Navigating Admissions at Benedictine College: Understanding the Acceptance Rate and Requirements

Benedictine College, a private Roman Catholic institution located in Atchison, Kansas, attracts a significant number of applicants each year. Understanding the college's acceptance rate and admission criteria is crucial for prospective students. This article provides a comprehensive overview of Benedictine College's admissions landscape, encompassing acceptance rates, academic expectations, application requirements, and other factors that influence admission decisions.

Acceptance Rate: A Closer Look

Benedictine College is considered a somewhat selective school. The overall acceptance rate tends to be 76 percent. Each year, the college receives around 3,575 applications from prospective students, with approximately 2,700 applicants being admitted. However, it's important to note that the enrollment rate, which is the percentage of accepted students who actually enroll, is lower. Around 630 students, or 23% of those accepted, ultimately choose to register at Benedictine College.

Gender Distribution in Admissions

Based on the institution’s application data, 50% of the applicants were men while 49% were women. After receiving the acceptance letter, 49 percent of the women enrolled at Benedictine College as compared to 50 percent of men who decided to enroll.

Academic Expectations

GPA is a very important academic factor. The average GPA at Benedictine College is 3.59, requiring you to be around average in your high school class. You'll need a mix of A's and B's, and very few C's. If you're a junior or senior, your GPA is hard to change from this point on. If your GPA is at or below the school average of 3.59, you'll need a higher SAT score to compensate and show that you're prepared to take on college academics.

Standardized Test Scores: ACT and SAT

First-year students are requested to submit their ACT or SAT scores to Benedictine College when applying. Often, an ACT score of 22 - 30 or a 1,110 - 1,360 SAT score is the range in which students have greater chances to be accepted. Half the applicants admitted to Benedictine College who submitted test scores have an SAT score between 1115 and 1350 or an ACT score of 22 and 29. However, one quarter of admitted applicants achieved scores above these ranges and one quarter scored below these ranges.

Application Requirements and Deadlines

The undergraduate application fee for Benedictine College is $50. Fee waivers available. The application deadline at Benedictine College is rolling. The college has rolling admissions, which means applications are accepted any time throughout the year.

Key Deadlines

Early Action: November 15 (Acceptance is not binding, but student will receive admissions decision earlier)
Fall Regular Decision: December 2

Required Materials

High School GPA: Required
Transcript: Yes
SAT Subject Tests: Yes
AP Course Credit: Yes
Dual Enrollment: Yes

While High School Rank and College Prep Courses are neither required nor recommended, recommendations are considered by admissions officials at Benedictine College.

Holistic Admissions Process

Benedictine College follows a holistic admissions process, considering various aspects of your profile when making admission decisions.

Factors Considered

Academic Performance: Your high school GPA is a crucial part of your application, as it reflects your commitment to academics. Benedictine College generally has an average admitted GPA of around 3.5 or higher. That said, if your GPA is a bit lower, don't be discouraged, as the school evaluates applications holistically.
Standardized Test Scores (optional): Benedictine College has adopted a test-optional policy, meaning you don't have to submit SAT or ACT scores if you don't want to. However, if you feel that your test scores will bolster your application, you can choose to submit them.
Extracurricular Activities: While the primary focus is on your academic performance, the admissions team also pays attention to your extracurricular activities, as they reflect your interests and potential contributions to the college community. Showcasing engagement in clubs, sports, community service, or other activities can strengthen your application.
Essay: Benedictine College requires an essay as part of the application. This is your opportunity to tell your story, share your aspirations, and highlight your unique qualities. Make sure to give your essay adequate thought and time, as it can help you stand out.
Letters of Recommendation: Letters from counselors, teachers, or coaches help the admissions team understand you better as a student and person. Choose recommenders who know you well and can describe your strengths and potential positively.

Tuition, Cost & Aid

Affordability & Cost

In-State Tuition: $36,350
Out-of-State Tuition: $36,350
Room and Board: $13,430
Books and Supplies: $1200

Aid & Grants

Total Needs Based Scholarships/Grants: $21,671,288. Total Non-Need-Based Scholarships/Grants: $16,073,309.

Campus Life and Environment

Founded in 1859, Benedictine College is a private, Roman Catholic institution sponsored by both the Mount St. Scholastica Monastery and St. Benedict’s Abbey. Located in Atchison, Kansas, Benedictine also has a campus in Florence, Italy. This “selective” admissions college takes students on 20 mission trips per year, has an on-campus Observatory inaugurated by Vatican astronomers, and was named an All-Steinway School by Steinway & Sons. Benedictine also features an Honors Program, the Gregorian Fellows for Catholic Leaders, and the STEM Fellows for talented science, technology, engineering, and mathematics students.

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Is Benedictine College a Safety School?

Benedictine College has a higher acceptance rate compared to some other schools, with recent rates hovering around 94%. Given their higher acceptance rate, Benedictine College may be considered a safety school for many applicants, depending on their individual profiles. However, remember that no school can be guaranteed, and it's essential to still put effort into every aspect of your application. Your best course of action would be to review these criteria, evaluate your own profile in comparison, and continue to work on your application to increase your chances of being accepted.

Key Academic Stats

Student:Faculty Ratio: 15:1

Read also: Benedictine Military School Costs

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