If you’re reading this, you’re likely wondering if your child has the chops to get into Haverford College. You’ve come to the right place! We’re going to get into all of that, but first let’s review what makes this small school (only 1,400 students!) so unique. 

About Haverford College 

Located in suburban Philadelphia, Haverford is perhaps most singular in that it has a student-run honor code that governs both academic and social life on campus. Exams are often self-scheduled and unproctored, and students take responsibility for community standards. This is a nice fit for students (and parents’ peace of mind!) who want to figure out the project of adulthood: balancing personal freedom with integrity. 

But it’s not just abstract concepts. Haverford is part of the tri-college consortium with Bryn Mawr College and Swarthmore College, and Haverford students can easily cross-register with these two schools. With strengths in the humanities and a strong Quaker tradition (though the school is secular now), Haverford is a good fit for forward-thinking students who want to study Political Science or English, and who wouldn’t mind contemplating life’s big questions on a quaint, idyllic campus. 

The acceptance rate for the Haverford College Class of 2029 was a mere 13.3%. That means getting in will require strategic planning (and the help of Ivy Coach’s college admissions experts certainly wouldn’t hurt!). 

Haverford College Admissions Requirements 

In keeping with its quirky culture, Haverford maintains a holistic admissions process. But, even though they treat each applicant as a whole person, they still want the cream of the crop: students with excellent grades, rigorous coursework under their belt, and stand-out extracurricular achievements. 

What Kind of GPA Is Necessary To Get Into Haverford College?

The frustrating answer: there is no GPA that guarantees admission to elite schools with single-digit or low double-digit acceptance rates! After all, many top schools reject thousands of applicants per year who possess perfect grades and perfect test scores.

Haverford College also does not publish the GPA ranges of accepted students or enrolled students, so it becomes even harder to answer the question above. There is no magic number that will do the trick, but based on their acceptance rates, students should definitely be hovering as close to 4.0 as they can if they’re planning an application to Haverford College.

What Kind of SAT or ACT Scores Are Needed To Get Into Haverford College?

From Haverford College’s Class of 2029 page, the mid 50% Score Ranges for the Class of 2029 were as follows: 

Test	Score Range
SAT: EBR	720-760
SAT: Math	720-780
ACT	33-35

Though Haverford is test-optional, we at Ivy Coach believe that test-optional policies are nothing more than a happy-go-lucky fable. If you want in at Haverford, definitely nail those tests and submit those scores! 

What Classes Do Students Need to Take to Get Into Haverford College?

On the Haverford admissions page, the school instructs: 

Typically applicants will have taken a rigorous college preparatory program that includes at least: four years of English, three years of mathematics, three years of one foreign language, three years of laboratory science, and three years of history or social studies. Personal interests dictate additional courses in foreign language, mathematics, science, social studies and history. Most candidates will have taken more than the minimum expectations, including honors, enriched, Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate courses, if offered. Most students admitted to Haverford will have a high-school diploma or GED, though exceptions to this requirement can be made.

Of course, we at Ivy Coach would not recommend merely three years in any core subject. Highly selective colleges like Haverford College want to see students excelling in each core subject (English, history, math, science, and foreign language) all four years of high school. In fact, they expect to see five years for foreign language since most students begin their first level of foreign language in eighth grade.

What Kinds of Extracurriculars Does Haverford College Like To See?

We’re going to clear up a common misunderstanding: highly selective colleges are not looking for well-rounded students. They’re looking for a well-rounded student body comprised of students who are each singularly talented. 

In terms of extracurriculars, that means Haverford is looking for depth over breadth. If you’re a member of the debate team, the robotics team, the field hockey team, and the drama department…well, then, you’re merely a member of those groups. You don’t stand out in any of these pursuits. Haverford would much rather accept a nationally ranked debate champ than a kid who spent an hour or two on debate a week because he spent the rest forgetting Shakespeare lines and fumbling the ball in football practice. 

Haverford College Application Requirements

Haverford accepts the Common App and the Coalition App. They request three letters of recommendation: one from a guidance counselor and two from teachers. Additionally, Haverford asks applicants to respond to the two following supplemental questions: 

1. Tell us about a topic or issue that sparks your curiosity and gets you intellectually excited. How do you hope to engage with this topic or issue at Haverford? (Please limit your response to 150-200 words.)
2. We have highlighted for you some of the values that shape the Haverford community. What are some of the values you seek in your next community? How do Haverford’s values, as demonstrated through our Honor Code, resonate with you? As you think about how to answer this question, you might draw from how you have been influenced by other communities you have been a part of, experiences you may have had within your communities, or opportunities you have had to shape or even change your communities. (Please limit your response to 150-200 words.)

Who Should Students Ask For Letters of Recommendation For Haverford? 

Haverford applicants should ask two teachers, ideally two junior year teachers in core subjects. Obviously, the applicant should have a good relationship with the teacher or at least have performed well in their class. In addition, at least one of the recommenders’ subject area should be related to the student’s hook: if a student’s singular hook is studying fruit fly DNA, it wouldn’t make sense if their recommenders were their History and English teachers. 

Does Haverford College Require An Interview? 

Yes, Haverford says they strongly recommend taking advantage of their virtual interviews in the application process.

What Are Haverford College’s Application Deadlines? 

Early Decision Applications to Haverford College are due Nov. 15, Early Decision II applications are due Jan. 5, and Regular Decision applications are due Jan. 10. 

How Ivy Coach Helps Students Get Into Haverford College 

If you’re interested in discerning if your child has a shot of getting into Haverford College, we recommend setting up Ivy Coach’s Strategy Session. Not only will you find out if your child has a chance of getting into Haverford College, but you’ll receive a game plan of how your child can optimize their admission to the best school possible.