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Haverford College

Two short essays, one big idea: show Haverford you can think hard and live by an honor code worth trusting.

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Required supplemental essays

2

Word limit (each)

150-200 words

Plus the Common App essay

650 words

Testing policy

Test-optional

What Haverford rewards

Haverford asks for two required supplemental essays of 150-200 words each, on top of your 650-word Common App personal statement. One is about an idea that genuinely excites you and how you would chase it at Haverford. The other is about community and values, anchored in Haverford's famous Honor Code. Haverford is test-optional, so these short answers carry real weight.

The challenge is compression. Two hundred words is barely four paragraphs, and Haverford uses them to learn how you think and how you treat other people. Vague enthusiasm reads as filler here. The students who get in sound like specific humans with real curiosity and a real sense of how they want to live alongside others.

01Genuine intellectual hunger. Haverford is a small college built around close, demanding academic relationships. The first prompt rewards real curiosity about a topic, not a resume of achievements. Show the question that keeps you up, and show that you have actually started chasing it.
02Trust and integrity, lived not preached. The Honor Code is not a marketing line at Haverford. Students self-schedule exams and resolve conflicts through trust. The community essay rewards applicants who understand that integrity is a daily practice, and who can point to a time they actually lived it.
03Specificity over polish. In 150-200 words, a single concrete detail beats three abstract sentences. Haverford readers notice when you name a real book, a real conversation, a real Haverford resource. Generic praise of the school's reputation does nothing.
04Fit with a collaborative, non-competitive culture. Haverford values students who lift others up rather than elbow them aside. Essays that show generosity, openness to disagreement, and a willingness to be changed by other people land well here.

Essay prompts for 2026-2027

2 prompts for Haverford, each broken down with annotated examples.

Intellectual curiosity + Why Haverford150-200 words

Tell us about a topic or issue that sparks your curiosity and gets you intellectually excited. How do you hope to engage with this topic or issue at Haverford?

Community and values (Honor Code)150-200 words

We have highlighted for you some of the values that shape the Haverford community. What are some of the values you seek in your next community? How do Haverford's values, as demonstrated through our Honor Code, resonate with you?

See all 2 prompts and get a read

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Add your GPA, test scores, and profile to estimate your odds at Haverford and build a balanced list.

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Deadlines

Early Decision INovember 15
Early Decision IIJanuary 5
Regular DecisionJanuary 10
Testing policyTest-optional

Cost

Sticker price$93,116
Avg net after aid$25,153
Meets full needYes
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Explore Haverford
How to get inAcceptance rate, the GPA and SAT profile, and what Haverford weighs most Supplemental essays2 prompts, each broken down with annotated examples Cost & financial aidAverage $25,153/yr after aid · net price by income + calculator InterviewDoes Haverford interview? Format, tips, and practice The Haverford Reader ProScore your draft against Haverford's exact prompts
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Haverford FAQ

What is Haverford's acceptance rate?

Haverford is highly selective, admitting roughly 14 percent of applicants overall, with Regular Decision closer to 10 percent and Early Decision around 28 to 30 percent. It is test-optional, so scores are one input among many rather than a gate. At Haverford, a strong application essay and a well-balanced school list matter alongside your grades and test scores.

What supplemental essays does Haverford require?

Haverford requires 2 supplemental essays on its application. On EssayLens each prompt is broken down with annotated examples, and you can get a free admissions-style read of your draft against the exact prompt.

How much does Haverford cost?

Haverford's published sticker price is about $93,116 per year, but the average family pays $25,153 after financial aid. Your net price depends on your family income; use the calculator to estimate yours.

Does Haverford require SAT or ACT scores?

Haverford is test-optional: you can apply without SAT or ACT scores, and strong scores are just one factor among many when you do submit them.

When are Haverford's application deadlines?

Haverford's application deadlines are Early Decision I November 15; Early Decision II January 5; Regular Decision January 10; Testing policy Test-optional. Add Haverford to your plan on EssayLens to track its deadlines automatically.

Campus photo via Wikipedia.

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