Mailing Address: 350 Spelman Lane S.W. Atlanta, GA 30314-4399
Rank on 2008 List: 1
Rank on 2006 List: 5
Average GPA: 3.6
Matriculation Rates of African Americans: 79%
Number of Students Enrolled: 2,191
Number of African American students enrolled: 2,178
Acceptance Rates: 33%
*Average SAT scores: Reading: 500-590; Math: 480-570; Writing: No Score
Black Student Group(s): N/A
Summer Programs: Pre-freshman Summer Science Program, Summer Science and Engineering Program
Application Deadlines: Feb. 1
Early Admissions Deadline: Nov. 1
Financial Aid Options/Deadlines: March 1
Costs: Tuition: $20,281; Housing: $9,734; Books: $1,150
Greek Organizations: Alpha Kappa Alpha, Delta Sigma Theta, Zeta Phi Beta
*25th percentile-75th percentile
ADMISSIONS Q&A
Ingrid Hayes, Associate Vice President, Enrollment Management, Spelman College
Who makes the admissions decisions and what do they look for in a successful candidate?
Admission decisions are made by professional staff members. We are looking for students who demonstrate a potential to excel in the college environment and have a desire to use their gifts to contribute to social change and enlightenment.
What is the student teacher ratio?
The ratio is 12:1
How does the university weigh GPA, SAT, extracurricular activities, college essays, and recommendations during the application process?
All of these factors play an important part in our admissions process. Academic elements are most important as we seek to enroll students who will meet our classroom challenges head on and be actively involved in the learning process. The other components are also important, as we try to identify those students who will benefit from a Spelman education, but who will also contribute to our community.
What advice do you have for applicants who might fall short of minimum requirements, but still want to attend?
If students are not able to enroll as new first time students (freshmen), we try to counsel them on other pathways that will help them gain entry to Spelman. The goal of completing a Spelman degree is still possible, if students are willing to consider taking coursework elsewhere and entering as transfer students.
What kind of opportunities do you have for non-traditional, transfer, and international students?
Because we encourage our students to be life-long learners, we have programs in place to assist other students who want to do just that. The Pauline E. Drake program was designed to offer support for non-traditional students returning to or just entering the college environment, after years away from formal education. We also have a limited number of transfer students enrolling each year. They must demonstrate proficiency in a liberal arts and sciences curriculum at another school.
What is the university’s housing situation like? Is it difficult for freshman/sophomores to get housing?
First-time (freshman) and sophomore students are required to live on campus. This helps foster a supportive network for students. In the upcoming academic year, we will open a new residence hall with amenities that will help bring our students together in a living