Old Dominion University (ODU) is a fantastic place for students looking for top-notch academics, diversity, and research opportunities. With a 91% acceptance rate, your chances of getting in are strong, but having a solid academic record still matters. A great GPA, involvement in activities, and leadership roles can help you stand out!
Old Dominion University (ODU) takes a well-rounded approach to admissions, looking beyond just test scores. With a 91% acceptance rate, getting in is highly achievable, but a strong GPA (3.5–4.0) and a solid application can make a difference. While SAT (1120–1280) and ACT (22–27) scores are optional, submitting them can give your application a boost. Leadership, extracurriculars, and personal achievements also play a big role in standing out!
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1️⃣ ODU was originally part of William & Mary! 🎓 It started as an extension of the College of William & Mary in 1930 before becoming its own university.
2️⃣ The Monarchs love sports! 🏀 ODU has strong athletic programs, including a competitive football and basketball team.
3️⃣ ODU is a research powerhouse! 🔬 The university is known for its contributions to coastal engineering, cybersecurity, and space research.
4️⃣ It has a waterfront campus! 🌊 ODU is located near the Chesapeake Bay, offering stunning views and a great environment for students.
5️⃣ Home to Big Blue! 🦁 The ODU mascot, Big Blue, is one of the most recognizable and energetic college mascots!
🚀 Check Admission Requirements of Top US Universities Accepting SAT & ACT!
Element |
Details |
College Name |
Old Dominion University |
College Location |
Norfolk, Virginia |
University Short Form |
ODU |
Acceptance Rate |
91% |
Early Action Due |
December 1 |
Regular Application Due |
February 1 |
FAFSA Deadline |
March 1 |
SAT Scores |
1120–1280* |
ACT Scores |
22–27* |
🚀 Also, Get to Know How to Send SAT Scores to Colleges?
Old Dominion University (ODU) isn’t just looking for good grades—it wants students who bring passion, leadership, and involvement to campus life. While SAT and ACT scores aren’t required, submitting strong scores can give your application a boost. ODU values diversity and loves students who showcase unique talents, achievements, and a drive to succeed!
Requirement |
Details |
Application Platforms |
Common Application, ODU Online Application |
SAT Score (Middle 50%) |
1120–1280* |
ACT Score (Middle 50%) |
22–27* |
GPA Requirement |
3.5–4.0 |
Application Requirements |
Personal Statement/Essay, Extracurricular Activities |
Application Fee |
$50 |
If you have a strong GPA, SAT, or ACT score, your chances of getting into ODU are high! But ODU doesn’t just focus on numbers—they also want students who show leadership, passion, and involvement in extracurricular activities.
Old Dominion University is SAT Test Optional, but submitting a strong one can give your application an edge! Most admitted students score between 1120 and 1280, so aiming for the higher end can make you more competitive. If you want to stand out, a good SAT score can be a great way to do it!
If you're wondering where your SAT scores stand for Old Dominion University, here’s the breakdown! While ODU follows a test-optional policy, submitting a strong SAT score can give your application an extra edge. The ODU average SAT score for admitted students is 1210, with most students scoring between 1120 and 1280. Aiming for the higher end of this range can make your application even more competitive!
Section |
Average |
25th Percentile |
75th Percentile |
Math |
600 |
540 |
650 |
Reading + Writing |
620 |
550 |
680 |
Composite |
1210 |
1120 |
1280 |
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ODU SAT scores can play a key role in making your application stand out, even though the university is test-optional. Most admitted students score between 1120 and 1280, with an average of 1210. Aiming for the higher end of this range can boost your chances, especially for competitive programs. Check out the score distribution below!
Percentile |
SAT Score |
25th Percentile |
1120 |
50th |
1210 |
75th Percentile |
1280 |
Students applying to competitive STEM, business, and engineering programs should aim for scores closer to 1280 to strengthen their applications.
📌 Get to know When You Should Take the SAT?
Some schools within Old Dominion University take a closer look at your test scores during the admissions process, even though ODU is test-optional. A strong SAT score range of 1120–1280 can enhance your chances, especially for competitive programs. Here are some schools at ODU that may consider SAT scores in their review process:
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ODU ACT scores play a key role in strengthening your application, even though the university is test-optional. Scoring between 22 and 27 puts you in a great spot, but aiming closer to 27 can make your application even more competitive!
When it comes to ODU admissions, a good ACT score can definitely give you a boost! The ODU average ACT score for admitted students falls between 22 and 27, with a median of 24. But remember, strong grades, extracurriculars, and leadership can make your application shine!
ACT Percentile |
ACT Score Range |
25th Percentile |
22 |
50th Percentile (Median) |
24 |
75th Percentile |
27 |
📌 Read about the ACT Syllabus here!
Strong grades matter when applying to ODU! The ODU GPA requirements typically range between 3.5 and 4.0, so keeping your grades up can boost your chances. A solid GPA shows you’re ready for college-level work and helps make your application stand out.
Strong grades can make a big difference in your ODU application. The ODU average GPA for admitted students is 3.75, with most students falling between 3.5 and 4.0. A higher GPA boosts your chances, but ODU also values leadership, extracurriculars, and personal achievements.
GPA Percentile |
GPA Range |
25th Percentile |
3.5 |
50th Percentile (Median) |
3.75 |
75th Percentile |
4.0+ |
Applicants with a lower GPA can still be competitive with strong test scores, extracurricular achievements, and personal statements.
📌 What is the SAT Calculator Policy? Read Here!
With an ODU acceptance rate of 91%, getting in is very achievable, but strong academics still matter! A solid GPA, extracurriculars, and a well-rounded application can help you stand out and make the most of this great opportunity at Old Dominion University.
Old Dominion University Acceptance Rate |
Total Applicants |
Admitted |
Enrolled |
91% (Less Selective) |
15,211 |
13,768 |
2,717 |
📌 Also, Get Familiar with the New Digital SAT Format.
ODU offers plenty of scholarship opportunities for both in-state and out-of-state students! Whether you’ve got top grades or need financial support, there are merit-based and need-based scholarships available to help make your college journey more affordable and rewarding.
Many scholarships are automatically awarded based on academic performance, while others require a separate application.
📌 Also, Learn Important SAT Grammar Rules for Upcoming SAT Exam!
ODU uses SAT superscore and ACT superscore policies, meaning they take your highest section scores from multiple test attempts to create your best possible composite score. This gives you a chance to boost your application by showing off your strongest test performance!
📌 Ace the Upcoming SAT with SAT Math Prep Tips!
ODU is a great choice for students looking for strong academics, leadership opportunities, and a vibrant campus life. With a high acceptance rate (91%), a GPA of 3.5+, and SAT (1120–1280) or ACT (22–27) scores, applicants have a great chance of admission. The holistic admissions process values a well-rounded student, and scholarships, as well as superscoring, help make applications stand out. Whether it’s research, sports, or student life, ODU is a fantastic place for students ready to make an impact!
Category |
Colleges/Universities |
Ivy League Schools |
|
Public Research Universities |
University of California System (some campuses) |
National Universities |
|
Liberal Arts Colleges |
|
College Name |
ACT Score |
SAT Score |
15–19* |
820–980* |
|
16–21* |
890–1080* |
|
17–20* |
860–1053* |
|
15–21* |
Not available* |
|
16–20* |
860–1062* |
University |
ACT Score |
SAT Score |
21–27* |
940–1200* |
|
16–25* |
910–1150* |
|
18–26* |
910–1150* |
|
18–24* |
910–1120* |
|
19–26* |
950–1150* |
|
21–28* |
950–1180* |
|
16–27* |
925–1140* |
|
17–24* |
930–1175* |
|
19–25* |
950–1130* |
|
20–27* |
900–1150* |
|
20–26* |
1010–1200* |
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