So, you’re thinking about applying to South Dakota State University, and you’re curious about your chances of admission. Well, we’re here to help! Of course, there are a lot of factors in the admissions process, and it’s impossible to accurately predict whether you’ll be admitted or not. However, the most important factors in the admissions game are your GPA and test scores. So, using those as a measure, we can give you an estimate of your chances.

With an acceptance rate of 91%, admission to South Dakota State is not very competitive. Based on our analysis, to have a good chance of being admitted, you need to be at the top of your class and have an SAT score of close to 1100, or an ACT score of around 23.

Not quite there? Try taking our SAT prep course and you’ll still have a chance of getting in, but it’s in the single digits. Let’s take a closer look at South Dakota State’s admission statistics.

South Dakota State Admissions Statistics

South Dakota State’s acceptance rate in 2017 was 91%. For students applying to the class of 2021, out of 5,173 applicants, South Dakota State admitted about 4,695. The average GPA of admitted applicants was 3.37, the average ACT score was 23, and the average SAT score was 1110.

For students who took the ACT, the 25th percentile score of successful applicants was 20, and the 75th percentile score was 26.

For students who took the SAT, the 25th percentile score was 990. The 75th percentile score was 1220.

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If you’re somewhere in the middle of these numbers, remember that a high test score can compensate for a slightly lower GPA, and vice versa. If you’re at the lower end, it helps if you’re a diverse applicant, the child of an alum, or have incredible personal achievements. Still, at the 25th percentile, your chances of getting in are in the low single digits.

Other aspects of your application, such as athletics, extracurricular and recommendations, are important, but will likely only make a difference for admission if you’re in the 75th percentile range for your GPA and SAT/ACT scores.

As we said, admission to South Dakota State is not very competitive. Even if South Dakota State is your dream school, and even if you’re in the 75th percentile, you’ll still want to make sure you apply to a wide variety of schools to ensure you’ll gain admission somewhere.

Generally, you should have at least three safety schools (where you are in the 75th percentile of GPA/test scores), three reach schools (where you are in the 25th percentile of GPA/test scores) and three target schools (where you are near the average for GPA/test scores) on your list.

OK, so you’ve decided to apply. We took a look at South Dakota State’s admissions requirements to help you get everything in order.

South Dakota State Application Requirements

To apply to South Dakota State, you’ll need to fill out the SDS Online Application, submit an ACT or SAT score, pay the $20 application fee, and submit your high school transcript. Admissions are handled on a rolling status throughout the year.

Here’s a full list of application requirements:

• Fill SDS Online Application
• Submit an ACT score or SAT score
• Pay the $20 application fee
• Submit your high school transcript

Admissions are handled on a rolling status throughout the year. Janurary 15th is the financial aid application deadline.

Have you been admitted to South Dakota State? Congratulations! Below is a glimpse of what your classmates will be like.

South Dakota State Admitted Students Profile

If you matriculate at South Dakota State, you’ll be joining a diverse class, with students from all over the U.S. and the world, and have a chance to study in dozens of fields.

Here are some interesting facts about the recently admitted class:

• Roughly 47% are male and 53% are female
• 4.4% of students are international

South Dakota State has a diverse class, as well, with a large number of people of color. The ethnicities of admitted applicants are:

• International: 4.4%
• Underrepresented minority: 0.4%
• Two or more races: 2.4%
• White: 91%

What do these admitted students plan to study? South Dakota State offers dozens of majors, and students matriculating there pursue a wide number of subjects. Here is a list of some of the top programs:

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• Agriculture
• Education
• Social Sciences

Now, how are you going to pay for this?

South Dakota State Tuition Figures

At $29,758, South Dakota State’s cost of attendance is pretty high for many people. But, don’t panic! Most incoming students receive some form of financial aid, and the average award is $3,929.

Here’s a fuller look at South Dakota State tuition and financial aid in 2017:

• Total budget: $29,758
• Average financial aid package: $3,929

Now, what is life like at South Dakota State? Let’s take a look.

Campus Location

South Dakota State’s main campus is located in Brookings, South Dakota.

Founded in 1881, when the Dakota Territory still existed, South Dakota State is the largest public university in the state that has been in continuous operation.

Remember, you’re going to South Dakota State for its excellent academics! Below is a look at what academic life will be like.

South Dakota State Academics

South Dakota State has dozens of majors. Some of the school’s more interesting majors are:

• Agricultural Business Operations
• Agriculture
• Clinical Laboratory Science
• Dairy Science
• Economics
• Foods, Nutrition, and Wellness Studies
• Graphic Design
• Hospitality Administration
• Interior Design
• Journalism
• Landscaping and Groundskeeping
• Mechanical Engineering
• Natural Resources Management and Policy
• Operations Management and Supervision
• Political Science and Government
• Visual and Performing Arts

Now, let’s take a look at life outside the classroom at South Dakota State.

Student Life at South Dakota State

South Dakota State has hundreds of student organizations, covering academic interests, creative and performing arts, cultural and racial initiatives, gender and sexuality affinity groups, government and politics interests, and various media and publications.

Here’s a sampling of South Dakota State’s student activities:

• Advertising Club
• Agronomy & Conservation Club
• Dairy Club
• Range Club
• Black Student Alliance
• Gender and Sexuality Alliance
• Latin American Student Association
• Exercise Science Club
• Helping Everyone Reach Optimal Health
• Order of Omega
• Horse Club
• Jackrabbit Youth Mentoring Club
• Non-Profit Leadership Alliance
• Bowling Club
• College Diabetes Network at SDSU – We Keep Life Sweet
• Game Creation Organization
• I AM THAT GIRL SDSU

Are you an athlete? South Dakota State’s got plenty of options for you.

South Dakota State Athletics

South Dakota State offers a large number of intercollegiate sports, with extensive varsity, as well as club, offerings, for both men and women. So, if you’re not up to varsity level, remember there are plenty of club and intramural sports to try out for, too.

South Dakota State’s sports include:

• Baseball
• Basketball
• Football
• Cross-Country
• Swimming & Diving
• Golf
• Wrestling
• Track & Field

Who might you become with a South Dakota State degree? Let’s take a look at some well-known and successful alums:

Notable Alums

South Dakota State has produced politicians, business tycoons, entertainers, musicians, media figures, and leaders in dozens of other fields.

Here’s a list of some particularly well-known alums:

• US Senator Tom Daschle
• US Representative Kristi Noem
• NFL kicker Adam Vinatieri
• Nobel Prize-winning economist Theodore Schultz
• Artist James Pollock
• First Premier Bank president Dana J. Dykhouse
• Kuwait Petroleum Corporation CEO Nizar Al-Adsani
• Film historian Jeanine Basinger

And this is only a partial list!

Remember!

Getting into South Dakota State is not very competitive. Don’t despair if you get a no. If you have a strong GPA and high test scores, you have a great chance of getting into at least one of the more competitive schools. And if you don’t, remember: where you go is NOT who you are. If you work hard, you’ll end up at a school that’s right for you, and still get a great education.

If you need to boost your GPA or test scores before application time rolls around, you should consider signing up for a course with Prep Expert. We offer one-on-one tutoring and classes, both in-person and online, at locations throughout the United States.

Our expert teachers and tutors will not only share with you tried and true methods for improving your score, but also help you correct deficiencies in any subject that you’re having difficulty with—English, Writing, Mathematics or Science.

Additionally, online classes can be watched On Demand, so if you miss a class due to your busy schedule, you can catch it online later. We have helped hundreds of students get the scores they need to attend the school of their dreams.

For more test strategy, college admissions, and scholarship application tips sign up for our FREE class happening right now!