Wellesley College
Wellesley, MA · Private · 2,300 undergrads
- Admit rate: 14.1% (8,184 applicants)
- SAT middle 50%: 1460–1560 (ACT 33–35)
- Undergraduates: 2,300 (13.4% international)
- Average net price: $25,496 (per year after aid)
- Graduation rate: 92% (within 6 years)
Deadlines
- Early Decision: Nov. 1, 2026
- Early Decision II: Jan. 5, 2027
- Regular Decision: Jan. 8, 2027
Essays
Wellesley essay (250-400 words)
Wellesley students actively seek ways to build bridges and to change the world for the better. Tell us about an experience working with and alongside people of different backgrounds and/or perspectives from your own. Why was this important to you, and what lessons from this will you bring with you to Wellesley?
Editor's notes
- There's no interview, so your writing does the talking. The CDS rates the essay as important and recommendations and character as very important, and Wellesley says it pays special attention to writing skills whether or not you send scores. Give the Wellesley essay as much drafting time as the personal statement.
- Your two teacher letters carry real weight: the CDS rates recommendations very important. Pick teachers who've seen how you think in class, and ideally one who can speak to your quantitative work, since Wellesley names writing and quantitative skills together.
- If Wellesley is your first choice, look at early decision with real numbers. In fall 2025, 301 of 1,023 ED applicants were admitted. Both ED rounds are binding, and aid forms are due the same day as the application, so run the cost calculator first.
