Allegheny College

At Allegheny College, we invite our students not to limit themselves — but instead to explore all of their interests.

Every Allegheny student takes courses in each division of knowledge — humanities, natural sciences, and social sciences — declaring both a major and a minor (outside the division of their major) by the end of their sophomore year.

Students combine their interests and expand their concentrations beyond one division, developing the sort of big-picture thinking that is in high demand in today’s global marketplace.

Our Mission

Allegheny’s undergraduate residential education prepares young adults for successful, meaningful lives by promoting students’ intellectual, moral, and social development and encouraging personal and civic responsibility. Allegheny’s faculty and staff combine high academic standards and a commitment to the exchange of knowledge with a supportive approach to learning. Graduates are equipped to think critically and creatively, write clearly, speak persuasively, and meet challenges in a diverse, interconnected world.

Statement of Community

Allegheny students and employees are committed to creating an inclusive, respectful and safe residential learning community that will actively confront and challenge racism, sexism, heterosexism, religious bigotry, and other forms of harassment and discrimination. We encourage individual growth by promoting a free exchange of ideas in a setting that values diversity, trust, and equality. So that the right of all to participate in a shared learning experience is upheld, Allegheny affirms its commitment to the principles of freedom of speech and inquiry, while at the same time fostering responsibility and accountability in the exercise of these freedoms. This statement does not replace existing personnel policies and codes of conduct.

Admission Criteria

The Admissions Committee thoroughly reviews every completed application file. The admissions process is a holistic one. No single grade, factor, or score will automatically gain or deny a student admission to Allegheny.

• Rigor of high school classes: Classes attended and the grades earned (four years of English, three years each of science, math, and social studies typically required) are considered strongly by the admissions committee. Those individuals who elect more than the minimum number of subjects are considered to have stronger entrance credentials. Honors or AP classes are recommended, as well as foreign languages if the school offers such levels.
  Credit and/or placement awarded for AP scores of 4 or 5, or equivalent scores on CLEP, IB, or British A-Level exams. Allegheny also accepts most “College in High School” credits.
• High school grades/GPA: Grade trends and rigor of course selection, in the context of courses offered at your high school, are considered when reviewing transcripts.
• School/community activities: Allegheny prides itself on having a very active student body. It is important to us that candidates for admission are academically talented and also involved in their school and/or community. Family commitments such as caring for siblings or other relatives are considered ways of demonstrating leadership and involvement.
• Recommendation: from a teacher of an academic subject or school counselor and School Report (from your school counselor). You may also submit a letter from a pastor, coach, employer, but these are not required.
• Personal essay: Show off your writing and tell us more about yourself.
• Supplemental materials: We’re often asked about portfolios from intended art majors and auditions from potential music and theatre majors. These are not required during the application process, but if you’d like to submit pieces of your work (slides, an audio tape, a video tape), we’d be happy to forward them to our faculty members to evaluate as part of your application. Materials can be returned upon request.
• SAT or ACT scores: Allegheny embraces the concept that standardized test scores do not exclusively reflect a student’s full range of abilities or potential to succeed in college.
• Admissions interview (on-campus or online): Prospective students and their families are strongly encouraged to visit the Allegheny campus to appraise the College’s educational programs, campus atmosphere, and physical facilities. Although a meeting with a member of the Admissions staff is not a requirement, this conversation can provide both the student and the College with a deeper insight into the character and personality of each other. Meetings with members of the faculty or with other members of the Allegheny community can also be scheduled upon request.