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The best education is highly personalized—which is exactly what Villanova University offers: a personalized experience where teachers and students are partners in learning and scholarly inquiry. To learn more about how to get into Villanova, read on!
Villanova University is the only Augustinian Catholic University in the nation. All of its students are intellectually inspired, morally grounded, and globally minded. It offers a close community of renowned faculty, rich resources, and a supportive learning environment.
Regardless of your specific interests or passions, Villanova offers a wide range of academic opportunities, research, interdisciplinary collaboration, and experiential learning to help you explore them! Offering over 150 programs, Villanova promises its students countless paths to success.
If you’re interested in starting your academic journey towards a rigorous and life-changing learning experience, this guide will tell you how to get into Villanova, the important dates to keep in mind, and how to ensure you submit a winning application!
Let’s begin with the most frequently asked question about applying to this school: “how hard is it to get into Villanova?”
According to the Villanova acceptance rate of 20.5%, getting into this school will be relatively challenging. This school aims to accept only the most accomplished and impressive students! But don’t worry! We’ll go over how you can ensure you meet, and exceed, the admissions committee’s standards!
When it comes to college admissions, it’s no secret that numbers play a significant role in the decision process. Your GPA reflects your academic performance, while standardized test scores like the SAT or ACT provide a snapshot of your abilities.
To ensure you present a strong academic record, we’ll go over the median GPA and standardized test scores of previously admitted students.
Considering Villanova is a competitive school, it’s crucial you maintain a high GPA to prove you have excelled academically and are committed to your studies. The median unweighted range of past students is 3.92-4.0.
Similarly, past admitted students had impressive SAT and ACT scores, with the median SAT scores being 1450-1520 and the median ACT scores being 33-35. If the thought of maintaining a high GPA and scoring high on one of these tests has you feeling overwhelmed, there’s good news!
Until 2028, Villanova has adopted a test-optional policy. This means you can focus solely on maintaining a high GPA, and you will not be disadvantaged if you do not submit a standardized test score!
Your numbers are just one part of the puzzle. Villanova considers the complete picture when they review applications—including your academic performance, pursuits outside of the classroom, impact on others, writing skills, and life experiences.
Here’s a complete list of the application materials you’ll be required to submit for Villanova to assess all of these factors:
Of course, to assess your academic performance and the rigor of your courses, you’ll be required to submit your high school transcripts and a secondary school report. While Villanova does not have a set list of prerequisites its students must have, it does recommend students take specific courses based on the school they’re applying to:
Regardless of the program you intend to apply to, you’re encouraged to pursue advanced courses, such as AP or IB classes, to demonstrate your readiness for college-level coursework.
All Villanova applicants are required to submit one letter of recommendation from a teacher. This teacher should know you well and be able to speak in detail about your contributions to the classroom, academic potential, and preparedness for college.
You have the option to also submit a letter from a school counselor or advisor.
Villanova only accepts applications through the Common Application. As part of this application, you will be required to submit a 250-650 word personal statement on one of the following topics:
Choose whichever essay topic speaks to you; they are all considered equally! If none do, prompt seven allows you to write an essay based on a topic of your choosing!
As a university that prides itself on its comprehensive curriculums, Villanova expects all its students to be strong writers. Aside from the personal statement, they use writing supplements to assess their students' communication skills.
Students are given the option to write one of the following five Villanova-specific essay prompts:
"St. Augustine states that well-being is 'not concerned with myself alone, but with my neighbor’s good as well.' How have you advocated for equity and justice in your communities?"
"What is the truest thing that you know?"
"One of the themes in St. Augustine's book, Confessions, is the idea of redemption. Tell us your story of being given a second chance."
"In the Villanova community, we believe that we all learn from one another. What is a lesson in life that you have learned that you would want to share with others?"
"Augustine's 'Miracles are not contrary to nature but only contrary to what we know about nature.' Tell us about a societal issue that you believe the wonder of technology is well-poised to help solve."
Your answer should be about 250 words for your first essay. For the second essay, all students must respond to the following prompt:
"Why do you want to call Villanova your new home, and how will you become part of our community?"
Your answer for this essay should be approximately 150 words.
As you learn about how to get into Villanova University, you’ll notice there isn’t one perfect applicant. However, two of the most important factors Villanova considers in the decision process are diversity and academic excellence, which is evident through their 2027 class profile:
Source: Villanova University
As you can see, Villanova admits students that exhibit well-rounded excellence. Not only are they academically accomplished, but they are also involved in their communities and participate in demanding extracurriculars.
Villanova offers a few different types of applications. To ensure you meet the deadlines for your intended application type, keep these dates marked on your calendar:
Source: Villanova University
In case you’re confused about the difference between early action and early decision (ED), ED is binding, whereas early action is not.
Once you’ve decided which application is right for you, you must submit your entire application through the Common App. You will be able to submit your writing supplements and additional details through your personal Villanova application portal.
Consider these tips to ensure your Villanova application stands out amongst the crowd:
Before applying to this university, ask if you’d fit in. Villanova encourages students who are changemakers, chance-takers, and difference-makers to apply to their school. They are interested in igniting positive change around the world and search for applicants with similar values.
If you feel you’d fit in as a Villanovan, prove how in your application!
Considering 84% of past admitted Villanova students had community service, you should have significant volunteer experience on your application.
A large portion of Villanova admits also hold paid jobs during high school. Having this type of activity on your application proves you have excellent time management skills and can collaborate well with others. Aim to acquire a part-time or summer position during high school to prove you can handle multiple obligations at once!
For any lingering questions about how to get into Villanova, you can find your answers below!
Students should aim for a GPA as close to 4.0 as possible to be considered competitive applicants. Past admitted students had GPAs in the range of 3.92-4.0.
Based on its competitive acceptance rate, getting into Villanova is challenging. Students are required to demonstrate a strong academic record, excellent writing skills, a commitment to community service, and an interest in extracurriculars.
Students will have to go beyond just the minimum expectations to stand a chance of acceptance at Villanova!
First and foremost, you must maintain a high GPA. Take challenging courses to prove your academic merit and ensure you take any recommended courses for your major. Additionally, you should prove your values align with Villanova’s throughout your application.
Villanova values students that are ready and dedicated to making a positive change in the world, so explain how you plan on doing so through your writing supplements and personal statement.
Past admitted students also had significant community service experience, were involved in diverse extracurriculars, and held paying jobs.
As the only Augustinian Catholic University in the country, Villanova is known for its emphasis on developing morally responsible individuals that contribute greatness to society. As an Augustinian Catholic school, it also focuses on values such as ethics, service, and community.
Program-wise, Villanova is best known for its business and engineering schools, which have earned national recognition and provide highly specialized curriculums.
So, are you ready to become a Villanovan? Do you have what it takes to get into this prestigious and competitive school? If you submit a unique application highlighting your academic and personal excellence, you’ll have access to unparalleled academic resources that will help you realize all of your ambitions!
