Davidson's admission process is highly selective and holistic in nature. The college seeks students with outstanding academic potential and the motivation to engage the Davidson community in the classroom and beyond.

Admission Requirements

Our application process is designed to allow you to demonstrate your personal achievements and your intellectual curiosity and aspirations. We seek evidence of academic success (your high school record, class rank, and standardized test scores) and well-developed interests and/or talents in the arts, athletics, leadership, and service.

In order of importance, Davidson emphasizes the following in reviewing applications:

1. Rigor - the difficulty of high school course selections
2. Success - grades received in an applicant's particular course of study
3. Writing ability and personal impact - an evaluation of essays and recommendations
4. Involvement, leadership, and service - the depth and breadth of extracurricular pursuits
5. Testing - scores on the SAT and/or ACT*

*Davidson does not require SAT Subject Tests for admission, though we strongly encourage that applicants take two: one in math and one in another subject.  The ACT writing section, while not required, is likewise strongly encouraged.

Interviews with admission representatives are not required for admission to Davidson.

In fact, the Office of Admission does not offer interviews as a part of the application process - either on-campus or off.  We do, however, offer individual information sessions for students and families following campus tours.  These are personalized meetings with admission staff members, but are meant to be purely informative in nature and are non-evaluative.

In deference to the idea that college should bring people of different life experiences together, our admission staff seeks students from varying backgrounds. We also consider a broad range of achievement, recognizing that excellence comes in many forms.

At Davidson, each application is read carefully. Accordingly, we urge you to complete your application materials honestly, thoroughly, and on time.