends.

August 5, 2020 by Strategic Communication

Becoming a Missouri State Bear just got a little bit simpler.

Missouri State University has made several changes to its freshman admission requirements policy. The university will now accept ACT or SAT superscores and adopted a test-optional policy for students who have a 3.25 high school GPA or higher.

“It’s our goal to make Missouri State as open and accessible as possible for anyone who wants to pursue a college degree,” President Clif Smart said. “We expect this policy change will help move the needle in that direction.”

Apply for admission

About superscores

A superscore uses a student’s highest test scores from each section of the ACT or SAT to form an average, regardless of whether those scores came from the same test day. The ACT and SAT both support the use of superscoring for making college admissions decisions.

The policy change came in response to a new ACT rule that allows students to take individual portions of the test.

This student-friendly change will allow students with a superscore higher than their composite score to use it during the admissions process.

About test-optional

Students who have a 3.25 high school GPA or higher will not be required to take a standardized test for admission, a pathway backed by the university’s public affairs mission.

More than 800 national 4-year public and private institutions have added test-optional admission options for students who have thrived in their high school curriculum. Another 400 universities added the option due to COVID-19 and cancellation of spring and summer ACT and SAT exams.

In addition, research on standardized tests has shown such exams disadvantage students of color, students from low-income families and students who have disabilities.

Both policy changes reflect Missouri State’s commitment to creating easier college pathways for students.

For more information, read the university’s adapted policy.

Filed Under: Headlines Tagged With: students

Related

Follow us on Twitter

My Tweets

Subscribe to news

MSU Calendar

  • Calendar Image
    Faculty Recital
    June 13, 2023
  • Calendar Image
    8:00 pm Anything Goes - Tent Theatre Production
    June 23, 2023
  • Complete Calendar
Make your Missouri statementMake your Missouri statement
  • Last Modified: August 5, 2020
  • Accessibility
  • Disclaimer
  • Disclosures
  • EO/AA/M/F/Veterans/Disability/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity
  • © 2013 Board of Governors, Missouri State University
  • Contact Information