Bryn Mawr College is a women’s liberal arts college located in Bryn Mawr, PA. A member of the historic Seven Sisters group of women’s colleges. Bryn Mawr was founded in 1885. It was the first college in the nation to offer doctorates of social work, and it has a legacy of academic renown and pristine beauty that stretches back for generations. As is the case with other schools of its caliber, Bryn Mawr’s acceptance rates have dwindled in recent admission cycles. For admission to the Class of 2029, Bryn Mawr had an acceptance rate of 28.15%, the lowest in its recorded history!

How to Get into Bryn Mawr College

Bryn Mawr accepts first-year applications in three rounds: Early Decision I, Early Decision II, and Regular Decision. Early Decision I has a November 15th deadline. Early Decision II has a January 1st deadline. This binding decision requires admitted students to matriculate. Regular Decision applications are non-binding and due on January 15th.

Bryn Mawr Admission Requirements: SAT/ACT Score Requirements

Bryn Mawr is test-optional. Amongst members of the Class of 2029, 65% submitted SAT scores, and 23% submitted ACT scores.

	SAT	ACT
Median	1380	31
Mid 50% Range	1300 — 1470	29 — 33

Does Bryn Mawr Superscore SAT or ACT scores?

A superscore combines the highest section scores from each individual test sitting for admissions evaluation. According to their website, “Bryn Mawr is interested in your best achievement, so we consider the highest section scores submitted, irrespective of the test date.”

However, students should submit more than one score report only for the purposes of superscoring. Submitting multiple test administrations shows Bryn Mawr that you had to work harder than many other applicants to achieve your scores, so, in some but not all circumstances, Ivy Coach discourages the practice.

What High School Courses Does Bryn Mawr Require?

The most competitive applicants to Bryn Mawr have taken the most challenging coursework available to them, including four years of study in all core subjects (English, science, history, math, and a foreign language). Foreign language study should ideally begin in eighth grade.

What Extracurriculars Does Bryn Mawr Look For in Applicants?

When it comes to extracurriculars, the last thing a prospective applicant should do is frame themselves as well-rounded. Admissions officers at Bryn Mawr seek to build diverse classes of students composed of experts and specialists. Decorated artists, groundbreaking scientists, and innovative future engineers who each push the needle in their respective fields will fare a lot better than those with a jack-of-all-trades approach to resume building. Students should pursue their special “thing” as far as it will go, because Bryn Mawr will take notice!

Bryn Mawr Application Requirements

Bryn Mawr applicants must complete The Common Application, the Bryn Mawr Writing Supplement, a counselor recommendation, and two teacher recommendations. An alumni interview is optional but recommended. 

Let’s focus on each individual component and discuss how students should complete them to give them the best shot of admission.

Who to Ask For Letters of Recommendation

Applicants to Bryn Mawr should ask two teachers, ideally two junior year teachers in core subjects, in addition to their school counselor for letters of recommendation.

Does Bryn Mawr Require an Alumni Interview?

While Bryn Mawr does not require an interview, they highly recommend that applicants sit for one: “While interviews are not required, we strongly encourage you to interview if you can.”

What are Bryn Mawr’s Supplemental Essay Topics?

For the 2025-26 admissions cycle, Bryn Mawr had the following supplemental essay prompt:

• Bryn Mawr students bring their authentic selves to campus. What do you know about yourself to be true—and what in your background or experience led you to that truth? (500 words)

Ivy Coach’s Assistance with Bryn Mawr Admission

If you’re seeking to optimize your case for admission to Bryn Mawr, fill out Ivy Coach’s complimentary consultation form and we’ll be in touch to outline our go-forward services.