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College Admissions

Villanova University is a private, Catholic research university in Pennsylvania. With a 20 percent acceptance rate, it's considered moderately competitive —but even that level of selectiveness has an average GPA just shy of 4.0. But acceptance to Villanova isn't just about your test scores and GPA; you'll also need to nail the Villanova supplement essay, rounding out your application with a strong representation of yourself.

In this guide, we'll cover all of Villanova's essay prompts and how to best answer them, including potential topics and pitfalls.

Feature Image: abbike18 /Wikimedia Commons

What Are the Villanova Essay Prompts?

Villanova University only accepts the Common Application . In addition to the required Common Application essay question, you'll be writing additional supplemental essays specifically for Villanova.

Two more supplemental essays are required as part of your application. The first essay, called Villanova Free Choice, gives you five options, and you only have to answer one. You'll have about 250 words to work with!

No prompt is inherently better than the others—pick whichever appeals to you most. Each one is unique to Villanova, and they all add their own flair to the expected essay format.

The second essay is a "Why This College" essay. Essentially, admissions counselors want to know why Villanova is the perfect school for you...in about 150 words, which isn't very much space!

Now, let's take a closer look at these essay prompts and how to answer them.

For the first essay, you'll get to choose which prompt you answer. Read on to make sure you're picking the Villanova prompt that gives you the best chance of getting in!

Essay Prompt #1: Villanova Free Choice

This section gives you five essay prompts. You'll only have to answer one!

The Villanova website suggests that you answer this essay in 250 words even though you have a maximum of 300 words on the Common App. Our recommendation? Keep your response as close to 250 words as possible!

Free Choice Option #1: The Equity and Justice Prompt

St. Augustine states that well-being is “not concerned with myself alone, but with my neighbor’s good as well.” How have you advocated for equity and justice in your communities?

What Is This Essay Asking You to Do?

Essay prompts addressing equity and justice are very common in the college application process. Why? Because equity and justice are core values of many schools! This means that your response needs to show that you value equity and justice too. 

To show that you hold these core values, you’ll need to tell a real story about a time when you advocated for equity and justice in a community you belong to. The community you choose to write about is up to you, but your response should focus on the actions you took to promote the well-being of your “neighbors,” and why.

What Makes A Good Answer?

#1: Focus on your communities. To answer this question well, think about where you come 

from. What communities are you a part of? Who are the people in these communities? Your act of advocating for equity and justice should involve people who you consider to be your “neighbors”--and that ultimately means that your response should be personal. Pick a scenario in which you advocated for equity and justice for people you truly care about. Your passion will definitely shine through in your response!

#2: Explain what equity and justice mean to you. While there's a generally accepted definition of what constitutes "equity and justice," you may have had life experiences that have infused these words with some specific meanings to you. If you have a definition of equity and justice in your own words that you feel is powerful, include it in your response, and explain how you arrived at that definition.

#3: Place yourself at the center of the action. A good response here will highlight how you have been directly involved in or impacted by equity and justice as you understand it. For example, maybe you realized your high school English reading list included no texts written by people of color, so you got with other students to advocate for changes to the reading list. Highlight something you've done or experienced firsthand to showcase how, like Villanova, equity and justice are at the core of who you are.

What Are Some Potential Essay Topics?

In addition to the essay topics above, consider these possibilities: 

• You realized that many students at your school didn’t have a working understanding of what “equity” actually means! You organized a production with your school’s theatre department that put on a dramatic portrayal of what equity looks like in real life. Proceeds from the production went to a nonprofit organization that students in your school collectively chose.
• You worked with the students who are in the top 10 percent of your high school class to offer summer tutoring sessions to lower income elementary school students who struggled with standardized testing.

Are There Pitfalls You Should Avoid?

#1: Avoid shallow answers. This question isn't really asking you to write about the time that someone was left out on the playground and you invited them into your jump rope game. You'll need to think a bit deeper about what "equity and justice" can mean, and you'll have to show that you understand these concepts on a cultural, social, and/or political level. Think about the implications of equity and justice beyond just inviting someone "in" who was on the outside, and your answer will show Villanova admissions that you have a complex understanding of one of the school's core values.

#2: Don’t brag. Yes, you need to make your actions the centerpiece of your response to this question. But don’t exaggerate the effects of your efforts! Just be truthful about what you accomplished and what the outcome was. There’s no need to brag about your advocacy. The facts of your active participation in efforts for equity and justice will speak for themselves in your response.

Free Choice Option #2: The Truest Thing Prompt

What is the truest thing that you know?

Everyone has principles that guide their life, and this free choice essay prompt is asking you to describe one of yours. In about 250 words, you'll need to respond to this prompt--if you choose it--by selecting the one truest thing you know, and explaining how you came to that conclusion.

Now, don't get bogged down worrying about whether Villanova admissions will agree that your "truest thing" is actually the truest: the prompt asks about the truest thing that you know because they want to see what values guide your life to make you who you are. To "justify" your answer, you'll just need to tell the story of how you came to the conclusion that your truest thing is true.

#1: Tell a story. Think about an experience or situation that showcased the truth of the thing you decide to write about. For example, say you decide that your truest thing is Mr. Rogers' claim: "Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping." Maybe there was a situation where your community was hit hard by a natural disaster and you were encouraged by working alongside the helpers who worked to restore your community. Whatever truest thing you choose to write about, telling the story of how you saw the truthfulness of it in a real situation from your life will make this response memorable.

#2: Pick something that 's t otally you. There are probably a lot of things you find to be true that guide your life, but for this response, write about the one that is most likely to showcase one of your core qualities or values. For instance, maybe you've been working hard to practice meditation, and you've become known for your ability to keep calm in tough times. So your truest thing is that through mindfulness, we can find peace in the world around us. Whatever the case may be, write about a "truth" that exemplifies who you are.

#3: Think outside the box. Consider "truest things" that aren't necessarily super serious. Can funny things be true? Can truest things be said with a touch of sarcasm? Yes, and yes. Remember that the point of these free choice essays is to show the person behind the application. As long as you can provide meaningful context for your "truest thing," it's totally fine if yours is funny, ironic, or just kind of kooky.

On top of the essay options above, consider these potential topics:

• You pick a quote from your favorite literary character and tell the story of how that quote became true to you. Maybe that happened through a tough situation with a friend, but it taught you the value of learning from literature...and the insight helped you patch up the situation!
• You tell the story of how you went into a challenging situation believing one thing to be true, but came out on the other side of the situation with a whole new perspective. You explain why that new perspective informs your everyday life choices in the present.

#1: Don't get too cheesy. Your "truest thing" can be something basic to human existence, an ironic quote from Friends, or a principle taken from a philosophical or religious perspective that guides your life, but don't get too cheesy if you're picking a quote. Maybe leave the Dr. Seuss quotes for graduation ceremonies and try putting your "truest thing" into your own words instead.

#2: Don't obsess about finding a quote. Instead of getting caught up trying to think of some pithy quote to talk about, let your memories of meaningful moments in your life guide you to what to write about here. Your "truest thing" doesn't have to be some flowery statement from Bill Gates or John F. Kennedy. You can use your own experiences as your "truest thing," too!

This prompt is all about your relationship with technology!

Free Choice Option #3: The Second Chances Prompt

One of the themes in St. Augustine's book, Confessions, is the idea of redemption. Tell us your story of being given a second chance.

This essay prompt is asking you to explain your understanding of the idea of redemption based on your personal experiences and/or observations.

This question is tied to Villanova's core values, so it's going to be important to them to see that you're a person who has thought through the value of second chances. Telling a story about your experiences with second chances will show admissions counselors that you understand the positive potential of mistakes.

#1: Tell a personal story. The prompt is explicit here: you’re being asked to tell a story about a time you were given a second chance . For instance, maybe you got super busy in high school and neglected your younger sister. When she told you her feelings were hurt, you apologized and made a commitment to spend more time with her. In your response, you could explain how receiving a second chance from a family member taught you that not all hurt is intentional, and you now give others the benefit of the doubt when you're upset.

#2: Reflect on your experience. Like with most of the essay prompts here, you also need to explain what you learned from the experience. Specifically, you need to reflect on what your experience of being given a second chance taught you about redemption. You don’t have to get too philosophical, but you should tie in some explanation of what redemption means to you after being given a second chance in your life.

On top of the possible topics mentioned above, here are two more sample topics to consider:

• You decide to describe your first ever memory of being given a second chance when you were a young child. You describe how that experience laid the foundation for your current definition of redemption.
• You had an experience when you let your team down, but when you came to apologize, the team welcomed you back with open arms. You explain how the experience taught you the transformative power of unconditional love and how second chances make communities stronger.

#1: You forget the personal aspect. Yes, there are plenty of stories about second chances in religious literature and folklore, but chances are that Villanova admissions is already familiar with those stories. You need to tell a story that is more personal or current than that—a real experience or observation of a second chance that has impacted you.

#2: Keep it personal, but not too personal. If you choose to tell about a time that you were given a second chance or that you gave someone else a second chance, don't go too far into the gory details. While you want your response to be genuine and personal, you also want to leave out any details that may put the other people involved in an uncomfortable position.

Free Choice Option #4: The Lessons Learned Prompt

In the Villanova community, we believe that we all learn from one another. What is a lesson in life that you have learned that you would want to share with others?

Do your core values and life choices line up with Villanova's values? If yes, can you prove it? That's basically the crux of what this free choice prompt is asking. Villanova has strong community values that they want to see their future students exhibiting in their own lives. This is your time to show that the lessons you’ve learned in your life have led you to similar values--and that you’re willing to share them with others.

Specifically, this prompt is asking you to tell your story through the lens of a lesson you’ve learned. In other words, you'll need to explain what you learned, how you learned it, and back that up through a description of your real life experiences.

#1: Focus on your background. To answer this question well, dig into your experiences with others in your life. This question emphasizes the idea of learning from your community. Think of a time in your life when you learned something meaningful from a person in your community, whether that’s a friend, mentor, or even someone you didn’t necessarily connect with previously. Use your personal experience as a way to answer this prompt.

#2: Emphasize the experience that taught you the lesson. A good response to this question will show the lesson you learned rather than telling. Did you learn that it’s okay to lean on others when you’re struggling? Did you learn how to find contentment despite difficult circumstances? Whatever you choose to write about, you need to focus on your feelings and actions surrounding what you learned . Delving into the details of the experience that taught you the lesson--and how you felt about it--rather than waxing philosophic about the lesson itself will make a compelling response to this question. 

#3: Pivot to Villanova at the end. Like most of these prompts, this one is asking you to provide some insight into what kind of a student you’ll be at Villanova. This means that part of your response must include your thoughts on why you’d want to share your lesson with the Villanova community. So, think about more universal applications of your lesson. If you were sharing your lesson with fellow students at Villanova, how would you make it relatable to their lives as well?

If you're looking for topic ideas, in addition to the two mentioned above, try these on for size:

• You tell the story of a time when you pushed for a change that would make a policy or experience inclusive of a group who was being left out … but despite your efforts, the change didn’t happen. Then you explain what that experience taught you about how inclusion/exclusion affects people's lives.
• You tell the story of a lesson you learned due to your life circumstances in your home. You explain how those conditions helped form your core outlook on persevering through difficult life circumstances in your response to this prompt.

#1: Avoid cliches. This essay isn’t the place to write about how you learned to never judge a book by its cover or that a penny saved is a penny earned. Don’t invoke idioms or common catchphrases here--they’ll come across as shallow and insincere. The best way to avoid this is to come up with a real example from your life and put what you learned in your own words.

#2: Avoid answers where you aren't an active participant. There have probably been times in your life when you learned something, but you weren’t an active participant in the situation. But this isn't the time to write about situations where you were just a passive observer. Instead, think about a time in your life where you were involved in the action and explain how you participated. This free choice option is your chance to show Villanova that you are willing and able to learn in a wide range of circumstances.

Free Choice Option #5: The Technology Prompt

Augustine's “Miracles are not contrary to nature but only contrary to what we know about nature.” Tell us about a societal issue that you believe the wonder of technology is well-poised to help solve.

This essay prompt is a classic problem-and-solution question, but with a twist: it’s asking you to think of a problem affecting society on a broad scale and explain how you think technology could help solve it. 

This prompt isn’t just for tech experts, though. If you choose this prompt, this is your opportunity to write about a societal issue that you truly care about and use the knowledge you have about technology to imagine a solution . Yes, you want your response to be grounded in reality, but this is also your chance to dream about how real technologies could bring about a better future.

#1: Write from the heart. The best response to this question will be rooted in things you’re already familiar with. Choose to write about a societal issue that’s close to your heart, whether that’s something that affects your local community, a cultural community you’re a member of, or an issue affecting people all over the world. Writing about an issue you truly care about will help your response read as genuine and sincere.

#2: Focus on what you know. The second piece of your response should propose a solution to the societal problem you care about--a solution that involves technology. The technology you propose as a solution to that problem should be something you have experience with in some way. For instance, maybe you’ve spent hours researching cutting edge tech for renewable energy, or you brought a little joy to your high school by doing the daily announcements on TikTok during the COVID-19 pandemic. Choosing an application of technology that you can write about with confidence will make a convincing response to this question.

In addition to the examples above, consider the following possible topics:

• You explain how the limitless connectivity on social networking sites has given you a global perspective on art and culture. You describe how you've connected with other teens from different parts of the world to collaborate on art projects and share them online, and how you would scale this collaboration up for teens around the world.
• You describe how seeing hashtags used in the #MeToo movement and the movement to end gun violence helped you understand a whole new way to create social change. You explain that these examples have motivated you to explore channels for political activism through social media in your own life, and how you would use hashtags to mobilize your peers for political action in the future.

#1: Don't trash social media. Everyone knows that technology has its drawbacks. But this free response question isn't the place to harp on the ethical issues wrapped up in social media. Instead, focus your response on the potentials of social media and other technology to solve real problems.

#2: Don't lose track of your goal. You don't want to waste your response by talking on about all the different ways you use social media and technology in your life. That's not the point of this question. Instead of focusing on technology itself, focus on explaining how a particular condition created by technology could be applied to existing societal problems.

(Sophia J/ Wikimedia )

The "Why Nova" Essay

The second Villanova essay you'll have to write for your Villanova supplement is the " Why This College " essay. Here's the prompt:

Why do you want to call Villanova your new home and how will you become part of our community? (About 150 words)

You'll need to get to know the Villanova community in order to respond to this required essay prompt. In approximately 150 words, you need to do one main thing in your response here: explain what it is about Villanova that makes you want to call it "home."

Since the prompt uses words like "home," "community," and "history," you want your response to show that you've done your research about Villanova . This means that your response should go beyond praising Villanova's great academics or religious affiliation to highlight specific things that you've learned about the school's history, culture, and identity that make you feel like you'll fit right in as a student there.

#1: Go into specifics about "Nova." This prompt is inviting you to show what you know about Villanova by touching on specific aspects of the school that appeal to you . For example, maybe your research revealed that undergraduate students at Villanova can partner with faculty for research projects, and that makes you feel like you'll be welcomed into a community of scholarly collaboration. Think about who you are and who you hope to be at Villanova, then write about one or two aspects of Villanova that make you think, "This is a place where I can achieve my goals."

#2: Explain the why. In addition to describing specific aspects of Villanova's offerings that appeal to you, you want to explain why those things are appealing. For example, maybe you're thrilled to find out that the English department offers an annual Literary Festival, so you explain that that aspect of Villanova is appealing to you because you're an aspiring author. Pairing your "what" with a "why" shows that your decision to apply to Villanova is based on thoughtful reflection.

#3: Connect everything to the future. Picture yourself at Villanova in the context of the things that appeal to you about the school. If you're excited about the Literary Festival, mention in your response that you can't wait to help organize the festival when you are a student. Positioning yourself as an active future member of the Villanova community in your response will help admissions see that you're serious about your education and about Villanova.

In addition to the examples above, here are a couple of potential essay topics:

• Your research reveals that Villanova has come out strong in support of the Black Lives Matter movement. You write about how this stance for justice makes you feel that your dedication to racial justice will be supported by the school when you are a student there.
• Your research reveals that Villanova lives out the Christian Mission by engaging in tangible, ongoing service toward creating a more equitable society. You write about how you feel excited about participating in these efforts as a member of the Nova Nation.

#1: Avoid talking about academics only. This essay is your chance to show that you're attracted to Villanova for more than just its stellar academics. Take this chance to show that "education" means more to you than just sitting in a classroom making good grades. Think about things about Villanova community life that foster learning outside of the classroom and write about them here.

#2: Don't include too many talking points. Yes, Villanova's athletic programs, and their outreach programs, and their undergraduate research opportunities might all be things that draw you to the school, but it's best to pick just one thing here and write about it. This will keep your response from being chaotic and all over the place. Consider choosing the one thing about Villanova that gets you the most excited and go all in for explaining why and how you'll fit into that niche once you get to campus.

Key Tips for Writing the Villanova Essay

Though Villanova's essay prompts are targeted specifically for their school, there are quite a few guidelines you can follow to make your essay strong regardless of what school you're applying for.

Brainstorming doesn't have to be an intensive process. Beginning a project is often the hardest part; taking a minute or five to get a bunch of ideas down on paper, regardless of their quality, lets you get to work without pressure. Take a deep breath, set a timer, and start jotting down as many ideas as you can think of. Once you're done, pick the ones that sound most appealing and move on to the next step.

Now that you have some ideas, you can start spinning them into outlines. Take a few of the ideas that are most appealing to you and start answering the supplemental questions that should come up in your essay. For example, if you're answering the first prompt, you should not only be thinking about your personal experiences with diversity, but also how you hope to support equity at Villanova.

Sketch out a brief plan for each topic. If you find you don't have enough points to make, it's probably not the right idea. Repeat until you have a few outlines to choose from, and then choose the one that you feel strongest about.

Now that you already have an outline, it's far easier to actually write your essay. On your first draft, don't worry too much about staying within the page limit. Don't even worry about word choice or having something you're ready to show somebody else. Just focus on getting all of your ideas down on the page so that you have something to do for the next stage.

Now comes the point where you start taking what you've done and turning it into gold. Editing isn't just about fine-tuning your grammar and spelling ; read your draft aloud to find places where your sentences run on too long, or places where you've used the wrong word. Cut extra words and take out sections that aren't serving your thesis. Be brutal; you can always add things back in if you find you miss them!

Get Feedback

Once you've done a few editing passes on your essay, it's time for the scariest part: showing it to others. Ask a few people who are invested in your success but who aren't likely to be too harsh or overly kind in their suggestions—teachers, coaches, and other authority figures are generally good choices—to take a look at your essay and let you know what they think.

Let them mark up your draft with any mistakes that they find, and set all that feedback aside for a bit. It's a good time to take a break from your essay so that you can come back to it with fresh eyes.

Now that you've had some time away from your essay, it's time to revise. Take all that feedback you received and consider it. You don't have to fix anything that doesn't feel right to you, but do consider why your reviewers may have made that suggestion. Does your essay lack clarity? Could you have chosen a better word? Why are they confused?

Always be sure that your essay sounds like you wrote it, though. Remember: your essay is meant to showcase the things that make you unique. If it reads like every other student's application, it's not working right! If one of your readers has made big suggestions that don't sound like something you'd say, rephrase them until they do, or just don't use them. It's more important that your essay represents you.

What's Next?

A great essay is just one part of a successful Villanova application. Find out what ACT scores and GPA the admissions office is looking for with this handy guide !

If you're seeking financial aid from Villanova, this guide to their tuition and financial aid will help you figure out how much you need and how much you can expect to get .

Though Villanova has some unique considerations for their essays, there are some common tricks and strategies you can use to write your college essay . This guide covers some of the best ways to ensure your application essay is a success!

Melissa Brinks graduated from the University of Washington in 2014 with a Bachelor's in English with a creative writing emphasis. She has spent several years tutoring K-12 students in many subjects, including in SAT prep, to help them prepare for their college education.

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The Handbook shows requirements for FIRST-YEAR students. Non-first-year students should see sidebar archive to view the requirements for their class.

Director: Dr. Anna Moreland, Ph.D. Office Location: 111 Garey Hall Telephone: 610-519-4650 [Website]

Admission to the University Honors Program is by invitation only to incoming first-year students. Members of the Program are expected to take Honors courses at least every third semester, and to maintain high academic standards (at least a 3.33 overall GPA). Individual Honors courses are open to all Villanova students who have at least a 3.33 overall GPA, contingent upon class size limitations. 

DEGREE (30 credits)

The honors degree, thesis track (10 honors courses), requirements:.

At least 3 upper level Honors courses, which will include a six-credit HON 6000 and HON 6002 senior thesis; minimum 3.33 GPA. 

Required Courses:

Three Upper-Level Honors Courses

• HON 6000: Thesis Capstone I
• HON 6002: Thesis Capstone 2
• One three-credit course in HON 2000-20049 or one course with the HON attribute between 2051-5999 level.

Seven additional Honors courses

Seven additional courses carrying the HON attribute worth 3 credits each.  

The Honors Degree, Oral Examination Track (10 Honors courses)

An Oral Comprehensive Examination in the senior year integrates three upper-level Honors courses in a primary major or area of academic interest; minimum 3.33 GPA. 

Seven Honors Courses

• Seven courses selected from HON courses between the 1000 and 5999 level or which carry the HON attribute.

HON 6003 Integrative Capstone 1

Honors Minor (5 Honors courses)

Five courses in Honors, at least two of which must be upper level; minimum 3.33 GPA. The Honors Program also offers upper-level seminars that fulfill degree requirements in specific academic disciplines. All courses are small seminars and have in common active class participation, and intensive writing requirements.   

Two Upper-Level Honors Courses

• One 2000-2049 level course with the HON attribute.
• One 2051-5999 level course with the HON attribute.

Three Additional Honors Courses

• Three courses with the HON attribute between 1000-5999 level worth 3 credits each.

Honors Politics, Philosophy, & Economics Minor (18 credits)

An interdisciplinary minor offered through the Honors Program focusing on the intersection of the disciplines of politics, philosophy and economics. Students may only contract one non-Honors course to complete the minor requirements.  Excluding the 3 Honors Cohort classes, which must be taken at Villanova, students may fulfill two of any other requirements by taking the equivalent course in an Honors-approved student abroad experience.  Students pursuing a PPE minor in Honors may contract only 1 course in total to fulfill the requirements. Students only receive 1 Minor from Honors. If students are pursing the Honors Degree, the PPE Minor would be considered a “track” within their Honors Degree.

To achieve the Honors PPE minor, students must take 6 courses from among the following requirements (minimum 3.33 GPA and active status in Honors required).

3 Honors Cohort Classes

Honors ACS 1: (PPE Cohort)

Honors ACS II: (PPE Cohort)

HON 5700 Colloquia 3

Honors Ethics Elective

ETH 2050 The Good Life:Eth & Cont Prob 3

Honors Economics

Macro, Micro, International, e.g.

Students may also count an economics course during their study abroad semester in Cambridge with permission from the Honors Director. 

Honors Upper-Level Elective

• ECO 3115 Comparative Economic Systems may also be used to satisfy this requirement.
• Students may also count an upper-level elective course taken during their study abroad semester in Cambridge with permission from the Honors Director.

PHI 2300 Philosophy of Law 3

PHI 2450 Catholic Social Thought 3

PSC 2220 International Law 3

PSC 2240 Internat'l Political Economy 3

ECO 3108 Global Political Econ 3

ECO 3126 Amer Econ Development 3

HUM 2100 HIS:The Goods & the Good Life 3

HUM 5950 Citizenship & Globalization 3

Honors Medical Humanities Minor (15 credits)

An interdisciplinary minor offered through the University Honors Program focusing on the intersection of the humanities, medical care, medical ethics, and an holistic approach to medicine.  Students pursuing this minor may contract only one course to fulfill the requirements. Students pursuing a Medical Humanities minor in Honors may contract only 1 course in total to fulfill the requirements. Students only receive 1 Minor from Honors. If students are pursing the Honors Degree, the Medical Humanities Minor would be considered a “track” within their Honors Degree.

To achieve the Honors Medical Humanities Minors students must take 5 courses from among the following requirements (minimum 3.33 GPA and active status in Honors required).

Honors Liberal Arts Elective

Choose two of the following, or:

• Any course within the Honors Interdisciplinary Cohort.

ACS 1000 Ancients 3

ACS 1001 Moderns 3

ENG 1975 Core Lit and Writing Seminar 3

THL 1500 Spirituality & Healing Arts 3

THL 3450 Pastoral Care of the Sick 3

PHI 2117 or SOC 3400

PHI 2117 The Good Doctor 3

SOC 3400 Health, Medicine & Society 3

Honors Senior Capstone

HON 6000 Senior Thesis I 3

HON 5500 Ind Study & Research 3

HON 5506 Ind Study & Res Science 3

Disclaimer: The above program requirements are applicable to students entering Fall 2023 and beyond. Please consult the appropriate archived handbook available on the homepage for years prior to these requirements. In order that programs offered by Villanova University reflect current advances and additions to knowledge and upgraded professional requirements, Villanova University reserves the right to change programs and requirements without prior notice. Students generally are bound to the requirements in effect and published online for the year in which their class begins its first year of study. Special requirements may be in effect for students who have left the University and are being readmitted. Students are advised to check with the web catalog or with their college offices regarding changes that may affect them. Additional academic information may be obtained from the various college offices and the web sites listed for the particular policies, programs and services found in this catalog. 

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How to Write the Villanova University Application Essays 2017-2018

Villanova is a highly competitive research university with an admissions rate of about 40%. On a weighted 4.0 scale, the middle 50% of GPAs range from 4.00 to 4.44 and the middle 50% of test scores are 1360-1480 for the SAT and 31-34 for the ACT.

Beyond the numbers, however, probably the most important thing to know about Villanova as an institution is its deep connection to the Order of Saint Augustine in the Roman Catholic Church. As one of many Catholic universities in the United States, Villanova is proud of its religious affiliation. As their website states:

Villanova University was founded in 1842 by the Order of Saint Augustine. To this day, Villanova’s Augustinian Catholic intellectual tradition is the cornerstone of an academic community in which students learn to think critically, act compassionately and succeed while serving others. Villanova prepares students to become ethical leaders who create positive change everywhere life takes them.

The strength of the Villanova experience comes in part from the University’s welcoming community. All members are bonded together by a shared responsibility to uphold the ideals of Saint Augustine and let the principles of truth, unity and love guide their lives. The Villanova community helps students grow intellectually, professionally and spiritually, and challenges them to reach their full potential.

As this mission statement suggests, Villanova strives to be an inclusive university, no matter what faith tradition its students come from. There are no requirements to attend Mass beyond one convocation ceremony at the beginning of your first year. There are, however, some program requirements that ask all students to engage with the tradition of Catholic thinking like the university’s required “ Augustine and Culture Seminar .” Before applying to Villanova, you should review those course requirements and ask if they seem right for you.

Since this is an article about how to write your personal statement for Villanova, you may have some questions about what role your faith (or lack thereof) should or should not play in your admissions essays. As a general principle it is worth saying that Villanova’s prompts, like those of most applications, are looking to get to know you as a person. If your faith is an important part of your story, you should feel free to talk about it.

If not, keep in mind that Villanova is most interested in those students who demonstrate the capacity to “think critically, act compassionately and succeed while serving others.” You need not write about being Catholic in order to exemplify those qualities.

One final note on word length: For its personal essay, Villanova asks for a “minimum 1 page double-spaced.” While they do not state a maximum word length, you should probably aim for 1.5 pages double-spaced, or 500 words. Longer is not better; the admissions officials have a lot of essays to get through and they will appreciate comprehensiveness and getting to the point.

Villanova Application Essay Prompts

Choose one of the following, minimum 1 page double-spaced.

Essay Option 1

At villanova, we believe that it is our similarities that make us strong, but our differences that make us stronger. please tell us about a relationship that you have with someone who is different from you and how that has changed who you are today..

This is a version of the “diversity” essay that appears on the Common Application in the form of the prompt which asks, “Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful, they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.”

The difference here is that rather than focusing on the particularities of your own background or identity, Villanova’s essay is asking you to reflect on your relations to others rather than just on your relation to yourself. This means that you might very well be talking about your own background, but that you will be connecting that history to the histories of others.

For example, maybe your parents emigrated from Vietnam. If you were responding to the Common Application’s prompt, you might write about navigating a world where you spoke Vietnamese at home and English at school. This essay would focus on your own personal struggles, perhaps the challenges of trying to translate a letter from your school to your parents. But your response to Villanova’s prompt should have a slightly different focus. You might talk about the time you spent as an after-school tutor for a middle school in your neighborhood that serves a large number of Latinx students. How was their experience similar to or different from your own?

Another way of thinking about this essay is to recognize that “difference” can mean a lot of things: not just racial or ethnic identity, but also differences in age, religious affiliation, sexual orientation, musical taste, political beliefs, and ability or disability. Of course, not all of these differences are parallel and equivalent: Musical taste is a matter of your own personal preferences, but a racial identity is something that you are hailed into regardless of your preferences.

If you are Catholic, you could write a meaningful essay about a conversation you had with a Muslim friend about what Ramadan meant to them. When does it sound like they are describing a kind of practice and experience similar to what you feel during Lent? And what is different about how you each live these rituals?

If your aunt uses a wheelchair, you might write about going to lunch with her. What did you learn about how your community helps (or falls short of helping) those with different mobility needs gain access to public facilities.

A few last words: The way this prompt is worded, it might seem to be suggesting you write a narrative where you, an unmarked “normal” person, encounter someone who is “different” and then are somehow enlightened by that encounter. But people who are “different” do not just exist to be constantly educating those whose bodies pass for normal in their communities. A less clichéd and more nuanced essay might focus less on the moment in which you were suddenly enlightened and more on the process of continuous study that you’ve undertaken as part of your relationship with someone who is different from you.

Maybe one of your friends came out as trans and you left that conversation convinced that you needed to do some reading. Perhaps some internet browsing led you to Beatriz Precaido’s book, Testo Junkie. How did that text help you hear what your friend was trying to tell you about the way they experience their body?

Essay Option 2

‘become what you are not yet.’ – saint augustine, when you daydream, who do you hope to become in the future.

The trick to answering this question is to recognize that they are not just asking for your idyll speculations about the future. A strong answer will talk about how your dreams are grounded in your life experience. Remember: When you are writing an admissions essay, you have the opportunity to share something with the admissions committee that they would not be able to get from your grades and test scores. Since Villanova only asks for one essay, you should try to use it to tell them something about your experience.

For example, you might write an essay about how you loved playing French horn in orchestra, and that you one day hoped to dress in a black gown every night and perform in the Walt Disney Concert Hall. But maybe your dreams changed when you spent some time as a volunteer music instructor at your local children’s hospital. Maybe you were not working on the most complicated songs, but you were teaching the children about rhythm and movement, how to sing (somewhat) in tune, and giving them something to think about apart from their sickness. Inspired by the program’s founder, maybe the person you hope to become in the future is one who finds a way to combine music with healthcare, especially for young people.

Another way to approach this prompt is to write about someone you admire.  Maybe you have always looked up to your grandfather who put his life on the line to march with the National Farm Workers Association . If you do talk about someone who you admire (a popular approach to this essay) be sure that you speak about what you have done to start following their footsteps. This is, after all, ultimately an essay about your own dreams. Maybe you have recently marched in support of DACA ? What do you hope to do in order to advance the cause of immigrant rights in the future?

As I mentioned above, just because this prompt begins with a quote from St. Augustine, that does not mean you have to address the religious aspect of your daydreams or hopes for the future. On the other hand, if your faith is important to you, you should not be shy talking about how it helps you imagine “what you are not yet.”

One last note: The prompt may drop in a quote from a philosophical heavy-hitter, but you should not take that as a cue that you should drop in a quote from some fancy person. Admissions officers are tired of reading potential applicants misquote Gandhi as they say that they hope to “be the change they want to see in the world.”

Essay Option 3

Describe a book, movie, song, or other work of art that has been significant to you since you were young and how its meaning has changed for you as you have grown..

This prompt is about more than just your favorite novel. At its heart, this prompt is asking you to tell a story about your own personal development through your relationship to a work of art.

It might be tempting to choose a fancy piece of literature in order to show off your intellectual prowess. But you should not feel pressured into claiming that you’ve read Gravity’s Rainbow every summer since you were eight years old. The admissions committee is more interested in seeing that you are a thoughtful person who is capable of reflecting on how you have changed. If you can tell that story best by writing about Pokémon, Episode 70, “ Go West Young Meowth ,” so be it.

You might say that as a child you were mostly drawn to the flashy drawings and silly cartoons. But maybe when you saw that episode again in your high school years, you were fascinated with how it imagines that an animal might learn to speak “human language.” This might have been one piece of your growing interest in the philosophy of human-animal relations and the different ways that species communicate with each other.

Of course, not everything that we read as a child ages well. One way to approach this essay is to talk about something that you might have once loved, and perhaps still love, but has come to seem more problematic. For one example of what such an essay might look like, you might turn to Daniel Jose Ruiz’s essay on Brian Jacques’s Redwall series. For Ruiz, the fantasy world where mice and badgers were good guys and weasels and ferrets were bad guys was a place where he felt included as a child:

I felt a kinship with the badger characters. They were large, strong, a bit stubborn, with big tempers, but they were good guys and heroes. Redwall seemed to say that I could be a good guy and a hero even though I was big for my age, stubborn, and volatile.

But as Ruiz grew older and read more, parts of the Redwall books called out for critique:

You can do a pretty thorough Marxist reading of Redwall as a parable of the righteous nature of bourgeois property relations. The mice, hares, and badgers are metaphors for the inherent superiority of the ruling class, while the vermin are symbols of the degenerate nature of the proletariat.

In the real world, however, few people just decide to become bandits unless their situation dictates that this is one of the better options for survival. I can’t recall a single time where the [mice and badgers try] to establish a mutually beneficial agreement with the vermin, as opposed to occasional acts of charity that don’t address systemic issues.

However you choose to write about your changing relationship to a piece of art, your focus should be on how you and your interpretation of that work have changed over time. You do not want to get bogged down with lots of plot summary. Notice how, as you read Ruiz’s essay, no sentences are given over to just describing the plot: Every sentence weaves summary and analysis together, with constant references to his own personal story.

Finally, there is one last possibility for how you might approach this prompt that is a little bit more experimental. The prompt asks you to address how your developmental story changed the way you understand a work of art. But what if you reversed the prompt and asked how a work of art changed the way you understood your own developmental story? Perhaps a relevant essay in this vein is Ashon Crawley’s poetic meditation on Barry Jenkins’s Oscar winning 2016 film, Moonlight .

“Sometimes fiction functions to produce memory,” Crawley says, and then goes on to tell the story of how he grew through three different nicknames (Berry Berry, Cookie, and Ashon) parallel to, but not exactly the same as, the film’s main character who is known as “Little,” then “Chiron,” then “Black.”

Even if you end up structuring your essay in a more traditional manner, it is worth noting how Crawley zooms in on precise details that might have been mundane but vibrate with meaning in the force of his prose — a change in email address, a choir membership card, a Walter Hawkins song…

As you respond to Villanova’s prompt, you will not be able to tell the admissions committee every twist and turn in the story of your maturation, but your essay might become bland if you only speak in vague general terms. Ashon slices through this dilemma by focusing on precise details, little snippets from his life, that tell some, but not all, of his story. As you write, it is worth considering what little moments you might choose from your own life’s story to represent how you’ve changed.

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Villanova Honors / Scholarships Discussion

Hey all, Just thought it would be a good idea to post a thread for people that were invited to the Honors College / St. Augustine Scholarship to post their stats here. I received an update on my portal today that I was not offered invitation to the Honors College with a 1540 SAT and 4.3 WGPA. Curious to see who was let in, and what my chances are for the St. Augustine scholarship from here.

where do you see this update?

@marcerino ^

@marcerino , thanks for starting this thread. After I read it I checked my portal and received the same message (that i was not invited to the Honors Program). I applied EA and was accepted, but I did not indicate that I wanted to be considered for the Honors Program. I was nominated by my high school for the Presidential and I wrote and submitted the essays on time. I wonder if this “Honors” announcement means I will not be considered for the Presidential. If anyone has information, please post.

I do not see an update. Where are you seeing this?

For me, right under the “Application Status” box, there is a heading in bold entitled “Honors Update”

Wondering of Honors is linked to St Augustine at all? Did not submit for Presidential- was not aware of it at the time but holding out hope for a St Augustine invitation. Was not asked to join Honors.

I wonder if they are notifying only people who did not receive honors, because my son (36 ACT, 4.14 GPA) did not get any update at all. Unless I am missing something. I see:

Status Update An update to your application was last posted January 11, 2019. View Update >> Verify Address

We clicked everywhere and nothing new. @marcerino I am surprised with your stats you didn’t get in.

@WineLover That very well could be the case. They are supposed to notify people of Honors invitations by the end of January, so my assumption is that he most likely got in if he hasn’t been notified otherwise. Keep us updated and let’s hold out hopes for the scholarship!

@WineLover That sounds likely.

I got in EA with a 35 ACT, 4.26 wGPA and I have not seen an update.

@marcerino same for my son. Not in Honors. I am not sure if that is linked to eligibility for St. Augustine scholarship?

OK, I just looked on the website and we didn’t realize you had to apply to the honors program. That’s too bad because it was not obvious on the common app. I just went back and looked, and it is not clear on the common app how to apply. Was there a separate application for the honors program?

@WineLover - I do not see that anywhere either

Here are the links to the Nova honor program and scholarship application https://www1.villanova.edu/villanova/provost/honors/faqs.html#question_faq_0 https://www1.villanova.edu/villanova/admission/affordable/scholarships.html

OK, so I guess it’s clearly decided DS will not attend Villanova if he did not get into honors. To have to apply is kind of strange when there was not clear indication to do that. And how they would think someone with his stats would enroll without being in honors is kind of strange too. Oh well…water under the bridge. It would be interesting to see if he got the scholarship but not in honors…now that would be an interesting dichotomy.

@WineLover I don’t think you have to apply unless you’re already a current student. It seems perspective students are invited without application: “Students accepted to Villanova University are invited to the Honors Program at the time of their acceptance to the University. Students are strongly encouraged to submit their Villanova applications by November 1. Current Villanova students with a GPA of at least 3.50 may apply for admission into the Honors Program.”

@marcerino Thanks so much for checking that. This is what I found on the Villanova website about prospective students:

“Students interested in Honors should apply to Villanova by November 1 to be considered for the Program. Applicants interested in being considered for the Program must ‘indicate this on the member section of the Common Application.’ Students admitted to Villanova University are invited to the Honors Program within a week of their acceptance to the University. Those not initially invited may request to be added to the waiting list for consideration should space be available after the May 1, 2019 enrollment deadline.” https://www1.villanova.edu/villanova/provost/honors/prospective_students.html

I am unclear what they mean by member section of the Common App, and looking at the application my son submitted, there was nowhere I could see that asked the question about honors program. That is why I think we may have missed something? They also say they are invited at the time of acceptance…and that did not happen. The only other thing I am wondering is whether something would be in the packet.

My S18 was accepted EA to Villanova last year and was not invited to Honors, or invited to apply for St. Augustine scholarship. He was nominated by his school and did apply for the Presidential, but did not make it past the first round. He had very high stats (4.3 wgpa, 36 ACT, NMF,12 APs,…) and good ECs both academic and athletic; he was a very well rounded student. He even contacted Villanova to ask for reconsideration for Honors but was only put on a waitlist.

Villanova totally dropped off his list because of this lack of invitation to honors and scholarship. It had been one of his top choices. I was very surprised by this outcome, and noticed that last year’s threads about honors and St. Augustine showed several students with lower stats receiving both. It must be very holistic and I do believe that my S was your run-of-the-mill Villanova student, outside of his high stats.

Thanks @appalachymom . Can you share whether you had to do anything special on the common app to become considered for honors? That is what is puzzling me. S19 did not get any notification on his portal either way, whereas some students are being notified they did not get into honors. S19 has similar stats to your son. Very strange that your son was not invited to apply for scholarship and not invited to honors. Where did he end up?

@appalachymom Wow, it definitely must be holistic. To me though, an Honors College should be purely about academics. It is a bit odd that people well above the median at Villanova didn’t get invited. My guess is that spots are very limited and it’s much more likely for you to get in after you are enrolled to ensure yield or because they value doing well at their school more than doing well on standardized tests in HS (naturally).

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Villanova University 2023-24 Supplemental Essay Prompt Guide

Early Action/Decision: Nov 1

Regular Decision Deadline: Jan 15

You Have: 

Villanova 2023-24 Application Essay Question Explanations

The Requirements: 1 essay of 250 words, 1 short response of 150 words

Supplemental Essay Type(s): Why , Oddball , Community

Essay #1: Villanova Free Choice (2023-24)

For the first Villanova-specific essay, we have offered a range of topics to pique your interest. We hope to gain a deeper understanding of your thoughts, experiences, and opinions. Choose one of the five topics below and submit a written response in about 250 words.

Prompt 1: St. Augustine states that well-being is “not concerned with myself alone, but with my neighbor’s good as well.” How have you advocated for equity and justice in your communities? 

If you choose this prompt, then social justice is probably pretty important to you. And you don’t have to be a protest organizer to impress admissions here. It can be just as bold to engage in a dialogue with family members from older generations on controversial topics or utilize your creativity to draw informative comics breaking down complex issues for Instagram. If you’re feeling stuck, maybe start by thinking about the topics that are most important to you. What keeps you up at night? Gun violence? Corporate greed? Food deserts? Next, think about what steps you’ve taken in your life to create change, inform, and/or organize. Ultimately, the key to writing an excellent response to this prompt is in the details. Don’t just tell Villanova about something you’ve advocated for recently; tell them why you did so, and maybe even share how you would like to continue engaging with or fighting for equity and justice in the future.

Prompt 2: As an Augustinian community, we believe that you should see people for who they are. Please share with us a time when you were misjudged based on your identity or background.

This prompt will likely stick out to students who know what it’s like to be reduced to one aspect of their background or identity, and odds are, you have a specific memory in mind. As you write your response, you’ll want to make sure you summarize your account as succinctly as possible; that way, you can dedicate most of your words to discussing your feelings and experience. Since you only have 250 words to work with, you won’t be able to write a lengthy thesis on the general public’s preconceived notions about people who appear different from them, but you can reveal more information about your background and experiences. Share what it’s like living in a world where stories are often assigned to you before you have the chance to introduce yourself and offer admissions deeper insight into who you are in the process.

Prompt 3: In the Villanova community, we learn from one another. What is a lesson in life that you have learned that you would want to share with others? 

If you find yourself drawn to this prompt, we’re willing to bet you’ve learned a thing or two in your life that you want to share with others. By all means, lean into your instincts. In order to ace your response, show admissions that you are capable of thoughtful reflection, seeing different sides, adopting a growth mindset, and/or sharing with the world so that others can avoid suffering. Maybe you learned a lesson about the gift of the here and now after losing a relative in an abrupt way. Or, perhaps, you wish to tell your peers, “They’re not judging you! They’re too busy thinking about themselves!” Whatever your life lesson may be, we encourage you to leave some space to share why this lesson is valuable and who you think will benefit from your advice.

Prompt 4: At Villanova, we often say “each of us strengthens all of us.” In a time of personal challenges, how do you borrow from the strength of others? 

Life can be difficult—especially during college when you’re becoming a whole adult—and when it is, we often turn to loved ones for support. Borrowing from the strength of others requires humility and vulnerability, which are wonderful traits for any community member to have. After all, even though the word itself isn’t mentioned, “community” is at the heart of this prompt. Many applicants are likely to think of a beloved mentor who has guided them through periods of hardship in the past. It’s important to remember, as you write, that this essay is about you, so don’t spend too many words describing the actions of others. Instead, showcase your ability to connect, to be inspired, to see yourself as part of something bigger than yourself. Ultimately, the kind of person who can borrow from the strength of others is likely to lend strength to others in times of need and will make an excellent addition to any college campus.

Essay #2: Why Villanova?

Why do you want to call villanova your new home and become part of our community (150 words).

A classic short why essay. This is the time to do some research on Villanova’s course offerings and extracurriculars, and then show admissions why this particular university stands out from the crowd for you. Don’t be afraid to go deep! Beyond the classes and professors in your desired academic department, explore the options for other subjects you’ve always wanted to study. Learn about clubs and special events on campus to get a feel for student life. Read over the school’s mission statement to get to know the community both in and around the campus. You might even want to read up on the notable alumni you admire and provide examples as to how they inspired you to attend! By the time you’re done, you’ll have a whole list of reasons for wanting to call Villanova your new home. Now all you have to do is arrange them. Think about telling a story that illustrates your path to Villanova and shows admissions that this community is the perfect place for you to pursue your degree.

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How to Get Into Villanova: Acceptance Rate & Strategies

June 9, 2023

Sometimes a college’s growing athletic prowess can catapult its popularity, enhance its academic reputation, and lead to an increase in selectivity. Such is the case with Villanova University, a private, Catholic institution located in the posh Main Line suburbs of Philadelphia. Nova’s 1985 NCAA Men’s Basketball title propelled the once-regional institution into the national spotlight; that same team’s titles in 2016 and 2018 helped the university reach a new stratosphere of selectivity. In fact, applications to the university have increased by 30% in one recent five-year period—and the Villanova University acceptance rate, which was close to 50% as recently as 2014, hit 21% for the entering class in the fall of 2024.

Given that the process of gaining acceptance into Villanova becomes increasingly challenging with each passing year, this blog is designed to provide you with data on:

• Villanova acceptance rate 2023
• Villanova’s Early Decision acceptance rate 2023
• SAT, ACT, GPA, and class rank of accepted Villanova applicants
• Admissions trends 2023
• The demographics of current Villanova undergraduates
• Villanova’s yield rate
• How Villanova admissions officers evaluate candidates
• Tips for applying to Villanova
• Nova essay prompts
• How to assess whether applying to Villanova is even worth the $80 application fee (for you)

Many students applying to Villanova may also find the following blogs to be of interest:

How to Get Into:

• Fordham University
• Boston College 
• Georgetown 

Let’s begin with an examination of the most recent admissions data.

Villanova: Acceptance Rate – 2023

The University received 23,721 applications for its 2023-24 freshman class. In targeting a class size of 1,700 students, the Villanova acceptance rate was 20.5%. This was lower than recent Villanova acceptance rates which were as follows:

• Class of 2026: 23%

Villanova Early Decision Acceptance Rate

In putting together the Class of 2026, the university accepted 815 of 1,467 ED applicants. This means that the Villanova Early Decision acceptance rate is 56%. Clearly applying ED gives students a massive edge in the admissions process at this institution.

Villanova offers both ED I and ED II, with November 15 and January 15 deadlines.

Villanova Admissions – SAT, ACT, GPA, and Class Rank

Students admitted (different from enrolled) into the Class of 2027 possessed middle-50% GPAs of 4.20-4.58 and middle-50% standardized test scores of 1450-1520 on the SAT and 33-35 on the ACT. Among those actually enrolled in the Class of 2026, the SAT range was 1390-1480, the ACT range was 32-34. Also, 70% percent of students from the most recent enrolled cohort placed in the top 10% of their high school class.

Admissions Trends & Notes – Class of 2027

• The 23,721 applications received was slightly lower than the previous cycle.
• 50% of those admitted to the Class of 2027 applied test-optional.
• Continuing on that subject, Nova will remain test-optional for the 2023-24 admissions cycle.
• 37% of admitted students to the Class of 2027 were involved in the arts.
• 82% of admitted students played a sport in high school.

Who Gets Into Villanova University?

Let’s look at the demographics of Villanova undergraduates:

Geographically, the breakdown of the Class of 2026 is as follows:

• Mid-Atlantic: 992
• New England: 318
• Midwest: 139
• Other U.S.: 35

As with all selective colleges, those from lower-populated, more remote areas of the country (e.g. Wyoming, South Dakota, and Alaska) enjoy a boost to their admissions prospects.

Only 2% of undergrads are international students. Out of the 42 countries represented in the undergraduate student body, the most heavily-represented are:

Villanova University Acceptance Rate (Continued)

Looking at ethnic identity, the breakdown of the Class of 2026 was as follows:

• Hispanic: 13%
• African American: 6%
• Two or more races: 4%

The breakdown by gender of the Class of 2026 reveals 2% more female students than males.

• Female: 51%

The majority of students at Villanova identify as Catholic. Here is a complete look at the religious affiliation amongst undergrads at this school:

• Catholic: 71%
• Protestant: 9%
• No Preference: 5%
• Unknown: 7%

Nova’s Yield Rate

Villanova University’s yield rate — the percentage of accepted students who elect to enroll, divided by the total number of students who are admitted — was 32% last year. For comparison, schools like Stanford and Harvard were over 80%, and the University of Chicago, MIT, and Yale all sported 70%+ yield rates. Villanova also finished behind other comparable institutions such as Boston College and Georgetown.

How Villanova Rates Applicants

Villanova ranks only three factors as being “very important” to their admissions process: rigor of secondary school record, GPA, and class rank. Rating as “important” are: essays, recommendations, extracurricular activities, talent/ability, character/personal qualities, work experience, and volunteer work. “Considered” factors are: standardized test scores, first-generation status, legacy status, race/ethnicity, geographic residence, state residency, and the level of an applicant’s demonstrated interest.

In the words of Villanova admissions officers themselves, they are seeking students who are “intellectually inspired, morally grounded, and globally minded” and those who have the capacity to be change-makers, chance-takers, and difference-makers. In evaluating your application, the committee promises to take “a holistic approach to reviewing applicants to our undergraduate programs. When we read your application we will consider the complete picture – including your academic performance and rigor, activities outside the classroom, recommendations, essays, life experiences and, if reported, test scores. We want to learn who you are as a student and as a person.”

Tips for Applying to Villanova

If you plan on joining the 23,000+ Wildcat hopefuls for the next admissions cycle, you should know the following:

• There are no interviews offered through the university. As such, you’ll need to use the essays and recommendations to forge a personal connection with an admissions officer.
• Villanova does consider “ demonstrated interest ” so it is critical that you initiate contact with the admissions office, connect through social media, and visit campus or meet Villanova reps at college fairs near you.
• In addition to the Common App essay, make sure to dedicate sufficient time and effort to the supplemental essays required by Villanova University. In the 2022-23 cycle, the instructions/prompts are as follows:

Essay #1: Villanova Free Choice (2022-23)

For the first Villanova-specific essay, we hope to gain a deeper understanding of your thoughts, experiences, and opinions. Choose  one  of the five topics below and submit a written response in about 250 words.

Prompt One: St. Augustine states that well-being is “not concerned with myself alone, but with my neighbor’s good as well.” How have you advocated for equity and justice in your communities?

Prompt Two: What is the truest thing that you know?

Prompt Three: One of the themes in St. Augustine’s book,  Confessions , is the idea of redemption. Tell us your story of being given a second chance.

Prompt Four: In the Villanova community, we believe that we all learn from one another. What is a lesson in life that you have learned that you would want to share with others?

Prompt Five: Augustine’s “Miracles are not contrary to nature but only contrary to what we know about nature.” Tell us about a societal issue that you believe the wonder of technology is well-poised to help solve.

Essay #2: Why Villanova? (2022-23)

Prompt:  Why do you want to call Villanova your new home and how will you become part of our community?

Please submit a written response of about 150 words.

For specific advice on how to address each one of these prompts, visit our blog: Villanova University Essay Prompts and Tips .

Villanova University Acceptance Rate – Final Thoughts 

With Villanova growing increasingly more selective pretty much every year, you will likely need to possess strong SAT/ACT scores, close to a 4.0 weighted GPA, and earn a place in the top 10% of your high school class. Applying ED will provide a sizable edge if you find yourself “on the cusp” from an admissions standpoint. Further, all college-bound teens need to make sure that they formulate an appropriate college list, containing a complement of “target” and “safety” schools. You’ll definitely want to do this in conjunction with an admissions professional (including your own high school counselor). For more, revisit our blog entitled: How Many Colleges Should I Apply to?

• Application Strategies
• College Search/Knowledge

Andrew Belasco

A licensed counselor and published researcher, Andrew's experience in the field of college admissions and transition spans two decades. He has previously served as a high school counselor, consultant and author for Kaplan Test Prep, and advisor to U.S. Congress, reporting on issues related to college admissions and financial aid.

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2024 Commencement Graduate Spotlights

Villanova University graduates think critically, act compassionately and succeed while serving others.

As the academic journey of the Villanova University Class of 2024 draws to a close, we pridefully celebrate the achievements, resilience and profound growth of our graduates. During their time at Villanova, these individuals embraced challenges, expanded their horizons and forged lasting connections within our vibrant community. Equipped with knowledge, compassion and a commitment to service, the Class of 2024 is ready to ignite change and make meaningful contributions to the world.

During the upcoming weeks, we will feature a selection of outstanding graduates and celebrate their achievements as part of the Class of 2024.

Class of 2024 Student Spotlights

Francois d'elia villanova school of business.

Francois D'Elia '24 MSF Master of Science in Finance

Francois D’Elia '24 MSF built upon his undergraduate degree in Finance by pursuing graduate studies at the Villanova School of Business. At Villanova, Francois worked as a graduate research assistant in the Master of Science in Finance Fellowship Program and as an equity research analyst for the Haley Large Cap Fund. After graduation, he will relocate to Washington, D.C., to begin his career as a financial analyst.  

Cody Mitchell M. Louise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing

Cody Mitchell '24 FCN Bachelor of Science (BSN) in Nursing

Cody Mitchell '24 FCN decided to pursue his passion for nursing after working as a care coordinator at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Choosing Villanova to further his education, Cody has exemplified leadership and dedication as a student, being selected as a Conway Scholar, acting as president of the Student Nurses Association (SNAP), and serving as director of the National Student Nurses Association (NSNA). Following graduation, he plans to return to New York City to work as an orthopedic nurse.

Stef Allen College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

Stef Allen '24 CLAS Major: Chemistry

A Goldwater Scholar and Chemistry major, Stef Allen ‘24 CLAS has built a passion for chemistry and its applications in the real world, including how green chemistry can transform agriculture, sustainability and food security—and ultimately impact countless lives. While at Villanova, she was awarded an Undergraduate Research Fellowship and studied abroad in Germany, where her fieldwork in the Swiss Alps fortified her resolve to pursue a research career. Following graduation, Stef plans to pursue a PhD in Inorganic Chemistry.

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