Every major university comes with its own unique history, but few are as fascinating as that of Villanova University.
Originally founded by Augustinians in 1842, this university’s path winds backward, creating a story as rich as the nation itself. As the oldest Catholic university in the state of Pennsylvania, this establishment has been shaped by its religious culture and patriotic values.
When World War II rocked the nation, Villanova University joined ranks with 131 other major universities in the V-12 Navy College Training Program. To this day, its continued support of the armed forces has earned its placement in the top 100 colleges for veterans.
Though rooted in its history, this is not a college that keeps its eyes on the past.
For years, Villanova University has made a name for itself through its rigorous, world-class business department.
Those who know this university for nothing else are still likely to have recognized the name, which achieved fame through its basketball team. To date, the Villanova Wildcats have earned the spot of NCAA champions on three different occasions, with an overall winning record of 71 to 39.
During study breaks, students are sure to enjoy walking through Stoneleigh garden, lounging through Wissahickon Valley Park, or taking in the nightlife in the city of Villanova.
With all this outstanding university has to offer, it is no wonder that so many students find themselves questioning how to transfer to this legendary establishment!
Read on to find out more about the path that may lead from one college to Villanova University.
Villanova University Transfer Acceptance Rate
The transfer acceptance rate into Villanova is 31.7%, making the competition reasonably steep in the race to switch to this university. When compared to the average college transfer acceptance rate of around 62%, this demonstrates the competitive pull of this particular university.
As one of the top fifty colleges in the nation, Villanova University receives tens of thousands of applications every year. Though the applications pour in, only about 7,000 students make the cut.
Every year, this university grows in fame, and as a result of increasing application numbers, the competition continues to grow steeper with every passing year.
In 2020, this anniversary maintained a 31% acceptance rate, but recent reports show that this number has dropped even further. In 2022, Villanova University accepted only 23% of incoming applicants.
Though the reason for this growing fame is unclear, many believe that it can be connected to the success of the Villanova Wildcat’s groundbreaking success in the 2018 “March Madness” tournament.
When the Wildcats secured the championship, they did more than just excite their long-term fans. They brought national attention to the school, inspiring new generations of upcoming students to join in the buzz.
The incoming group of 2022 applicants would have been only children as they watched this nail-biting showdown, placing them at the perfect age to pick Villanova as the university of their dreams. Now that they have achieved those aspirations, Villanova can afford to be even more selective in their choices.
Only time can tell whether this acceptance rate will grow, shrink, or waver in the coming years. In the meantime, transfer students can increase their chances with a clear understanding of the requirements involved.
Application Requirements & GPA for Villanova Transfer Students
The required GPA for students transferring to Villanova is 3.0, but 4.0 is preferable.
Though the competition for transfer students may be steep, luckily, this university streamlines the process by having all transfer requirements clearly posted on a single page.
The official application must include a full, detailed list of the student’s academic history, including both college and high school scores. This list must include detailed descriptions of the college-level courses the applicant has already taken, which are used to ensure that this student is properly prepared for entry.
Though academic success is certainly enough to provide an advantage, Villanova University takes a “holistic approach” in its acceptance process. As such, it no longer requires SAT or ACT scores.
This “test-optional” approach allows students to place further emphasis on their strengths rather than possible weaknesses. When reviewing applications, proof of extra-curricular activities and volunteer work count towards showing a student’s dedication beyond the classroom.
Though academic achievement is an integral part of this esteemed university, the applications team looks beyond the overall character of the students involved. All transfer students must complete a transfer conduct form to seek approval at this school.
The final steps of the application process include a writing supplement and payment of an $80 transfer fee.
Applications will only be viewed by the team once they are fully completed, a process that may take students some time.
Villanova Transfer Deadline
The deadline to apply to Villanova as a transfer student is June 1st.
As of right now, Villanova is not accepting transfer applications for the Spring of 2023.
Though the idea of a swiftly approaching deadline can often feel panic-inducing, potential students should take their time in this process. In a world where competition between applicants can feel so steep, there are no points to be gained in rushing.
In particular, there can be major benefits from putting extra effort into the crucial “writing supplement” portion of the application.
The writing supplement portion of the application serves as a way for potential students to introduce themselves, allowing them to become more than just numbers on a screen.
Here, hopeful applicants can better tell their story, including what led them to seek an education at this renowned school.
When writing this piece, students must speak as honestly as possible and take advantage of their resources. Though self-editing is important, it can be vastly helpful to have a fresh pair of eyes reread a piece to check for grammar, clarity, and heart.
Potential students can also benefit from learning more about the University’s core values. When writing, speaking to those values directly can ensure that the applicant fully understands what this famed university truly stands for.
What Is the Decision Date for Villanova Transfer Students
Students who have applied to Villanova as transfer students will hear from the school before the Fall semester. All exact dates for transfer students are subject to change depending on their college of study.
Transferring from one university to another is not as easy a task as entering for the first time. The individual fields of study may already be full or even have specific course requirements that place some students higher than others.
For example, because of space limitations, the College of Engineering is currently only accepting electrical engineering majors at the time of this writing.
To be accepted into the Villanova School of Business, applicants should reach out directly to that college for more details, as is the case with the school of nursing.
The College of Liberal Arts and Science only accepts students who have completed a full academic year, meaning two semesters at another college.
Because Villanova University remains dedicated to helping members of the armed forces, veterans follow their own specific transfer process. The Office of Veterans and Military Service Members is available to walk veterans through every step of the process.
Ultimately, there is no “one size fits all” process through which a student can transfer to Villanova University.
However, by keeping an eye on their application using the online application portal, potential students can be sure they have the information they need as quickly as it is released.
Deciding Whether You Should Apply to Villanova As a Transfer Student
Leaping from one university to another is no easy decision. Before a student makes this potentially life-changing choice, they should be certain that they understand all the potential risks and rewards.
For most students, credit transfer is the major aspect of this decision. Villanova University only reviews potential credits after a student has already been admitted. This is done to streamline the application process and ensure that all hopeful applicants have the news they need as quickly as possible.
Though there is no guarantee that credits can be easily transferred from one university to another, hopeful students can get a rough estimate by looking through the academic course catalog.
Regardless of how many credits a student may submit, Villanova only accepts a maximum of 60 credit hours from any other university. Additionally, half of all major courses and the final 30 hours of credit must be taken from Villanova.
Though this process may seem risky, the thousands of applications that Villanova receives every year seem to prove that many find it worth the risk.
In the end, only the hopeful students themselves can genuinely know whether transferring to Villanova University is worth the potential loss of credits.
Recap: How To Apply to Villanova As a Transfer Student
Though the competition to achieve a degree from Villanova University is steep, it is far from impossible.
When looking at incoming students, Villanova considers all aspects of the application. Rather than simply focusing on test scores, they look at the students as a whole.
In addition to looking at the student’s academic history, the Villanova application team examines prior conduct, extracurricular involvement, and overall evidence of responsibility.
The written portion of the application is a fantastic way for a potential student to set themself apart from the competition by reaching out to the heart of their reader.
Before applying, however, students should be aware of the possible risks. Depending on the area of study, their application process may be slightly more challenging than another’s, and not all credits may fully transfer.
These minor risks aside, the history, beauty, and world-class education provided by Villanova University are more than enough to bring tens of thousands of applicants to their door every year.
Between the nature surrounding this historic campus and watching the famed Villanova Wildcats, students have more than enough reason to seek their education at Villanova.
