Villanova University is a private Roman Catholic research university in Villanova, Pennsylvania. Named after Saint Thomas of Villanova, it was founded by the Saint Augustine Church in 1842. It is the oldest Catholic University in Pennsylvania and one of the only two Augustinian institutions in the US.
What is Villanova University?
The university is known as a Doctoral University, because it engages in high research activities. The school’s identity remains deeply rooted in the Augustinian Catholic tradition and all students are required to take the Augustine and Culture Seminar (ACS) course their freshman year.
Testing Scores for Admission
According to the college, the average SAT score ranges from 1390 to 1480, while the average ACT score is between 31 and 34. The average weighted GPA of acceptance is around 4.2 with 84% of accepted students being in the top 10% in their graduating class, which means that GPA is just as important as the main two standardized tests.
Acceptance & Graduation Rate
To get into Villanova, a student’s standardized test scores and high school GPA have to be high. This is reflected in its 23% acceptance rate, meaning that roughly a quarter of these students that apply get in. This school’s graduation rate is very high at 91%.
How Are Applicants Rated?
The Villanova admissions committee ranks three main factors as being “very important” to their selection process: course rigor, class rank, and GPA. “Considered” factors are: standardized test scores, first-generation status, legacy status, race/ethnicity, geographic residence, state residency, and the level of an applicant’s demonstrated interest
Tips to Get Into Villanova
- Recruited athletes enjoy a huge advantage in getting accepted to Villanova, as the success of their NCAA Basketball teams in 2016 & 2018 boosted enrollment.
- Villanova is seeking students who are “intellectually inspired, morally grounded, and globally minded” and those who have the capacity to be change-makers, chance-takers, and difference makers.
- As mentioned before, legacy status is considered when reading applications. Being a son or a daughter of a Villanova alumni or within the Augustine Church can boost your chances.
- Villanova University requires applicants to submit a supplemental essay, about how students relate to Augustine’s teaching, so take extra time and care in completing the essay.
How Does Villanova Compare to Other Top Universities?
Villanova’s yield rate — the percentage of accepted students who elect to enroll, divided by the total number of students who are admitted — was only 29% last year. This figure is lower than other comparable state universities like Boston College (33%) and Georgetown (44%).
Are you or will you be attending Villanova University?
Stock up on gear to show your pride for the Wildcats. Grab this sweatshirt, decals for your laptop, or this Villanova University pennant.
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