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Mount Holyoke College

50 College Street, South Hadley, MA 01075, USA

Mount Holyoke College award
Mount Holyoke College award
US ranking
position: 1089
Tuition & fees per year: $68,020
Acceptance rate: 38.00%
Median alumni salary: $32,877
Avg. SAT and ACT: 1405 SAT, 33 ACT
Entrance difficulty: Hard

What is the accreditation of Mount Holyoke College?

Mount Holyoke College is regionally accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), ensuring that it meets established standards of academic quality and institutional integrity. This accreditation signifies that the college adheres to rigorous peer-reviewed criteria, which is important for students seeking a credible and recognized degree. Additionally, the college's programs are regularly evaluated to maintain compliance with NECHE's requirements, providing prospective students with assurance regarding the institution's commitment to continuous improvement and educational excellence.

What are the admission requirements at Mount Holyoke College?

Admission to Mount Holyoke College requires completion of a secondary school record and demonstration of college-level preparation. Applicants must have a General Educational Development (GED) certificate if applicable, although a high school diploma is typically expected. Submission of recommendations is also mandated, reflecting the college's holistic review process. English proficiency must be proven through the TOEFL exam, while additional testing beyond this is recommended though not compulsory. The college does not have an open admission policy and does not accept dual credit or general college credit; however, it does grant credit for Advanced Placement (AP) exams.

Mount Holyoke College does not require applicants to provide a computer but offers options to lease one if needed. Academic performance indicators such as secondary school GPA and class rank are not publicly specified as requirements.

The college reports a highly competitive applicant pool. It admits roughly 38% of its applicants, placing its acceptance rate among the lowest 10% nationwide. The average SAT score of admitted students is 1405, ranking in the top 5% nationally, with strong performance across math and writing components. The average ACT composite score is 33, similarly positioned in the top 5%. A significant majority of enrolled students-over 80%-achieve ACT scores below 36 but above 29.

The number of applications is moderate, totalling slightly over 5,000 individuals, predominantly women, consistent with the college's historic profile. The enrolled class typically comprises just under 600 students, reflective of selective admission standards and planned institutional size.

What are the application fees and waivers at Mount Holyoke College?

Mount Holyoke College charges a nonrefundable application fee that prospective students must pay when submitting their admissions materials. The fee is intended to cover administrative costs associated with processing applications. However, the college provides fee waivers for applicants who demonstrate financial need to ensure the application process remains accessible to all students, regardless of economic background. To obtain a fee waiver, students typically need to meet specific eligibility criteria, which often include participation in certain programs or verification from a counselor or eligible school official. These waivers are designed to help reduce financial barriers and encourage a diverse applicant pool.

What types of ROTC programs are available at Mount Holyoke College?

Mount Holyoke College does not host its own ROTC branch unit on campus. Instead, students interested in participating in ROTC programs can do so through a cooperating host institution. This arrangement allows students to engage in ROTC training and related activities at a nearby university that supports these programs while remaining enrolled at Mount Holyoke College.

What are the requirements for transfer students at Mount Holyoke College?

Mount Holyoke College maintains a notably selective admissions process, reflected in the classification of its entrance difficulty as very difficult. The institution welcomes transfer applications primarily for the fall and spring semesters, providing prospective students with these key opportunities to join the college. Importantly, Mount Holyoke College does accept transfer credits, allowing students to apply previously earned academic credits toward their degree program. However, specific information on acceptance of credit by examination programs such as CLEP or DANTES is not publicly available.

What types of study abroad programs are available at Mount Holyoke College?

Mount Holyoke College offers a diverse array of study abroad opportunities designed to enhance the academic and cultural experiences of its students. Programs vary widely, allowing participants to immerse themselves in different languages, disciplines, and regions around the world. Students can choose from faculty-led short-term programs, semester or year-long exchanges, and independent study options tailored to their academic goals.

The college maintains partnerships with institutions across multiple continents, providing access to established programs in Europe, Asia, Africa, and Latin America. These collaborations enable students to engage in rigorous coursework while experiencing local cultures firsthand.

Additionally, Mount Holyoke College supports customized study abroad plans, where students work with advisors to create a personalized itinerary that aligns with their curricular interests and career aspirations. This flexibility encourages exploration beyond traditional study abroad models.

The college also emphasizes support services for students abroad, including pre-departure orientations, in-country resources, and re-entry programs to help integrate international experiences into their academic and personal development.

Mount Holyoke College Admissions Factors

Avg. SAT score 1405
SAT Composite median score for all enrolled full-time and part-time first-year degree-seeking students
Avg. ACT score 33
ACT Composite median score for all enrolled full-time and part-time first-year degree-seeking students.
Acceptance rate 38%

ACT scores of enrolled students

ACT in range 24-29
ACT in range 30-36

Mount Holyoke College Admissions

Applicants Total: 5,030
Admission Total: 1,926
Enrolled Total: 587
Women
Men

Mount Holyoke College Admission Requirements

Median composite SAT score

1405

Median composite ACT score

33

Percent of students submitting ACT scores

2%

Percent of students submitting SAT scores

13%

High school completions

General Educational Development (GED) required

Computer required

No

Computer purchase/lease plan is available in the institution

Yes

Secondary school GPA

Data not available

Secondary school rank

Data not available

Secondary school record

Required

Completion of college-preparatory program

Required

Recommendations

Required

Formal demonstration of competencies

Data not available

Admission test scores

Data not available

TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language

Required

Other Test (Wonderlic, WISC-III, etc.)

Recommended

Open admission policy

No

Dual credit

No

Credit for life experiences

No

Advanced placement (AP) credits

Yes

Special learning opportunities

Orientation program

Yes

Disabilities services

Yes

Off-campus study

Yes

ROTC-Army

ROTC branch unit at a cooperating host institution

ROTC-Navy

ROTC branch unit on campus

ROTC-Air Force

ROTC branch unit at a cooperating host institution

Study abroad

Yes

Weekend/evening college

Data not available

Student can complete their preparation in certain areas of specialization

No

Preparation at another institution required

No

Approved by the state for initial certification or licensure of teacher

Yes

Mount Holyoke College Transfer Acceptance Rate

Entrance difficulty for transfer students

Hard

Generally accepts credits

Data not available

Accept ACE recommendation for credit

Yes

Possible transfer

Fall, Spring