Hobart and William Smith Colleges, founded in 1822 (Hobart) and 1908 (William Smith) in Geneva, New York, form a coordinate private liberal arts institution with a unique combination of single-sex traditions and coeducational academics. The colleges are ranked among the top national liberal arts institutions by U.S. News and offer 45+ majors across their beautiful 200-acre campus on the shores of Seneca Lake. HWS is known for its environmental studies, writing and rhetoric, and international relations programs. The campus features state-of-the-art facilities including the Gearan Center for the Performing Arts and the Finger Lakes Institute for environmental research.
HWS's location in New York's Finger Lakes region provides unparalleled opportunities for lake research, viticulture studies, and outdoor recreation. The colleges' robust study abroad program sends 60% of students to international destinations, supported by the nationally recognized Centennial Center for Leadership. HWS Statesmen and Herons compete in NCAA Division III athletics, while campus traditions like Moving-Up Day celebrate the coordinate system. The colleges' emphasis on experiential learning includes guaranteed internship funding for all students through the Salisbury Center for Career Services.
Hobart William Smith Colleges Acceptance Rate
Hobart William Smith Colleges is somewhat selective in its admission process. The acceptance rate of Hobart William Smith Colleges is 57.28%. This means that 57 out of every 100 applicants get admitted.
Admissions Guidelines
- Broad Evaluation: Personal growth and vocational goals are considered alongside grades.
- Flexible Standards: Strengths in extracurriculars can often balance an average GPA.
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem .
Hobart William Smith Colleges Admission Requirements
Hobart William Smith Colleges GPA Requirement
The average GPA of the admitted students at Hobart William Smith Colleges is 3.55. Hobart William Smith Colleges is highly selective.
Mostly A’s with a few B’s will keep you competitive. Taking AP/IB courses related to your field will improve your chances.
Note: This is an unweighted GPA on a 4.0 scale. Students with AP or IB courses will typically have a weighted GPA of 3.75-3.95 for this same academic profile.
If your GPA is between 3.25 and 3.55, a strong SAT or ACT score is recommended.
Hobart William Smith Colleges GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Selective; solid academic performance is expected.
Recommended Strategy: Focus on a Strong 'Spike' in extracurriculars or research.
Admissions at Hobart William Smith Colleges utilize a Holistic Review process. With an average admitted GPA of 3.55, the following table illustrates how your specific academic profile aligns with institutional expectations.
| Candidate GPA Range | Admission Category | Strategic Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| 3.55 – 4.00 | Target/Match | Maintain Rigor & High Testing |
| 3.35 – 3.54 | Competitive Match | Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation |
| 3.15 – 3.34 | Secondary Reach | Personal Statement & Impact |
| Below 3.14 | Institutional Reach | Requires Significant Contextual Factors |
Expert Insight: 2026 Evaluation Metrics
- The Rigor Metric: At Hobart William Smith Colleges, a slightly lower GPA (e.g., 3.8) in a transcript featuring multiple AP or IB courses is often prioritized over a 4.0 in a standard curriculum.
- The Upward Trend: If your early high school grades were lower, an upward trajectory in 11th and 12th grade demonstrates Academic Resilience.
Data Source: Verified via IPEDS and latest Common Data Set (CDS). Reviewed by our academic board led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis
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Calculated via College Portal’s Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards.
Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
Hobart William Smith Colleges Test Requirements
In this competitive environment, standardized scores are no longer elective; they serve as a critical standardized benchmark to validate high school GPA and course rigor. Applicants should aim for scores within or above the middle 50% range of the 2025 admitted class to remain viable in the Holistic Review process. At institutions that remain test-optional, submitting a high-percentile score is still the primary strategy for securing merit-based scholarships and distinguishing one's profile in a high-volume applicant pool.
Hobart William Smith Colleges Average SAT Score: 1296
The average SAT score of the admitted students at Hobart William Smith Colleges is 1296 on the 1600 SAT scale.
SAT Competitiveness
This score makes it slightly Competitive for SAT test scores. You need to well to score 1296 on the SAT.
Key Insight:Aim for the 75th percentile (1360 SAT or 32 ACT) to stand out. If your scores are below average, consider retaking the test. Hobart William Smith Colleges allows Score Choice for the SAT and Superscoring for the ACT, giving you flexibility to submit your best scores.
If your score is below 1220, retaking the SAT is strongly recommended to improve your chances at Hobart William Smith Colleges.Retaking the test multiple times is completely normal, most competitive applicants take the SAT two or three times to achieve their best score. There is no official limit on attempts.
SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | 635 | 600 | 670 |
| SAT Reading | 655 | 620 | 690 |
| SAT Composite | 1296 | 1220 | 1360 |
It means that if you have scored less than 1220 then you are below most of the admitted students at Hobart William Smith Colleges and your chances of admission are very few. But if you have scored 1360 or more, your chances of admission are higher. 25th percentile means that only 25% of the admitted students have fewer scores than this score. 75th percentile marks the score of the upper 25% of the students. View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 1300
Can I get into Hobart William Smith Colleges with a 1350 SAT?
With a 1350 SAT Score, your chances of admission at Hobart William Smith Colleges are good but the admission staff at Hobart William Smith Colleges tests your all-around personality and your academics. Your GPA, Class performance, SAT/ACT/Test scores, and AP or IB Courses can help your application stand out. Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and interpersonal communication skills are very important. Additionally, if you cannot perform well in one area, you have a chance to showcase your strengths and abilities in other areas, improving other areas will help you secure admission. You need to show better performance in all areas. An equally high GPA, taking IB or AP Courses and your role in leadership activities will increase your chances of admission. However, if you equally compete well in all other areas, your chances of admission are high.
Hobart William Smith Colleges ACT Requirements
The average ACT Score at Hobart William Smith Colleges is 29.
ACT Competitiveness
This score makes Hobart William Smith Colleges Competitive for ACT scores. You need to do well to score 29 on the ACT.
ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACT Math | 27 | 25 | 29 |
| ACT English | 28 | 24 | 32 |
| ACT Composite | 29 | 26 | 32 |
Can I get into Hobart William Smith Colleges with a 32 ACT?
A 32 ACT places you at the 75th percentile of admitted students at Hobart William Smith Colleges — meaning you score higher than 75% of students who were accepted. This is a strong position, but the ACT is just one dimension of your application. Admissions officers at Hobart William Smith Colleges use the ACT as a benchmark to validate your academic readiness, not as a standalone admission ticket.
Unlike the SAT, the ACT measures four distinct subject areas — English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science — each scored on a 1–36 scale. If one of your section scores is significantly lower than the others, admissions staff will notice the imbalance. For example, a weak ACT Science score at a STEM-focused institution carries more weight than the same weakness at a liberal arts college. It is worth reviewing your section-level scores and addressing any outliers before applying.
One important advantage the ACT has over the SAT is that Hobart William Smith Colleges — like most US universities — accepts Superscoring for the ACT, meaning they take your highest section scores across multiple test attempts and combine them into a new composite. If you have taken the ACT more than once, confirm whether Hobart William Smith Colleges uses Superscoring, as this could meaningfully improve your effective composite beyond what any single sitting shows.
Beyond your score, what ultimately determines admission at this level is the strength of your overall profile. Your unweighted GPA, course rigor (AP, IB, or dual enrollment), extracurricular depth, letters of recommendation, and personal essays all carry significant weight. A 32 ACT gets your application through the first filter — but your essays and activities are what move it forward from there.
View a list of all colleges with an average ACT score of 29.Hobart William Smith Colleges Profile
Name: Hobart William Smith Colleges
Accredited by: New England Commission on Higher Education (NECHE)
Can I Get Into Hobart William Smith Colleges Without SAT Or ACT?: Hobart William Smith Colleges considers admission test scores (SAT/ACT) during the application process but does not require them. Although it is not strictly a requirement, the test scores are considered for admission decisions. Hence, it is advisable to prepare well for the test and submit the best scores. Normally, students may appear in the test 2 to 3 times to improve their scores. Hence you are required to plan early and appear in upcoming SAT / ACT tests. Check the schedule of the test and plan accordingly. It is advisable to appear multiple times in the test unless you score well above the average SAT / ACT score of the admitted students, as given below.
Is a Hobart William Smith Colleges degree Worth It?
Getting into Hobart William Smith Colleges can be a great opportunity for many students. It is a prestigious institution known for its strong programs. However, whether it is worth it depends on your personal and academic goals, as well as your financial situation. Hobart William Smith Colleges offers a rigorous academic environment and access to cutting-edge research, but it may not be the best fit for everyone. It's important to consider factors such as cost, location, and specific academic programs when making this decision. Please note that the average household income of the admitted students at Hobart William Smith Colleges is $75,500 and unemployment rate is 3.33%.
How much does a degree from Hobart William Smith Colleges Cost?The average annual cost of the degree at Hobart William Smith Colleges is $80,635. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at Hobart William Smith Colleges is much less than this.
24.12% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 71.07 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to Hobart William Smith Colleges and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At Hobart William Smith Colleges, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist Hobart William Smith Colleges as your choice in the form.
How much does a Hobart William Smith Colleges Graduate earn?
The average annual salary of the graduate after 4-6 years of graduation is $68,831. An average Hobart William Smith Colleges graduate makes this much after 10 years of enrollment (4-6 years after graduation).
The average annual income of a graduate in the United States is $40,595
Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than Hobart William Smith Colleges. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Alabama at Birmingham | University of Alabama at Birmingham, AL | 1251 | 26 |
| University of Arizona | University of Arizona, AZ | 1261 | 26 |
| Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott | Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott, AZ | 1256 | 27 |
| Biola University | Biola University, CA | 1258 | 27 |
| Point Loma Nazarene University | Point Loma Nazarene University, CA | 1278 | 26 |
| Thomas Aquinas College | Thomas Aquinas College, CA | 1277 | 29 |
| University of Central Florida | University of Central Florida, FL | 1277 | 27 |
| Eckerd College | Eckerd College, FL | 1256 | 27 |
| Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach | Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach, FL | 1256 | 27 |
| Florida Southern College | Florida Southern College, FL | 1263 | 28 |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as Hobart William Smith Colleges. If your SAT or ACT score are competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| The University of Alabama | The University of Alabama, AL | 1287 | 28 |
| University of the Pacific | University of the Pacific, CA | 1303 | 27 |
| United States Coast Guard Academy | United States Coast Guard Academy, CT | 1290 | 28 |
| University of Delaware | University of Delaware, DE | 1297 | 29 |
| Rollins College | Rollins College, FL | 1304 | 29 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than Hobart William Smith Colleges. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hendrix College | Hendrix College, AR | 1336 | 29 |
| Chapman University | Chapman University, CA | 1353 | 30 |
| Pepperdine University | Pepperdine University, CA | 1367 | 29 |
| Westmont College | Westmont College, CA | 1367 | 32 |
| University of Colorado Boulder | University of Colorado Boulder, CO | 1353 | 31 |
Degree Programs
Bachelor Degree Programs
- Anthropology
- Architecture and Related Services
- Area Studies
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Biology, General
- Chemistry
- Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Communication and Media Studies
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Dance
Frequently Asked Questions About Hobart William Smith Colleges Admissions
Answer: Graduates of this university typically earn a moderate salary, $68,831 annually, with some fluctuation based on the field.
Question: What is the tuition fee?
Answer: The tuition fee at this university is quite high, approximately $80,635 or more per year, so it is important to consider additional funding options.
Question: What are my chances of getting a scholarship ?
Answer: 24.1% of students receive a Pell Grant here, which is below the national average of around 35%. This institution serves a higher proportion of higher-income students. Merit-based scholarships may still be available regardless of financial need — check the institution's official financial aid page for details.
Question: What is the acceptance rate?
Answer: The acceptance rate of Hobart William Smith Colleges is 57.28% which is relatively high, above 20%, making it somewhat easier to gain admission compared to other top-tier universities.
Question: What is the average GPA of admitted students?
Answer: The average GPA of admitted students is 3.55. This reflects the competitive academic profile expected from applicants.
Question: What is the minimum GPA required for admission?
Answer: While there is no single 'cutoff' that guarantees a rejection, admission staff uses your GPA to determine if you are a best fit. If you have at least a 3.25, you're in the standard pool. If you are below a 3.25, we need to focus on your personal essay and letters of recommendation to explain the context behind your grades.
Question: What are my chances with a 3.25 GPA?
Answer: If your GPA is 3.15 or less, it may makes admission difficult. However, your chances may improve if you have strong test scores, extracurricular activities, and essays. But this does not mean that you must not apply, or you do not have any chances. With additional AP courses, you can increase your chances even with this GPA.
Question: Can I apply to Hobart William Smith Colleges if my GPA is below 3.25
Answer: While the average GPA of admitted students is 3.55, applicants with lower GPAs can still be considered if they have strong test scores, extracurriculars, and compelling personal essays that demonstrate resilience and potential.
Question: How competitive is the SAT score requirement
Answer: Admission to Hobart William Smith Colleges is based on SAT, and a strong SAT score is essential. Aim for scores above 1296 for the best chances, although the overall application strength also matters. Your SAT must be in the range of 1220-1360
Question: Is it possible to transfer from another university?
Answer: Yes, many students successfully transfer each year. Be prepared with your academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement to make your application competitive.
Question: How can I improve my chances of getting Admissions?
Answer: To improve your chances, focus on excelling academically, building a strong extracurricular profile, and submitting standout essays. High SAT/ACT scores are also crucial for competitive admissions.
Full list of All degree programs offered by Hobart William Smith Colleges.
Last Updated: Wednesday March 18, 2026
Data on this page is sourced from IPEDS, College Scorecard's latest data as provided in November 2025, US Department of Education's latest statistics, Institute's official websites and printed material as well as additional publicly available sources.