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Hardest colleges to get into in Pennsylvania

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Top 10 colleges in Pennsylvania with the lowest acceptance rates

What are the hardest colleges to get into in Pennsylvania? We've got you covered. We've compiled a national college database and have created a list of the hardest universities to get into in Pennsylvania below. These are the hardest 4 year colleges to get into in Pennsylvania, and sometimes some of the hardest colleges to get into in the US. You could even say these are the best colleges in Pennsylvania. We also include each college's median SAT and ACT scores so that you can see where you're most competitive. Read on to find out more.

Acceptance rates and test scores are for students who applied to start college in fall 2024, from the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard unless an entry names the school's own figures. SAT section scores and ACT scores are medians for enrolled first-year students who submitted them, and an SAT total is the two section medians added together. Published , updated .

University of Pennsylvania acceptance rate

University of Pennsylvania accepted 5.4% of applicants for fall 2024.
University of Pennsylvania
At University of Pennsylvania, the median SAT section scores add up to 1550.
  • SAT math: 790
  • SAT reading/writing: 760
The median ACT composite score at University of Pennsylvania is 35.
University of Pennsylvania considers SAT or ACT scores but does not require them.

Swarthmore College acceptance rate

Swarthmore College accepted 7.5% of applicants for fall 2024.
Swarthmore College
At Swarthmore College, the median SAT section scores add up to 1540.
  • SAT math: 780
  • SAT reading/writing: 760
The median ACT composite score at Swarthmore College is 34.
Swarthmore College considers SAT or ACT scores but does not require them.

Carnegie Mellon University acceptance rate

Carnegie Mellon University accepted 11.7% of applicants for fall 2024.
Carnegie Mellon University
At Carnegie Mellon University, the median SAT section scores add up to 1540.
  • SAT math: 790
  • SAT reading/writing: 750
The median ACT composite score at Carnegie Mellon University is 35.
Carnegie Mellon University considers SAT or ACT scores but does not require them.

Haverford College acceptance rate

Haverford College accepted 12.4% of applicants for fall 2024.
Haverford College
At Haverford College, the median SAT section scores add up to 1510.
  • SAT math: 760
  • SAT reading/writing: 750
The median ACT composite score at Haverford College is 34.
Haverford College considers SAT or ACT scores but does not require them.

Lehigh University acceptance rate

Lehigh University accepted 25.9% of applicants for fall 2024.
Lehigh University
At Lehigh University, the median SAT section scores add up to 1440.
  • SAT math: 730
  • SAT reading/writing: 710
The median ACT composite score at Lehigh University is 32.
Lehigh University considers SAT or ACT scores but does not require them.

Villanova University acceptance rate

Villanova University accepted 27% of applicants for fall 2024.
Villanova University
At Villanova University, the median SAT section scores add up to 1450.
  • SAT math: 740
  • SAT reading/writing: 710
The median ACT composite score at Villanova University is 33.
Villanova University considers SAT or ACT scores but does not require them.

Franklin & Marshall College acceptance rate

Franklin & Marshall College accepted 28.2% of applicants for fall 2024.
Franklin & Marshall College
At Franklin & Marshall College, the median SAT section scores add up to 1375.
  • SAT math: 680
  • SAT reading/writing: 695
The median ACT composite score at Franklin & Marshall College is 32.
Franklin & Marshall College considers SAT or ACT scores but does not require them.

Bucknell University acceptance rate

Bucknell University accepted 28.9% of applicants for fall 2024.
Bucknell University
At Bucknell University, the median SAT section scores add up to 1400.
  • SAT math: 700
  • SAT reading/writing: 700
The median ACT composite score at Bucknell University is 32.
Bucknell University considers SAT or ACT scores but does not require them.

Bryn Mawr College acceptance rate

Bryn Mawr College accepted 29.4% of applicants for fall 2024.
Bryn Mawr College
At Bryn Mawr College, the median SAT section scores add up to 1390.
  • SAT math: 680
  • SAT reading/writing: 710
The median ACT composite score at Bryn Mawr College is 31.
Bryn Mawr College considers SAT or ACT scores but does not require them.

Lafayette College acceptance rate

Lafayette College accepted 31.5% of applicants for fall 2024.
Lafayette College
At Lafayette College, the median SAT section scores add up to 1430.
  • SAT math: 720
  • SAT reading/writing: 710
The median ACT composite score at Lafayette College is 31.
Lafayette College considers SAT or ACT scores but does not require them.

Conclusion

Getting into any college is an accomplishment, but these schools are arguably the hardest to get into in Pennsylvania. Knowledge is power, and we hope this list gives you the key data you need to make a decision on where you should apply. You will want to be above the median SAT or ACT score, and have a strong GPA with good extracurriculars. Good luck!
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