What to expect from Kenyon admissions process?

Greetings! I've been curious about Kenyon's admissions process, but having a hard time figuring it out. Can anyone who’s been through it share key points such as what does the process look like? How competitive is it? Any tips on how to make my application stand out? Thanks for your time!

Kenyon College, based in Ohio, is a highly competitive liberal arts college known for its strong English and creative writing programs amongst others. While getting admitted is certainly challenging, doing thorough research and tailoring your application to showcase your fit with the school can increase your chances.

The first important step in the admissions process is to meet all the deadlines and requirements. For the 2024-2025 application cycle, the Early Decision I deadline is November 15, the Early Decision II deadline is January 15, and the Regular Decision deadline is January 15 as well. You can apply using the Common Application.

As for the key components of the application, you will need to submit your high school transcript, a school report with counselor recommendation, two academic teacher recommendations, and a personal essay. Kenyon College does not require standardized test scores (although you can opt to submit them if you wish), and interviews are optional but recommended.

In terms of competitiveness, Kenyon College has an acceptant rate of around 31%, which means it's selective. Each year, they receive a large amount of applications, but only a portion of those applicants are offered an acceptance letter.

To make your application stand out, spending time crafting a compelling essay is key. Remember, at highly selective colleges like Kenyon, virtually all applicants will have strong academic profiles, so the essay is a crucial area where you have the opportunity to differentiate yourself. Try not to present yourself as a jack-of-all-trades, but rather concentrate on an aspect or a few aspects that make you unique. It might be helpful to think in terms of the "spike" theory - that is, colleges often prefer students with a highly-developed specialty.

Furthermore, Kenyon values community engagement and thoughtful involvement in a limited number of activities outside the classroom. The quality of your extracurriculars matters more than their quantity, so focus on showcasing your leadership, accomplishments, and the depth of your involvement in a few impactful activities.

Being aware of these factors can guide you in creating an application that not only meets Kenyon's requirements but also highlights your unique strengths and fit with the college. Good luck with your application!