Freshman Profile

Admission to Towson University is competitive. If you're wondering how your application will stack up, it might help to know a little bit about what we look for. Below you'll find a profile of our 2012 freshman class and a brief overview of what we seek in an applicant.

2012 Freshman Class at a Glance

Applied: 18,128
Accepted: 9,462
Enrolled: 2,464

GPA (middle 50 percent): 3.35–3.87

SAT (middle 50 percent): 1520–1730

ACT (middle 50 percent): 22–25

Minority: 27 percent

 

What We Look For

Your grades and test scores are the greatest factors in our decision, but we seek students who are also well-rounded and involved outside of the classroom. The following five criteria are the primary components of our admission decision.

1. Course Work
Your high school GPA and the rigor of your courses are the most important aspects of your application. The middle 50 percent of our students have an average weighted GPA between 3.30 and 3.78 at the end of their junior year of high school, though we also admit many students above and below this range. We apply additional weight to students who have taken a challenging course load with demanding classes such as AP, IB or college-level work.

2. SAT or ACT Scores
We require our applicants to take either the SAT or ACT. The middle 50 percent of our 2012 freshman class falls within an SAT range of 1520 to 1730 or an ACT of 22 to 25, but we often admit outside of this range depending on an applicant's course work, GPA and other application materials. Although SAT/ACT scores are important, we place more weight on course work and GPA.

3. College Essay
The essay allows you to show us what makes you exceptional. We enjoy reading essays that present an honest and thoughtful picture of you. Don’t focus on things found within your high school transcript or standardized test scores. We would much rather read about your dreams and desires, goals, events in your life or something you have accomplished during your high school experience.

4. Letters of Recommendation
A student with a strong letter of recommendation can have a critical advantage in the final stages of the admission cycle when fewer spots remain. We advise you to submit letters of recommendation that speak to your academic history or participation in community activities.

5. Extracurricular Activities
We look for well-rounded students who will enhance the university both inside and outside the classroom. An individual who participates in clubs, sports and activities in high school demonstrates that he or she is just this type of student. Choose clubs wisely and don't try to do too much—we want you to remain focused on academics.