What's the admissions process like at South Dakota state colleges?

Hey everyone! I've been considering applying to some South Dakota state colleges and was wondering if there's anything I should know about their admissions process? Like, what's their acceptance rate and how competitive are they?

Hello! The process of applying to South Dakota state colleges varies somewhat depending on the institution, but in general, you can expect several common elements. You'll typically need to complete an application form, submit your high school transcript, and provide SAT or ACT scores. For example, at the University of South Dakota (USD), the state's flagship institution, applicants are primarily evaluated based on their high school GPA and standardized test scores. According to their website, for first-time freshmen applying for admission, the university is currently using a test-optional admission review. However, you can still submit your scores if you believe they're beneficial to your application. Moreover, South Dakota State University (SDSU), another public institution in the state, operates on a somewhat similar process but has adopted a holistic review since Fall 2023. Meaning, the admissions committee considers multiple factors including your high school GPA, course selection, class rank (if available), as well as non-academic factors such as leadership roles, community service, and personal circumstances.

The overall acceptance rates in these institutions tend to be relatively high. For instance, in 2023, SDSU had an acceptance rate of about 86%, and USD had an acceptance rate of roughly 99%. So, while they do evaluate applicants on a variety of academic and non-academic factors, they are relatively less selective than some other institutions. Just remember that each student's application is unique, so make sure to highlight what makes you stand out, whether it comes to your academic achievements, extracurricular activities, or personal experiences. Good luck with your applications!