Apply to Skidmore College | Top Liberal Arts College in America

You’re taking a major step toward your future, and we can’t wait to learn more about who you are and how you’ll shape the Skidmore community.

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Ready to get started? Explore our straightforward application process, key dates and deadlines, and how we meet 100% of demonstrated financial need for all admitted students.

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The highlights

Before you dive in, here are a few things to know:

Standardized tests? Totally optional.
No supplemental essays. What you see is what you get.
Just the CSS Profile to be considered for Skidmore aid.
Need more time? Deadline extensions are possible — just reach out.
You have seven days after you apply to upload your supporting materials.

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The paths

We offer three application options to fit your timeline and goals: Early Decision I (Nov. 1), Early Decision II (Jan. 8), Regular Decision (Jan. 8). If Skidmore is your first choice and you're ready to commit, Early Decision could be the perfect fit. Either way, we can’t wait to read your application.

Dates and deadlines

	EDI	EDII	RD
Application	Nov. 1	Jan. 8	Jan. 8
Supporting materials*	Within one week of deadline	Within one week of deadline	Within one week of deadline
Financial aid**	Nov. 8	Jan. 15	Jan. 15
Quarter grades	Nov. 22	Jan. 22	N/A
Mid-year grades	March 1 if enrolling	March 1 if enrolling	Feb. 10
Decision notification	Mid-December	Mid-February	Mid-March
Reply deadline	Early January	Late February	May 1
Final transcript	July 15	July 15	July 15
Verified test scores (if submitted)	July 15	July 15	July 15

*Required supporting materials: school report, two academic teacher recommendations, official transcript.
**For financial aid applicants, Skidmore requires the CSS Profile by the deadlines above, and then the FAFSA only upon enrollment. International financial aid applicants may either submit the CSS Profile or complete the International Student Financial Aid application form in their Skidmore Applicant Portal.

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Who are we looking for?

Students who will thrive in — and enrich — Skidmore’s creative, evolving community. We read every application like a story, taking a holistic view of your academics, experiences, challenges, and goals. No two Skidmore students are alike — and that’s exactly the point. Be yourself. That’s who we’re excited to meet.

Additional Information

First, you’ll get a confirmation email. Once we’ve processed your application, you’ll receive login details for the Skidmore applicant portal — your go-to spot to track materials, check your status, and (when the time comes) see your admission decision.

We offer two tools to help estimate your Skidmore costs and eligibility for need-based financial aid. Use the Quick Cost Estimator as a tool for general estimates. Use the Net Price Calculator for in-depth estimates.

Skidmore has been test-optional since 2016 and does not require SAT or ACT scores. You can choose to submit scores if you feel they best represent your academic potential, but we do not make assumptions about why some students submit scores and others do not. Every applicant is given equal consideration through our holistic review process.

If you choose to submit scores, you can self-report them by:

Including them on the Common Application, Coalition Application, or QuestBridge Application
Emailing a screenshot or PDF of your Student Score Report to admissions@skidmore.edu (your name must be visible)
Submitting the self-reported scores form in your applicant portal

If admitted, you must provide verified scores upon enrollment that match your self-reported scores.

Prospective majors for art, music, or dance are not required to submit a portfolio. If you choose to submit a portfolio, it must be uploaded through your Skidmore Applicant Portal within a week of the application deadline for your round.

Hungry for adventure? Consider applying for the First-Year Experience in London, an opportunity to spend your first semester immersed in the historical and cultural riches of England's capital city. Learn more.

Student perspectives

Real students share their real reasons for applying to Skidmore.

Meet Ankit

Ankit, who is from Nepal, felt at home at Skidmore from day one because of the welcoming first interactions he experienced.

Read the story

Meet Milo

Early Decision applicant Milo was looking for a college where he could immerse himself in the sciences while exploring other interests.

Read the story

Meet Christianna

Christianna was drawn to Skidmore's Dance Department and then discovered there was even more for her to explore.

Read the story

Meet Konika and Grace

Grace and Konika both applied Early Decision to play tennis at Skidmore, but what they didn’t expect was becoming best friends, All-Americans, and regional champs along the way.

Read the story

Meet Moses

Moses explains why he decided to transfer to Skidmore and how it fits into his plans to become a doctor after graduation.

Read the story

Meet Liz

For Liz, choosing Skidmore came down to a strong psychology program, a welcoming tour, and the small (but not too small) student body.

Read the story

Study guide

We’ve prepared a downloadable application and aid guide for you to save on your phone, hang on your fridge, or frame wherever you put things you don’t want to forget!

Download your copy