Overview
Haverford College is a highly selective private four-year institution in Haverford, Pennsylvania. The school accepts 14.2% of applicants and enrolls 1,421 students.
Admission Statistics
- Acceptance Rate
- 14.2%
- Average SAT
- 1,485
- SAT Range (25th–75th)
- 1,430–1,540
- ACT Composite (avg)
- 34
- Total Enrollment
- 1,421
Your Chances by SAT Score
Your score is above the 75th percentile. You are a competitive applicant.
Your score falls within the middle 50% of admitted students.
Your score is below the 25th percentile. Other parts of your application will need to stand out.
Admission Guide
Haverford's Honor Code shapes everything about campus life and the admissions process expects you to understand this deeply. The Honor Code isn't just a set of rules but a living philosophy where students take unproctored exams, leave belongings unattended, and self-schedule finals. Your essays should reflect genuine commitment to academic and personal integrity, not just mention the Honor Code as a talking point.
The Quaker heritage creates a consensus-based decision-making culture that extends to student government and even some academic departments. Reference specific ways you've built consensus or worked through disagreement in your application. Collection (the weekly meeting for worship) happens every Tuesday, and while attendance is optional, understanding this contemplative tradition shows you grasp what makes Haverford different from other elite liberal arts colleges.
Your "Why Haverford" essay should focus on the Bi-College partnership with Bryn Mawr College. You can cross-register for classes, participate in clubs, and even live on either campus junior and senior year. Don't treat this as just "more course options" but explain how you'd specifically use resources at both institutions. The Tri-College partnership with Swarthmore adds another layer but receives less attention in applications.
Customs Week replaces traditional orientation with upperclass students called Customs People who live with first-years and help them adjust. If you're applying Early Decision, mention how this peer mentorship model appeals to you rather than focusing solely on academic programs.
Don't write about wanting a "close-knit community" without specifics. Every small college claims this. Instead, reference the Haverfriends mentorship program or how the President's House hosts regular dinners with students. The cricket team practices on the oldest cricket pitch in continuous use in the United States, and Ultimate Frisbee has deep campus roots.
Your application should show comfort with Haverford's size and intensity. With fewer than 1,500 students, you can't blend into the background. The admissions office wants students who will contribute immediately to campus life rather than spend time finding their place.
What It Costs If You Get In
- Average Net Price
- $25,210/yr
- Tuition (in-state)
- $68,300
- Students Receiving Aid
- 14%
After You Graduate
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 89.4%
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $79,966/yr
- Freshman Retention Rate
- 93.7%
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Haverford College require SAT or ACT scores for admission?
Haverford College is test-optional for most applicants. Students can choose whether to submit standardized test scores as part of their application.
Does Haverford College offer Early Decision or Early Action?
Haverford offers Early Decision I (deadline November 15) and Early Decision II (deadline January 15). Both are binding programs that require students to attend if accepted.
What is the Honor Code at Haverford College and how does it affect admissions?
Haverford operates under a student-run Honor Code that governs academic and social conduct. Applicants must write an essay about how they would contribute to this system of trust and self-governance.
Can transfer students apply to Haverford College?
Haverford accepts transfer applications for fall semester only. Transfer students must complete at least two years in residence to graduate from Haverford.