This college guide uses the most recent data available provided by the U.S. Department of Education. This information was last updated on April 25th, 2023.
Whittier College Admission Requirements Guide
Whether you’re just starting to consider Whittier College as an option or are well into the application process, this guide will provide a comprehensive overview of the Whittier College undergraduate admission requirements. After reading this guide, you will understand what needs to be done to maximize your chances of being admitted to this institution’s undergraduate program.
Whittier College Acceptance Rate
For the most recent class, the Whittier College acceptance rate was 82.49%. While odds of being accepted into this university are favorable, it is still important to follow the admission requirements. Neglecting to include even one required component could result in Whittier College discarding your application without offering you a chance to resubmit. On that note, let’s discuss these key requirements.
Whittier College GPA Requirements
Every high school has its own method of constructing students’ grade point averages (GPA). Some secondary schools use a weighted GPA system, where they take into account the rigor of honors courses and weigh them more heavily, and others use an unweighted GPA system, in which letter grades all carry the same weight regardless of the course’s difficulty.
To level the playing field, schools often compare applicants through their unweighted GPA and consider the number of honors and advanced courses separately. This is how Whittier College typically conducts its college application review process.
Whittier College Average GPA
When looking at undergraduate students who were most recently admitted, the Whittier College average GPA is 3.5. Although there are no GPA requirements for admission, it is strongly recommended that prospective students aim for at least a 3.5 to give themselves an adequate chance of being accepted into Whittier College.
Whittier College SAT Score Requirements
The SAT is a standardized test that measures college readiness and educational foundation. The SAT has been used for nearly 100 years to test prospective students in mathematics, reading, writing, and language. Here are the SAT metrics to take into account when applying to Whittier College.
Whittier College Average SAT Scores
When looking at the undergraduate students who were in the most recently admitted class, the average Whittier College SAT Score was 1232.
Here is the range of Whittier College SAT scores segmented by the three sections of the test: Critical Reading, Math, and Writing.
SAT Scores of Undergraduate Students Recently Admitted to Whittier College: | |||
| 25th Percentile | Median | 75th Percentile | |
| Critical Reading | 590 | 635 | 680 |
| Math | 530 | 595 | 660 |
| Writing | 450 | 505 | 560 |
Whittier College's SAT Score Choice Policy
Whittier College does accept the SAT ‘Superscore’ policy. This means that applicants who have taken the SAT several times may submit their best scores for each section, rather than submitting every full report. For example, if you received a higher score on your Reading section during your first test, but received a higher score on the Mathematics section on your second test, you may combine these scores for a comprehensive ‘Superscore’.
Whittier College ACT Score Requirements
The ACT was founded in 1969 and serves as another college readiness measurement tool. The four subject areas are: English, mathematics, reading, and science. Here are the details regarding Whittier College’s ACT Requirements.
Whittier College Average ACT Scores
When examining the most recently accepted undergraduate class, the median ACT Score for Whittier College is 26.
Here is an updated range of Whittier College ACT scores segmented by the three sections of the exam: English, Math, and Writing.
ACT Scores of Undergraduate Students Recently Admitted to Whittier College: | |||
| 25th Percentile | Median | 75th Percentile | |
| English | 22 | 27 | 31 |
| Math | 19 | 23 | 27 |
| Writing | |||
Whittier College's ACT Score Choice Policy
Whittier College allows individuals to submit their ACT ‘Superscore’. This means that they are able to select and combine their best subject scores across multiple tests.
Whittier College Application Requirements
Does Whittier College Use the Common App?
Like most major U.S. schools, Whittier College does use the Common Application for their admissions process. The Common App is a unified application that prospective students use to apply to undergraduate colleges and universities. It allows applicants to use a single application that can be sent to as many colleges as they apply to, instead of repeatedly inputting the same demographic and academic information per school. Whittier College may request additional materials, such as supplemental essays and questions, but the primary application structure remains the same.
Does Whittier College Require Letters of Recommendation?
Whittier College does not require a letter of recommendation from a teacher. Even though it’s not required, you are allowed to submit a teacher recommendation letter as supplemental material in your application. It is highly recommended that you do so, especially if you have a strong relationship with a teacher who is willing to attest to your academic and interpersonal skills.
Whittier College Application Checklist
See our application checklist for Whittier College below to ensure you complete and submit the proper materials.
Required Application Materials:
- Completed Common App
- Standardized Test Scores, such as the SAT or ACT
- Personal Statement (College Essay)
- Whittier College Application Fee or Fee Waiver
- Academic Transcripts (at the time of submission and when senior year first semester grades are released)
Optional Application Materials:
- Additional Recommendation Letters (Teacher Evaluations)
Whittier College Facts & Frequently Asked Questions
Is Whittier College Public or Private?
Whittier College is a private, non-profit university. Private universities’ primary sources of funding are through tuition, donations, and endowments. Although tuition may be higher at these nonprofit institutions, generous financial aid packages are more common than public schools. Tuition rates do not differ between in-state and out-of-state students.
How Many Students Does Whittier College Have?
Whittier College is known for having a smaller student body. Our latest data indicates there are 1321 undergraduate degree-seeking students enrolled. With a fewer students in each classroom, individuals are able to engage more with their classmates and professors. Office hours are accessible, and opportunities for networking and relationship-building are vast at Whittier College.
How do I apply to Whittier College?
Make sure you have all of the required application materials we covered on hand. You can learn more about the application process for this particular institution at Whittier College’s Website.
Where is Whittier College?
Whittier College is located in Whittier, CA. To visualize where Whittier College’s campus is based in relation to Whittier’s downtown area and landmarks, take a look at the interactive map below.
Whittier College Campus Map
Final Thoughts on Applying to Whittier College
Hopefully this guide helped you to learn more about the admissions requirements for Whittier College. When applying to colleges, remember to keep in mind that not every school will be a good fit. Take the time to evaluate what’s most important to you, such as the school’s academic opportunities, financial aid benefits, and location. All of the application components we covered are important – take your time to put your best foot forward. The College Grid team wishes you the best of luck on your college applications!
Sydney Janssen
As a valedictorian in high school, I developed a strong passion for learning and pushing myself to achieve academic success. Now, as a first-generation college graduate, I'm excited to share my experiences and insights with others who may be navigating similar paths through College Grid.