The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary — Admission Snapshot 2026
A complete at-a-glance picture of every metric that matters for your 2026 application
The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary Acceptance Rate
The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (SBTS) maintains an inclusive admission policy. With an acceptance rate of 96.9%, the institution prioritizes accessibility and opportunity for all qualified students.
Admissions Guidelines
- Inclusive Enrollment: Emphasis is placed on meeting basic eligibility and high school completion.
- Launchpad Policy: Ideal for students looking to build a GPA for future transfer or career certification.
Selectivity at a Glance
Inclusive
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Check Your Admission Chances at SBTS
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis — based on The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary's verified institutional data
Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.
⚠️ Note: Predicting based on regional averages as this institution does not publicly report full score datasets.
Calculated via College Portal's Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards. Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (SBTS) Test Requirements
In this competitive environment, standardized scores are no longer elective; they serve as a critical standardized benchmark to validate high school GPA and course rigor. Applicants should aim for scores within or above the middle 50% range of the 2026 admitted class to remain viable in the Holistic Review process. At institutions that remain test-optional, submitting a high-percentile score is still the primary strategy for securing merit-based scholarships and distinguishing one's profile in a high-volume applicant pool.
Can I Get Into SBTS Without SAT or ACT?
The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary Average SAT Score: 1118
The average SAT score of the admitted students at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary is 1118 on the 1600 SAT scale.
SAT Competitiveness
This score makes it less competitive for SAT test scores. You need to put average efforts to score 1118 on the SAT.
If your score is below 1028, retaking the SAT is strongly recommended to improve your chances at SBTS. Retaking the test multiple times is completely normal — most competitive applicants take the SAT two or three times to achieve their best score. There is no official limit on attempts.
SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | 545 | 500 | 590 |
| SAT Reading | 571 | 528 | 613 |
| SAT Composite | 1118 | 1028 | 1203 |
It means that if you have scored less than 1028 then you are below most of the admitted students at SBTS and your chances of admission are very few. But if you have scored 1203 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 1100
Can I get into The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (SBTS) with a 1200 SAT?
With a 1200 SAT Score, your chances of admission at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (SBTS) are good but the admission staff at SBTS 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.
The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (SBTS) ACT Requirements
The average ACT Score at SBTS is 23.
ACT Competitiveness
This score makes The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary slightly Competitive for ACT scores. You need to do well to score 23 on the ACT.
ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACT Math | 20 | 17 | 23 |
| ACT English | 23 | 19 | 26 |
| ACT Composite | 23 | 20 | 25 |
Can I get into The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary with a 25 ACT?
A 25 ACT places you at the 75th percentile of admitted students at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary — meaning you score higher than 75% of students who were accepted. This is a strong position, but the ACT is just one dimension of your application. Admissions officers at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary use the ACT as a benchmark to validate your academic readiness, not as a standalone admission ticket.
Unlike the SAT, the ACT measures four distinct subject areas — English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science — each scored on a 1–36 scale. If one of your section scores is significantly lower than the others, admissions staff will notice the imbalance. For example, a weak ACT Science score at a STEM-focused institution carries more weight than the same weakness at a liberal arts college. It is worth reviewing your section-level scores and addressing any outliers before applying.
One important advantage the ACT has over the SAT is that The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary — like most US universities — accepts Superscoring for the ACT, meaning they take your highest section scores across multiple test attempts and combine them into a new composite. If you have taken the ACT more than once, confirm whether The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary uses Superscoring, as this could meaningfully improve your effective composite beyond what any single sitting shows.
Beyond your score, what ultimately determines admission at this level is the strength of your overall profile. Your unweighted GPA, course rigor (AP, IB, or dual enrollment), extracurricular depth, letters of recommendation, and personal essays all carry significant weight. A 25 ACT gets your application through the first filter — but your essays and activities are what move it forward from there.
Your 2026 Admissions Roadmap for SBTS
Inclusive Strategy: Success & Transfer
SBTS provides an open gateway to higher education. Success here is about utilizing resources and planning your long-term academic or career trajectory.
Ensure you have your high school diploma or GED ready. Open admission means you are in as long as you meet the basic administrative requirements.
Focus on the ACCUPLACER or internal placement tests. Performing well here allows you to jump directly into credit-bearing Math and English.
If you intend to move to a more selective school later, maintain a 3.5+ GPA here to make yourself a highly competitive transfer candidate.
Identify specific certificate programs or internships offered by SBTS that connect directly to the local job market.
SBTS Profile
Is a SBTS Degree Worth It?
Getting into SBTS 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. SBTS 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.
Compare Similar Colleges
Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Auburn University at Montgomery | Montgomery, AL | 1090 | 21 |
| Spring Hill College | Mobile, AL | 1090 | 22 |
| Troy University | Troy, AL | 1086 | 22 |
| Grand Canyon University | Phoenix, AZ | 1095 | 22 |
| University of the Ozarks | Clarksville, AR | 1088 | 21 |
| Pacific Union College | Angwin, CA | 1093 | 22 |
| Fort Lewis College | Durango, CO | 1084 | 20 |
| Colorado Mesa University | Grand Junction, CO | 1070 | 23 |
| University of Northern Colorado | Greeley, CO | 1077 | 22 |
| Central Connecticut State University | New Britain, CT | 1091 | 24 |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. If your SAT or ACT score is competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of South Alabama | Mobile, AL | 1119 | 23 |
| Tuskegee University | Tuskegee, AL | 1121 | 22 |
| Arkansas State University | Jonesboro, AR | 1119 | 22 |
| University of Central Arkansas | Conway, AR | 1117 | 22 |
| University of La Verne | La Verne, CA | 1116 | 22 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Birmingham-Southern College | Birmingham, AL | 1197 | 24 |
| Huntingdon College | Montgomery, AL | 1148 | 23 |
| University of Arkansas | Fayetteville, AR | 1174 | 25 |
| Harding University | Searcy, AR | 1187 | 25 |
| Azusa Pacific University | Azusa, CA | 1155 | 22 |
Degree Programs at SBTS
Bachelor Degree Programs
Masters Degree Programs
Doctoral Degree Programs
Associate Degree Programs
UG Certificate or Diploma Programs
Professional Certificate Programs
Full list of all degree programs offered by The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary →
Frequently Asked Questions About SBTS Admissions
The acceptance rate of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary is 96.9% which is relatively high, above 20%, making it somewhat easier to gain admission compared to other top-tier universities.
Admission to The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary is based on SAT, and a strong SAT score is essential. Aim for scores above 1118 for the best chances, although the overall application strength also matters. Your SAT must be in the range of 1028–1203.
Yes, many students successfully transfer each year. Be prepared with your academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement to make your application competitive.
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.
