Very Selective13% Acceptance Rate

Chances of Getting Into Wellesley College

Wellesley, Massachusetts Private University • #5 National • Founded 1870

Wellesley Admissions Statistics 2025–2026

13%
Acceptance Rate
3.9
Average GPA
1470
Average SAT
34
Average ACT
10,000+
Total Applicants
600
Class Size
7:1
Student-Faculty Ratio

Wellesley SAT & ACT Scores

SAT Scores (Middle 50%)

Score Range1400-1530
Average1470
10001600

ACT Scores (Middle 50%)

Score Range32-35
Average34
2036

About Wellesley College

Wellesley College is one of the most prestigious women's colleges in the world, producing leaders like Hillary Clinton, Madeleine Albright, and Nora Ephron. Cross-registration with MIT gives students access to the world's best STEM resources while maintaining an intimate liberal arts experience.

Top Programs

EconomicsComputer SciencePolitical ScienceNeuroscienceBiological Sciences

What Makes Wellesley Unique

  • Cross-registration with MIT — take classes at one of the world's best STEM schools
  • One of the wealthiest women's colleges with a $2.8B endowment
  • Alumni network includes some of the most powerful women in the world
  • Beautiful 500-acre campus on the shores of Lake Waban
  • Strong STEM pipeline — Wellesley grads earn PhDs at very high rates

Wellesley Cost & Financial Aid

Cost of Attendance

Tuition$63,390/yr
Total Cost$82,300/yr
Median Earnings (10yr)$73,500/yr

Financial Aid

Students Receiving Aid58%
Avg Aid Package$56,000+
School TypePrivate

Wellesley Application Deadlines

Regular Decision
January 8
Early Decision
November 1
ED Acceptance Rate: ~35%

How to Get Into Wellesley: Admission Tips

1

Wellesley values leadership and empowerment — show initiative

2

Mention MIT cross-registration if interested in STEM

3

ED acceptance rate is notably higher; strong option for committed applicants

4

Writing quality is paramount — Wellesley is deeply literary

5

Interview is recommended and connects you with an alumna

The Brutal Truth About Wellesley Admissions

The numbers are brutal. With a 13% acceptance rate, Wellesley rejected over 8,700 applicants in the most recent cycle. Many of those rejected students had perfect GPAs and 1550+ SATs.

Stats are table stakes, not differentiators. At Wellesley, having a 3.9 GPA and 1470 SAT puts you at average — not above average. What separates admitted students from rejected ones is everything else: essays, activities, recommendations, and authentic passion.

The biggest mistake applicants make: Treating their application like a résumé. Wellesley doesn't want a list of accomplishments — they want to understand who you are as a person and what you'll contribute to their community.

Bottom line: Apply if Wellesley genuinely excites you — but build a balanced college list. Don't put all your eggs in one 13%-acceptance-rate basket.

Wellesley Admissions FAQ

What is the acceptance rate at Wellesley College?

Wellesley College has an acceptance rate of 13% as of the most recent admissions cycle. Out of 10,000+ applicants, approximately 600 students were admitted to the incoming class.

What GPA do I need to get into Wellesley?

The average GPA of admitted students at Wellesley College is 3.9. Most successful applicants have GPAs above 3.75, with many in the top 5-10% of their high school class.

What SAT score do I need for Wellesley?

The middle 50% SAT range for admitted Wellesley students is 1400-1530. The average SAT score is 1470. For ACT, the range is 32-35 with an average of 34.

Is Wellesley hard to get into?

Yes, Wellesley College is very selective with an acceptance rate of just 13%. Even students with perfect GPAs and test scores are not guaranteed admission. Holistic review means essays, extracurriculars, and recommendations all play critical roles.

How much does Wellesley cost?

Tuition at Wellesley College is $63,390 per year, with total cost of attendance at $82,300. However, 58% of students receive financial aid, with the average aid package exceeding $56,000+.

What are my chances of getting into Wellesley?

Your chances of getting into Wellesley College depend on your GPA, test scores, extracurricular activities, essays, and more. With a 13% overall acceptance rate, admissions are highly competitive. Use AdmitOdds to get a personalized assessment of your chances based on your actual profile.

Free — No credit card required

What Are Your Chances at Wellesley?

Enter your GPA, test scores, and extracurriculars. Get a personalized, brutally honest assessment of your odds — plus scholarship estimates.

Trusted by 65+ students. AI-powered. Takes 2 minutes.

Popular Majors at Wellesley

Explore Your Chances by GPA

Related Schools

Explore All Schools