Application Components & Policies

Application Platforms & Fee

Colby accepts the Common Application, Coalition, or QuestBridge Application.

No application fee is charged. 

Academic Records

A high school transcript and a secondary school report from a school official are required.

Competitive applicants typically complete a minimum of 20 core academic units, including:

4 years English

3 years Mathematics

2 years Laboratory Science

2 years History/Social Science

2 years College-prep electives 

Letters of Recommendation

Required: one counselor recommendation and two teacher recommendations.

Additional letters are accepted but optional. 

Standardized Testing

Colby is test-optional. SAT/ACT scores are not required, but you may submit them if they strengthen your application.

They superscore SAT and ACT results.

English Proficiency for Non-Native Speakers

If English is not your first language or the primary language of instruction, you must submit results from:

TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test (DET)

Colby accepts MyBest (superscore) from TOEFL and allows video interviews via platforms like Vericant and InitialView. 

Academic Profile & Selectivity

Highly Competitive

Average weighted GPA: approximately 4.04+, indicating students often top their class. 

Typical standardized scores:

SAT (mid-50%): 1450–1530 (average ~1465)

ACT (mid-50%): ~32–34 (average ~33) 

Selectivity

Colby’s acceptance rate is extremely low—6% for the Class of 2027. 

Deadlines & Application Pathways

Admission Options

Early Decision I: Deadline November 15 (financial aid due same day)

Early Decision II & Regular Decision: Deadline January 3 (financial aid due January 17).