Overview
Hobart William Smith Colleges is a less selective private four-year institution in Geneva, New York. The school accepts 68.4% of applicants and enrolls 1,606 students.
Admission Statistics
- Acceptance Rate
- 68.4%
- Average SAT
- 1,305
- SAT Range (25th–75th)
- 1,210–1,400
- ACT Composite (avg)
- 30
- Total Enrollment
- 1,606
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
Hobart William Smith operates as coordinate colleges, meaning men attend Hobart College and women attend William Smith College while sharing classes, faculty, and campus resources. This unique structure creates distinct traditions and leadership opportunities for each college, so highlight how you would contribute to your specific college's community in your application.
The colleges use rolling admissions, which means applying early gives you a significant advantage in both acceptance chances and merit aid consideration. Submit your application by December for the best financial aid packages, as funding decreases throughout the admissions cycle.
Strong applications showcase fit with the close-knit campus culture where professors know your name and research opportunities start freshman year. The student-to-faculty ratio creates an environment where you can work directly with professors on projects like the Finger Lakes Institute's environmental research or the Public Policy program's community partnerships with local government.
Your essays should connect to specific opportunities at HWS rather than generic liberal arts themes. Mention the Geneva location if you plan to use the Finger Lakes region for field research, internships with local nonprofits, or the wine industry connections through the economics program. The colleges also offer a strong study abroad network with programs on six continents.
Campus culture centers on outdoor recreation and environmental consciousness. Students who enjoy sailing, hiking, and water sports find natural communities here. The Honor Codes at both colleges create an atmosphere of trust where students take unproctored exams and self-schedule finals.
Greek life involves about one-third of students, but the small size means social life includes everyone regardless of affiliation. Student government carries real responsibility, with each college's student senate controlling significant budgets and campus policies.
Apply test-optional if your scores fall below the middle range, but submit them if they strengthen your profile. The admissions office weighs grades in challenging courses most heavily, so explain any grade trends in the additional information section. Financial aid here can be generous, making the sticker price misleading for many families.
What It Costs If You Get In
- Average Net Price
- $31,057/yr
- Tuition (in-state)
- $63,268
- Students Receiving Aid
- 24%
After You Graduate
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 72.7%
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $68,831/yr
- Freshman Retention Rate
- 89.2%
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Hobart William Smith Colleges require SAT or ACT scores for admission?
Hobart William Smith Colleges has a test-optional admissions policy. Students can choose whether to submit standardized test scores as part of their application.
What is the application deadline for Hobart William Smith Colleges?
Hobart William Smith Colleges offers Early Decision I (November 15), Early Decision II (January 15), and Regular Decision (February 1) application deadlines.
Does Hobart William Smith Colleges accept transfer students?
Yes, Hobart William Smith Colleges accepts transfer applications for fall and spring semesters. Transfer students must submit college transcripts and meet minimum GPA requirements.
What makes Hobart William Smith Colleges unique in the admissions process?
Hobart William Smith operates as coordinate colleges, with Hobart College for men and William Smith College for women sharing the same campus and classes. Students apply to their respective college based on gender identity.