What should I know about St. Joseph's University in Philadelphia?

I'm looking into St. Joseph's University in Philadelphia for college. What's the acceptance rate, and how competitive is the admissions process? Any advice on making my application stand out to them?

St. Joseph's University, located in Philadelphia, has an acceptance rate of around 70%, according to the most recent data. While admissions at this university are not intensely competitive, it's still important to present the best possible image of yourself in your application.

When it comes to academics, make sure you have a solid GPA. The average HS GPA of its admitted students often hovers around 3.76. However, remember that a strong GPA alone won't guarantee admission, so it's still important to showcase your capabilities in other areas.

Demonstrate strong interest in the school throughout your application. This university does consider demonstrated interest, which means actions such as reaching out to admissions counselors, attending virtual tours, or participating in university recruitment events can potentially be beneficial in your application process.

For your essays, try to personalize your statements to St. Joseph's University. While avoiding cliches, connect what you are looking for in an education and college experience to what this university has to offer. Whether that's a unique program, extracurricular ventures, or the campus culture, correlating your interests and goals with what the university offers can help present a tailored application.

Extra-curricular activities are also a keen area to shine. They prefer well-rounded students, so show how you've made a positive impact in your community or school. Remember that the quality of your extra-curriculars matter more than quantity. Highlight activities in which you've had significant roles or accomplishments, these could be athletics, clubs, or other contributions in your school or community.

Finally, while maintaining your focus on academics and extracurriculars, don’t forget the importance of good letters of recommendation. They can give the admissions committee a better understanding of you as a candidate from other perspectives.

St. Joseph's University offers a range of programs, particularly noted ones in Business, Education, and Psychology. Understanding your area of interest and tailoring your application to highlight relevant experiences or aspirations in that area could provide extra weight to your application.