Villanova University: Acceptance Rate and Admissions Statistics

Villanova University is a highly selective, private research university with an acceptance rate of 28%. Founded in 1842, and located just outside Philadelphia, Villanova is the oldest and largest Catholic university in Pennsylvania. Villanova is well known for its strong academic and athletic programs. The university has a chapter of Phi Beta Kappa, a recognition of its strengths in the liberal arts and sciences. Academics are supported by an 11-to-1 student/faculty ratio. In athletics, the Villanova Wildcats compete in the Division I Big East Conference (football competes in the Colonial Athletic Association). Villanova students also host the Pennsylvania Special Olympics on their campus.

Considering applying to Villanova? Here are the admissions statistics you should know, including average SAT/ACT scores and GPAs of admitted students.

Acceptance Rate

During the 2018-19 admissions cycle, Villanova University had an acceptance rate of 28%. This means that for every 100 students who applied, 28 students were admitted, making Villanova's admissions process highly competitive.

SAT Scores and Requirements

Villanova requires that all applicants submit either SAT or ACT scores. During the 2018-19 admissions cycle, 61% of admitted students submitted SAT scores.

This admissions data tells us that most of Villanova's admitted students fall within the top 20% nationally on the SAT. For the evidence-based reading and writing section, 50% of students admitted to Villanova University scored between 650 and 710, while 25% scored below 650 and 25% scored above 710. On the math section, 50% of admitted students scored between 670 and 760, while 25% scored below 670 and 25% scored above 760. Applicants with a composite SAT score of 1470 or higher will have particularly competitive chances at Villanova.

Requirements

Villanova does not require the optional SAT essay section. Note that Villanova participates in the scorechoice program, which means that the admissions office will consider your highest score from each individual section across all SAT test dates. SAT Subject tests are not required at Villanova.

ACT Scores and Requirements

Villanova requires that all applicants submit either SAT or ACT scores. During the 2018-19 admissions cycle, 39% of admitted students submitted ACT scores.

This admissions data tells us that most of Villanova's admitted students fall within the top 5% nationally on the ACT. The middle 50% of students admitted to Villanova received a composite ACT score between 31 and 34, while 25% scored above 34 and 25% scored below 31.

Requirements

Unlike many universities, Villanova superscores ACT results; your highest subscores from multiple ACT sittings will be considered. Villanova does not require the optional ACT writing section.

GPA

In 2019, the middle 50% of Villanova University's incoming class had weighted high school GPAs between 4.13 and 4.47. 25% had a GPA above 4.47, and 25% had a GPA below 4.13. These results suggest that most successful applicants to Villanova University have primarily A grades.

Self-Reported GPA/SAT/ACT Graph

The admissions data in the graph is self-reported by applicants to Villanova University. GPAs are unweighted. Find out how you compare to accepted students, see the real-time graph, and calculate your chances of getting in with a free Cappex account.

Admissions Chances

Villanova University, which accepts just over one-fourth of applicants, has a selective admissions pool with high GPAs and SAT/ACT scores. However, Villanova has a holistic admissions process involving other factors beyond your grades and test scores. A strong application essay and glowing letters of recommendation can strengthen your application, as can participation in meaningful extracurricular activities and a rigorous course schedule. The Villanova application also includes a supplemental essay which allows the admissions committee to gain a better understanding of each applicant. Students with particularly compelling stories or achievements can still receive serious consideration even if their grades and test scores are outside Villanova's average range.

To apply, students can use the Common Application. Villanova has Early Action and Early Decision programs that can improve admission chances for students who are sure the university is their top choice school.

In the graph above, the blue and green dots represent accepted students. You can see that the majority of students admitted to Villanova reported high school GPAs of 3.5 or higher, combined SAT scores of about 1250 or higher (ERW+M), and ACT composite scores of 27 or higher.

All admissions data has been sourced from the National Center for Education Statistics and Villanova University Undergraduate Admissions Office.