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Villanova

Villanova University

Pick one of five 250-word prompts that turn Villanova's Augustinian values into a question about how you treat people.

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Supplemental essays required

1 of 5 prompts

Word limit

About 250 words

Also required

Common App or Coalition personal statement

AI policy

No AI assistance permitted

What Villanova rewards

Villanova keeps the writing load light but pointed. Beyond your Common App or Coalition personal statement, you write one supplemental essay of about 250 words, chosen from five prompts. That is it: one short piece, your pick of the five. Villanova is test-optional through the 2026-27 cycle, and since more than half of admitted students apply without scores, this little essay does real work.

The catch is that every prompt is really the same question wearing a different outfit. Each one asks how you treat other people. Villanova's Augustinian identity (Truth, Unity, Love) runs straight through advocacy, lending your strength, being misjudged, and calling the place "new home." Pick the prompt where you have the most specific, true story, then tell it like a scene rather than a value statement. Villanova also states plainly that the supplement must be your own work, unaided by AI.

01How you treat people, shown not claimed. Every Villanova prompt circles back to your effect on others. They reward applicants who can point to a concrete moment, a name, a Tuesday, a specific person who was helped or who helped you, rather than a paragraph about valuing community.
02Community as a verb. Villanova's motto is that each of us strengthens all of us. Readers want evidence that you show up for a group and make it better, whether that is a robotics team, a mosque, a shift at a diner, or a sibling. Belonging here means contributing.
03Humility over heroics. Augustinian values prize service that is honest about limits. An essay where you got something wrong, learned, and adjusted often lands better than one where you single-handedly fixed an injustice. Villanova trusts students who can say what they did not know.
04Fit with a faith-rooted ethic, no faith required. You do not have to be Catholic or religious. But you should connect to the spirit of caring for your neighbor. Show that the school's emphasis on the common good matches how you already live, in your own words.

Essay prompts for 2026-2027

1 prompt for Villanova, each broken down with annotated examples.

St. Augustine: advocating for equity and justiceAbout 250 words

St. Augustine states that well-being is 'not concerned with myself alone, but with my neighbor's good as well.' How have you advocated for equity and justice in your communities?

See all 1 prompt and get a read

Your chance

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

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Deadlines

Early Action (non-binding)November 1
Early Decision I (binding)November 1, decision by December 15
Early Decision II (binding)Switch from RD or deferred EA by January 31
Regular DecisionJanuary 15

Cost

Sticker price$82,900
Avg net after aid$41,200
Meets full needMost
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How to get inAcceptance rate, the GPA and SAT profile, and what Villanova weighs most Supplemental essays1 prompt, each broken down with annotated examples Cost & financial aidAverage $41,200/yr after aid · net price by income + calculator InterviewDoes Villanova interview? Format, tips, and practice The Villanova Reader ProScore your draft against Villanova's exact prompts
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Villanova FAQ

What is Villanova's acceptance rate?

Villanova admitted roughly 27.4% of applicants to the Class of 2029. Admitted students cluster in the top of their class (about 87% in the top 10% where rank was reported), with a middle-50% unweighted GPA of 3.87 to 4.10 and, among those who submitted scores, SATs of 1450 to 1520. More than half of admits applied test-optional, so the supplement is a real lever, not a formality. At Villanova, a strong application essay and a well-balanced school list matter alongside your grades and test scores.

What supplemental essays does Villanova require?

Villanova requires 1 supplemental essay 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 Villanova cost?

Villanova's published sticker price is about $82,900 per year, but the average family pays $41,200 after financial aid. Your net price depends on your family income; use the calculator to estimate yours.

Does Villanova require SAT or ACT scores?

Villanova 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 Villanova's application deadlines?

Villanova's application deadlines are Early Action (non-binding) November 1; Early Decision I (binding) November 1, decision by December 15; Regular Decision January 15. Add Villanova to your plan on EssayLens to track its deadlines automatically.

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