2025 admissions data

Gordon College Acceptance Rate

How Hard Is It to Get In?

A straight answer: 85.6% acceptance rate.

This means for every 100 applicants, only 86 actually get in. No guessing. Gordon College is a 4YEAR institution located in Wenham, MA — competition varies by program, but this is the official average.

Gordon College is an ideal choice for students pursuing a holistic liberal arts education with a Christian focus, particularly if they value a close-knit community. However, those seeking a highly research-oriented environment might find its offerings limiting. An evident trade-off is the college's relatively few STEM programs compared to traditional liberal arts routes, which might not suit aspiring scientists or engineers. Students who thrive in interpersonal settings and prioritize faith-based learning will appreciate the college's culture and smaller class sizes, while those looking for a broader range of majors, particularly in tech or hard sciences, may feel constrained.

Who Actually Gets In? (Men vs Women)

Quick breakdown so you get the real picture:

Men

84.8%

Acceptance Rate

Women

86.2%

Acceptance Rate

If you think one gender has an edge — the data tells what’s up.

Applications vs Admits: The Funnel That Matters

This is where the reality hits:

Applied

1,913

Admitted

1,638

🎓

Yield Rate: N/A

This shows how many admitted students choose Gordon College. High yield = high confidence. Low yield = students had better options.

What Scores Do You Need?

If you're applying without knowing what scores to aim for… that’s how rejection letters happen.

SAT Score Range

Math550–660

Reading580–695

ACT Score Range

English23–35

Math23–27

Aim for the 75th percentile if you want peace of mind.

Interpreting the Acceptance Rate at Gordon College as an Applicant

When students ask about the acceptance rate at Gordon College, they’re usually looking for reassurance or clarity. The challenge is that acceptance rates don’t operate at the individual level—they summarize institutional outcomes.

An acceptance rate of 85.6% reflects the admissions cycle as a whole, combining applicants with different goals, backgrounds, and levels of readiness. This makes the statistic helpful for broad comparison, but limited for personal decision-making.

Why Acceptance Rate Alone Isn’t Enough

Acceptance rates don’t show how competitive specific programs are or how admissions decisions vary across applicant types. At Gordon College, some majors attract far more interest than others, which can create uneven competition.

Additionally, universities that receive a high volume of exploratory applications often appear less selective than they truly are. That’s why acceptance rates can sometimes feel misleading when viewed without context.

Turning Acceptance Data into Useful Insight

The best way to use the acceptance rate at Gordon College is as a directional signal. It helps applicants understand the admissions environment, but real outcomes depend on preparation, academic focus, and alignment.

Students who combine acceptance rate data with thoughtful self-assessment tend to approach the application process with more confidence and better expectations.

Admissions Insight

One significant factor at Gordon College is the emphasis on community and interpersonal relationships within the academic environment. Students here often engage in tight-knit discussions, enhancing the learning experience through collaboration and dialogue. The college’s nondenominational Christian foundation creates a unique atmosphere where faith and education interweave, impacting everything from classroom discussions to campus initiatives. This intimate approach fosters a sense of belonging and mutual support among students, which can be profoundly beneficial for personal and academic growth. However, this environment might not be suitable for students who prefer a more independent or less faith-centered educational path. Those who thrive in diverse, large-scale university settings may find the smaller community at Gordon restricting, especially if they desire exposure to a broader spectrum of ideas and backgrounds. Access to academic advising and mentorship is robust at Gordon. Faculty members are often approachable and genuinely invested in students' success, ensuring that students have the resources to navigate their academic journeys. This close relationship can lead to personalized recommendations and guidance for internships, research opportunities, and career paths, significantly enhancing job readiness post-graduation. However, the attention on advising and mentoring could present challenges for students who prefer to explore more independently, as they might feel pressured to engage at a deeper level in discussions on faith and education. Overall, the community-driven model can lead to higher engagement but comes with the caveat of a potentially limiting academic choice for some.

Holistic Admissions? Or Score-Centric?

Some colleges love essays and activities. Some love high numbers.

Application Fee: N/A

Fee Waiver Available: No

Application Portal: https://www.gordon.edu/admissions

Your Chances of Getting Into Gordon College

Let’s keep it real:

✅ Great scores + strong extracurriculars → Solid chance
🔶 Good scores + average profile → Toss-up
❌ Below 25th percentile → You’re relying on miracles

If you’re international, competition goes up a notch. If you're applying to CS, Business, or Engineering → multiply difficulty by 2.

What's my real shot?

Acceptance Odds Estimator

Estimate your admission probability at Gordon College based on your unique profile.

GPA

Test Score (SAT/ACT)

Extracurriculars

Pro Tip: Many more factors influence admission. For a deeper analysis that includes major, essays, and personal context — use Orbit's values-based matching.

Try Right Fit Matcher

Deciding Whether Gordon College Is the Right Fit for You

Admissions research often starts with curiosity but ends with uncertainty. After reviewing acceptance data, many students are left wondering what to do next. Should they apply? Adjust expectations? Rebalance their list?

The answer depends on context. For applicants whose academic preparation aligns well with typical admitted students, Gordon College may represent a realistic and strategic choice. For others, it may require stronger positioning or serve as a more ambitious option.

How Strong Applicants Approach This Decision

Strong applicants don’t rely on a single metric. They consider how their coursework, interests, and goals match the university’s offerings. They also recognize that admissions decisions are influenced by demand patterns, not just qualifications.

Seen this way, admissions data becomes a guide for strategy. It helps students decide where to invest time, how to present their strengths, and how to build a balanced application list that reflects both ambition and realism.

Should You Apply to Gordon College?

If 85.6% feels scary — that’s the point. High stakes → high payoff.

Will I be a standout here?
Do I like the vibe?
Can I afford it? (Check scholarship opportunities)
Is this my best-fit major here?

Explore Gordon College

Jump to related stats for this same university.

Admissions Overview

Requirements, deadlines & funnel

ACT Scores

Percentiles, ranges, and what’s competitive

FAQs About Gordon College Acceptance Rate

Do I need to submit SAT or ACT scores to apply to Gordon College?

No, you do not need to submit SAT or ACT scores to apply. Gordon College follows a test-optional admissions policy, which allows for a more holistic review of your application.

What is the average SAT and ACT score range for admitted students?

Unknown

Does Gordon College accept homeschooled students?

Yes, Gordon College welcomes homeschooled students as part of its diverse student body, and 5% of currently enrolled students are homeschooled.

What are the application deadlines and decision timelines?

For Early Action, the deadlines are November 1 and December 1. Regular Decision deadlines are February 1 and March 1.

Can I transfer credits from community college to Gordon College?

Yes, Gordon College accepts transfer students and offers guaranteed credit transfers through the Massachusetts Transfer Guarantee Program for eligible students.

Final Verdict: Don’t Play It Casual

Gordon College isn’t a lottery — but it sure feels like one if you apply blind.

Know where you stand. Play strengths. Show why you belong.

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