skidmore college supplemental essays

This college guide uses the most recent data available provided by the U.S. Department of Education. This information was last updated on October 10th, 2023.

Skidmore College Admission Requirements Guide

Whether you’re just starting to consider Skidmore College as an option or are well into the application process, this guide will provide a comprehensive overview of the Skidmore College undergraduate admission requirements. After reading this guide, you will understand what needs to be done to maximize your chances of being admitted to this institution’s undergraduate program.

Skidmore College Acceptance Rate

The Skidmore College admission rate was 30.59% for the most recent class. While it can still be challenging to stand out among the pool of applicants, students who put in the effort to craft a strong application and demonstrate their passion and potential have a decent chance of being admitted to these schools. Ultimately, you should strive to find the right fit for your goals and interests, regardless of acceptance rates. This admission requirement rundown should help improve your chances of being accepted into Skidmore College.

Skidmore College SAT Score Requirements

The SAT is a standardized test that measures college readiness and educational foundation. The SAT has been used for nearly 100 years to test prospective students in mathematics, reading, writing, and language. Here are the SAT metrics to take into account when applying to Skidmore College.

Skidmore College Average SAT Scores

When looking at the undergraduate students who were in the most recently admitted class, the average Skidmore College SAT Score was 1373.

Here is the range of Skidmore College SAT scores segmented by the three sections of the test: Critical Reading, Math, and Writing.

Skidmore College's SAT Score Choice Policy

Skidmore College does accept the SAT ‘Superscore’ policy. This means that applicants who have taken the SAT several times may submit their best scores for each section, rather than submitting every full report. For example, if you received a higher score on your Reading section during your first test, but received a higher score on the Mathematics section on your second test, you may combine these scores for a comprehensive ‘Superscore’.

Skidmore College ACT Score Requirements

The ACT was founded in 1969 and serves as another college readiness measurement tool. The four subject areas are: English, mathematics, reading, and science. Here are the details regarding Skidmore College’s ACT Requirements.

Skidmore College Average ACT Scores

When examining the most recently accepted undergraduate class, the median ACT Score for Skidmore College is 31.

Here is an updated range of Skidmore College ACT scores segmented by the three sections of the exam: English, Math, and Writing.

Skidmore College's ACT Score Choice Policy

Skidmore College only allows ACT composite scores to be submitted. Applicants are invited to submit all of their ACT attempts if their college counselor recommends it, though.

Skidmore College Application Requirements

Skidmore College is a great undergraduate school to attend. Skidmore College’s admission office is able to extend offers to many students while still being selective. To stand out in the admissions process, it is critical to abide by the school’s application requirements.

Does Skidmore College Use the Common App?

Like most major U.S. schools, Skidmore College does use the Common Application for their admissions process. The Common App is a unified application that prospective students use to apply to undergraduate colleges and universities. It allows applicants to use a single application that can be sent to as many colleges as they apply to, instead of repeatedly inputting the same demographic and academic information per school. Skidmore College may request additional materials, such as supplemental essays and questions, but the primary application structure remains the same.

Does Skidmore College Require Letters of Recommendation?

Skidmore College requires 2 letters of recommendation from teachers. These letters of rec, or ‘teacher evaluations’, are used to assess what type of student you are and your strengths in a learning environment. It is highly recommended to ask teachers that you have a strong relationship with to write these letters of recommendation, as they can attest to your academic and interpersonal skills. Try to find teachers who are familiar with your character, rather than just test grades. Remember that the goal is to show Skidmore College that you are a comprehensively complete applicant.

A recommendation letter from a school counselor or guidance counselor is required to apply to Skidmore College. High school counselors are constantly writing letters of recommendation for students, so asking them to create one for you is a fairly straightforward process. Ensure that they are at least somewhat familiar with your character and goals, as the purpose of this letter is to show Skidmore College that you are a comprehensively complete applicant.

Skidmore College Application Checklist

See our application checklist for Skidmore College below to ensure you complete and submit the proper materials.

Required Application Materials:

• Completed Common App
• Standardized Test Scores, such as the SAT or ACT
• 2 Letters of Recommendation from Teachers
• 1 Letter of Recommendation from a School Counselor
• Personal Statement (College Essay)
• Skidmore College Application Fee or Fee Waiver
• Academic Transcripts (at the time of submission and when senior year first semester grades are released)

Optional Application Materials:

• Additional Recommendation Letters (Teacher Evaluations)

Skidmore College Facts & Frequently Asked Questions

Is skidmore college public or private.

Skidmore College is a private, non-profit university. Private universities’ primary sources of funding are through tuition, donations, and endowments. Although tuition may be higher at these nonprofit institutions, generous financial aid packages are more common than public schools. Tuition rates do not differ between in-state and out-of-state students.

How Many Students Does Skidmore College Have?

Skidmore College is known for having a smaller student body. Our latest data indicates there are 2676 undergraduate degree-seeking students enrolled. With a fewer students in each classroom, individuals are able to engage more with their classmates and professors. Office hours are accessible, and opportunities for networking and relationship-building are vast at Skidmore College.

How do I apply to Skidmore College?

Make sure you have all of the required application materials we covered on hand. You can learn more about the application process for this particular institution at Skidmore College’s Website.

Where is Skidmore College?

Skidmore College is located in Saratoga Springs, NY. To visualize where Skidmore College’s campus is based in relation to Saratoga Springs’s downtown area and landmarks, take a look at the interactive map below.

Skidmore College Campus Map

Final Thoughts on Applying to Skidmore College

Hopefully this guide helped you to learn more about the admissions requirements for Skidmore College. When applying to colleges, remember to keep in mind that not every school will be a good fit. Take the time to evaluate what’s most important to you, such as the school’s academic opportunities, financial aid benefits, and location. All of the application components we covered are important – take your time to put your best foot forward. The College Grid team wishes you the best of luck on your college applications!

Sydney Janssen

As a valedictorian in high school, I developed a strong passion for learning and pushing myself to achieve academic success. Now, as a first-generation college graduate, I'm excited to share my experiences and insights with others who may be navigating similar paths through College Grid.

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Your chance of acceptance, your chancing factors, extracurriculars, admission process at skidmore college.

Hey there! I'd really love to go to Skidmore College and was wondering what the admission process is like? Any advice or insights from current or past applicants would be super helpful!

Sure, I'd be happy to give you the rundown!

Skidmore College accepts both the Common Application and the Coalition Application. Remember to check the application deadline for your application plan (Early Decision I, Early Decision II, or Regular Decision). The deadlines usually are:

- Early Decision I: November 15

- Early Decision II: January 15

- Regular Decision: January 15

Here are some key components of the Skidmore application to focus on:

1. High School Transcript: The most critical component. Skidmore values academic rigor, grade trends, and the context of high school performance.

2. Recommendation letters: You'll need a letter from your counselor and two from teachers. It's best if the teachers chosen know you well and can discuss your strengths in their respective subjects.

3. Essays: You have to write a main essay as part of your application and some Skidmore-specific supplement essays. Make sure your essays highlight your personality, interests, and how you would contribute to Skidmore's community.

4. Extracurricular Activities: They're looking for students with demonstrated leadership and commitment to their activities. Don't be concerned about having a long list of activities. Depth of involvement is more important than quantity.

5. Test Scores: Skidmore is test-optional for the 2024-2025 application cycle, meaning you can decide whether or not to include your SAT or ACT scores. If you feel that your scores accurately reflect your abilities, then feel free to include them.

6. Demonstrated Interest: Making a visit to campus, attending an online information session, or having a meeting with an admissions officer are all ways to show your interest in Skidmore. While Skidmore does not explicitly state how heavily demonstrated interest is considered, it never hurts to show that you've taken the time to get to know the school.

Remember to start working on your application in good time, ensuring you're able to give it your best shot. Good luck with your application process to Skidmore!

About CollegeVine’s Expert FAQ

CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.

ADMISSION Skidmore seeks students who demonstrate strong academic ability, intellectual curiosity, open-mindedness, and an energetic commitment to learning. Since students learn not only from the faculty but from each other, Skidmore also seeks diversity in its student body, looking for a wide geographical distribution and a variety of talents, interests, and backgrounds.

Because the number of qualified students applying for admission exceeds the limited size of each entering class, it is not possible to admit all candidates who could be expected to succeed at Skidmore. The Admissions Committee strives to admit those students whose abilities, interests, character, and background give them the greatest promise of profiting from and contributing to Skidmore College.

The committee’s primary emphasis is on the strength of a student’s academic record, as evidenced by quality of secondary school courses and classroom achievement. Personal qualities, accomplishments, interests, and capacity for growth are also strongly considered, so careful attention is paid to recommendations, the student’s personal statement, as well as cocurricular activities and lived experiences outside the classroom.

The Admissions staff welcomes communication with prospective candidates, their parents, and school advisors. Correspondence should be addressed to:

Office of Admissions Skidmore College 815 North Broadway Saratoga Springs, NY 12866-1632 [email protected]

CAMPUS VISIT AND ENGAGEMENT OPPORTUNITIES Skidmore College encourages visits from prospective students and families. In-person group information sessions and campus tours are offered throughout the year. Appointments should be made in advance at https://www.skidmore.edu/admissions/visit/index.php . In addition to general campus tours, specialized tours for the sciences and for the arts and open houses events are also available.

Skidmore also offers virtual information sessions and other opportunities to engage with members of the Skidmore community without having to travel to campus. Current offerings can be found at https://www.skidmore.edu/admissions/visit/virtual-campus.php .

APPLYING TO SKIDMORE Applications Skidmore accepts the Common Application, Coalition Application, or QuestBridge Application. All applications must be submitted electronically and must be accompanied by a non-refundable $65 application fee or a request for a fee waiver.

School Transcripts The School Report form and official high school transcript should be submitted within a week of the application deadline. Midyear grades should be sent as soon as they are available, but no later than mid-February. Skidmore recommends four years of English, three or more years of mathematics, three or more years of social science, three or more years of science, and three or more years of a world language.

Teacher Recommendations Two academic teacher evaluation forms should be submitted as early as possible, but no later than a week after the application deadline.

STANDARDIZED TESTING Skidmore College is test-optional and does not require the SAT or ACT for admission . Students may submit SAT or ACT scores if they feel the results best represent their academic potential. The Admission Committee does not make any assumptions as to why some students choose to submit scores while others do not; all applicants are given equal consideration in our holistic evaluation approach.

English is the language of instruction at Skidmore, and it is necessary that all students be proficient in reading, writing, and speaking English. The TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo English Test is required if English is not your first language. Generally, a score of 96-97 on the TOEFL or a 7.0/7.5 on the IELTS, or a 120 on the DET is regarded as an indicator of minimal proficiency for study at Skidmore. If you have attended a high school for at least three years where English is the language of instruction, or if you are enrolled in an IB diploma program, the TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo English Test is not required.

Self-Reported Scores Students who choose to submit standardized testing may self-report scores in any of the following ways:

• Including scores on the Common Application, Coalition Application, or QuestBridge Application
• Emailing a screen shot or PDF of the Student Score Report to [email protected] (Name must be visible)
• Submitting scores on the self-reported scores form in the Skidmore Applicant Portal

Students who apply with self-reported scores must submit verified scores upon enrollment that match self-reported scores.

EARLY DECISION Skidmore’s Early Decision plan is designed for students who have examined their college preferences thoroughly and have decided that Skidmore College is their first choice. Although candidates for Early Decision (ED) at Skidmore may initiate applications to other colleges, it is understood that they will immediately withdraw them and enroll at Skidmore if accepted under an early decision plan. ED applicants should have grades for the current academic year sent to the Admissions Office as soon as they are available.

Skidmore offers both Early Decision I and Early Decision II deadlines. Any student may convert a submitted Regular Decision application to early decision up until February 1.

Students accepted under Early Decision will be required to maintain the course schedule and level of academic performance that distinguished them at the time of their ED acceptance. Accepted ED students in violation of this policy will have their admission status reevaluated.

Some Early Decision candidates who are not admitted under an ED plan will be deferred for reconsideration during the regular decision admissions process. ED applicants who clearly will not be competitive in the spring will be denied admission and released from the binding Early Decision commitment.

Early Decision applicants who are applying for a Skidmore grant under ED must file the PROFILE form of the College Scholarship Service by the appropriate application deadline, November 8 or January 15.

OPPORTUNITY PROGRAM Economically and academically underserved students who apply may be referred to Skidmore’s Opportunity Program (OP). Those who are eligible New York state residents will be referred to the Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP) for consideration. Those who are ineligible for HEOP will be referred to the Academic Opportunity Program (AOP) for consideration. To obtain information about the Opportunity Program, visit: www.skidmore.edu/opportunity_program/

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS Skidmore welcomes applications from international students, and the college is authorized under federal law to enroll non-immigrant alien students.

International students should follow the application guidelines for their appropriate application round, but should note that Skidmore offers a very limited number of financial aid awards to students who are not citizens or permanent residents of the United States. Students applying for aid are required to fill out the International Financial Aid application in their Skidmore Applicant Portal or to file the CSS Profile. Certification that financial obligations can be met will be required by Skidmore and also by the United States agency issuing a visa. The United States Immigration Form I-20 will be issued after the enrollment deposit has been paid.

The academic year at Skidmore is made up of two semesters, one running from the beginning of September to late December, and the second from mid-January to the beginning of May. Summer recess runs from May through August and may be utilized for travel or study; during this period, students must pay their own expenses. Limited on-campus housing is available during breaks in the academic year and is included in room/ board charges. On-campus housing in the summer requires additional room and board fees.

ACCELERATED ADMISSION The Admissions Committee will consider applications from candidates who will graduate at the end of junior year (third year of high school). In such a case, the Admissions Committee gives special consideration to the reasons for accelerating graduation, with particular attention to the candidate’s maturity and potential for dealing with both the academic and social demands of college life. Successful candidates will have transcripts that look similar to students who have spent four years in a college prep curriculum.

INFORMATION FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES Skidmore employs a coordinator of Student Access Services who works as a member of the Office of Student Academic Services (SAS) team to ensure eligible students with disabilities are provided accommodations necessary to obtain full access to all Skidmore programs and activities. At any time during the admissions process, SAS staff and the coordinator are happy to consult with prospective students about available services. Students who wish to apply for academic or other accommodations are encouraged to contact the coordinator of Student Access Services. Students who would like to request accommodations from the College will be asked to provide the following information to the coordinator at the time of enrollment:

• Documentation containing current information and diagnosis of a specific condition. The evaluation should be completed by a specialist in the area of the corresponding condition (e.g., educational psychologist, certified school psychologist, psychiatrist).
• Specific recommendations from the professional conducting the evaluation, which list reasonable accommodations and modifications that would benefit the student on a college campus.

Students with a documented disability should complete the application for accommodations and return it with the required documentation to the coordinator of student access services in the Office of Student Academic Services. Using the information from the application and the diagnostic materials provided, the coordinator will evaluate requests and work in cooperation with students to determine reasonable accommodations. After their arrival at Skidmore, students are encouraged to meet with the coordinator to review approved accommodations and discuss implementation strategies and other SAS services.

Student Academic Services also provides an excellent range of academic support services for the general student population that may also be of help to students with disabilities. For example, SAS provides peer tutoring for most courses offered by the College, assistance with time management, and individualized academic support.

All students are required to fulfill world language, expository writing, mathematics, laboratory science, and other requirements of the Skidmore curriculum. Since the curriculum represents Skidmore’s definition of a sound liberal arts education, requirements are never waived. However, under a few exceptional and individualized circumstances, the College may consider substituting a course or courses for a curriculum requirement. Students should meet with the coordinator to discuss specific steps as necessary.

For more information, contact the coordinator for Student Access Services in Student Academic Services: 518-580-8150.

GAP YEAR POLICY Requests for deferred enrollment, commonly known as a “gap year,” should be directed to [email protected] by June 1. Students must first complete the formal enrollment process, and then present a plan for what they will do during the gap year.

Applicants for financial aid must reapply for aid during the upcoming cycle by filing the CSS Profile and the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by the appropriate deadlines.

TRANSFERRING TO SKIDMORE Each year, Skidmore admits students who wish to transfer from other accredited colleges or universities. Such students should have maintained a strong record of achievement in liberal arts courses taken at colleges previously attended.

A candidate for admission with advanced standing should submit the Transfer Common Application, accompanied by a fee of $65, to the Office of Admissions by November 1 for admission in January or by April 1 for admission in September. In cases of economic hardship the application fee may be waived.

An official transcript (or transcripts) of all college-level work done through the most recently completed semester must be submitted. A midterm report of college work currently in progress is required. Applicants should also submit a final high school transcript and two recommendations from college professors who have taught the applicant in academic courses.

Transfer candidates will be notified of the Admissions Committee’s decision as soon after the pertinent deadline as possible. The committee expects that final records will be consistent with the record available at the time an offer of admission is made.

A limited number of financial aid packages are available to transfer students applying to Skidmore. Students are required to file the PROFILE form of the College Scholarship Service (CSS) no later than April 1 for fall admission and no later than November 1 for spring admission.

Students can make an account with the website Transferology for a preliminary evaluation of transfer credit. A tentative evaluation of transfer credit will be available upon request at the time of an acceptance; the definitive evaluation is done by the Office of the Registrar and is not available until after the student has enrolled at Skidmore. Only courses in which a student has received a grade of C or better are transferable. (See Transfer of Credit.)

At least 60 credit hours of the 120 credit hours required for graduation from Skidmore must be earned through enrollment in Skidmore College courses.

ARTICULATION AGREEMENT Skidmore maintains an articulation agreement with Schenectady County Community College (SCCC). Candidates for admission are provided complete information on SCCC course articulations for the Skidmore degree program prior to the student’s acceptance of an admission offer. Students admitted under this articulation agreement will be awarded financial aid meeting their full demonstrated need. Students may contact the Office of Admissions for questions regarding application procedures and the Registrar’s Office for questions regarding course articulations.

ADMISSION OF SKIDMORE EMPLOYEES Skidmore employees who are eligible for the tuition benefit (contact Human Resources to determine eligibility) may apply for admission as a part-time student by submitting to Skidmore a completed Transfer Common Application, accompanied by a fee of $65, by November 1 for admission in January or by April 1 for admission in September. Employees should discuss scheduling and time commitments with their supervisor prior to applying.

Employees are required to have earned at least 45 credits prior to applying for matriculation. These credits can be earned at Skidmore as a non-matriculated student, from another accredited institution, or a combination of the two. An official transcript (or transcripts) of all college-level work done through the most recently completed semester must be submitted. A midterm report of college work currently in progress is required. Applicants should also submit a high school transcript and two recommendations from college instructors who have taught the applicant in academic courses. Candidates will be notified of the Admissions Committee’s decision as soon as possible after the transfer application is complete. The committee expects that final records will be consistent with the record available at the time an offer of admission is made.

Evaluation of transfer credit is done by the Office of the Registrar and only courses in which a student has received a grade of C or better are transferable. (See Transfer of Credit.)

Matriculated employees must complete degree requirements within eight years of matriculation and are encouraged to take at least one to two classes each semester.

FINANCIAL AID The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the PROFILE form of the College Scholarship Service should be submitted no later than that deadline listed for that application round. Skidmore’s FAFSA code is 002814; the PROFILE code is 2815.

Candidates applying for financial aid must complete their financial aid application in order to be admitted. Notification of financial aid eligibility is released to students at the same time as the offer of admission.

First-year students who elect to enroll at Skidmore without financial assistance from the College may apply for consideration for aid beginning the first semester of their junior year. Transfer students who enroll without grant assistance from the College are eligible to apply for grant assistance after two semesters of matriculated enrollment at Skidmore or when they become juniors, whichever comes later.

Key Dates for Candidates to Remember

Non-Matriculated Students

Visiting students.

Students from other institutions may spend a year or a semester at Skidmore College as visiting students while concurrently maintaining enrollment at their own colleges. For information, contact the Registrar at Skidmore College.

Special Students

Special students are not matriculated at Skidmore but may take a partial or full load of courses each semester, up to a maximum of 10 courses. Special students register on a space-available basis through the Office of the Registrar and pay a fee for each semester hour of credit. An application form may be obtained from the Office of the Registrar. A $25 application fee is charged per academic semester.

Continuation Standards for Non-Matriculated Students

All students enrolling on a non-matriculated basis are expected to complete their academic work in a satisfactory manner according to the chart below. Failure to meet these standards will result in a review by the Committee on Academic Standing and possible withdrawal from the institution.

Students who fall below these standards may apply for a one-time nonrenewable waiver in order to continue enrollment. Petitions will be reviewed by the Committee on Academic Standing, and the decision of the committee will be based on academic evidence indicating the student’s potential for success.

Employees taking courses but not interested in obtaining a degree may petition the Committee on Academic Standing for a waiver of the 10-course limit.

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2023-2024 Catalog

A PDF of the entire 2023-2024 catalog.

Skidmore College Undergraduate College Application Essays

These Skidmore College college application essays were written by students accepted at Skidmore College. All of our sample college essays include the question prompt and the year written. Please use these sample admission essays responsibly.

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College Application Essays accepted by Skidmore College

Skidmore: a bastion of student enthusiasm daniel gregory dolgicer, skidmore college.

Skidmore seems alive with student enthusiasm for social work and extracurricular pursuits. I would love to contribute my own ideas and energy to this community, as I have done in my school and neighborhood all my life.

As a strong-willed six-year...

Fairness and Justice Anonymous

Fairness is a quality that I try hard to embody, and I admire those who demonstrate the impartiality necessary to be just. But people often mistake impartiality as the defining characteristic of someone who is fair. Empathy is more essential...

Sticks and Stones Anonymous

When my younger brother, James, was five years old, Jack Nierman bit him while they were playing in our favorite playground. I was sitting atop the monkey bars when I saw it happen. I swung down and pushed Jack away, then dragged my screaming...

Crack & Grow Up Grace Anzalone

I firmly believe that antidrug campaigns whose values instill the “just say no” attitude in elementary school children should be extended to encompass the wretched habit of knuckle cracking. I have done it since I was a young tot, I am told, which...

Discovery on Pine Ridge Emily Whitney

I have been traveling since I was two weeks old. Denver is where I was born, but almost immediately after my adoption, my parents brought me to my home of 17 years, Rhode Island. I have had the fortune and privilege of having parents who love to...

Finding Purpose as a Nanny Anonymous

As I watch the edges on the shiny four-by-six memories that I pinned to my wall warp and curl, I cannot help but feel my heart ache. I spent an entire school year and summer investing my time, energy, and love into my job as a nanny for six...

Charms Alison Georgescu

When I turned sixteen, my grandparents took me out to the lavish Sixteen restaurant in Chicago. “Sixteen for sixteen,” they said. Over microscopic spoonfuls of diced cucumbers, which the restaurant dubbed "a salad," my Grandma handed me a velvety...

Coming Out Anonymous

When I was seven I had my first crush. I remember the numerous sleepovers where I would be asked to divulge such a secret, with the stereotypical “so who do you like Dana?” I’d have no problem responding “I like Jessy,” which was always met with...

Saxophone Colossus Anonymous

I remember in kindergarten, during my troubled sleeps, my mother would come in and sing the Stones’ “Ruby Tuesday”. I didn’t know what the lyrics meant then, but I do know that in her voice I found a universe of meaning. By first grade I was...

Emotional Evolution Anonymous

Blistering aluminum pans flying through the air. The head chef yelling orders at the sous chef, who would then relay them back to the line cooks. I pushed through the swinging doors to the back area, dropping off dirty dishes and yelling “corner”...

A Bridge Between Two Cultures Olivia F. Vega

When I was younger, I treated my bilingualism like a spy gadget. I wore my second language comfortably hidden with a hint of pride. My Spanish proved to be a useful tool for gleaning insight into different cultures. My ears caught a snatch of a...

Recent Questions about Skidmore College

The Question and Answer section for Skidmore College is a great resource to ask questions, find answers, and discuss the novel.