Admission to selective colleges and universities including Providence College has become increasingly competitive in recent years. For the Class of 2013, 8,364 students applied for approximately 980 spaces, making the admission process highly selective. While most of these applicants were qualified academically, our class size limitations prevented us from offering admission to every student who may have fit our typical freshman profile.

Despite Providence College's increasing selectivity, we continue to provide a personalized  review for each and every student who applies to Providence College.  We strive to select those students who are the best match for Providence College from many different perspectives.  We work diligently to create an overall incoming class that will perpetuate the vibrancy and academic excellence that exists here.  In order to do so, each professional admission counselor spends a significant amount of time reading applications from his/her designated geographic territories, weighing both the objective and subjective factors when making decisions.

The most important and most telling part of your application for admission to Providence College is the high school transcript.  When we evaluate your transcript, we look closely at the quality and challenge of the courses you have selected in high school, as well as your level of achievement in those courses.  Typically students who are most competitive in Providence College's admission process have taken 4 years in each of the core areas (English, math, natural science, social science/history and foreign language) and have challenged themselves with a selection of the honors and advanced placement courses which may be offered at their high school. 

In addition to the academic portion of the application, we look closely at your essay, recommendations and resume of co-curricular activities.  These pieces tell your unique story beyond your academic achievements and paint the picture of who you are as a person and what you can bring to the community of Providence College.  Think carefully about what you want to share about yourself and who you feel could write the best recommendation for you.  We urge you to take advantage of the opportunities within the application to detail all your involvements and accomplishments. 

In July 2006, Providence College established a test-optional policy for admission. Candidates are not required to submit SAT or ACT scores to receive full consideration for admission. Additional details about the policy can be found on the Test-Optional Policy Frequently Asked Questions page of the website.

For an "inside look" at our admission review process, we encourage you to  read the blog written by one of our admission counselors.  This blog will take you through the entire admission cycle from our side of the desk.

Your completed application to Providence College is the best representation of who you are and what makes you a great candidate for admission.  If we can be of any assistance in your application process, or you have further questions about the way we review applications, let us know.