Washington and Lee University: Acceptance Rate and Admissions Statistics

Washington and Lee University is a private liberal arts school with an acceptance rate of 18.6%. Founded in 1746, Washington and Lee has a rich history. The university was endowed by George Washington in 1796, and Robert E. Lee was president of the university immediately after the Civil War. Located in historic Lexington, Virginia, Washington and Lee's campus is among the nation's most attractive. Academics are strong at Washington and Lee—the school has a chapter of Phi Beta Kappa for excellence in the liberal arts and sciences, and it typically ranks among the top 25 liberal arts colleges in the country.

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

Acceptance Rate

During the 2018-19 admissions cycle, Washington and Lee had an acceptance rate of 18.6%. This means that for every 100 students who applied, 18 students were admitted, making Washington and Lee's admissions process highly competitive.

SAT Scores and Requirements

Washington and Lee University requires that all applicants submit either SAT or ACT scores. During the 2018-19 admissions cycle, 55% of admitted students submitted SAT scores.

This admissions data tells us that most of Washington and Lee'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 Washington and Lee scored between 670 and 730, while 25% scored below 670 and 25% scored above 730. On the math section, 50% of admitted students scored between 690 and 770, while 25% scored below 690 and 25% scored above 770. Applicants with a composite SAT score of 1500 or higher will have particularly competitive chances at Washington and Lee.

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Requirements

Washington and Lee does not require the optional SAT essay section. SAT Subject tests are not required, but will be considered if submitted. Note that Washington and Lee 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.

ACT Scores and Requirements

Washington and Lee requires that all applicants submit either SAT or ACT scores. During the 2018-19 admissions cycle, 45% of admitted students submitted ACT scores.

This admissions data tells us that most of Washington and Lee's admitted students fall within the top 3% nationally on the ACT. The middle 50% of students admitted to Washington and Lee received a composite ACT score between 32 and 34, while 25% scored above 34 and 25% scored below 32.

Requirements

Washington and Lee does not require the optional ACT writing section. Unlike many schools, Washington and Lee University superscores ACT results; your highest subscores from multiple ACT sittings will be considered.

GPA

Washington and Lee does not provide data about admitted students' high school GPAs. In 2019, 82% of admitted students who provided rank indicated that they ranked in the top 10% of their high school class.

Self-Reported GPA/SAT/ACT Graph

The admissions data in the graph is self-reported by applicants to Washington and Lee 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

Washington and Lee University has a highly competitive admissions pool with a low acceptance rate and high SAT/ACT scores. However, Washington and Lee 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. Applicants who are considering Washington and Lee should note that while not required, the university strongly recommends that prospective students participate in an optional college interview. Students with particularly compelling stories or achievements can still receive serious consideration even if their test scores are outside of Washington and Lee's average range.

In the graph above, the blue and green dots represent accepted students. You can see that nearly all students who got in had "A" averages. They also tended to have combined SAT scores above 1300, and ACT composite scores of 29 or higher. Your chances are best if you have a 4.0 unweighted GPA and an SAT score over 1400.

If You Like Washington and Lee University, You May Also Like These Schools

• Bowdoin College
• Duke University
• Georgetown University
• Brown University
• University of Chicago
• Haverford College
• Wesleyan University
• George Washington University

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