Introduction
Purdue University is consistently ranked among the top engineering and computer science schools in the nation. As such, it is no surprise that the university’s computer science program is highly competitive, with an acceptance rate of just 17.5% for the fall 2022 semester.

In this guide, we will take a closer look at the Purdue CS acceptance rate, as well as the factors that affect it. We will also provide some tips on how to improve your chances of getting into the program.
The Purdue CS Acceptance Rate
The Purdue CS acceptance rate has been steadily declining in recent years. In 2018, the acceptance rate was 20.2%. In 2019, it fell to 18.5%. And in 2020, it dropped to 17.5%.
This decline in the acceptance rate is due to a number of factors, including:
- The increasing popularity of computer science as a major
- The growing number of applications to Purdue University
- The university’s commitment to maintaining a high academic standard
Factors That Affect the Purdue CS Acceptance Rate
The Purdue CS acceptance rate is affected by a number of factors, including:
- Your GPA: Your GPA is one of the most important factors in the admissions process. The average GPA of admitted students to Purdue CS is 3.98.
- Your SAT/ACT scores: Your SAT or ACT scores are also important, but they are not as important as your GPA. The average SAT score of admitted students to Purdue CS is 1490. The average ACT score is 34.
- Your extracurricular activities: Your extracurricular activities can show the admissions committee that you are a well-rounded individual. They can also demonstrate your leadership skills, teamwork skills, and commitment to service.
- Your personal statement: Your personal statement is your chance to tell the admissions committee who you are and why you want to study computer science at Purdue. It is important to write a strong personal statement that highlights your strengths and interests.
- Your letters of recommendation: Your letters of recommendation should come from people who know you well and can attest to your academic ability, character, and work ethic.
How to Improve Your Chances of Getting into Purdue CS
If you are interested in attending Purdue CS, there are a few things you can do to improve your chances of getting in:
- Get good grades: The most important thing you can do is to get good grades in your high school classes. This will show the admissions committee that you are a hard worker and that you are capable of handling the rigors of college-level coursework.
- Take challenging courses: Take challenging courses in high school, such as AP or IB courses. This will show the admissions committee that you are willing to challenge yourself and that you are not afraid of hard work.
- Get involved in extracurricular activities: Get involved in extracurricular activities that you are passionate about. This will show the admissions committee that you are a well-rounded individual and that you are committed to service.
- Write a strong personal statement: Take the time to write a strong personal statement that highlights your strengths and interests. Be sure to proofread your personal statement carefully before submitting it.
- Get good letters of recommendation: Ask for letters of recommendation from people who know you well and can attest to your academic ability, character, and work ethic.
Conclusion
The Purdue CS acceptance rate is highly competitive, but it is not impossible to get into the program. By following the tips in this guide, you can improve your chances of getting into Purdue CS and pursuing your dream of becoming a computer scientist.
Appendix
Table 1: Purdue CS Acceptance Rate by Year
Year | Acceptance Rate |
---|---|
2018 | 20.2% |
2019 | 18.5% |
2020 | 17.5% |
Table 2: Average GPA of Admitted Students to Purdue CS
Year | Average GPA |
---|---|
2018 | 3.98 |
2019 | 3.99 |
2020 | 4.00 |
Table 3: Average SAT/ACT Scores of Admitted Students to Purdue CS
Year | Average SAT Score | Average ACT Score |
---|---|---|
2018 | 1490 | 34 |
2019 | 1500 | 34 |
2020 | 1510 | 35 |
Table 4: Tips for Improving Your Chances of Getting into Purdue CS
Tip | Description |
---|---|
Get good grades | The most important thing you can do is to get good grades in your high school classes. |
Take challenging courses | Take challenging courses in high school, such as AP or IB courses. |
Get involved in extracurricular activities | Get involved in extracurricular activities that you are passionate about. |
Write a strong personal statement | Take the time to write a strong personal statement that highlights your strengths and interests. |
Get good letters of recommendation | Ask for letters of recommendation from people who know you well and can attest to your academic ability, character, and work ethic. |