Dickinson College strengthens the learning space where the individualism and connectedness of academics with other people can coalesce. It is nestled in the historic Pennsylvania City of Carlisle, which creates an enriching atmosphere for a rigorous academic environment. Furthermore, the college is reputed for its commitment to liberal arts and active engagement in global exchange in terms of scholarship and self-development. Potential students should keep in mind the important criteria for admission; especially the Dickinson College acceptance rate, SAT, ACT, and GPA scores so that they can best position their applications to fit the college's expectations and increase their chances of getting "in".
Elements |
Details |
College Name |
Dickinson College |
College Location |
Carlisle, Pennsylvania |
University Short Form |
DC |
Acceptance Rate |
42% (Selective) |
Early Action Candidates Due |
November 15 |
Regular Application Due |
January 15 |
Common Application Accepted |
Yes |
SAT Score |
Average range: 1288-1410 |
ACT Score |
Average range: 29-32 |
The college makes admission decisions in a holistic manner; it reflects on academic ability and personal experiences. Dickinson encourages presenting a well over-all view on oneself so that strengths and interests are revealed to the reviewer.
Requirement |
Details |
Application Platform |
Common Application |
SAT Scores |
1288-1410 (middle 50%) |
ACT Scores |
29-32 |
GPA |
Generally, an average GPA of 3.6 or higher is preferred. |
Application Requirements |
Letters of Recommendation (1-2 letters, preferably from teachers) |
Extracurricular Activities |
Leadership roles and meaningful activities |
Personal Statement/Essay |
Narrative showcasing unique experiences and aspirations |
Application Fee |
$65 or fee waiver available |
Furthermore, depending on the unique articulation of the individual through the personal statement or essay, an applicant could substantiate his or her own prospective contributions to the college and to the world at large through his or her unique amalgamation of experiences, personal growth, and aspirations. Leadership roles and extracurricular activities will strengthen the application and enhance an applicant's profile.
While Dickinson College is test-optional, submitting strong SAT scores can enhance an application. The middle 50% of admitted students typically score between 1288 and 1410.
The average SAT score for admitted students at Dickinson College generally falls within the range of 1288 to 1410. Students should aim for scores within this range to increase their chances of admission to Dickinson College.
Section |
Average |
25th Percentile |
75th Percentile |
Math |
662 |
620 |
700 |
Evidence-Based Reading and Writing |
681 |
648 |
730 |
Composite |
1343 |
1288 |
1410 |
Students applying to Dickinson College will find that SAT scores matter to the admissions office, but they make a decision on an applicant after a holistic review. An applicant with a score in the 25th percentile (around 1288) may still be admitted if other parts of their application are significant. A score in the 75th percentile (around 1410) will increase the chances of acceptance by a large margin, however.
Percentile |
SAT Score |
25th Percentile |
Around 1288 |
75th Percentile |
Around 1410 |
Dickinson College requires SAT scores for admission to all its programs, including:
Similarly, while ACT scores are optional, they can provide a competitive edge. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 29 and 32.
Dickinson College places significant importance on ACT scores as part of its admissions process. The middle 50% range of ACT scores for admitted students typically falls between the 25th and 75th percentiles, reflecting a competitive academic environment. Below is a breakdown of the ACT scores for students admitted to Dickinson College.
Percentile |
ACT Score |
25th Percentile |
29 |
75th Percentile |
32 |
Read ACT English Tips to Boost Your Test Score on ACT!
GPA is a crucial component of the admissions process. The average weighted GPA of admitted students is 3.6, while the unweighted average is 3.4.
The average GPA for admitted students at Dickinson College typically falls within a range of 3.5 to 3.7. Students within this GPA range are likely to have a strong chance of admission, though other factors such as extracurricular activities, leadership roles, and personal essays will also play a role in the final decision.
The middle 50% GPA range for admitted students at Dickinson College typically lies between 3.5 and 3.7. Applicants with GPAs in this range have a solid chance of being admitted, while those with lower GPAs may still be considered if they have strong SAT or ACT scores and robust extracurricular involvement.
GPA Percentile |
GPA Range |
25th Percentile |
3.5 |
75th Percentile |
3.7 |
Average (Weighted) |
3.6 |
Average (Unweighted) |
3.4 |
Applicants with GPAs within this range, especially those who have taken rigorous coursework, are well-positioned for admission.
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Dickinson College has a competitive acceptance rate of around 42%. This rate reflects the high demand for admission to this prestigious liberal arts institution, as well as its commitment to enrolling students who meet academic standards and demonstrate leadership potential.
Acceptance Rate |
Total Applicants |
Admitted |
Enrolled |
42% (Selective) |
7,258 |
3,055 |
646 |
Dickinson College provides various scholarships to foster academic achievements and the exceptional accomplishments of students. Thus, these scholarships enable the Dickinson education to be accessible, and student individuals considered with exceptional abilities are duly rewarded.
Dickinson provides several merit-based scholarships that acknowledge academic excellence, leadership, and community involvement. Most merit scholarships are awarded during the admissions process and are renewable for up to eight semesters, provided students maintain full-time enrollment and meet GPA requirements.
Dickinson College is committed to meeting 100% of demonstrated financial need for all admitted students through a combination of grants, loans, and work-study opportunities. In the 2023β24 academic year, the average need-based grant was $50,342, covering approximately 80% of tuition.
Dickinson also offers scholarships targeting specific interests and backgrounds:
Dickinson encourages students to explore external scholarships to supplement their financial aid packages.
Students receiving outside scholarships must report them to Dickinson's Financial Aid Office, as these may affect the overall financial aid package.
Reading through the requirements for admission to Dickinson College actually means delving into the weightage given to certain academic expectations and holistic review. When an applicant wishes to improve his chances of getting admitted into Dickinson College, he must focus on maintaining a very good GPA. It is also essential that the applicant should focus on competitive SAT/ACT scores if submitted, coupled with demonstrating leadership and involvement in extracurricular activities. Understanding the Dickinson College acceptance rate and aligning your application accordingly is key to gaining admission to this esteemed institution.
College Name |
ACT Score |
SAT Score |
15β19* |
840β990* |
|
16β21* |
890β1080* |
|
16β20* |
880β1120* |
|
15β21* |
Not available* |
|
16β20* |
860β1080* |
University |
ACT Score |
SAT Score |
21β28* |
1040β1260* |
|
16β25* |
935β1120* |
|
18β26* |
910β1170* |
|
18β24* |
910β1130* |
|
19β26* |
950β1170* |
|
21β28* |
950β1180* |
|
16β27* |
925β1140* |
|
17β24* |
930β1175* |
|
19β25* |
950β1130* |
|
20β27* |
900β1150* |
|
20β26* |
1010β1200* |
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