Skidmore has offered admission to a select group of students from a record 8,700 applicants seeking membership to the Class of 2018. 

Skidmore College broke another record this year when it received nearly 8,700 applications for the Class of 2018, a five percent increase over last year and 50 percent higher than the College’s previous record pool. With an acceptance rate of 37 percent, the expected class size is 675, including 38 students enrolling in the College’s First Year London Program. 

The increase in applications was especially significant among international students with more than 1,700 applications, a 15 percent hike over the previous year. Applications from domestic students of color and international students also reached record highs.  While last year about 30 percent of the domestic applications were from students who self-identified as students of color, this year that percentage is 34 percent. 

“I am delighted by the growth in the number of applications to Skidmore,” said Mary Lou Bates, vice president and dean of admissions and financial aid. “I think it speaks to the strength and breadth of Skidmore’s academic program, and I also believe it tells us that the college appeals to a smart, talented group of applicants from around the world. I look forward to meeting many of these students in the weeks ahead, as they and their families visit the campus during Accepted Candidates Days.” 

Those admitted to the Class of 2018 hail from 45 states (plus Washington, D.C., the Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico) and 61 countries. Nearly 22 percent self-identified as students of color and 12 percent are international.  

The College noticed an increased demand for financial aid from early decision students. Eligible admitted students were offered, on average, nearly $32,000 in Skidmore grant and scholarship assistance. Approximately 42 percent of the enrolled Class of 2018 is expected to be grant recipients, according to Bates.

This year’s Discovery Tour, an overnight program that showcases academics, student life, and interculturalism for students from traditionally underrepresented backgrounds, also broke a record. Nearly 160 students from 25 states will take part in the program, scheduled Wednesday through Friday, April 9-11.

To help all students decide, Skidmore is hosting three Accepted Candidates Days in April. The program invites accepted candidates and their families to tour the campus and Saratoga Springs; meet future classmates; interact with faculty, coaches and staff; and sample what Skidmore has to offer in the sciences, arts, sports, and student clubs.

Accepted students have until May 1 to commit.