COLLEGE PROFILE
How to Get Into Davidson in 2026
Honor Code school in North Carolina with strong pre-med and liberal arts.
Quick Answer
Davidson College has a 17% acceptance rate with a middle 50% SAT range of 1330-1480 and average GPA of 3.87. Honor Code school in North Carolina with strong pre-med and liberal arts. Founded 1837 in Davidson, NC.
Admissions Snapshot
| Acceptance Rate | 17%Highly Selective |
| SAT Range (25th-75th) | 1330 - 1480 |
| Average GPA (Unweighted) | 3.87 |
| Undergraduate Enrollment | 2,000 |
| School Type | Private |
| Location | Davidson, NC |
| Founded | 1837 |
| Test Policy | Test-Optional |
| Need-Blind | Yes |
| Meets 100% Need | Yes |
Data source: IPEDS College Navigator and institutional Common Data Set (most recent available year). Data lags approximately one year.
What Davidson Values Most (CDS Data)
Who Gets Into Davidson: 4 Composite Profiles
These are composite profiles based on publicly available admissions patterns. They do not represent real individuals.
The Academic Powerhouse
Near-perfect GPA and test scores. Strong in STEM or humanities. Multiple AP/IB courses with 5s and 7s. Research experience or independent project.
The Community Builder
Founded or led a significant student organization. Demonstrated measurable community impact. Strong essays connecting service to personal growth.
The Specialized Expert
Deep expertise in one field — national competition winner, published research, or professional-level skill. Clear spike that makes the application memorable.
The Versatile Contributor
Strong across multiple areas without being the best at any single one. Excellent writer who connects diverse experiences into a coherent narrative.
Davidson Essay Strategy
Davidson's supplemental essays are your chance to demonstrate genuine fit. The "Why Davidson?" essay must reference specific programs, professors, courses, or campus resources. Generic essays about prestige or location are immediately recognizable and ineffective.
Read the Davidson Essay GuideApplication Strategy: ED vs EA vs RD
With a 17% acceptance rate, Davidson is competitive but not ultra-selective. Applying early shows demonstrated interest, which some schools value in admissions.
Read our ED vs EA vs RD strategy guide →Use the Davidson Fit Worksheet
Score your profile against Davidson's admissions criteria. See where you stand across 7 dimensions calibrated to real CDS data. Free, no signup required.
Get Your Free Davidson Fit ScoreFrequently Asked Questions
What is Davidson's acceptance rate?
Davidson College's acceptance rate is approximately 17% based on the most recent Common Data Set. This rate can vary by year and by application round (ED, EA, RD).
What SAT score do I need for Davidson?
The middle 50% SAT range for Davidson is 1330-1480. Scoring above 1480 does not guarantee admission, and scoring below 1330 does not mean rejection — holistic review considers the full application.
What GPA do I need to get into Davidson?
The average unweighted GPA of admitted students at Davidson is approximately 3.87. Course rigor (AP/IB/dual enrollment) matters as much as the GPA number itself.
Does Davidson have Early Decision?
Check Davidson's admissions website at davidson.edu/admissions for the most current information on early application options. Policies can change year to year.
Is Davidson test-optional?
Yes, Davidson is currently test-optional. Test policies can change each admissions cycle.
How many students attend Davidson?
Davidson College has approximately 2,000 undergraduate students. As a private university, class sizes tend to be smaller.
What is Davidson known for?
Honor Code school in North Carolina with strong pre-med and liberal arts.
More Davidson Resources
Written by AdmitPath team
Data sourced from IPEDS College Navigator and Davidson's Common Data Set. CDS publication year noted — data may lag one year.
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