Admissions Criteria
The Admissions Committee thoroughly reviews every completed application file. The admissions process is a holistic one. No single grade, factor or score will automatically gain or deny a student admission to Allegheny.
What We Consider
Rigor of High School Classes
Classes attended and the grades earned (four years of English, three years each of science, math, and social studies typically required) are considered strongly by the admissions committee. Those individuals who elect more than the minimum number of subjects are considered to have stronger entrance credentials. Honors or AP classes are recommended, as well as foreign languages, if the school offers such levels. Credit and/or placement awarded for AP scores of 4 or 5, or equivalent scores on CLEP, IB, or British A-Level exam. Allegheny also accepts most “College in High School” credits. See here for the full policy.
High School Grades/GPA
Grade trends and rigor of course selection, in the context of courses offered at your high school, are considered when reviewing transcripts.
School/Community Activities
Allegheny prides itself on having a very active student body. It is important to us that candidates for admission are academically talented and also involved in their school and/or community. Family commitments such as caring for siblings or other relatives are considered ways of demonstrating leadership and involvement.
Recommendation
From a teacher of an academic subject or school counselor and School Report (from your school counselor). You may also submit a letter from a pastor, coach, employer, etc., but these are not required.
Personal Essay
Show off your writing and tell us more about yourself.
Supplemental Materials
We’re often asked about portfolios from intended art majors and auditions from potential music and theatre majors. These are not required during the application process, but if you’d like to submit pieces of your work (slides, an audio tape, a videotape, etc.), we’d be happy to forward them to our faculty members to evaluate as part of your application. Materials can be returned upon request.
SAT or ACT Scores
Allegheny embraces the concept that standardized test scores do not exclusively reflect a student’s full range of abilities or potential to succeed in college. As a result, Allegheny College has been Test Optional since 2016.
Admissions Interview (On-Campus or Online)
Prospective students and their families are strongly encouraged to visit the Allegheny campus to appraise the College’s educational programs, campus atmosphere, and physical facilities. Although a meeting with a member of the Admissions staff is not a requirement, this conversation can provide both the student and the College with a deeper insight into the character and personality of each other. Meetings with members of the faculty or with other members of the Allegheny community can also be scheduled upon request. Find out more and plan your visit.
Start Your Application
Select the application that works best for you. All application options are free.
Start an Allegheny Application
Additional Application Options
Common Application Apply CoalitionTest Optional
You are more than your test scores. That’s why Allegheny does not require ACT or SAT scores with your application. Instead we’ll focus on other important factors — your overall high school performance, character, determination, and love of learning.
50%Of applicants DON’T submit ACT/SAT test scores
Honored For Civility
In keeping with our long-standing tradition, and pursuant to our mission and the Allegheny College Prize for Civility, we value students’ right to peacefully and respectfully engage in meaningful civic expression. As a result, Allegheny’s Office of Admissions does not penalize applicants disciplined for participating in such endeavors.
Statement of Community
Allegheny students and employees are committed to creating an inclusive, respectful, and safe residential learning community that will actively confront and challenge racism, sexism, heterosexism, religious bigotry, and other forms of harassment and discrimination. We encourage individual growth by promoting a free exchange of ideas in a setting that values diversity, trust, and equality. So that the right of all to participate in a shared learning experience is upheld, Allegheny affirms its commitment to the principles of freedom of speech and inquiry, while at the same time fostering responsibility and accountability in the exercise of these freedoms. This statement does not replace existing personnel policies and codes of conduct.
