How to Get Into UConn – Acceptance Rate and Strategies

July 26, 2022

UConn received over 40,000 applications for the Class of 2026. This was the highest number in school history. For further context, two decades ago, the school received 10,000 applications. Clearly, there are more Husky hopefuls in 2022-23 than any previous point in school history. As a consequence, the UConn acceptance rate has declined. Meanwhile, the caliber of student they are admitting has increased.

In order to help you prepare for the challenges ahead on the path to becoming a Husky, this article will cover the following topics:

  • UConn acceptance rate
  • SAT and class rank of accepted UConn applicants
  • Admissions trends
  • UConn’s system for rating applicants
  • A look at the demographics of current UConn undergraduates
  • The percent of accepted students that attend UConn (yield rate)
  • Tips for applying
  • How to assess whether applying to UConn is even worth the $80 application fee (for you)

Many students applying to UConn may also find the following blogs to be of interest:

How to Get Into:

Let’s begin with an examination of the most recent admissions data.

UConn Acceptance Rate

The UConn acceptance rate has not been released for the Class of 2025 or the Class of 2026. The previous cycle, the UConn acceptance rate was 56%. However, in more typical non-pandemic years, the UConn acceptance rate has been in the 45-49% range.

UConn Admissions – SAT and Class Rank

For Class of 2025 members, the average SAT score was 1318. It is important to point out that UConn is test-optional through at least 2022-23. Forty-seven percent of this cohort placed in the top decile of their high school class and 83% finished at least in the top quartile.

Admissions Trends & Notes

  • Firstly, UConn will continue to be test-optional in 2022-23. This is the third year of a test-optional pilot program.
  • Additionally, 65% of first-year students applied without test scores.
  • The Class of 2025 included 53 valedictorians and 57 salutatorians.
  • UConn presently has increased minority enrollment 406% since 1995.
  • Lastly, the university aimed for 3,900 first-year students to enroll in fall 2022.

How UConn Rates Applicants

The university views four factors as “very important” to the admissions process: rigor of high school course load, class rank, GPA, and standardized test scores (despite being test-optional currently). Additionally, items that are “important” as part of the admissions process are application essays and recommendations, extracurricular activities, first-generation, character/personal qualities, talent/ability, and volunteer work.

For a slightly different look at the school’s institutional priorities, we go right to their own admissions office: “Selection is based on a comprehensive review of all the information you provide on your application, both academic and personal. This allows us to gain a full understanding of an applicant’s potential to thrive at UConn.”

Since UConn wants to see achievement and leadership outside of the classroom as well, it’s important to grasp what competitive colleges are looking for when evaluating extracurricular activities. In short, they are looking for commitment and achievement in 2-3 core areas. For more, check out our blog entitled: How Many Extracurricular Activities Do I Need for College?

UConn Demographics

Next, let’s look at the demographics of the UConn undergraduate student body.

The regional representation among the undergraduate student body is as follows:

  • Connecticut: 77%
  • Out-of-State/International: 23%

The greatest percentage of international students come from the following countries:

  • China
  • India
  • Canada
  • South Korea
  • Taiwan

In terms of ethnic identity, the breakdown of the undergraduate student body is as follows:

  • White: 53%
  • Asian: 12%
  • Hispanic: 13%
  • African American: 7%
  • Two or More Races: 4%
  • International: 10%

A look at the gender split reveals that university enrolls a relatively even number of men and women.

  • Men: 48%
  • Women: 52%

UConn “Yield Rate”

The University of Connecticut’s yield rate is 20%. For comparison, other top state schools have the following yields: University of Washington (28%), UCLA (44%), and Stony Brook University (18%).

Tips for Applying 

If you plan on joining the 40,000+ UConn hopefuls for the next admissions cycle, you should know the following:

  • Firstly, we encourage you to check out the step-by-step application directions offered by the university.
  • This school does not use interviews as part of their evaluation process.
  • The university does judge you on your level of demonstrated interest. We suggest making the effort to follow them on social media, sign up for a virtual info session, visit campus (if possible), contact an admissions officer, etc.
  • Lastly, make sure to dedicate sufficient time and effort to the 2022-23 Common App essay prompts required by UConn.

Should I Apply to UConn?

Four-fifths of teens enrolled at UConn finished in the top quartile of their high school class. Further, the average student scored in the 87th percentile on the SAT. If you check those boxes then you may be a competitive applicant and, if the school is a good fit for you, submitting an application will certainly be worth your time and $80. However, most students applying to a school of UConn’s caliber also need to also have a proper mix or “target” and “safety” schools on their college list. More on creating a balanced college list can be found here.