first-year students

First-Year Students

If you are a high school senior or are currently on a gap year after graduating from high school, you can apply to Bryn Mawr as a first-year student.

Application Deadlines

Bryn Mawr accepts Early Decision (fall and winter) and Regular Decision applications. Admissions and Financial Aid applications are due at the same time.

students walking on campus

Early Decision: November 15 or January 1

Applying Early Decision is a binding agreement meant for students with a clear first-choice college.

Old Library

Regular Decision: January 15

Regular Decision is a great option for students who don’t have a clear first-choice college or who may need to compare different financial aid packages.

Application Requirements

We know that you are more than just what you do in the classroom, so we use a holistic review process to get to know the whole you when reading your application. If you are an international applicant, use the international applicant instructions.

To be considered for admission, we require:

  • Common Application
  • Bryn Mawr Writing Supplement (250-500 words, single-spaced)
  • Official transcripts (high school grades 9-12)
  • Two teacher recommendations
  • School counselor recommendation
  • Mid-year report
    • No mid-year report before January 15? No problem. We will still accept your application as long as the rest of your file is complete; however, we will need your mid-year report by February 15 to make a final decision.
    • If you have already graduated, we will need your final transcript.
  • Early Decision Agreement (if applicable)
  • Standardized test results (optional)
  • Interview (optional)
  • Arts supplement (optional)
    • Arts supplements in music, theater, dance, and creative writing can be submitted through the Common Application Art Supplement (SlideRoom).
  • Financial Aid application (optional)
    • If you are interested in institutional, need-based financial aid, you must submit a financial aid application at the same time as your admissions application. If you do not apply for institutional financial aid at that time, you cannot apply in subsequent years.
    • A note about merit aid: All U.S. citizens and permanent residents are reviewed for merit aid at the time of application review. Undergraduate Admissions is responsible for awarding merit aid and any questions should be directed to your Admissions Officer. No additional materials are needed to be eligible for merit aid.

Homeschool and Alternative Education Applicants

Homeschool and Alternative Education applicants must submit these additional items with their application. We reserve the right to require an interview for students who are homeschooled, attending cyber school, or graduating early.

Including all courses taken.

Include syllabi for any self-designed courses.

An explanation of the decision to homeschool from either the student or the parent/guardian.

With evaluator's comments.

Applicants who are graduating early must complete a senior English course before matriculation.

Policies, Practices, and Other Requirements