Does anyone know what Gettysburg's acceptance rate is currently and if it has changed dramatically over recent years? Also, what's the general competitive nature of the applicant pool like?
Gettysburg College's acceptance rate according to the most recent available data, for the 2023-2024 academic year is approximately 48%. Over the past couple of years, the acceptance rate has seen minor fluctuations but has generally hovered around the mid-40s to mid-50s, making it a moderately selective institution.
The competitive nature of the applicant pool varies from year to year, but generally, successful applicants tend to have strong academic records. Most successful applicants have high school GPAs in the "A-" range, and they've typically taken a challenging course load, with many AP or IB classes. For the SAT, most admitted students have scores between 1240 and 1460.
Remember, though, that admissions isn't just about the numbers. Gettysburg, like many colleges, looks for students who will contribute to the campus community in meaningful ways. Extracurricular activities (ideally showing deep involvement, leadership, or exceptional achievements) as well as strong essays and recommendations can make a big difference. It's not enough to just have strong grades and test scores -- you need to demonstrate that you'll be an active and engaged member of the Gettysburg community.
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