In the recent common data set, something like 95% of the incoming class has a rank in the top 10% of their class. This is higher than several other top schools such as Vanderbilt (which is known for being stats sensitive, and other liberal arts colleges that are ranked at a similar level. Furthermore, their ACT averages are fairly astronomical for a LAC. Could someone explain how stat sensitive Haverford is and what they look for in an application?
High school grades and SAT/ACT/AP/IB test scores are valued in college admissions in that they provide insight to a student’s potential to succeed in college; as noted many times in many forums, they are not guarantors of success. They are, however, relevant and help with the applicant screening process. That said, when my son applied to Haverford the admissions department went to great pains to mention that the academic side is only one part of their holistic review of a student. They are looking for students who are not only high achieving, but who will also add something positive to the school community. A small school such as Haverford places a premium on identifying students are a good fit for their community. The students in my son’s class (he attended after being admitted ED) came from a variety of backgrounds, had wide-ranging political views (you’ll find everything from Antifa to Trump supporters at Haverford), and lot of different interests; what they all had in common was a deep-seated passion for something that drove them to succeed. In other words, they are doers who did far more than get good grades in school. Interviews and the admissions essays are critical to their process; they really want to know who the applicants are as people. Anyone who who lives within 150 miles of the school is strongly encouraged to do an on-campus interview. Their is a Youtube video that discusses the Customs program (i.e., first-year orientation program) in which one of the Cutoms leaders mentions something to the effect that “you are not coming here to be a part of this insitution; you are coming here to define what this institution will become.” Through the Honor Code – a really, really big deal at Haverford and an immense source of pride of the school’s community – students are allowed a tremendous amount of autonomy relative to what they would have at other schools. Much of the Honor Code’s success stems from the caliber of the young people admitted in each class. Athletes receive no edge in admissions and must go through the same screening as everyone else.
Best of luck!
I have heard Haverford uses a wholistic method when evaluating applications. This makes sense since the students are SUPER friendly and I mean SUPER friendly to the point it is almost weird. Also, the students are extremely bright and well rounded. That being said I truthfully don’t know anybody with below a 35 ACT or without a virtually perfect GPA that has gone to Haverford. Their median ACT is a 34. That being said it is certainly possible to get into Haverford especially when they put so much emphasis on essays and extracurriculars. I get it, it is very tough to maintain a virtually perfect GPA and great test scores. It is certainty not everything in admissions. However, people who get in need great stats and great extracurriculars and if one is really great I’m sure it could compensate for the other. The college process is tough and there is no rhyme or reason I know people with 36 ACTs that have been rejected from Haverford. Everybody will find a great place at a great school. There are many great schools and Haverford is just one of many. I hope this helps!
You have a 33 ACT and a 3.45 UW GPA. That GPA will put Haverford into the extremely high reach category.