MHC: 2024 Requirements, Scores & GPAs

This is the go-to guide for getting into Mount Holyoke College. We suggest you read until the end... Not only will we layout the exact GPA and test scores you should aim for when applying to MHC, but we’ll also offer creative ways to help your application stand out from the pack. We breakdown MHC statistics better than any article out there and show you how these have changed over time. Also, make sure to check out Mount Holyoke College on CampusReel to see what it’s really like here. If you're interesting in transferring to MHC, the read our transfer guide. You can also use the below calculator to help determine your likelihood of acceptance at MHC

What GPA do you need to get into Mount Holyoke College?

Mount Holyoke College’s average GPA is 3.81. Mount Holyoke College does require GPA. This average GPA means Mount Holyoke College is very selective. Often times, schools in this range are trying to increase their selectivity and “prestige”. We can’t read the minds of MHC application readers, but they likely want to increase the average GPA from 3.81 to 4.0 this year - to play it safe, we recommend striving for the 4.0 GPA.

*BEFORE CONTINUING PLEASE NOTE: GPA and “prestige” DO NOT mean a college is right for you. Mount Holyoke College may seem amazing on paper, but you may hate it... That’s why 700,000 students transfer colleges every year - they end up going to the wrong school. It’s crucial to watch the videos on CampusReel and make sure you can envision yourself on MHC’s campus. These MHC admission statistics do not sufficiently tell you what a college or university is like.

What is Mount Holyoke College’s acceptance rate?

Last year Mount Holyoke College’s acceptance rate was 50.080000000000005. However, check out how the acceptance rate has changed over time.

As you can see, Mount Holyoke College is getting more and more difficult to get into. If this trend continue it’s likely that MHC will be even more competitive by the time you apply.

Acceptance rate alone does not indicate your likelihood for getting into MHC - it’s a very high level understanding of the true competition. Use the acceptance rate as a general guide for curating a list of 10-15 schools that fall into different ranges of competitiveness. Then, use the below data to get a deeper understanding of how your application will compare to the rest of the pool.

Does Mount Holyoke College Require Test Scores?

Mount Holyoke College requires that you either take the SAT or ACT. See the table below for how Mount Holyoke College’s accepted students have performed on both tests. You may be wondering how many test scores should you submit. Generally, don’t freak out about taking the test too often. Industry consensus is that you can submit up to 6 tests as a reasonable limit.

Mount Holyoke College SAT Requirements

Mount Holyoke College’s average SAT score is 1395 - this is the sum of the math and reading portions of the SAT (the 1600 scale). Check out the below table for a deeper look into how students performed - it’s also very interesting to look at the average test score over time. The trend over time helps give insight into whether Mount Holyoke College is getting more or less competitive.

Mount Holyoke College’s average SAT score is 1395. To be a competitive applicant for Mount Holyoke College your SAT score should come close to the average. If you’re closer to the 1290, you’re likely going to have a tougher time getting accepted. To consider Mount Holyoke College a “target” school (one that you are likely to get into) you should aim for a score of 1500.

Mount Holyoke College ACT Requirements

Mount Holyoke College’s average ACT score is 61. To be a competitive applicant for Mount Holyoke College your ACT score should come close to the average. If you’re closer to the 57, you’re likely going to have a tougher time getting accepted. To consider Mount Holyoke College a “target” school (one that you have a good chance of getting into) you should aim for a score of 66.

Mount Holyoke College Requirements

Now you know where you need to be for getting into Mount Holyoke College from a grade and test score perspective. Let’s quickly outline what else you’ll need to provide for your application to get reviewed, and then we’ll move onto the most important section: differentiating your app.

How to get into MHC

Follow these steps to maximize your chances of getting into MHC. Everything you read above will help prepare you for what you need to achieve to have a shot at MHC, but these steps will take you even further in applying that knowledge and differentiating your application.

Main Academic Excellence that is in line with MHC admission standards.

1. Score at least a 1395 on the SAT or 61 on the ACT.
2. Maintain a GPA of at least a 3.81.

Join Extracurriculars that Align with MHC’s Values.

1. Join your school band, a sports team or another group activity. If Mount Holyoke College values music heavily, for example, then try to participate in an organization related to that topic.
2. Volunteer in your hometown. South Hadley has tons of ways to be involved beyond just the college. Mount Holyoke College wants applicants that are also good ambassadors for the school - they want students who will give back to the local community and broader South Hadley area in general.
3. Spend your summer doing something that speaks to your values, personal growth, leadership qualities and other less quantifiable characteristics. MHC needs to see past your test scores and grades - they need to know that you will be a valuable and contributing member of their community. You are more than grades and test scores - your experiences should demonstrate that.

Prepare Your Application

1. Write a stellar essay that shows Mount Holyoke College something they can’t figure out from the other parts of your application. For a detailed guide on writing the best college essay, check this out.
2. Get teacher recs that speak to your character. If you know what you’re majoring in and include that in your MHC app, try to have at least 1 recommendation from a teacher in that department.
3. Apply Before the Deadline. Too many students wait until the last minute to submit their application, and too much can go wrong during this precious time window. Since many students are applying on the last day, it’s possible that MHC’s own system crashes. Don’t risk the added stress this can cause - submit your app a few days early.