Non-Profit Private
Accredited · Middle States Commission on Higher Education
New York, New York
45.1% Acceptance Rate
Jewish Theological Seminary of America — Admission Snapshot 2026
A complete at-a-glance picture of every metric that matters for your 2026 application
45.1%Acceptance Rate
3.7Avg GPA
1507Avg SAT
34Avg ACT
$80,579Annual Cost
$92,751Grad Salary
5.4%Pell Grant
Acceptance Rate
45.1%
Avg GPA
3.7
Avg SAT
1507
Avg ACT
34
Selectivity
Selective
Institution Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Main Campus
Accredited By
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
SAT Middle 50%
1440–1559
ACT Middle 50%
33–35
Need-Based Aid
5.4% receive Pell
Jewish Theological Seminary of America The Jewish Theological Seminary (JTS), founded in 1886 in New York City, is the academic and spiritual center of Conservative Judaism worldwide. The campus offers undergraduate and graduate programs in Jewish studies, rabbinical ordination, and cantorial training. JTS maintains a 5:1 student-faculty ratio with instruction from leading Jewish scholars. The library houses one of the world's greatest collections of Judaica. The seminary is particularly renowned for its rabbinical school that trains Conservative Jewish leaders.
JTS takes pride in its commitment to serious Jewish scholarship and vibrant religious life. Students benefit from small seminar classes and mentorship from faculty who shape contemporary Jewish thought. The campus serves as a hub for Conservative Jewish intellectual and cultural activity. Recent initiatives include expanded programs in Jewish education and nonprofit management. JTS's combination of academic rigor, spiritual formation, and location in New York's Jewish community makes it the preeminent institution for Conservative Jewish learning.
Jewish Theological Seminary of America Acceptance Rate
Jewish Theological Seminary of America is a well-known institution. It has a selective admission process. The acceptance rate of Jewish Theological Seminary of America is 45.1%. This means that 45 out of every 100 applicants get admitted.
Admissions Guidelines
- Selective Enrollment: Applicants need a solid GPA and proof of academic growth.
- Holistic Balance: Strong recommendations and community involvement are highly valued.
Selectivity at a Glance
Selective
Selectivity scale: Selective — 45.1% acceptance rate
Most Selective (0%)Open Enrollment (100%)
If your GPA is slightly below the institutional average, you can remain competitive by scoring well on standardized tests and showcasing leadership in co-curricular activities.
Recommended Academic Profile
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.70 – 4.00
Target Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.50 – 3.69
Competitive Reach
Focus on Score Compensation
Below 3.25
Secondary Reach
Requires Contextual Support
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Jewish Theological Seminary of America GPA Requirement
The average GPA of the admitted students at Jewish Theological Seminary of America is 3.7. Jewish Theological Seminary of America 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 3.90-4.10 for this same academic profile.If your GPA is between 3.40 and 3.7, a strong SAT or ACT score is recommended.
Jewish Theological Seminary of America GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Highly selective; GPA is within the typical admitted range.
Recommended Strategy: Standardized Test Scores (SAT/ACT) in the top 5th percentile.
Admissions at Jewish Theological Seminary of America utilize a Holistic Review process. With an average admitted GPA of 3.7, the following table illustrates how your specific academic profile aligns with institutional expectations.
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.70 – 4.00
Competitive Reach
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.50 – 3.69
Competitive Match
Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation
3.30 – 3.49
Secondary Reach
Personal Statement & Impact
Below 3.29
Institutional Reach
Requires Significant Contextual Factors
Expert Insight: 2026 Evaluation Metrics
- Scholarly-leadership potential is the primary selection filter.
- Lack of deep commitment to Jewish community leadership is a major red flag.
- The Rigor Metric: At Jewish Theological Seminary of America, 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.
Check Your Admission Chances at Jewish Theological Seminary of America
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis — based on Jewish Theological Seminary of America's verified institutional data
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Calculating Profile...
Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.
Your SAT Score 1200
Your Unweighted GPA 3.00
✅ Verified Data: Institutional records for 2026.
Calculated via College Portal's Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards. Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
Jewish Theological Seminary of America 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 2026 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.
Can I Get Into Jewish Theological Seminary of America Without SAT or ACT?
Jewish Theological Seminary of America 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.
Jewish Theological Seminary of America Average SAT Score: 1507
The average SAT score of the admitted students at Jewish Theological Seminary of America is 1507 on the 1600 SAT scale.
SAT Competitiveness
SAT 1507 — Extremely Competitive
This score makes it Extremely Competitive for SAT test scores. You need to do extremely well to score 1507 on the SAT.
Key Insight: Aim for the 75th percentile (1559 SAT or 35 ACT) to stand out. If your scores are below average, consider retaking the test. Jewish Theological Seminary of America allows Score Choice for the SAT and Superscoring for the ACT, giving you flexibility to submit your best scores.
If your score is below 1440, retaking the SAT is strongly recommended to improve your chances at Jewish Theological Seminary of America. 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 | 745 | 710 | 780 |
| SAT Reading | 755 | 730 | 779 |
| SAT Composite | 1507 | 1440 | 1559 |
It means that if you have scored less than 1440 then you are below most of the admitted students at Jewish Theological Seminary of America and your chances of admission are very few. But if you have scored 1559 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 1500
Can I get into Jewish Theological Seminary of America with a 1550 SAT?
With a 1550 SAT Score, your chances of admission at Jewish Theological Seminary of America are good but the admission staff at Jewish Theological Seminary of America 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.
Jewish Theological Seminary of America ACT Requirements
The average ACT Score at Jewish Theological Seminary of America is 34.
ACT Competitiveness
ACT 34 — Extremely Competitive
This score makes Jewish Theological Seminary of America Extremely Competitive for ACT scores. You need to do extremely well to score 34 on the ACT.
ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACT Math | 32 | 30 | 34 |
| ACT English | 35 | 34 | 36 |
| ACT Composite | 34 | 33 | 35 |
Can I get into Jewish Theological Seminary of America with a 35 ACT?
A 35 ACT places you at the 75th percentile of admitted students at Jewish Theological Seminary of America — 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 Jewish Theological Seminary of America 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 Jewish Theological Seminary of America — 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 Jewish Theological Seminary of America 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 35 ACT gets your application through the first filter — but your essays and activities are what move it forward from there.
Your 2026 Admissions Roadmap for Jewish Theological Seminary of America
Selective Strategy: Competitive Positioning
At Jewish Theological Seminary of America, admissions officers seek reliable, high-achieving students. The goal is to be a top-tier applicant to trigger both admission and high-value merit aid.
Scholarly Leadership
JTS is highly selective; articulate your vision for leadership in the Jewish community, whether in the rabbinate, education, or non-profit sector.
Textual/Academic Rigor
You must demonstrate high capacity for complex, deep, and critical study of sacred texts and academic disciplines.
Institutional Legacy
Show you understand and respect the history of JTS and are prepared to contribute to its intellectual and communal life.
Communal Impact Potential
Articulate your clear vision for how you will serve as a leader in Jewish life after you graduate.
Expert Insight: They prioritize scholarly depth, leadership potential, and commitment to Jewish life.
Jewish Theological Seminary of America Profile
Full Name
Jewish Theological Seminary of America
City
New York
State
New York
ZIP Code
10027-4649
Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Main Campus
Official Website
Accredited By
Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSACHE)
Is a Jewish Theological Seminary of America Degree Worth It?
Getting into Jewish Theological Seminary of America 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. Jewish Theological Seminary of America 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 Jewish Theological Seminary of America is $85,200 and the graduate unemployment rate is 2.91%.
How much does a degree from Jewish Theological Seminary of America Cost?
The average annual cost of the degree at Jewish Theological Seminary of America is $80,579. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at Jewish Theological Seminary of America is much less than this.
5.4% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 16.8 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to Jewish Theological Seminary of America and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At Jewish Theological Seminary of America, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist Jewish Theological Seminary of America as your choice in the form.
How much does a Jewish Theological Seminary of America Graduate earn?
The average annual salary of the graduate after 4–6 years of graduation is $92,751. An average Jewish Theological Seminary of America 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.
Compare Similar Colleges
Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than Jewish Theological Seminary of America. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northeastern University Oakland | Oakland, CA | 1472 | 32 |
| Occidental College | Los Angeles, CA | 1461 | 33 |
| Scripps College | Claremont, CA | 1480 | 33 |
| Georgetown University | Washington, DC | 1494 | 33 |
| Grinnell College | Grinnell, IA | 1486 | 33 |
| University of Maryland-College Park | College Park, MD | 1463 | 34 |
| Amherst College | Amherst, MA | 1494 | 33 |
| Boston University | Boston, MA | 1473 | 33 |
| Brandeis University | Waltham, MA | 1473 | 33 |
| Smith College | Northampton, MA | 1480 | 33 |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as Jewish Theological Seminary of America. If your SAT or ACT score is competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Claremont McKenna College | Claremont, CA | 1514 | 34 |
| University of Southern California | Los Angeles, CA | 1501 | 34 |
| Wesleyan University | Middletown, CT | 1513 | 34 |
| Emory University | Atlanta, GA | 1507 | 33 |
| University of Notre Dame | Notre Dame, IN | 1510 | 34 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than Jewish Theological Seminary of America. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Harvey Mudd College | Claremont, CA | 1537 | 35 |
| University of Chicago | Chicago, IL | 1554 | 35 |
| Johns Hopkins University | Baltimore, MD | 1553 | 35 |
| Harvard University | Cambridge, MA | 1553 | 35 |
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology | Cambridge, MA | 1553 | 35 |
Degree Programs at Jewish Theological Seminary of America
Bachelor Degree Programs
Masters Degree Programs
Doctoral Degree Programs
First Professional Degree Programs
Full list of all degree programs offered by Jewish Theological Seminary of America →
Frequently Asked Questions About Jewish Theological Seminary of America Admissions
Graduates of this university typically earn a high salary, $92,751 annually, depending on the industry.
The tuition fee at this university is quite high, approximately $80,579 or more per year, so it is important to consider additional funding options.
Pell Grant data is not available for this institution. Contact the financial aid office directly to ask about need-based and merit-based aid options.
The acceptance rate of Jewish Theological Seminary of America is 45.1% which is relatively high, above 20%, making it somewhat easier to gain admission compared to other top-tier universities.
The average GPA of admitted students is 3.7. This reflects the competitive academic profile expected from applicants.
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 3.4, you are in the standard pool. If you are below a 3.4, we need to focus on your personal essay and letters of recommendation to explain the context behind your grades.
If your GPA is 3.3 or less, it may make 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.
While the average GPA of admitted students is 3.7, applicants with lower GPAs can still be considered if they have strong test scores, extracurriculars, and compelling personal essays that demonstrate resilience and potential.
Admission to Jewish Theological Seminary of America is based on SAT, and a strong SAT score is essential. Aim for scores above 1507 for the best chances, although the overall application strength also matters. Your SAT must be in the range of 1440–1559.
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.
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.