Gaining Admission to Denison University: Acceptance Rate and Requirements
Denison University, known for encouraging students to explore their interests both inside and outside the classroom, maintains a selective admission process. The university boasts a supportive and knowledgeable faculty, and students have a voice in shaping the institution's decision-making. This article delves into Denison University's acceptance rate, GPA and standardized test score expectations, application requirements, and other factors that influence admission decisions.
Acceptance Rate: A Highly Selective Institution
Denison University's acceptance rate stands at 16.9%, indicating that it is an extremely selective institution. This means that only about 17 out of every 100 applicants are admitted. To increase your chances of acceptance, it's essential to understand the academic and non-academic factors that Denison considers.
Academic Requirements: GPA, SAT/ACT Scores, and Coursework
GPA: A Crucial Factor
GPA is a very important academic factor. Denison University requires applicants to be above average in their high school class. Successful applicants typically have a mix of A's and B's, with more A's than B's. A GPA of 3.77 or higher is generally expected.
If your GPA is lower than the school average, you can compensate with harder classes, such as AP or IB courses, and a higher SAT or ACT score. However, if you're a junior or senior, it may be challenging to significantly improve your GPA before applying.
Standardized Tests: Test-Flexible Policy
Denison University hasn't explicitly named a policy on SAT/ACT requirements, but because it's published average SAT or ACT scores (we'll cover this next), it's likely test flexible. Typically, these schools say, "if you feel your SAT or ACT score represents you well as a student, submit them. Despite this policy, the truth is that most students still take the SAT or ACT, and most applicants to Denison University will submit their scores. If you don't submit scores, you'll have one fewer dimension to show that you're worthy of being admitted, compared to other students.
Read also: Internship Programs at Denison
- SAT: Half of the applicants admitted to Denison University who submitted test scores have an SAT score between 1320 and 1490. To have the best shot of getting in, you should aim for the 75th percentile, with a 1440 SAT.
- ACT: Half the applicants admitted to Denison University who submitted test scores have an ACT score between 30 and 33. To have the best shot of getting in, you should aim for the 75th percentile, with a 32 ACT.
Even though Denison University likely says they have no minimum ACT requirement, if you apply with a 29 or below, you'll have a very hard time getting in, unless you have something else very impressive in your application. The average ACT score at Denison University is 29. The 25th percentile ACT score is 29, and the 75th percentile ACT score is 32.
Denison University does in fact offer an ACT superscore policy. Because you can choose which tests to send in, and Denison University forms your Superscore, you can take the ACT as many times as you want, then submit only the tests that give you the highest Superscore. Therefore, if your ACT score is currently below a 32, we strongly recommend that you consider prepping for the ACT and retaking it. Even better, because of the Superscore, you can focus all your energy on a single section at a time. If your Reading score is lower than your other sections, prep only for the Reading section, then take the ACT. Then focus on Math for the next test, and so on.
Denison University considers the SAT Essay/ACT Writing section optional and may not include it as part of their admissions consideration.
College Prep Courses
While not explicitly required, taking college preparatory courses is highly recommended. These courses demonstrate your readiness for the academic rigor of college and can strengthen your application.
Application Requirements: Beyond Academics
Application Deadline
The application deadline at Denison University is Jan. 15. Early Decision Deadline Nov. Stay on top of your goals!
Read also: Explore Denison's Campus Life
Recommendations
Recommendation are considered very important for admissions officials at Denison University. Therefore, cultivate relationships with teachers and counselors who can write strong letters of recommendation highlighting your strengths and potential.
High School Rank
High School Rank Considered if submitted.
Admission interview
Admission interview Recommended
Other Factors
Denison University seeks students who are "both ambitious and also open minded…curious, innovative thinkers that are motivated by making a wise impact." The university values diversity and strives to create a welcoming community for students from all backgrounds.
Campus Life and Student Experience
Life at Denison can be hectic. Thankfully, students maintain "a good balance of academics, extracurriculars, and fun." The university itself sponsors plenty of activities including "food trucks, movie nights, [and] trivia nights" along with "guest speakers and performances." You can also find numerous student-run clubs for a variety of interests. Groups range from "the Burpees Improv group, which does lots of great shows with high campus engagement," to Quidditch, ski club, and Habitat for Humanity.
Read also: Denison University Lacrosse
Visiting Denison University
John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH) is 25 miles (a 30-minute drive) from campus. During the academic year (September-May), Denison University provides a Student Shuttle service between the campus and the airport; call the admissions office 2 weeks before your visit to arrange for this shuttle. When coming from the east, west and south, the best approach is from Interstate 70. Granville is 10 miles north of I-70 (Exit 126) on Ohio Route 37 West. When Route 37 turns off on the divided highway outside of Granville, continue straight ahead on Ohio Route 661 into Granville. Route 661 takes you to the center of Granville. If coming from the north, you should exit Interstate 71 at Bellville and take Ohio Route 13 south into Mt. Vernon. If you have a morning visit scheduled at Denison, it's worth making the effort to spend the preceding night in Granville. The first of 2 delightful inns in this picture-postcard town (a 5-minute drive from the admissions office) is the Buxton Inn (313 E. Broadway; 740-587-0001). Founded in 1812, it is still operating in its original building in the middle of the village. Another gem is the Granville Inn (314 E. Broadway; 740-587-3333). It's also moderately priced and provides a continental breakfast. This is an English Tudor manor house with carved oak paneling and lots of character. It includes a pleasant restaurant.
Career Support and Outcomes
Undergrads at Denison receive a tremendous amount of “career support…[from] the college.” And they are quick to sing the praises of the Knowlton Center for Career Exploration, which “offers a variety of help with career decisions.” Here, students “practice interviews, [get] career coaching, résumé building, and more.” The center also runs more than one hundred innovative career programs, such as First Looks, which helps students at the start of their professional journey to gain a better understanding of certain jobs and industries via job shadowing, networking opportunities, and company tours. Through these events, undergrads connect with industry insiders to ask questions about company culture, daily responsibilities, and individual career paths. Other programs through the center include three-day Career-Ready Bootcamps during winter break, Career Communities, and Sophomore Month, in which second-year students attend a month of career exploration events and learn about the help available to them across all departments via the Sophomore Resource Fair. These programs and resources pay off: 96 percent of Denison graduates are working in their desired field, and Payscale.com reports a starting median salary of $63,100 with 50 percent stating that their jobs give them a high level of meaning.
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