What are Lafayette College's Admissions Criteria Like?

I'm considering applying to Lafayette and want to know more about their admissions process. What kind of GPA and extracurriculars does Lafayette College look for in applicants?

While Lafayette doesn't disclose a minimum GPA requirement, it's good to keep in mind that it does have a competitive admissions process so academic prowess is quite important. As an estimate, many admitted students tend to have GPA's in the range of 3.5-3.6, although a substantial number of students outside of that range are also admitted each year.

That being said, Lafayette College does consider more than just GPA in their applications. They have a holistic admissions policy, so they'll be looking at your coursework, especially in your junior and senior years, your grades in relevant subjects, and any honors or AP classes you've taken, along with your grades in them.

Extracurriculars are another key component of Lafayette's admissions process. As a selective liberal arts college, Lafayette prefers students who have demonstrated commitment in a few key areas over those who have dabbled in a wide range of activities. Usually, a student who has Tier 2 or Tier 3 extracurriculars, which show high levels of achievement, leadership, or distinction, would fare better in the admissions process. This could be being a student leader in an organization, standout performer in a sport or art, or someone who has made significant contributions to their community, among others.

Lastly, Lafayette requires one counselor recommendation and at least one teacher recommendation, and strong recommendation letters can sway the decision, especially in cases where the rest of the application is competitive. When selecting which teacher to ask, it's usually advised to go with a teacher from a course related to your intended major who knows your academic strengths well.

Remember that just meeting these criteria does not guarantee admission; these are just some of the factors that Lafayette will consider when reviewing your application. More than anything, Lafayette wants to admit students who will be a good fit for their community, which is why every aspect of your application is important. It's always good to reflect your genuine interests, strengths, and goals in your application to stand out to the admissions committee.