By Ashley Burk, a current student at Xavier University

1)      Take the ACT or SAT multiple times! Xavier looks for prospective students with an average ACT score between 22-28+ and an average SAT score between 1030-1260+. If your test scores aren’t the greatest, Xavier does look at other criteria and takes in to account that not everyone is good at standardized tests. Just because your scores aren’t in the range Xavier is looking for does not absolutely mean you shouldn’t apply!

2)      Have a GPA between 3.19-3.9. Your GPA is extremely important when applying to Xavier because this lets the University know how you would be as a student at Xavier. Having a high GPA and great admissions essay helped me get into Xavier.

3)      Write a good admissions essay!  My admissions essay focused on service work, giving back to the community, and how this experience has shaped who I am today. As a Jesuit institution, I feel writing an admissions essay about service showed Xavier how my values compare to the University’s values.

4)      Get to know the Xavier admissions counselor in your area! The admissions counselor in my area actually graduated from my high school, so I felt like I was able to connect to her. I met my admissions counselor, Lauren, at my Xavier campus visit and then again when she visited my high school. After establishing a connection, I called her to check on my application and felt very comfortable asking her questions.

5)      Be involved in high school curricular activities and service activities. Xavier looks for students who are active in their high school and local community.