Colleges that decide on the numbers

At these colleges, the application essay is not a factor in the decision, according to their own Common Data Set. Admission runs on the numbers: GPA, course rigor, and at many of them, test scores and state residency. Many large public universities work this way because of the sheer volume of applications they read.

That is good news if writing is not your strength, and a reason not to over-invest in supplements here. Make sure your transcript and test plan are airtight. See exactly how your numbers read at each one with the chances calculator.

21 schools on this list

Alberta admits 58%

Arkansas admits 74%

Auckland admits 45%

Bocconi admits 35%

Cal Poly SLO admits 28.8%

Cape Town admits 13%

Dalhousie admits 75%

ETH Zurich admits 27%

Groningen admits 85%

Kansas admits 88%

Kyoto admits 28%

McGill admits 46%

Ottawa admits 70%

St. Gallen admits 25%

Washington State admits 87%

Western admits 58%

See your real chances at every one of these.

Build my college list

More college lists

Test-blind colleges 18 Test-optional colleges 165 Colleges that still require test scores 76 Colleges where the essay matters most 77 Colleges that no longer consider legacy 167 Public universities with the biggest in-state advantage 63 The most selective colleges 288 Accessible colleges with high acceptance rates 42 Colleges that track demonstrated interest 31 Colleges that weigh character most heavily 90