College Acceptance Calculator
Find your safety, match, and reach schools based on your profile
Enter Your Profile
Your Acceptance Chances
Harvard University
Acceptance Rate: 3.4%
Yale University
Acceptance Rate: 4.6%
MIT
Acceptance Rate: 3.9%
Stanford University
Acceptance Rate: 3.9%
Duke University
Acceptance Rate: 6.2%
Northwestern University
Acceptance Rate: 7%
UCLA
Acceptance Rate: 9%
University of Michigan
Acceptance Rate: 18%
Boston University
Acceptance Rate: 14%
University of Wisconsin
Acceptance Rate: 49%
Penn State
Acceptance Rate: 55%
Arizona State University
Acceptance Rate: 88%
🎯 Understanding Your Results
65%+ chance - Very likely to be accepted
35-65% - Good chance, profile fits well
15-35% - Possible but challenging
<15% - Very competitive, low odds
⚠️ Important Disclaimer
These estimates are approximations based on historical data and statistical models. Actual admission decisions depend on many factors including essays, recommendations, institutional needs, and holistic review that cannot be fully captured by any calculator. Use these results as a general guide only.
Dr. Snezana Lawrence
Mathematical Historian
15+ years experience
PhD from Yale University. Published mathematical historian ensuring precision in all calculations.
Education
PhD in Mathematical History - Yale University
📑 Table of Contents
📋 Building Your School List
A balanced college list should include schools in each category:
Safety Schools (2-3)
- • 65%+ acceptance chance
- • Stats exceed averages
- • Schools you'd be happy to attend
- • Include at least one affordable option
Match Schools (3-5)
- • 35-65% acceptance chance
- • Stats match admitted students
- • Good fit academically and socially
- • Often become top choices
Reach Schools (2-4)
- • <35% acceptance chance
- • Dream schools
- • Stats slightly below averages
- • Apply if genuinely interested
🔍 Factors That Affect Admission
Academic Factors
- • GPA and grade trends
- • Course rigor (AP/IB/Honors)
- • Class rank (if available)
- • SAT/ACT scores
- • AP exam scores
Personal Factors
- • Extracurricular activities
- • Essays and personal statement
- • Letters of recommendation
- • Interview (if offered)
- • Demonstrated interest
Institutional Factors
- • Legacy status
- • Athletic recruitment
- • Geographic diversity
- • First-generation status
- • Financial need (at some schools)
Application Strategy
- • Early Decision/Early Action
- • Application quality
- • Timing of submission
- • Supplemental essays
- • Portfolio (if applicable)
💡 Tips for Improving Your Chances
Apply Early
Early Decision and Early Action often have higher acceptance rates.
Show Demonstrated Interest
Visit campus, attend info sessions, and engage with admissions.
Write Compelling Essays
Be authentic and show who you are beyond grades.
Get Strong Recommendations
Choose teachers who know you well and can speak specifically.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
How accurate are college acceptance calculators?
College acceptance calculators provide rough estimates based on statistical data. Actual admission decisions involve holistic review of many factors that are difficult to quantify.
What is a safety school?
A safety school is one where your academic credentials exceed the school's typical admitted student profile, giving you a high chance (generally 65%+) of acceptance.
How many colleges should I apply to?
Most students apply to 8-12 schools, including 2-3 safety schools, 3-5 match schools, and 2-4 reach schools.
Does applying Early Decision help?
Yes, Early Decision acceptance rates are often 10-20% higher than regular decision. However, ED is binding, so only apply if it's your top choice.
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Dr. Snezana Lawrence
Mathematical Historian | PhD from Yale
Dr. Lawrence is a published mathematical historian with a PhD from Yale University. She ensures mathematical precision and accuracy in all our calculations, conversions, and academic score calculators. Her expertise spans computational mathematics and educational assessment.
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