In the game of higher education superlatives, Villanova University takes the cake for “most improved.” We’re not kidding: just looking at the acceptance rate data for this private Catholic research university shows a dramatic hike in selectivity. And as those who calculate US News college rankings will happily tell you, a low acceptance rate goes a long way toward increasing the prestige of any given institution.

But don’t take it from us. Take it from the statistics themselves:

Villanova Acceptance Rate Over 10 Years

Villanova Graduating Class	Acceptance Rate
Class of 2019	49.33%
Class of 2020	47.89%
Class of 2021	43.50%
Class of 2022	36.00%
Class of 2023	29.22%
Class of 2024	28.24%
Class of 2025	30.66%
Class of 2026	25.00%
Class of 2027	23.39%
Class of 2028	25.12%

A mere ten or so years ago, Villanova routinely admitted just shy of half of their applicants. While this certainly didn’t put them anywhere near the ranks of the most highly selective schools in the country, the acceptance rate was nothing to write off either. But over the next ten years, this rate would drop precipitously (by 50%!), down to the current average acceptance of roughly one out of every four applicants.

Explaining Villanova University’s Stark Decline in Acceptance

Don’t get us wrong. Decreasing acceptance rates have been observed at nearly all colleges in the United States — a troubling trend that leaves many families understandably worried about their children’s admissions prospects. But a 50% decline in acceptance in ten short years? That’s still an anomaly. And we at Ivy Coach are not the only ones who noticed.

In a piece in The Villanovan, Villanova’s student-run newspaper, entitled “What’s The Deal With Villanova Admissions?,” Colin Nemeth examines this very question. Here’s the conclusion he comes to:

“Over the last 10 years, goal class sizes have not changed and stay at around 1,700 students. The disproportionate increase in students applying and the stagnant target class sizes are the significant reasons acceptance rates have fallen. So the real question is, why are applicant sizes increasing? 

The national reputation for Villanova has become increasingly significant, with academics at the forefront. It is most likely because the basketball team is making major strides in national championships, but culture is evolving on campus in other ways.”

While we can’t say for sure whether it’s because of the basketball team or some other unknown factor, we won’t shy away from the fact that Villanova is now a force to be reckoned with when it comes to elite college admissions. It’s harder than ever to secure admission to this Augustinian college located in the blooming suburbs of Philadelphia. But that’s where Ivy Coach comes in.

Ivy Coach’s Assistance With Admission to Villanova University

Ivy Coach’s crystal ball, renowned for its accuracy in predicting college admissions, gave us a sobering answer when we asked if it would ever get easier to get into Villanova. Unfortunately, for those aspiring to don the school’s navy blue and white, the answer was a resounding ’no.’ The admissions process at Villanova is only getting more challenging each year.

Fortunately, your road doesn’t have to end there. Ivy Coach’s team of former elite college admissions officers have a strong track record for helping our students earn acceptance to Villanova by harnessing the power of a singular hook. A singular hook is something all of Ivy Coach’s package students exhibit on their application. It’s the unique way they have changed the world by pursuing their particular passion, cause, or discipline. Let us work with your child to help them develop a singular hook that signals to Villanova admissions officers that their values align with the Augustinian Catholic values upon which the university was founded and that they’re worth admitting even when more and more competitive applicants face rejection.

If you want to start with us, fill out our complimentary consultation form. We’ll then be in touch with an outline of our game plan for optimizing your child’s odds of admission to Villanova.