First Year Applicants

We take the time to review each transcript in the context of its school. We look at the courses you chose to take given what has been offered and the grades you have received within those courses. 

Applicants must complete secondary school graduation requirements before enrolling at Davidson. Excluding consideration for exceptional circumstances, at least 16 high school units are required, although the average student accepted to Davidson has taken 20 units. These units should include:

• Four units of English
• Three units of mathematics
• Two units of the same second language (may include American Sign Language)
• Two units of science
• Two units of history and/or social studies

To be most competitive in our applicant pool, it is strongly recommended that high school students continue for the third and fourth years in science and in the same second language, continue mathematics through calculus, and take additional courses in history.

Personal Statement

The personal statement is a space to share your voice and to help us better understand you as a person. We encourage you to explore a topic that is authentic to you and reveals something that doesn’t already come through elsewhere in the application. Above all, stay true to yourself and your experiences. (250-650 word limit)

Supplemental Questions

• There are just under 4,000 four-year colleges and universities in the United States. Being as specific as possible, what interests you most about Davidson College? (250-300 word limit) 
• Davidson encourages students to explore curiosities in and out of the classroom. What is a topic, activity or idea that excites you? Tell us why. Examples may include hobbies, books, interactions, music, podcasts, movies, etc. (250-300 word limit)

Counselor or College Advisor Letter of Recommendation

Through the Secondary School Report and Mid-Year School Report, your counselor or college advisor will have the opportunity to share more context around your high school record, your place in class, and your curriculum. 

• Secondary School Report (PDF)
• Mid-Year School Report (PDF)

Two Academic Teacher Letters of Recommendation

Davidson requires two recommendations from academic instructors. At least one must come from a core academic subject (English, math, science, history/social science, or a second language).

Peer Recommendation

We ask that someone of similar age to the applicant (a friend, a coworker, a teammate, etc) complete the online peer recommendation. We will link it to your application using the information provided.

Peer Recommendation Form

We ask that you complete the extracurricular portion of your application as thoughtfully and fully as possible.

We understand that extracurriculars have been limited throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, so we urge you to consider other ways that you have remained involved in your communities. Consider family responsibilities, part-time jobs, service, arts, athletics and passion projects.