Washington and Lee University: Acceptance Rate and Your Chances

Updated June 2026 · CollegeCalcAI

Quick answer: Washington and Lee University has a 17% acceptance rate, which makes it a highly selective school. Admitted students typically score around 1470 on the SAT or 33 on the ACT. Use the free calculator below to estimate your personal odds at Washington and Lee University.
Acceptance rate17%
SAT (75th percentile)1470
ACT (75th percentile)33
LocationVA
School typePrivate

Washington and Lee University is a private liberal arts university in Lexington, Virginia, with a strong reputation for its honor system and close student-faculty relationships. It admits about 17% of applicants, putting it in the highly selective range. The student body is small, so each admissions decision is considered carefully.

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How hard is it to get into Washington and Lee University?

With a 17% acceptance rate, Washington and Lee admits fewer than one in five applicants. For a school its size, that level of selectivity reflects a competitive national applicant pool. Many of the students applying have excellent grades and strong extracurricular records.

The school's emphasis on honor and character is not just marketing. It genuinely shapes what they look for in applicants. Students who can demonstrate integrity and a commitment to community tend to fare well in the process.

Test scores that make you competitive

The 75th-percentile SAT for admitted students is around 1470, and the ACT equivalent is 33. Those are the marks that put you in the upper portion of Washington and Lee's admitted class. The university has offered test-optional pathways, so if your scores are a weaker part of your file, the rest of your application can compensate.

What Washington and Lee University looks for

Washington and Lee values academic rigor. Strong grades in challenging courses, especially in the humanities and sciences, are expected. The school is smaller and more residential than a large university, so they also think carefully about what kind of community member you would be.

Leadership in activities, depth of commitment, and clear personal values all matter here. The essays are a real opportunity. Because the school cares about character, essays that reflect who you actually are, not a polished version of who you think they want, tend to land better.

Estimate your chances at Washington and Lee University

CollegeCalcAI has a free calculator at collegecalcai.com where you can enter your GPA, test scores, and activities to get a personalized estimate of your chances at Washington and Lee. It is a useful way to get an honest read before investing time in an application.

Frequently asked questions

What is Washington and Lee University's acceptance rate?

Washington and Lee accepts approximately 17% of applicants.

What SAT or ACT score do I need for Washington and Lee University?

The 75th-percentile SAT for admitted students is around 1470, with a 33 ACT. The school is test-optional, so strong scores help but are not required.

Is Washington and Lee University hard to get into?

Yes. A 17% acceptance rate means the majority of applicants are not admitted. Academics and character both factor heavily into decisions.

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Sources: U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS), NCES, and publicly reported Common Data Sets. Acceptance rate and score figures are rounded and reflect recent admissions cycles. How we calculate chances.