First-Year Admission Requirements

First-Year Admission Requirements

All applicants are reviewed for admission based on academic course levels, grades and standardized test scores (if submitted).

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Required 17 College Prep Units

SubjectNumber of Courses
English  4 courses
Mathematics     4 courses (Algebra I and II and Geometry or Trigonometry, or comparable coursework) including mathematics during senior year of high school
Science3 courses (each with laboratory)
Foreign Language2 courses (in a single language)*
Social Science2 courses (including 1 course in U.S. history)
Electives2 courses (from the above subjects or the arts, humanities or computer science)

*Exemption can be made for English Language Learners, students with documented learning disabilities and vocational/technical school students.

Test Optional

Salem State is a test-optional institution. We focus our admission decisions on a student’s academic work and grade point average (GPA), which research has shown are better predictors of academic success.

Students who wish to submit their test scores (SAT/ACT) are encouraged to do so in addition to their required admissions materials (application and transcript). 

We generally advise students with a 2.5 GPA or lower to voluntarily submit additional application supporting materials, including:

  • Test scores (SAT/ACT) directly from their testing agency
  • Letter(s) of recommendation from a teacher, high school guidance counselor, coach, employer, or mentor
  • Essay

For students with a GPA below 3.0, this sliding scale will apply:

GPA      SAT ACT
2.51 - 2.9999019
2.41 - 2.50103020
2.31 - 2.40107021
2.21 - 2.30111022
2.11 - 2.20 114023
2.00 - 2.10118024

Please note that these are minimum admissions standards and do not guarantee admission. Some of our majors are highly competitive and require higher academic standards and early application submission. Information on this website is subject to change at any time.

Contact Us

Questions about fulfilling your admission requirements? Get in touch!

Undergraduate Admissions

978.542.6200
Monday through Friday 8:30 am-5 pm
331 Lafayette Street
Second Floor
Salem, MA 01970
Mailing Address:
352 Lafayette St.
Salem, MA 01970
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