Davidson College

Davidson, NC · Private · 1,867 undergrads

Admit rate: 13.4% (7,347 applicants)
SAT middle 50%: 1400–1530 (ACT 31–34)
Undergraduates: 1,867 (10.7% international)
Average net price: $17,379 (per year after aid)
Graduation rate: 91% (within 6 years)

Deadlines

Early Decision: Nov. 15, 2026
Early Decision II: Jan. 4, 2027
Regular Decision: Jan. 11, 2027

Essays

Why Davidson (250-300 words)

There are just under 4,000 four-year colleges and universities in the United States. Being as specific as possible, what interests you most about Davidson College?

Curiosity (250-300 words)

Davidson encourages students to explore curiosities in and out of the classroom. What is a topic, activity or idea that excites you? Tell us why. Examples may include hobbies, books, interactions, music, podcasts, movies, etc.

Editor's notes

The peer recommendation is the piece people underrate. Davidson asks a friend, teammate or coworker your age to write about you, and the CDS rates recommendations very important. Choose someone who has seen you on an ordinary day and give them time. Your best friend isn't automatically your best writer.
Early decision helps here, and Davidson says so. Its FAQ answers that, statistically, a higher share of ED applicants are admitted. ED II closes Jan. 4, before RD, so if Davidson is your first choice after a fall ED somewhere else doesn't work out, you still have a binding option.
Davidson tracks demonstrated interest and the CDS lists it as considered. Go to the info session, talk to a student, email your counselor with a real question. Then put what you learned into the why-Davidson essay, where specificity is the whole assignment.
Money is less of a barrier than the sticker suggests. Davidson is need-blind for U.S. applicants, meets full need without loans, and from fall 2027 covers full direct costs for families earning $85,000 or less. Run the numbers before you rule it out.