Admission to Lafayette is competitive. Like the education we offer, we strive for diversity and balance in our community, and the way in which we craft a class reflects that philosophy.
We seek students from across the country and around the world from varied backgrounds who are curious, passionate, and inventive. A Lafayette student possesses an unyielding desire to achieve great things. If this describes you, we’d love to get to know you.
Factors considered in evaluating each student’s application
Academic performance in secondary school
Grades relative to others in the class and the quality of courses taken
Interactions through an admissions interview
The candidate’s personal character such as motivation, social awareness, ambition, individualism, and potential for leadership as exhibited through involvement in community and extracurricular activities
An understanding of what a student does with their non-academic time, including extracurricular activities, employment, personal responsibilities to family and community, etc.
Submitting standardized test scores is optional. If you have taken the SAT or ACT (writing section not required) you are welcome to submit your scores by the admissions deadlines. Students may self-report standardized test scores; those who do must submit official score results at the time of enrollment. The results of SAT Subject Tests are not required for admission. Some academic departments do use scores from these tests for placement purposes.
Activities Section: Quality over Quantity
Lafayette has chosen to focus our review of an applicant’s activities to the top six activities listed in the Common App. Why six? Maintaining consistent engagement in 10 activities (the number of spaces on the Common App in the activities section) really well, in addition to maintaining a fine academic record and robust personal life is a challenge. Rather than focus on how many activities a student can list, we ask students to focus on those activities that have the most meaning. We always recommend students list their activities in order of what they are most passionate about and/or spend the most time on at the top of the list, rather than chronologically by when they began the activity.
What if a students doesn’t have six activities to list? That’s fine. We know dynamic students may have limited opportunities or may choose to put an enormous amount of effort into a single activity or two. No matter how many activities a student can list, they should be proud of what they as individuals accomplish inside and outside the classroom. Remember that part-time work and caring for your family and household are activities, too.
What if a student is able to juggle it all and has 10 activities to share? Fill in all of the activities spaces. We will read them, as we read every part of each application submitted to Lafayette College.
Supplement Essay Question
In addition to the Common App personal essay, students are required to submit one supplemental essay: Why Lafayette?
Why Lafayette?
This is a required supplemental essay found within Lafayette’s Common Application Member Pages. Length: 20-200 words.
The Marquis de Lafayette live by the motto Cur Non or Why not? Your Cur Non spirit manifests our namesake who altered the course of world history. Your application moves you closer to releasing that same energy into life. Charge on!
Students identify Lafayette as an excellent fit for countless reasons. In your response, be deliberate and specific about your motivation for applying to Lafayette. Why do you see yourself at Lafayette?
A Lafayette Leopard is curious, passionate, involved, and inclusive with a side of quirky. Each student brings their own unique experiences, talents, and values to the Lafayette community.
Dysean Alexander
assistant director of admissions
Lafayette students are hungry to learn and eager to use their voices. They are incredibly involved, innovative and introspective leaders that seek to leave a legacy on campus that makes our community better.
Brianna Braswell
assistant director of admissions
I was struck by the welcoming community and the diverse, interdisciplinary skillsets each staff member possessed. Lafayette’s core values align closely with my own, and I am impressed with the progressive scholarship and financial aid initiatives. It’s fantastic to see financial barriers removed for incoming members of the Lafayette community.
Dan Brown
director of enrollment data analytics
Lafayette students are smart, invested in their learning and actively engaged in the larger issues of society. They're involved in the campus community and always wanting to make a positive difference in whatever they choose to do whether on campus or off campus.