Principia College is a well-known institution. It has a selective admission process. The acceptance rate of Principia College is 47.85%. This means that 48 out of every 100 applicants get admitted.
How Competitive are Principia College Admissions?
- Moderately Competitive: Applicants need good academics and extracurriculars.
- GPA, SAT/ACT, and AP/IB courses significantly impact admission chances.
- A holistic review considers essays, recommendations, and leadership roles.
Since the acceptance rate is low, you need to perform exceptionally well in academics and other activities. However, since it is not below 20%, you still have a chance if your GPA isn\'t excellent. You can compensate for a lower GPA by scoring high on the SAT, and ACT, and taking IB or AP courses.
Additionally, a well-written letter of recommendation, your participation in co-curricular and extracurricular activities, and your interpersonal communication skills can enhance your admission chances.
Principia College Admission Requirements
Principia College GPA Requirement
The average GPA of admitted students at Principia College is 3.34. Admission is competitive, but not extremely selective.
A mix of A’s and B’s is acceptable, and taking AP/IB courses helps.
If your GPA is between 3.04 and 3.34, you should aim for a high SAT or ACT score. A minimum GPA of 2.94 is required.
Can I Get Into Principia College Without SAT Or ACT?: Principia College considers admission test scores (SAT/ACT) during the application process but does not require them. Although it is not strictly a requirement, the test scores are considered for admission decisions. Hence, it is advisable to prepare well for the test and submit the best scores. Normally, students may appear in the test 4 to 5 times to improve their scores. Hence you are required to plan early and appear in upcoming SAT / ACT tests. Check the schedule of the test and plan accordingly. It is advisable to appear multiple times in the test unless you score well above the average SAT / ACT score of the admitted students, as given below.
Principia College SAT Requirements
Each school has different requirements for SAT and ACT testing. Only a few schools require the SAT or ACT, but many consider your scores if you choose to submit them. The test score policy is already mentioned.
Principia College Average SAT Score: 1125
The average SAT score of the admitted students at Principia College is 1125 on the 1600 SAT scale.
Principia College SAT Competitiveness
This score makes it less competitive for SAT test scores. You need to put average efforts to score 1125 on the SAT.
Key Insight:Aim for the 75th percentile (1300 SAT) to stand out. If your scores are below average, consider retaking the test. Principia College allows Score Choice for the SAT and Superscoring for the ACT, giving you flexibility to submit your best scores.
If your score is below 970, you must retake the SAT to improve your chances of admission to Principia College. It is not strange to appear multiple times for the SAT to improve scores. Colleges don’t mind if you have appeared multiple times, but not more than 5 times.
Principia College SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | 573 | 495 | 650 |
| SAT Reading | 563 | 475 | 650 |
| SAT Composite | 1125 | 970 | 1300 |
It means that if you have scored less than 970 then you are below most of the admitted students at Principia College and your chances of admission are very few. But if you have scored 1300 or more, your chances of admission are higher. 25th percentile means that only 25% of the admitted students have fewer scores than this score. 75th percentile marks the score of the upper 25% of the students. View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 1150
Can I get into Principia College with a 1300 SAT?
With a 1300 SAT Score, your chances of admission at Principia College are good but the admission staff at Principia College tests your all-around personality and your academics. Your GPA, Class performance, SAT/ACT/Test scores, and AP or IB Courses can help your application stand out. Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and interpersonal communication skills are very important. Additionally, if you cannot perform well in one area, you have a chance to showcase your strengths and abilities in other areas, improving other areas will help you secure admission. You need to show better performance in all areas. An equally high GPA, taking IB or AP Courses and your role in leadership activities will increase your chances of admission. However, if you equally compete well in all other areas, your chances of admission are high.
Principia College Profile
Name: Principia College
City: Elsah
State: Illinois
Type: Non-Profit Private
Zip: 62028-9799
Campus: Main
Accredited by: Higher Learning Commission (NCACHE)
How to Improve Your Chances of Getting into Principia College
Boost Your Test Scores: Retake the SAT/ACT if needed. Use resources to improve your score.
Focus on Academics: Maintain a high GPA and take challenging courses.
Extracurricular Activities: Principia College values well-rounded students who make meaningful contributions to their communities. Here’s how to showcase your strengths:
- Highlight long-term commitments, and unique accomplishments.
- Leaderships: Demonstrate clear leadership experience. This is not only true for Principia College but also other schools. If you cannot demonstrate strong leadership qualities, your chances of acceptance will be low. Work on your weak areas, and improve your communication and interpersonal skills. Also, include your work experiences where you were given leadership responsibilities, and write down your achievements and how you were able to contribute as a team leader and team member.
- Community Service: Show how you have influenced change in the community and have a strong desire to do so in the future. Also, if you are planning to apply for Principia College, participate in relevant activities. Work for social welfare and look for opportunities where you can make an impact. Start with your school or student council. Those having positions like president, secretary generals etc… in students councils have better chances. Network with notable people and develop your social media profile accordingly.
- Passion Projects: Whether it’s starting a club, publishing research, or excelling in the arts, show what sets you apart. Example: If you’ve founded a nonprofit or won a national competition, make sure it’s prominently featured in your application.
- Align your goals with Principia College’s mission. Carefully read the objectives and mission of Principia College on their official website and plan accordingly for each specific point. See how well your profile matches their objectives and goals, and work on the areas where you are lacking.
- Secure Strong Recommendations: Get letters from professors or employers who know your abilities well. Share your achievements and goals with them for a stronger, more personalized recommendation. If personal statement and recommendations align, your chances of success will be higher.
- Build a Strong Network: Engage with Principia College Alumni and current students. Ask them how they planned their scholarship journey, what challenges they faced, and how they overcame them. Learn about the key factors behind their success and how they secured their selection.
- Craft Strong Essays: Tell your story authentically and highlight what makes you unique. College Essay is a very important document. Unlike your transcripts, which just show your numbers or grades, the essay reflects your true personality as a human being. Take considerable time to refine and craft your statement of purpose. Here are the detailed guidelines for writing a winning College Essay form our experts.
Does a degree from Principia College Worth It?
Getting into Principia College can be a great opportunity for many students. It is a prestigious institution known for its strong programs. However, whether it is worth it depends on your personal and academic goals, as well as your financial situation. Principia College offers a rigorous academic environment and access to cutting-edge research, but it may not be the best fit for everyone. It's important to consider factors such as cost, location, and specific academic programs when making this decision. Please note that the average household income of the admitted students at Principia College is USD: and unemployment rate is %.
How can I get a scholarship?
0% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 0 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to Principia College and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At Principia College, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist Principia College as your choice in the form.
Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than Principia College. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower than the requirements of Principia College, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Huntingdon College | Huntingdon College, AL | 1086 | 21 |
| Spring Hill College | Spring Hill College, AL | 1094 | 22 |
| Tuskegee University | Tuskegee University, AL | 1091 | 21 |
| University of Arkansas at Little Rock | University of Arkansas at Little Rock, AR | 1089 | 21 |
| Arkansas Tech University | Arkansas Tech University, AR | 1090 | 21 |
| University of the Ozarks | University of the Ozarks, AR | 1087 | 22 |
| Southern Arkansas University Main Campus | Southern Arkansas University Main Campus, AR | 1088 | 21 |
| Pacific Union College | Pacific Union College, CA | 1075 | 21 |
| Southern California Institute of Architecture | Southern California Institute of Architecture, CA | 1100 | NA |
| University of Northern Colorado | University of Northern Colorado, CO | 1106 | 24 |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as Principia College. If your SAT or ACT score are competitive for Principia College, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of South Alabama | University of South Alabama, AL | 1118 | 23 |
| Arkansas State University | Arkansas State University, AR | 1119 | 22 |
| University of Central Arkansas | University of Central Arkansas, AR | 1118 | 22 |
| Azusa Pacific University | Azusa Pacific University, CA | 1132 | 25 |
| University of La Verne | University of La Verne, CA | 1116 | 22 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than Principia College. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Arkansas | University of Arkansas, AR | 1167 | 25 |
| Harding University | Harding University, AR | 1182 | 24 |
| Ouachita Baptist University | Ouachita Baptist University, AR | 1180 | 25 |
| Dominican University of California | Dominican University of California, CA | 1192 | 24 |
| University of Colorado Colorado Springs | University of Colorado Colorado Springs, CO | 1180 | 25 |
Degree Programs
Bachelor Degree Programs
- Area Studies
- Audiovisual Communications Technologies/Technicians
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Chemistry
- Communication and Media Studies
- Computer Science
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology
- Economics
- Education, General
Frequently Asked Questions About Principia College Admissions
Answer: Your chances of getting a scholarship are lower, 50% or less. It's important to apply early and showcase a strong academic profile.
Question: What is the acceptance rate for Principia College?
Answer: The acceptance rate of Principia College is 47.85 which is relatively high, above 20%, making it somewhat easier to gain admission compared to other top-tier universities.
Question: What is the average GPA of admitted students at Principia College?
Answer: The average GPA of admitted students is 3.34. This reflects the competitive academic profile expected from applicants.
Question: What is the minimum GPA required for admission to Principia College?
Answer: The minimum GPA required for admission is typically around 3.04, though this can vary depending on other factors such as test scores, extracurriculars, and essays.
Question: What are my chances at Principia College with a 3.04 GPA?
Answer: If your GPA is 3.04 or less, it may makes admission difficult. However, your chances may improve if you have strong test scores, extracurricular activities, and essays.
Question: Can I apply to Principia College if my GPA is below 2.94
Answer: While the average GPA of admitted students is 3.34, applicants with lower GPAs can still be considered if they have strong test scores, extracurriculars, and compelling personal essays that demonstrate resilience and potential.
Question: How competitive is the SAT score requirement for Principia College?
Answer: Admission to Principia College is based on SAT, and a strong SAT score is essential. Aim for scores above 1125 for the best chances, although the overall application strength also matters. Your SAT must be in the range of 970-1300
Question: Is it possible to transfer to Principia College from another university?
Answer: Yes, many students successfully transfer to Principia College each year. Be prepared with your academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement to make your application competitive.
Question: What is the campus culture like at Principia College?
Answer: The campus culture at Principia College is diverse and vibrant, with numerous student organizations, sports teams, and cultural activities. It’s an ideal environment for personal growth and building lifelong connections.
Question: How can I improve my chances of getting into Principia College?
Answer: To improve your chances, focus on excelling academically, building a strong extracurricular profile, and submitting standout essays. High SAT/ACT scores are also crucial for competitive admissions.
Full list of All degree programs offered by Principia College.
Data on this page is sourced from IPEDS, College Scorecard's latest data as provided in 2024, US Department of Education's latest 2024 statistics, Institute's official websites and printed material as well as additional publicly available sources.