Skidmore College

Saratoga Springs, NY · Private · 2,694 undergrads

Admit rate: 21.1% (12,144 applicants)
SAT middle 50%: 1340–1480 (ACT 31–33)
Undergraduates: 2,694 (7.4% international)
Average net price: $32,297 (per year after aid)
Graduation rate: 83% (within 6 years)

Deadlines

Early Decision: Nov. 1, 2026
Early Decision II: Jan. 8, 2027
Regular Decision: Jan. 8, 2027

Essays

Porter-Wachenheim Presidential Scholarship (optional, scholarship applicants only) (Brief essay (no length stated) below a PDF list of activities and awards)

Then, underneath the list, write a brief essay discussing: your interests in science and/or mathematics, how the activities you list above have helped you grow as a scientist and/or mathematician, and how you hope to pursue your scholarly interests at Skidmore.

Editor's notes

Early decision carries a lot of weight here. Skidmore's FAQ says about half of each class comes through ED, and in fall 2025 it admitted 359 of 847 ED applicants against 2,917 of 12,273 overall. If Skidmore is your first choice, ED II on Jan. 8 is the same day as RD, so there's no scheduling cost to committing.
No supplements and no interview means the rest of your file has to carry you. The CDS rates rigor, GPA and character very important and the essay and teacher letters important. Pick teachers who've seen you work, not just score.
Skidmore's CDS lists volunteer and work experience as important, the same weight as essays and recommendations. Put real jobs and family responsibilities on the activities list with honest hours.
If you're into science or math, apply for the Porter-Wachenheim scholarship. It's about 45 awards at $20,000 a year, and the application is a list and a short essay in your portal.

Skidmore College

Deadlines

Essays

Porter-Wachenheim Presidential Scholarship (optional, scholarship applicants only) (Brief essay (no length stated) below a PDF list of activities and awards)

Editor's notes

Sources