Criteria for Admission
We're not looking for a specific GPA or test score. When we evaluate your application, we take into consideration many different factors.
We're not looking for a specific GPA or test score. When we evaluate your application, we take into consideration many different factors.
When we read your application, we want to learn about your academic achievements and personal strengths. You can rest assured that at least two members of the admissions committee will carefully read and consider your application. Here are some of the things we’re paying attention to.
Coursework
The strongest candidates for admission to Carleton have taken:
- Four years of English
- Four years of mathematics
- Three or more years of science
- Three or more years of social science
- Three or more years of foreign or classical language
Applicants should have at least:
- Three or more years of English with an emphasis on writing
- Three or more years of mathematics, including precalculus
- Two years of social science
- One year of a laboratory science
- Two or more years of a foreign or classical language
Most Carleton students go well beyond this minimum. The admissions committee is usually attracted to candidates who take honors or advanced-level work, such as Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB), when available. We also highly recommend students pursue foreign or classical languages, unless they are not offered at their school.
Students who take more advanced-level courses in the subjects listed above are generally stronger candidates. But the admissions committee may offer admission to an applicant of unusual ability and interest who has not taken all these courses. When we do, it is on the basis of a student’s academic record, scores on standardized tests (if submitted), and recommendations of school officials.
Standardized Tests
As of 2025, Carleton has adopted a permanent test-optional policy for all applicants (see our announcement). This means results of the SAT or the ACT are not required, but you may still submit them.
We require TOEFL, IELTS, or DET (DuoLingo English Test) for students whose primary language of instruction (or first language) has not been English.
The results of standardized exams help the admissions committee judge candidates’ academic abilities. For applicants who elect to submit test scores, they will be reviewed holistically, in the context of other application materials and indicators of academic ability and promise. For those unsure of whether to submit test scores, applicants are encouraged to consider if their standardized test scores represent their academic ability and potential.
If you decide to submit test scores, Carleton requires the full results of the SAT or the ACT.
For students submitting scores, the deadline for receipt of these test scores is February 1 (for Early Decision 2 applicants) and March 1 (for Regular Decision applicants).
Supplemental Essay
In addition to the personal statements required by the Common App, QuestBridge App, and Coalition App, Carleton requires one additional short-answer essay. In 300 words or less, we ask that you answer the question: Think about someone you connect with who’s different from you. What do you find most meaningful about your interactions with them?
We encourage you to be reflective, take your time and brainstorm, and review our essay tips before writing.
Personal Qualities
In selecting each class, the admissions committee considers many qualities beyond academic promise. The committee asks questions such as: How active have you been in your school and community? Have you been involved in sports, student government, or your religious community? Are you someone who will lead? Do you have a sense of humor? Can you rise to a challenge?
Interviews & Visits
Interviews give us an opportunity to chat with you more about your interest in Carleton. Interviews are completely optional, plenty of Carleton students are admitted without an interview. If you are interested in an interview, you should register for and attend either an in-person or virtual information session and/or campus tour, after which you can expect information via email on registering for an interview. More information is on our interview page.
Arts
We recognize achievement in the arts, and encourage you to submit samples of your work for review by our faculty. Video clips of dance recitals, pictures of your paintings or sculptures, or audio recordings of your music performances are a few examples of the types of submissions we accept. You do not need to plan to major in the program to submit an art portfolio. You can share these samples through the Portfolio section of the applicant status page after you submit your application.
Athletics
We offer 20 Division III college sports teams and encourage athletes to fill out the recruit questionnaire and to contact our coaches for more information. As a DIII institution, we do not offer any athletic scholarships.