W&L Acceptance Rate and SAT/ACT Scores

Washington and Lee University Admission Requirements and Statistics

[updated for 2024-2025 admission data]

How hard is W&L to get into?

This page provides the latest information on Washington and Lee University (W&L)'s admission process, acceptance rate, and student profile. W&L's acceptance rate is 13.97% for 2024-2025 admission. A total of 8,213 students applied and 1,147 were admitted to the school. Its acceptance rate is low, making it difficult to get into W&L.

To apply to W&L, recommendations is required to submit and personal statement (or essay) is not required but considered. The SAT and ACT score is not required, but considered for admission. In addition, english proficiency test score is also considered (required).

W&L's acceptance rate is the 2nd lowest among 46 Virginia colleges with competitive admission.
The median SAT score is 1480 and the ACT score is 34 at W&L. W&L's SAT score is the highest among 31 Virginia colleges that consider SAT score for admission.
W&L's yield rate is 41.15%, which is moderately lower by 8.02 percentage points (approximately 16.3% lower) compared to similar colleges with acceptance rates between 10% and 20% (average yield: 49.17%). You can compare colleges with similar acceptance rates to W&L at colleges with acceptance rates between 10% and 20%.

Admission Statistics

For the academic year 2024-25, W&L's acceptance rate is 13.97% and the yield (also known as enrollment rate) is 41.15%. 4,222 men and 3,990 women applied to W&L and 525 men and 622 women students were accepted.

Among them, 231 men and 241 women were enrolled in W&L. You can explore the W&L's admission rates and SAT score trends over the past decade, including year-by-year data and analysis, by visiting Admission Trends page.

Acceptance Rate and Admission Statistics at W&L
	Total	Men	Women	Another Gender	Gender Unknown
Applicants	8,213	4,222	3,990	0	0
Admitted	1,147	525	622	0	0
Enrolled	472	231	241	0	0
Acceptance Rate	13.97%	12.43%	15.59%	-	-
Yield	41.15%	44.00%	38.75%	-	-

Data source: IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System) (Last update: December 11, 2024)

Washington and Lee University 2025 Acceptance Rate By Gender chart

Median SAT and ACT Score

For the academic year 2025, 111 students (24% of enrolled students) submitted SAT scores and 94 students (20% of enrolled students) submitted ACT scores as part of the admission process at W&L.

The median SAT score for admitted students is 1,480, including 730 in SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (EBRW) and 750 in SAT Math. The 75th percentile SAT EBRW score is 760 and the 25th percentile is 710. For SAT Math, the 75th percentile score is 780 and the 25th percentile is 720.

The median ACT composite score is 34, with a 75th percentile score of 34 and a 25th percentile score of 33 at W&L. The median ACT Math score is 32 and the median ACT English score is 35.

How competitive is W&L's score?

The SAT and ACT scores at Washington and Lee University are competitive and high compared to similar colleges (SAT: 1,295, ACT: 29 - private (not-for-profit) baccalaureate college - arts & sciences).

2025 SAT and ACT Scores at W&L
	25^th Percentile	50^th Percentile (Median)	75^th Percentile
SAT Total	1,430	1,480	1,540
SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing	710	730	760
SAT Math	720	750	780
ACT Composite	33	34	34
ACT Math	30	32	34
ACT English	34	35	35

Data source: IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System) (Last update: December 11, 2024)

Washington and Lee University 2025 SAT and ACT Score Chart

Application Requirements

It requires to submit High School Record (or Transcript), Completion of College Preparatory Program, Recommendations, and English Proficiency Test to its applicants.

The SAT and ACT test score is not required, but considered in admission process at W&L. The english proficiency test is required .

The next table summarizes the application requirements to apply Washington and Lee University.

For more admission information such as minimum GPA and deadlines, see its online application page .

W&L Admission Requirements
High School GPA	Considered, if submitted
High School Rank	Considered, if submitted
High School Record (or Transcript)	Required
Completion of College Preparatory Program	Required
Recommendations	Required
Formal Demonstration of Competencies	Considered, if submitted
SAT / ACT	Considered, if submitted
English Proficiency Test	Required
Other Test (Wonderlic,WISC-III,etc)	Considered, if submitted
Work experience	Considered, if submitted
Personal statement or essay	Considered, if submitted
Legacy status	Considered, if submitted

General Admissions Information

The following provides general admission information for applying to W&L:

Open Admission Policy: No
Undergraduate Application Fees: -
Graduate Application Fees: -
Admission Information: www.wlu.edu/admissions
Online Application: www.wlu.edu/admissions/apply/
Calendar System: Four-one-four plan
Course for High School Students: Not Offered
Credits Accepted: Advanced placement (AP) Credits
Degree Offered: Bachelor, Doctoral (Professional Practice)

Get Admission Information

What is the acceptance rate at the W&L?

W&L is highly competitive, with an acceptance rate of 13.97%.

What SAT or ACT scores are required for admission to W&L?

W&L recommends submitting SAT or ACT scores, but they are not strictly required for admission. The average SAT score required for admission to W&L is 1,480, and the average ACT score is 34. Meeting or exceeding these scores will improve your chances of admission.

Does W&L require essays or personal statements?

W&L recommends submitting a personal essay or statement, but it is not strictly required.

Are recommendation letters required for W&L admission?

Yes, W&L requires applicants to submit a recommendation letter as part of the application.

Is there an application fee?

W&L does not require an application fee for undergraduate or graduate admission.

Do I need to submit my high school transcript?

Yes, W&L requires applicants to submit high school record or transcript as part of the admission process.

Are there any specific admission requirements for international students?

Yes, W&L requires international applicants to submit an English proficiency test (like TOEFL or IELTS) as part of the application.

What is SAT code and ACT code for W&L?

The institutional SAT code for W&L is 5887 and 4-digit ACT code is 4430.