How to get into Skidmore College
How to get into Skidmore: 'creative thought matters' and an arts-rigorous LAC
21.1%
Acceptance rate
$67,290
In-state cost
What makes Skidmore College admissions different
Skidmore's tagline ('creative thought matters') is not marketing — the curriculum requires every student to take courses across creative arts. Strong in studio art, dance, theatre, and creative writing while also offering rigorous sciences. Admit rate ~21%. ED is the meaningful lever.
What an actually competitive application looks like
- 1.
Apply ED I (Nov 15) or ED II (Jan 15) if Skidmore is your top choice — admit rate jumps significantly.
- 2.
Engage with the creative-arts integration in supplements. Skidmore wants students who'll take an art class even as a chem major.
- 3.
Show creative work in your application — Common App arts supplement, portfolio submission if applicable.
- 4.
Take the most rigorous curriculum available; Skidmore rewards academic preparation.
- 5.
Strong test scores still help (test-optional but submitters fare well).
Common mistakes that hurt applicants here
- ✕
Treating Skidmore as just an 'art school.' It's a full LAC with strong sciences.
- ✕
Generic 'I want to be creative' essays. Skidmore wants specifics.
- ✕
Missing ED. RD odds are noticeably tougher.
The specifics for Skidmore College
Application deadlines
- Early Decision INovember 15
- Early Decision IIJanuary 15
- Regular DecisionJanuary 15
What makes this admissions process distinctive
Creative-arts integrated curriculum
Every student takes courses across creative arts disciplines as part of the core
What graduates actually do
Skidmore graduates cluster in business, education, the arts, and increasingly tech and consulting. The college's distinctive 'creative thought matters' brand drives a notable concentration in design, advertising, and media careers. Median early-career earnings run around $48-55k per Scorecard. Skidmore's Saratoga Springs location feeds NYC and Boston professional service firms via robust alumni networking.
Notable alumni
- Pete Hamill — journalist, novelist (attended)
- Jane Curtin — comedian (SNL original cast)
- Steve Bornstein — former ESPN, ABC president
- Sue Naegle — former HBO Entertainment president
- Bryan Lourd — CAA co-chairman
- Dorothy Allison — author (Bastard Out of Carolina)
Transfer pathway
Skidmore admits transfers for fall and spring entry. Applicants need at least one full year of college work. The application requires the Common App transfer form, official transcripts, college report, and academic recommendations. Skidmore reviews holistically and considers fit with the creative-thought curriculum.
Specifics verified 2026-05-18 from the school's own admissions page + Common App. Always confirm current-year details directly on the school site before applying.
If you're on the bubble
Skidmore ED is your best lever. Strong essays + arts engagement + demonstrated interest are the differentiators in a competitive applicant pool.
Next steps
Last updated: November 2025. Acceptance rate and cost data refreshed nightly from college reporting.