Carleton College vs Wesleyan University

Wesleyan University is the more selective of the two at 15%, versus 16% at Carleton College. Here is how they compare on selectivity, test scores, and what they weigh, plus a free way to estimate your odds at each.

Carleton College
Highly selective
16%
acceptance rate
SAT 75th pct: 1510
Private · Minnesota
Wesleyan University
Highly selective
15%
acceptance rate
SAT 75th pct: 1490
Private · Connecticut

Carleton College vs Wesleyan University: the differences that matter

How Carleton College and Wesleyan University stack up on selectivity, scores, and what they value.

Carleton College and Wesleyan University are almost equally selective (16% vs 15%), so neither is a clear safety relative to the other. Your odds at each come down to fit, not headline difficulty.

The two also read applications a little differently. Carleton College leans more on standardized test scores, while Wesleyan University puts more weight on alumni / legacy relation, geographical residence, volunteer work. The same profile can land differently at each, which is why a per-school estimate matters more than a single GPA.

On test scores, Carleton College's admitted 75th-percentile SAT is around 1510 and Wesleyan University's is around 1490. Admitted students at Carleton College post somewhat higher scores. Run your own numbers below to see where you stand at each.

What each school weighs

Factors either school weighs heavily, side by side.

FactorCarleton CollegeWesleyan University
Rigor of secondary school recordvery importantvery important
Academic GPAvery importantvery important
Standardized test scoresimportantconsidered
Application essayvery importantvery important
Recommendationsvery importantvery important
Extracurricular activitiesvery importantvery important
Talent / abilityvery importantvery important
Character / personal qualitiesvery importantvery important
Calculate your chances at both →

Frequently asked questions

Is Carleton College or Wesleyan University harder to get into?

Wesleyan University is harder to get into, with a 15% acceptance rate versus 16% at Carleton College.

What's the difference in SAT scores between Carleton College and Wesleyan University?

Carleton College's admitted 75th-percentile SAT is around 1510, and Wesleyan University's is around 1490.

What are my chances at Carleton College and Wesleyan University?

That depends on your full profile. CollegeCalcAI gives a free, personalized estimate for each school in a few minutes.