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Davidson Acceptance Rate: 17%

Everything you need to know about getting into Davidson College — acceptance rate, test scores, GPA benchmarks, and what admissions officers actually value.

Acceptance Rate
17%
SAT Range
1330–1480
Avg GPA
3.87
Enrollment
2,000
Highly Selective

A competitive applicant pool where well-rounded profiles stand out. With an acceptance rate of 17%, Davidson College rejects the majority of its applicants. For the Class of 2026, this means you need more than strong numbers — your whole application matters.

What it takes to get into Davidson

Based on Common Data Set (CDS) reporting, here is how Davidson weights each admissions factor:

Course rigor & GPAVery important
LeadershipVery important
Application essaysVery important
RecommendationsVery important
Awards & honorsImportant
Activity depthImportant
Spike / distinctive talentImportant

Key takeaways for applicants

Academics are the foundation. Aim for a GPA at or above 3.87 and SAT scores in the 13301480 range. Take the most rigorous courses available to you.

Essays are critical. Davidson rates application essays as “Very Important.” Your personal statement and supplemental essays are a key differentiator.

Recommendations matter a lot. Build genuine relationships with teachers who can speak to your intellectual curiosity and character.

Test policy: Davidson is test-optional. You may submit SAT/ACT scores if they strengthen your application.

Frequently asked questions

What is the acceptance rate at Davidson College?

The acceptance rate at Davidson College is approximately 17% for the Class of 2026. This means roughly 6 students apply for every admitted student.

What SAT score do I need for Davidson?

The middle 50% SAT range at Davidson College is 1330–1480. Scoring within or above this range positions you competitively, though admissions are holistic.

What GPA do I need for Davidson?

The average unweighted GPA of admitted students at Davidson College is 3.87. Course rigor matters as much as the GPA number itself — admissions officers want to see the most challenging curriculum available to you.

Is Davidson hard to get into?

With a 17% acceptance rate, Davidson College is highly selective. Beyond strong numbers, you need compelling essays, meaningful extracurriculars, and strong recommendations.

More about Davidson

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Check your odds at Davidson

AdmitPath analyzes your profile across 7 dimensions calibrated to Davidson's admissions priorities. Free, instant, data-driven.