Read on to learn more about how to get into Spelman College, an established institution with a rich history of revolution and empowerment.
Spelman College had humble beginnings. It started as the Atlanta Baptist Female Seminary in the basement of a church in the late 1800s. In a time when women, especially of African descent, were denied education, Atlanta Baptist was revolutionary. This guide will tell you everything you need to know about Spelman College!
Spelman College has an acceptance rate of 28%. Their acceptance rate has varied throughout the years, but it remains one of the most selective women’s colleges in the U.S.
Here is a record of Spelman’s acceptance rates for the past four years:
Source: Common Data Set
The Spelman College early acceptance rate is 51%, which gives you a strong chance of admission. However, they’re more selective with their transfer students, as the Spelman College transfer acceptance rate is 38.5%.
Source: Common Data Set
The Spelman College out-of-state acceptance rate is unavailable, but in the most recent academic year, roughly 73% of their American student body were out-of-state students.
Spelman College has an acceptance rate of 28%, meaning it isn’t too difficult to get into. It has a relatively low competitive GPA median, making it accessible to a wider range of students.
The Spelman College yield rate is 15%. The yield rate is also known as the enrollment rate and depicts the number of students who accepted their admission to a certain college.
Getting into Spelman requires a solid application. Students should aim for SAT scores of 1206 or higher or ACT scores of 26 or higher to be considered competitive. Additionally, achieving a GPA of 3.9 or higher will place you in the ranks of previous successful applicants.
In previous years, Spelman College has held an average GPA of about 3.9. However, if you want to be among the top applicants to Spelman, you should aim for a 4.0 GPA.
Here are the average GPAs of Spelman’s incoming students for the past five years:
Spelman does not have minimum GPA requirements, so students do not need certain grades to be eligible for enrollment.
However, according to their class profile, students should aim for a weighted GPA of 3.9 to fall within the competitive range of successful applicants. This equates to an unweighted GPA of about 3.3, which is relatively low compared to other colleges.
If you do choose to take the SAT for Spelman College, you should aim for an SAT score of around 1206. It’s helpful to know average scores so that you can have a ballpark range of what to aim for on the SAT. Here are the Spelman College SAT scores of applicants from the past five years:
Spelman College has suspended the SAT/ACT standardized testing requirement for first-time applicants for the upcoming admission cycle. Students who do not have access to these tests or believe they inaccurately reflect their potential will not be disadvantaged for not submitting scores.
However, students are encouraged to highlight other impressive aspects of their application if they choose not to submit standardized test scores. These aspects include extracurriculars, awards, social justice involvement, or other noteworthy activities.
Students with access to these tests who would like to use them to strengthen their applications can still submit their scores. These scores will be included in their applications' holistic review and will be super-scored.
The average ACT score at Spelman College is 26. In the table below, you’ll find the average ACT scores of Spelman applicants from the past five years:
Spelman’s ACT test requirements fall under the same policy as the SAT. However, you may still submit your ACT scores if you would like. If you do, you should aim for an ACT score of around 26.
Although Spelman allows you to choose whether to submit test scores, it’s still worth considering taking the SAT or ACT. Strong scores, especially those that are above average, can demonstrate your ability to excel academically and only boost your chances of admission.
For expert advice on preparing for the ACT or SAT and securing competitive scores, check out these top tips from one of our expert tutors:
"The biggest tip I can give to students preparing for the SAT/ACT exams is to practice, practice, practice. You want to start early in the process - start by taking a diagnostic test where you can see your strengths and areas in need of improvement. In addition, you'll want to set aside a designated time where you can actually practice and stick to that schedule as well."
If you want to hear more great advice about the SAT/ACT, check out this video:
Spelman College evaluates applications mainly through academics, such as GPA, application essay, rigor of classes, and extracurriculars. Volunteer work and recommendations also play a part in the application process.
Source: Common Data Set
Source: Common Data Set
Spelman College considers the difficulty of your classes, your academic performance, essay responses, and extracurricular activities to be the most important aspects of the admissions process. Recommendations and volunteer work are evaluated as important.
Notably, while standardized test scores and work experience are considered, they do not hold as much weight in the decision-making process as other factors. Interviews, on the other hand, are not part of the application process.
One of the best ways to show Spelman College you’re capable of handling tough courses is by taking some AP classes. If you’re unsure of which ones would be ideal for you, consider trying out our quiz that considers your background as a student:
Students applying to Spelman College should ensure they provide the following admission requirements:
Spelman will use your high school transcripts to assess your academic performance and gain more insight into the courses you pursued, how rigorous your curriculum was, and how many AP or IB courses you took.
Students should pursue as many advanced courses as possible without compromising their grades. The successful completion of these courses will demonstrate better college preparation.
Students must also submit two letters of recommendation as part of their application to Spelman College. Recommendation letters are important as they provide an unbiased and trustworthy reflection of your skills, abilities, and characteristics.
Note that one of your recommendation letters must come from a teacher. The recommendation written by your teacher should highlight your key academic skills that will contribute to your success in college!
Spelman College exclusively uses the Common Application for the admissions process. As part of this application, students must complete the Activities section that asks them to list the most meaningful extracurriculars, jobs, or volunteer positions they pursued in high school.
You’ll be able to write up to ten different activities on the Common Application.
To apply to Spelman, you’ll need to pay a $40 online application fee. However, this fee may be waived if you can provide a valid application fee waiver.
If you have attended college or university previously, you will need to submit your college transcript along with your high school transcripts. See our section on transfer student requirements for more information.
If you are an international student who is a non-native English speaker, Spelman requires you to submit your official TOEFL score along with the rest of your application. International applicants are described as anyone who is not a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
Transfer students are required to submit the following materials to apply to Spelman:
Transfer students should also note that their application dates differ from those for incoming students. Take note of these dates:
The deadline for your Spelman College application is February 1st. For those applying via early decision or early action, the deadline is November 1st.
It’s important that you are aware of each Spelman College application deadline so that your application process can go smoothly. To avoid any delays or disruptions, mark these dates on your calendar:
Source: Spelman College
The regular decision deadline at Spelman College is February 1st. Students should have all their application materials ready for this date.
The application for early action and early decision at Spelman College is November 1st. If you’re applying for early action or early decision this is the date to keep in mind.
Students deciding between early decision and early action should know the former is binding and is, therefore, best for students who are certain Spelman is their first choice.
It’s also important to pay attention to the Spelman College decision date, as you will need to accept your admission to Spelman by then. Otherwise, you may lose your spot at the college.
After learning more about how to get into Spelman College, including important admission details like the high Spelman acceptance rate, GPA requirements, and other application materials, you may be wondering if there’s anything you can do to make your application stand out!
Follow these two tips to submit a stellar Spelman application:
Spelman has a dedication to social change. They were one of the first colleges to offer education to Black women and made revolutionary strides in America’s educational history.
As such, they search for students with similar commitments to change and the community. Pursue extensive community service opportunities throughout high school to prove you possess these traits.
Your personal statement should portray you as a dynamic, talented, and passionate student. Choose the prompt you respond to carefully and reflect on your most important experiences. Use your statement to prove your interest in Spelman and that you have something of value to contribute to their school.
Another part of the Common Application is the personal statement. Students will be given seven prompts and must respond to one. Each of the Spelman College essay prompts focuses on a different aspect of your personality and qualities.
Here are the seven prompts you’ll have to choose from to write your personal essay:
1. Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.
2. The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success. Recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience?
3. Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome?
4. Reflect on something that someone has done for you that has made you happy or thankful in a surprising way. How has this gratitude affected or motivated you?
5. Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.
6. Describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging that it makes you lose track of time. Why does it captivate you? What or who do you turn to when you want to learn more?
7. Share an essay on any topic of your choice. It can be one you've already written, one that responds to a different prompt, or one of your own design.”
In addition to your personal statement, you’ll also be asked to write a supplemental essay that answers the following prompt:
“Why are you interested in attending Spelman College? We encourage you to consider the academic, historical, and social aspect(s) that you find unique and compelling about Spelman.”
Use your response to this “Why This College” essay to share what’s most important to you and fill in key details that are missing from the rest of your application. Remember to be genuine and write about what truly matters to you. Spelman admissions officers look for authenticity and passion in your essays.
If you need some inspiration before you start writing your own responses, check out our College Essay Examples Database, which is home to more than 190 essays from the nation’s top schools!
Although interviews are not considered at Spelman College, you can carry yourself in a professional manner when speaking to staff or alumni. Your application also serves as a way for colleges to get to know you.
You should think of what you plan to achieve at Spelman College. Many students highlight some of their best attributes during their supplemental essays, and this can be a great opportunity to share more about yourself.
A key takeaway that most students miss is that college admissions officers are looking for authenticity. Trying to stifle your growth and come across as too formal isn’t always the best approach. That being said, your application can serve as a springboard for what to discuss and build off of.
We’ve discussed the major admission details you should know about Spelman to decide if it's the right fit for you. For any remaining inquiries about Spelman College, read on to find your answers.
Students should aim for a GPA of around 3.3 to maximize their chances of admission to Spelman College.
Spelman College’s most popular majors include psychology, biology, and political science, but it is well known for all of its liberal arts majors.
While Spelman’s competitive GPA median is closer to 3.2, you’ll likely still be able to get into this college with a 3.0 GPA. Ensure you demonstrate your academic potential through other parts of your application to increase your chances of admission.
The total cost of attending Spelman as an incoming student is $46,351. This includes tuition, fees, and room and board. Other charges may apply to you, including a matriculation fee of $55 and an orientation fee of $220.
Spelman also offers a variety of financial aid options, including loans, scholarships, and need-based aid. You will need to fill out a FAFSA form and various other financial aid forms to apply.
Now that you know how to get into Spelman College, you’re ready to get started on your application!
Spelman produces intellectual, creative, and ethical leaders striving to make a difference. If you’re hoping to join a supportive community that can help you develop into this kind of leader, consider adding Spelman to your list of top colleges!
