Get in touch: +1-800-991-0126
Get in touch: +1-800-991-0126
Get a Free Consultation
Get Free Profile Evaluation
Reviewed by:
Former Admissions Committee Member, Columbia University
Reviewed: 7/27/23
Read on to learn more about 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.
Since then, it has become a respected, accredited, historically Black global leader in women’s education. It aims to empower women to engage the world’s many cultures and inspire a commitment to positive social change.
If this school has piqued your interest, this guide will tell you everything you need to know about how to get into Spelman College!
Fortunately, according to its acceptance rate, you have a high chance of getting into Spelman College. At 51%, more students are accepted into Spelman than rejected!
You must submit a competitive application to ensure you’re part of a group of students that get into Spelman. The following scores are not the only factors that will be used to assess your competitiveness, but they will play a major role in the selection process:
The first score to consider is the Spelman GPA requirements. Spelman does not have minimum GPA requirements, so students do not need certain grades to be eligible for enrollment.
However, according to their 2021 class profile, students should aim for a weighted GPA of 3.85 to fall within the competitive range of successful applicants.
This equates to an unweighted GPA of about 3.2, which is relatively low compared to other colleges.
Spelman College has suspended the SAT/ACT standardized testing requirement for first-time applicants for the upcoming admission cycle. Students that 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 which 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. These students should aim for an SAT score of around 1203 and an ACT score of around 27.
The other components that will be involved in the holistic review of your application include the following:
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. One of these letters must come from your school, and the other should 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.
While you can write about up to ten activities, students typically write about six on average.
Another part of the Common Application is the personal essay. Students will be given seven prompts and must respond to one. More on these prompts to follow!
To avoid any delays or disruptions with your application, mark these dates on your calendar:
Source: Spelman College
Students deciding between early decision and early application should know the former is binding and is, therefore, best for students that are certain Spelman is their first choice.
Here are the seven prompts you’ll have to choose from to write your personal statement:
"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."
Use your essay to share what’s most important to you and key details missing from the rest of your application.
Spelman College prioritizes giving opportunities to women of African descent. The college can offer unique resources and support if you fall within this category.
Students identifying as women that are not of African descent are still highly encouraged to apply to this school. Still, they should demonstrate how they’ll contribute to the community from a place of privilege.
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.
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 how to get into Spelman College, read on to find your answers.
Students should aim for a GPA of around 3.2 to maximize their chances of admission to Spelman College.
Spelman College has a high acceptance rate of 51%, meaning it isn’t difficult to get into. It has a relatively low competitive GPA median, making it accessible to a wider range of students.
Spelman College’s most popular major is Psychology, 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.
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!
