Villanova University

Villanova, PA · Private · 6,938 undergrads

Admit rate: 27.0% (23,127 applicants)
SAT middle 50%: 1395–1510 (ACT 32–34)
Undergraduates: 6,938 (1.8% international)
Average net price: $43,756 (per year after aid)
Graduation rate: 92% (within 6 years)

Deadlines

Early Action: Nov. 1, 2026
Early Decision: Nov. 1, 2026
Early Decision II: Jan. 15, 2027
Regular Decision: Jan. 15, 2027

Essays

Prompt one (About 250 words (choose one of five))

Pope Leo XIV (Villanova Class of 1977) has said, “no one can single-handedly bear the weight of the challenges the world is facing, just as no one is so weak that they cannot play their part.” What have you done to play your part in advancing equity and justice in your community?

Prompt two (About 250 words (choose one of five))

What is a lesson in life that you have learned that you would want to share with others at Villanova?

Prompt three (About 250 words (choose one of five))

"Villanova" means "new home." Why do you want to call Villanova your new home?

Prompt four (About 250 words (choose one of five))

Villanova embraces Artificial Intelligence (AI) with a commitment to thoughtful, ethical use rooted in our Augustinian mission and values. How do you see technology helping you to lead, serve, and contribute to the common good?

Prompt five (About 250 words (choose one of five))

At Villanova, we often say "each of us strengthens all of us." Please detail a time when someone has borrowed some of your strength in their time of need.

Editor's notes

Choose your college before you choose your prompt. There's no undecided option, and engineering and science applicants pick a named major. Business applicants need four years of math, with calculus if your school offers it. If your transcript doesn't match the college you pick, no essay fixes that.
Early rounds matter here. In fall 2023, Villanova admitted 2,266 students through Early Action and 820 through Early Decision, out of 5,810 total admits. EA is nonbinding, so if your file is ready by Nov. 1, there's little reason to wait.
Writing is your only voice in this process. Villanova doesn't interview, doesn't track demonstrated interest, and won't read extra letters. That leaves your main essay and one 250-word supplement, which must be unaided by AI. Make the supplement say something your main essay doesn't.