Carleton College admitted 22% of applicants for fall 2025 (1,480 of 6,796, Common Data Set 2025-26). Carleton College admitted 35% of early decision applicants (263 of 760). Of the 335 students who took a spot on the wait list, 33 were admitted (9.9%). Carleton College is test-optional for fall 2027.
The numbers
Applied
6,796
fall 2025
ACT, middle 50%
32–35
enrolled first-years
Accept their offer
35%
of admitted students enroll
Application fee
$0
waivers exist
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Can I get into Carleton College?
22% of applicants get in
Grades and essays carry this one; most strong applicants still hear no. The middle half of enrolled first-years who sent scores had 1460–1530 on the SAT.
Likely: even the low end of our estimate is 60% or more, and the college admits at least 25% of applicants. Target: our estimate is 30% or more. Reach: our estimate is under 30%, or the college admits under 15%. Long shot: our estimate is under 12%, or the college admits under 12%. Estimates use the college's admit rate and score range plus your grades and scores. They are not a promise.
6,796 applied, 1,480 admitted, fall 2025 (Common Data Set).
Does Carleton College need the SAT or ACT?Optional
No.
Test-optional for fall 2027. 34% of enrolled first-years sent the SAT. Send your SAT if it's 1500 or higher, the middle of what enrolled first-years scored.
For fall 2025, 263 of 760 early decision applicants got in (35%), against 22% overall. Early decision is binding: if you get in, you go.
We checked Carleton College's admissions site on Nov 8, 2026 but couldn't confirm its fall 2027 application deadlines. Find them on Carleton College's site
Early-round numbers: Common Data Set, fall 2025.
The wait list
675 students were offered a wait-list spot and 335 took one. 33 of them got in (9.9%).
Common Data Set, fall 2025.
What Carleton College looks at
Counts most
How hard your classes were, class rank, GPA, essay, recommendations, activities, talent or ability, character.
Also considered
SAT or ACT scores, interview, first in your family to go to college, where you live, volunteering, work experience.
As Carleton College rates each factor in its Common Data Set, fall 2025.
Questions people ask
What is Carleton College's acceptance rate?
Carleton College admitted 22% of applicants for fall 2025 (1,480 of 6,796, Common Data Set 2025-26).
What SAT score do you need for Carleton College?
The middle half of enrolled first-years who sent SAT scores had 1460–1530. A quarter of them scored higher and a quarter lower, so it's a typical range, not a cutoff (Common Data Set, fall 2025).
Is it easier to get into Carleton College early decision?
For fall 2025, 263 of 760 early decision applicants got in (35%), against 22% overall. Early decision is binding: if you get in, you go. Early applicants often include recruited athletes and legacies, so the gap overstates the advantage for most students.
Does Carleton College take students off the wait list?
675 students were offered a wait-list spot and 335 took one. 33 of them got in (9.9%).
Where these numbers come from
Admit rate and applicants: Common Data Set, fall 2025 (checked Oct 31, 2026)
GPA, early rounds and wait list: Common Data Set, fall 2025 (checked Oct 31, 2026)
Cost, pay and debt: College Scorecard, 2024-25 (checked Oct 31, 2026)
Test rule: carleton.edu, fall 2027 (checked Nov 2, 2026)
