If you’re reading this, you’re likely wondering whether or not your child has a shot at getting into Purdue University. While there’s no copy-and-paste format for a successful application to Purdue (or to any school, for that matter), we’re going to dive into some of the features that unite the students who gain admission to Purdue. But first, let’s look at what sets Purdue apart from other schools. 

About Purdue University

Purdue University is a public research institution in West Lafayette, Indiana. With around 43,000, it’s a mighty large school. Purdue regularly turns out astronauts like Neil Armstrong and Eugene Cernan (both of whom have walked on the moon!), so it’s no surprise that the school’s strengths lie in engineering and STEM fields. 

About half of the undergraduates at Purdue hail from within Indiana, and a little less than half come from other parts of the United States, with only 9% of the student body being international. And Purdue is a Big Ten school, meaning that students will have exciting sports seasons to follow along with each year. 

Purdue University’s acceptance rate is 43.8%. This makes it what we at Ivy Coach would consider a moderately competitive school.

Purdue Admissions Requirements

Obviously, GPA, standardized testing scores, and extracurricular achievements are the key components of a successful application to Purdue and to any school. That being said, what do these components actually look like for Purdue admits? Without further ado, let’s dive in!

What Kind of GPA Is Necessary To Get Into Purdue? 

Purdue has not yet published their Class of 2029 Common Data Set, so the most recently available data we have is for the Class of 2028. Still, we can get a good picture of what kind of grades Purdue students step onto campus with from these numbers. 

GPA	Percentage of the Purdue University Class of 2028 (All Enrolled Students)
Percent who had GPA of 4.0	33.28%
Percent who had GPA between 3.75 and 3.99	31.23%
Percent who had GPA between 3.50 and 3.74	18.49%
Percent who had GPA between 3.25 and 3.49	9.50%
Percent who had GPA between 3.00 and 3.24	4.55%
Percent who had GPA between 2.50 and 2.99	2.51%
Percent who had GPA between 2.0 and 2.49	0.37%
Percent who had GPA between 1.0 and 1.99	0.07%
Percent who had GPA below 1.0	Not Reported

Based on the GPAs of enrolled students above, students should be aiming above a 3.25 GPA, if not higher. Some enrolled students even had perfect 4.0 GPAs, which is never going to hurt a student in elite college admissions, that’s for sure!

What Kind of SAT or ACT Scores Are Needed To Get Into Purdue? 

The average SAT score for the Purdue Class of 2028 was a 1350, and the average ACT score was a 31. Purdue University requires test scores from all applicants, so it’s a good idea to study up on those tests. 

What Classes Do Students Need to Take to Get Into Purdue University? 

Purdue lists the following as their minimum course requirements to be considered for admission: 

• Math: 4 years 
• English: 4 years 
• Lab science: 3 years
  • Engineering applicants: Chemistry experience is expected. 
  • Nursing, pharmacy and veterinary nursing: One year must be chemistry and one year must be biology. 
• Social studies: 3 years 
• World language: 2 years (can be different languages) 

Of course, we at Ivy Coach would not recommend merely three years in any core subject. Colleges like Purdue want to see students excelling in each core subject (English, history, math, science, and foreign language) all four years of high school. In fact, they expect to see five years for foreign language since most students begin their first level of foreign language in eighth grade.

What Kinds of Extracurriculars Does Purdue Like To See?

We’re going to clear up a common misunderstanding: highly selective colleges are not looking for well-rounded students. They’re looking for a well-rounded student body comprised of students who are each singularly talented. 

In terms of extracurriculars, that means Purdue is looking for depth over breadth. If you’re a member of the debate team, the robotics team, the field hockey team, and the drama department…well, then, you’re merely a member of those groups. You don’t stand out in any of these pursuits. Purdue would much rather accept a nationally ranked debate champ than a kid who spent an hour or two on debate a week because he spent the rest forgetting Shakespeare lines and fumbling the ball in football practice. 

Purdue University Application Requirements

Purdue accepts the Common App. Purdue does not require letters of recommendation, but they say they “highly recommend” them, and we at Ivy Coach would advise you not to take that recommendation lightly. Finally, they ask all applicants to respond to the following two questions: 

1. How will opportunities at Purdue support your interests, both in and out of the classroom? (250 words)
2. Briefly discuss your reasons for choosing your major and your interest in studying at this campus location (Indianapolis or West Lafayette). (250 words)

Ivy Coach has some tips and tricks for writing “Why College” essays like these:

If you’re applying to the Honors College at Purdue, there are three more questions required of your application: 

1. Explain your vision, ideas or goals for how you hope to shape your honors experience while at Purdue. Please put this in the context of the four pillars which are the foundation of the John Martinson Honors College. (500 words)
2. Please describe the interdisciplinary nature of your chosen field of study and how it complements or supports other fields. (500 words)

Who Should Students Ask For Letters of Recommendation For Purdue University? 

Purdue applicants should ask two junior year teachers in core subjects. Obviously, the applicant should have a good relationship with the teacher or at least have performed well in their class. In addition, at least one of the recommenders’ subject area should be related to the student’s hook: if a student’s singular hook is studying fruit fly DNA, it wouldn’t make sense if their recommenders were their History and English teachers. 

What Are Purdue’s Application Deadlines? 

Early Decision applications to Purdue are due November 1,  and Regular Decision applications are due January 15. 

How Ivy Coach Helps Students Get Into Purdue University

If you’re interested in discerning if your child has a shot of getting into Purdue, we recommend setting up Ivy Coach’s Strategy Session. Not only will you find out if your child has a chance of getting into Purdue, but you’ll receive a game plan of how your child can optimize their admission to the best school possible.