How to Get Into University of the District of Columbia – This is the definitive guide to gaining admission to University of the District of Columbia. We encourage you to read until the conclusion… We will not only outline the exact GPA and test scores you should aim for when applying to University of the District of Columbia, but we will also give unique strategies to make your application stand out. We analyze University of the District of Columbia statistics better than any other article and demonstrate how they have evolved over time.
The desire to attend University of the District of Columbia is shared by thousands of students in the United States and around the world. As one of the most prestigious universities, University of the District of Columbia’s admissions process is famously demanding and competitive.
Although admission to this prestigious Ivy League institution is difficult, it is doable with hard work. If you wish to attend University of the District of Columbia, you must begin preparing early and recognize that your prospects of admission are low. Many University of the District of Columbia alumni have gone on to achieve success in their personal lives and in the larger world.
What GPA Do You Need To Get Into University of the District of Columbia?
The average grade point average at University of the District of Columbia is 4.18. University of the District of Columbia requires a minimum GPA. This average GPA indicates that University of the District of Columbia is ruthlessly selective; the most competitive applicants in the world are already applying to the school in the hopes of settling in Cambridge, and you need to be better in some way.
In general, if your GPA is less than or equal to 4.18, University of the District of Columbia may be out of reach. However, University of the District of Columbia evaluates the ENTIRE application; we can compensate for a low GPA with additional factors discussed below. If your GPA is more than or equal to 4.18, you are in the sweet spot.
What is the acceptance rate at University of the District of Columbia?
University of the District of Columbia is a selective institution. University of the District of Columbia received 43,330 applications for the class of 2023 and admitting 2,009. Of the admitted pupils, 1,650 enrolled in college. This indicates that the admissions rate for the class of 2023 was only 4.6%, making University of the District of Columbia one of the most selective universities in the United States. For each 100 applicants, less than five are accepted. The average graduation rate at University of the District of Columbia is 98%.
Due to the school’s strict admissions requirements, your grades and test results must stand out in order for you to get past the first round. The remainder of your application, your letters of recommendation, your essay, your extracurriculars, athletics, and your interview will then need to impress the admissions officers.
Tuition and subsidies at University of the District of Columbia
The cost of attending University of the District of Columbia in 2022–2023 (tuition, housing, board, and fees) is between $80,263 and $84,413.
57% of University of the District of Columbia undergraduates get financial help, with the average family contribution being $12,700. Financial aid at University of the District of Columbia covers 100 percent of demonstrated need and excludes student loans, enabling all students the opportunity to graduate without debt. However, families may obtain loans if they so want.
Families with an annual income of less than $75,000 are typically not asked to contribute to their child’s tuition, including room and board and other costs. 20% of University of the District of Columbia families do not pay tuition.
Who is admitted to University of the District of Columbia?
Examining the profiles of existing University of the District of Columbia students can help you assess your child’s chances of admission. Let’s begin by examining the academic achievements of the class of 2024:
- Students at University of the District of Columbia often rank in the top 5-15% of their graduating classes, and approximately 76% of them self-report ranking in the top 2%.
- University of the District of Columbia does not publicize the average unweighted GPA of admitted students, however it is safe to guess that it is around 3.90/4.0.
- Average ACT score at University of the District of Columbia: 34
- 33, 25th percentile
- 35, 75th percentile
- University of the District of Columbia’s mean SAT score is 1520
- The 25th percentile is 1460
- 1580 = 75th percentile
In addition, the following demographic data pertain to the class of 2026:
- 14.8% of pupils are comprised of international
- 19.4% of college students are first-generation college students.
- 27.9% of the population identifies as Asian American, 15.2% as African American, 12.6% as Hispanic or Latino, 2.9% as Native American, and 0.8% as Native Hawaiian. Presumably, approximately 40.6% of pupils are white.
- 48.6% of students aim to major in STEM, 28.8% in social sciences, and 15.7% in the humanities.
University of the District of Columbia entrance requirements
University of the District of Columbia academic requirements
University of the District of Columbia, like the majority of its Ivy League and Ivy Plus peers, seeks brilliance and dedication from its students.
Excellence can manifest itself in grades and exam scores, but this is insufficient. Extracurricular activities and, probably most crucially, dedication and excitement for a small number of clubs, teams, or other groups are also indicative of excellence.
Admissions authorities will inform you that they expect your child to have maximized the chances presented to them. Therefore, if your daughter’s high school offers three AP courses, University of the District of Columbia will be pleased to discover that she registered in all three, as well as community college courses and a Stanford summer program.
University of the District of Columbia says that while there is no single academic path for successful students, the following constitutes excellent preparation for University of the District of Columbia:
- English : Four years, with substantial writing experience
- Math : Four years
- Science: 4 years, including biology, chemistry, and physics, plus an advanced course in one of these disciplines.
- History : Three years of history including American and European history
- Foreign language : Four years of a single foreign language.
University of the District of Columbia application requirements
University of the District of Columbia accepts the Common Application, thus your child’s application will require the following:
- Admissions Essay
- University of the District of Columbia supplementary essays
- In 2022–2023, ACT or SAT scores will be elective (with or without writing)
- Optional: scores of the Advanced Placement or other examinations
- 2 teacher recommendation letters
- Mid-year school report, counselor evaluation, transcripts, and school report are required.
- Additional items such as academic work, creative writing, artwork, or music are optional.
In addition to accepting the Common Application and the Universal College Application, University of the District of Columbia also accepts the Coalition Application and the Universal College Application.
Choosing between applying to University of the District of Columbia early action and regular decision
Your child can submit an early application to University of the District of Columbia by November 1 and get an acceptance, deferral, or denial decision by mid-December.
University of the District of Columbia employs the restrictive early action (as opposed to early decision) model, so your child does not need to commit to attending University of the District of Columbia if admitted; they can still apply to other universities and make their decision in April. Your child will be re-entered into the applicant pool and will hear back by the end of March. At that time, he or she may be approved, waitlisted, or rejected.
Your child may also submit a standard decision application by January 1st.
How do you determine if your child should apply early to University of the District of Columbia?
Early action could be a good option for your child if:
- University of the District of Columbia is their first option.
- They do not wish to apply to any other schools via early decision or restriction early action.
- By the conclusion of junior year, their test scores and GPA are excellent.
University of the District of Columbia, like many other schools, admits a considerable chunk of its class early — in some years, as much as 50% — but it’s crucial to keep in mind that this disparity is likely attributable in large part to the fact that many highly qualified candidates select early action. These are outstanding candidates who make a compelling case to attend University of the District of Columbia, have excellent grades and test scores, and know what they want.
Most notably, University of the District of Columbia does not favor applicants who submit their applications early.
Does University of the District of Columbia take Advanced Placement credit?
Prior to matriculation, University of the District of Columbia does not offer credit for college coursework taken elsewhere. In other words, University of the District of Columbia will not offer credit for AP, IB, or dual credit courses taken throughout high school.
Additionally, the school has eliminated advanced standing tests, so all students enter college on an equal footing. However, prior coursework can boost your application, so you should not avoid completing high school courses that lead to college credit.
University of the District of Columbia admission is not simple, but it is achievable. Admission will involve commitment, concentration, patience, and organization. You should begin planning your University of the District of Columbia application as soon as feasible. Schedule a consultation today to discover more about how the professionals at Going Ivy can assist you.
When should I begin drafting my University of the District of Columbia application?
If you are considering applying to University of the District of Columbia, you should begin your preparations as soon as feasible. When preparing for University of the District of Columbia, you are at an advantage if you are still in junior high. If feasible, start preparing during your freshman year of high school. University of the District of Columbia will want to see that you were an outstanding student throughout your high school experience.
Even if you are a sophomore, junior, or senior, it is not too late to make a change. Your timeframe will be cut, and you will be required to accomplish considerably more in less time.
Juniors and seniors who have decided to attend University of the District of Columbia will be unable to significantly improve their GPAs. If you have reached this point in your high school career, you should have gotten excellent marks and be able to focus on preparing for and taking the standardized admissions tests of your choosing.
Seniors with strong marks and test scores will need to maintain their grades and focus on their applications during their final year.
The key to having sufficient time to compile University of the District of Columbia application materials is to begin as early as feasible. Hopefully, if you are reading this essay, you have already began. If you haven’t already, prepare now.
What qualities does University of the District of Columbia seek in its applicants?
University of the District of Columbia asserts that it evaluates each application individually in pursuit of individuals who will inspire their peers and professors throughout their undergraduate careers and beyond. The school notes that when reviewing an application, admissions personnel consider the following factors:
- Growth and growth potential
- Your pursuits and passions
- Your persona
- Your contribution potential to the University of the District of Columbia community
We will examine each of these traits to give you a better understanding of what University of the District of Columbia looks for in admissions hopefuls. This summary provides information about the qualities of individuals who may have a greater likelihood of being admitted to University of the District of Columbia.
Growth and growth potential When assessing your growth and growth potential, University of the District of Columbia admissions authorities consider a number of questions. They will evaluate if you have reached your greatest personal and intellectual growth potential and whether you have attempted to challenge yourself.
They will want to know how you used your time and whether you worked to your full ability in school, on the job, and in other areas. In addition, they will evaluate your seeming reserve of power and your initiative and motivation.
The police will examine both your current identity and the type of person you may become in the future. University of the District of Columbia desires to see that you are a self-motivated individual who is willing to maximize their potential.
The school favors those who are self-motivated and determined to achieve success in their endeavors. Additionally, they want to see that you have the capacity to grow and develop further into the individual you were meant to be.
Interests and pursuits. University of the District of Columbia is interested in knowing if you have any passionate hobbies. The admissions officers will also want to hear what you have gained by following your hobbies, as well as whether you have been successful or unsuccessful. If you have encountered failure, they will want to see that you have learned from it and pursued your interests notwithstanding. The school will also want to know if you have maximized your participation in extracurricular activities and if you will have time to participate in such activities at University of the District of Columbia. University of the District of Columbia is more concerned with the caliber of your activities and interests than with their quantity.
Personal qualities If you wish to become a member of the University of the District of Columbia community, your character is of utmost importance. The admissions officers will be interested in the decisions you have taken and the reasoning behind them. In addition, they will want to see that you have shown concern for others, are mature, and can remain elegant under pressure. They need applicants that are willing to learn new concepts and meet new people. If you have excellent grades and test scores but a lousy character, it is doubtful that you will be admitted to University of the District of Columbia. In addition to caring for yourself, it is essential that you treat others with compassion and indicate that you care for them.
Capacity to contribute to the community at University of the District of Columbia. As an exceptional institution, University of the District of Columbia is a demanding place to attend. The admissions officers will evaluate your ability to resist the academic and extracurricular expectations and rigors of University of the District of Columbia. They will want to see that you will gain from your experience and contribute to the University of the District of Columbia community. In addition, they will want to see that you are the type of student that other students would like to get to know and collaborate with in teams or small groups.
How do I apply for admission to University of the District of Columbia?
University of the District of Columbia accepts the Coalition Application, the Common Application, and the Universal Application, with no preference for one over the others. Your application must be completed and submitted as quickly as possible.
If you choose the Common Application, you must submit it before University of the District of Columbia receives your secondary materials, such as your teacher evaluations and secondary school report.
Start your application early in order to have ample time to polish it. Ensure that you respond to each question with careful consideration. Your application materials should be free of errors. It is advisable to have someone else review your work before submitting it.
If your family is unable to pay the application cost, you can apply for a fee waiver. After University of the District of Columbia has received your application, the school will give you an email confirmation within two weeks. Contact the admissions office at 617-495-1515 if you do not receive an email confirmation.
Early action and regular action are the two distinct admissions procedures utilized by University of the District of Columbia. The early action program application is non-binding but restrictive. If you apply through the Early Action process and are admitted, you are not compelled to enroll at University of the District of Columbia.
You cannot apply to any other private U.S. institution using its early action application process. The application date for University of the District of Columbia’s Early Action program is November 1.
The normal action application deadline is January 1, giving you additional time to submit all application materials. According to University of the District of Columbia, applying early action will not increase your likelihood of acceptance.
However, by early action, more students are approved than through normal action. University of the District of Columbia asserts that this represents the caliber of early action applications. If you need to retake the SAT or ACT to improve your results, you may want to delay applying to University of the District of Columbia through the regular action process.
Mid-December is when University of the District of Columbia will notify early action applicants of its admissions decision. By the end of March or the beginning of April, students who are deferred to normal action and those who applied through the usual process will be contacted.
When does University of the District of Columbia inform candidates of its admissions decision?
University of the District of Columbia will notify applicants for early action by mid-December. Applicants for the regular decision and those who were deferred from the early to the regular procedure will be notified by the end of March or the start of April.