Frequently Asked Questions
Our holistic, committee-based application review process gives us the flexibility to evaluate each applicant’s full record within the context of their available resources. Standardized tests are one factor among many that we can consider in the admission process.
Regardless of an applicant’s decision to submit test scores, the admission committee is particularly interested in an applicant’s demonstrated writing and quantitative skills as key predictors for success in Wellesley’s curriculum.
Wellesley’s Faculty Senate and the Committee on Admission and Financial Aid will study the cohort of students admitted under the test optional policy to determine the feasibility of extending the policy.
Students can demonstrate their readiness for Wellesley’s writing requirements in the following ways:
- submitting an English or writing-based standardized test score (SAT, ACT, PSAT, Pre-ACT, AP, predicted IB or predicted A-level)
- showing achievement in English or writing at the honors or advanced level in high school
- reporting publications or awards received for creative or expository writing
The Quantitative Reasoning Program is designed to ensure that Wellesley College students are proficient in the use of mathematical, logical, and statistical problem-solving tools needed in today's increasingly quantitative world.
Students can demonstrate their readiness for Wellesley's quantitative requirements in the following ways:
- submitting a math-based standardized test score (SAT, ACT, PSAT, Pre-ACT, AP, or predicted IB or A-level results)
- showing achievement in math at the level of pre-calculus, calculus, or advanced high school statistics
- reporting participation or awards received in math competitions or extracurricular activities.
To ensure equity, all applications to Wellesley are reviewed by multiple readers, all submitted materials are considered, and admission decisions are made by committee. After the Office of Admission has compiled a docket of the most compelling candidates, the Deans of Admission engage the Committee on Admission and Financial Aid (AFA) in a conversation about institutional priorities and the College’s mission. The Deans then take guidance from the AFA back to the Office of Admission for use in finalizing all admission decisions.
We don’t require English proficiency testing, but we strongly recommend that international students whose native language is not English, and who have been studying in English-based curriculum for fewer than five years, take one of our approved English proficiency exams. See our FAQ for International applicants and English proficiency exams.
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Resources for school counselors
Want to know more about the Class of 2027? Check out the Class of 2027 Profile.
All of the stats and facts for the Class of 2027 at your fingertips!
Ann Velenchik, Wellesley College Dean of Academic Affairs and Associate Professor of Economics, offers advice from the perspective of a Board of Admission reader on how to make your letter of recommendation a more useful contribution to your students’ application dossiers.