Washington and Lee University admitted 14% of applicants for fall 2025 (1,214 of 8,963, Common Data Set 2025-26). Washington and Lee University admitted 28% of early decision applicants (289 of 1,048). Of the 604 students who took a spot on the wait list, 2 were admitted (0.3%). Washington and Lee University is test-optional for fall 2027.
The numbers
Applied
8,963
fall 2025
ACT, middle 50%
33–34
enrolled first-years
Accept their offer
41%
of admitted students enroll
Application fee
$60
waivers exist
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Can I get into Washington and Lee University?
14% 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 1430–1530 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.
8,963 applied, 1,214 admitted, fall 2025 (Common Data Set).
Does Washington and Lee University need the SAT or ACT?Optional
No.
Test-optional for fall 2027. 24% of enrolled first-years sent the SAT. Send your SAT if it's 1480 or higher, the middle of what enrolled first-years scored.
For fall 2025, 289 of 1,048 early decision applicants got in (28%), against 14% overall. Early decision is binding: if you get in, you go.
Closed
Early decisionBinding
Was due Nov 1, 2026
56days
Early decision IIBinding
Due Tuesday, Jan 5, 2027
56days
Regular decision
Due Tuesday, Jan 5, 2027
Early-round numbers: Common Data Set, fall 2025.
The wait list
1,274 students were offered a wait-list spot and 604 took one. 2 of them got in (0.3%).
Common Data Set, fall 2025.
What Washington and Lee University looks at
Counts most
How hard your classes were, recommendations, activities, character.
Also considered
Class rank, GPA, SAT or ACT scores, essay, interview, talent or ability, first in your family to go to college, A parent or relative went there, where you live, state residency, volunteering, work experience, showing interest (visits, emails).
As Washington and Lee University rates each factor in its Common Data Set, fall 2025.
Questions people ask
What is Washington and Lee University's acceptance rate?
Washington and Lee University admitted 14% of applicants for fall 2025 (1,214 of 8,963, Common Data Set 2025-26).
What SAT score do you need for Washington and Lee University?
The middle half of enrolled first-years who sent SAT scores had 1430–1530. 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 Washington and Lee University early decision?
For fall 2025, 289 of 1,048 early decision applicants got in (28%), against 14% 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 Washington and Lee University take students off the wait list?
1,274 students were offered a wait-list spot and 604 took one. 2 of them got in (0.3%).
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)
