Admission Standards
Stonehill was founded in 1948 by the Congregation of Holy Cross, and our mission calls upon us to honor human difference and value the inherent dignity of each person. As admission professionals, we recognize that every student has a unique background and circumstances that impact their academic and co-curricular record. We are committed to putting your individual application into the proper context as we aspire to enroll students who will build and maintain an honest, just and compassionate community.
Stonehill is a community that believes success is best defined by our impact on others. 58% of the Class of 2023 was involved in community service or volunteer work while in high school. (Photo of Stonehill students on service trip in Arizona.)
Primary Factors Considered in Our Review
Our review will include a look at the courses you have taken in each subject area within the context of what your high school offers. The curriculum you have completed must meet both the general requirements of a college preparatory program and the particular requirements of Stonehill College. Most successful applicants have prepared for the rigors of Stonehill by taking a demanding college preparatory program in high school including:
- 4 units of English
- 4 units of mathematics
- 3 units of science
- 3 units of foreign language
- 4 combined units of history, political science and social sciences
In addition to these units, 2 academic elective subjects should be taken.
A student's application cannot be acted upon until the Office of Undergraduate Admission receives an official high school transcript including course grades for grade 9, grade 10 and grade 11 for Early Action and Early Decision candidates.
Course grades from the first semester/trimester of grade 12 will be included in our review of applications from Early Action II and Regular Decision candidates.
Other Factors Considered in Our Review
We review recommendations from teachers and school counselors closely for indications of a student's character, moral compass, potential for leadership and likelihood of success at Stonehill.
We require that at least one teacher recommendation be submitted alongside your application for admission, and will review as many as four letters of recommendation in support of your candidacy.
We are an active campus looking for active students! Whether you took part in community service or volunteer work, participated in an academic club, competed in varsity athletics or served as a team captain, performed in dance, music or drama, or worked a part-time job, we want to hear about your extracurricular experiences.
The Common Application Personal Statement is a unique element of your application that provides a chance for us to hear your voice and learn more about you as a person.
Your answer to the optional Stonehill College essay question in the Common Application will provide us with an important opportunity to evaluate the seriousness of your interest in attending Stonehill.
We use class rank as a way to see how your academic achievements compare to those of your classmates.
Demonstrating genuine interest in attending Stonehill College is an important part of the admission process and will be among the factors considered in our review of your application. We define demonstrated interest as engagement with the Stonehill community and participation in admission events during your college search.
You can demonstrate interest in attending Stonehill by:
- Registering for and attending an official campus visit
- Participating in virtual programming opportunities
- Meeting with a Stonehill admission counselor at your high school
- Filling out a Stonehill inquiry card at a college fair
- Providing a thoughtful and articulate answer to the optional Stonehill College essay question in the Common Application
- Being responsive to our outreach and requests for additional information
- Letting us know that Stonehill is your top choice as a college destination!
Most applicants to Stonehill are reviewed with no regard for financial aid filing status or calculated need. However, due to the limitation of financial resources and competitive nature of our awards, a first-year applicant’s eligibility for aid may be considered in the admission process for a small portion of our candidates.
Standardized Test-Blind Policy
In order to ensure equitable standards for admission, Stonehill will continue a test-blind process for all undergraduate applicants for the fall 2024 (Class of 2028) and fall 2025 (Class of 2029) entry terms.
Considering this change, students applying for the fall 2024, spring 2025 and fall 2025 entry terms should not submit the results of their SAT or ACT exams when applying to Stonehill.
Class of 2026 First-Year Student Profile
- 7,269 total applications
- Early Decision: 122
- Early Action: 3,372
- Early Action II: 1,390
- Regular Decision: 2,385
- 725 first-year students: 54% women, 46% men
- 2.6% Asian
- 6.7% Black or African American
- 8.7% Hispanic
- 76.2% White
- 2.7% two or more races
- 3.1% race/ethnicity unknown
- 28% First Generation
- 36% business
- 27% science (STEM)
- 8% education
- 24% liberal arts
- 5% undeclared
- 3.40 average GPA (on a 4.0 scale), Middle 50%: 3.14-3.68
- 67% completed at least 1 AP course
- 33% completed 3 or more AP courses
- 58% took part in community service or volunteer work
- 73% participated in varsity athletics
- 32% of varsity athletes served as team captains
- 45% participated in an academic club
- 38% performed in dance, music and/or drama
- 59% worked a part-time job
- 28% performed in dance, music and/or drama programs
More Information
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Your Admission Counselor
If you have any questions about our admission standards and the criteria we use to evaluate applications, we encourage you to contact your Stonehill admission counselor.
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Application Process
Stonehill College uses the Common Application to collect all first-year applications. Learn more about the application process for first-year students.
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Application Plans & Deadlines
Stonehill College offers multiple application plans for first-year students who intend to enroll in the fall semester. We encourage you to select the application plan that best suits you.
Contact Information
The Office of Undergraduate Admission assists students and families as they learn more about Stonehill and navigate the college application process.