Overview
Skidmore College is a selective private four-year institution in Saratoga Springs, New York. The school accepts 25.5% of applicants and enrolls 2,760 students.
Admission Statistics
- Acceptance Rate
- 25.5%
- Average SAT
- 1,380
- SAT Range (25th–75th)
- 1,300–1,460
- ACT Composite (avg)
- 32
- Total Enrollment
- 2,760
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
Skidmore's admissions committee focuses heavily on creative expression and interdisciplinary thinking, making your supplemental essays more important than at most liberal arts colleges. The school invented the concept of "creative thought matters" as its unofficial motto, so you need to show how you think outside traditional academic boundaries.
Your application should highlight cross-disciplinary interests rather than deep specialization in one area. Skidmore students regularly combine studio art with business, theater with psychology, or computer science with dance. Reference specific programs like the First-Year Experience seminar clusters or the London First-Year Program if you're genuinely interested in studying abroad immediately.
Don't write generic essays about loving the beautiful campus or small class sizes. Instead, mention Skidmore's unique traditions like Fun Day (a student-run spring carnival) or the Tang Teaching Museum's integration with academics. These details show you understand the school's culture beyond surface-level research.
Your creative supplement matters more here than at peer schools like Colby or Hamilton. Even if you're not applying as an art major, submit a creative portfolio, whether it's photography, writing samples, or music recordings. Skidmore expects every student to engage with the arts somehow.
The school offers Early Decision advantages, but only apply ED if you're genuinely excited about Skidmore's specific blend of liberal arts and creative expression. Don't use ED as a strategy to get into any good liberal arts college.
You can reference Skidmore's Scribner Seminars in your essays, which are first-year courses taught by professors from different departments working together. This collaborative teaching model reflects how the school wants students to think across traditional academic silos.
Avoid writing about wanting to "explore different interests" without being specific. Instead, explain exactly which departments you want to combine and why. Skidmore admits students who already show interdisciplinary thinking, not those who hope to discover it in college.
What It Costs If You Get In
- Average Net Price
- $34,581/yr
- Tuition (in-state)
- $65,030
- Students Receiving Aid
- 14%
After You Graduate
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 81.7%
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $69,363/yr
- Freshman Retention Rate
- 88.9%
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Skidmore College require SAT or ACT scores for admission?
Skidmore College is test-optional, meaning you can choose whether to submit SAT or ACT scores with your application.
What are the application deadlines for Skidmore College?
Skidmore offers Early Decision I (November 15), Early Decision II (January 15), and Regular Decision (January 15) application deadlines.
Does Skidmore College accept transfer students?
Yes, Skidmore College accepts transfer applications for fall and spring semesters. Transfer students must submit college transcripts and typically need at least 24 college credits completed.
What makes Skidmore College's application process different from other schools?
Skidmore allows applicants to submit a portfolio or audition for certain programs like art, music, theater, and dance as part of their application. The college also values creative expression alongside academic achievement.