Campus Spotlight: Davidson College
Have you ever considered applying to Davidson College? In today’s campus spotlight, College Solutions Counselor Sara Reddy recaps her most recent visit to this “hidden Ivy” and some of the many features that make Davidson a unique school worth considering.
Earlier this spring, I had the opportunity to tour Davidson College, located just 20 miles north of my hometown of Charlotte. While I’ve visited the Davidson area many times before, this particular visit was a standout. It was a picture-perfect Carolina day, and the campus was buzzing with energy—students studying on the lawns, trees in full bloom, and historic brick buildings on full display. Davidson feels like a Northeastern liberal arts college, but set in the South, giving it a unique and charming atmosphere.
Davidson is an exclusively undergraduate institution with just shy of 2,000 students, which creates a close-knit campus environment. The absence of graduate students shapes much of the academic culture. Professors are deeply engaged with their students, and I heard over and over again about how meaningful and long-lasting these relationships are, often continuing beyond graduation. With an average class size of just 15-16 students, Davidson offers a highly personalized academic experience, and students frequently have the opportunity to participate in research as early as their first year.
From an admissions perspective, Davidson really values grades and rigor first and foremost, and remains committed to its test-optional policy. In addition to the personal statement and Davidson-specific supplemental essays, letters of recommendation are also important, which even includes a peer recommendation. Davidson does not admit students based on a chosen major; rather, academic exploration is valued and encouraged. Davidson’s flexible “Ways of Knowing” general ed curriculum encourages interdisciplinary exploration, and double majors and minors are common at Davidson. Popular areas of study include biology, econ, and political science, and students benefit from strong career support services, including pre-med and pre-law advising.
If you’re considering applying, it’s important to know that Davidson meets 100% of demonstrated financial need without student loans. While scholarships are rare and highly competitive (only 4% receive them), around 50% of students receive some form of aid. The Belk Scholarship, Davidson’s prestigious full-ride, requires a nomination and a November 15 application deadline.
Davidson’s strong honor code is a hallmark of the academic experience, which means students feel safe to leave their belongings around campus and are trusted to take un-proctured exams on their own time. Greek Life is also big at Davidson, with traditional fraternities for men and local “eating houses” for women, who join through a more flexible self-selection rush process. However, students emphasized that Greek Life and other events put on by student organizations are relaxed and open, happening almost exclusively on campus.
And let’s not forget about sports! Davidson is one the smallest D1 schools in the country and 30% of students are varsity athletes. Davidson Wildcat spirit is strong, something unique at a smaller liberal arts college. And yes, I can confirm, Steph Curry still makes pretty regular campus visits!
The town of Davidson is quaint, and most local businesses are walkable from campus. Students benefit from internship experiences in nearby Charlotte, along with airport access - something that is important given that Davidson students come from all across the country (and world!). Davidson also boasts a nearby “Lake Campus” that provides year-round recreation.
If you're an intellectually curious student who values close relationships with professors and a strong sense of community, Davidson is well worth a look. If it makes your list, be sure to schedule a campus visit—and consider reaching out to a professor or two in your area of interest. Demonstrated interest matters at Davidson, and every student I spoke with emphasized how much they appreciated connecting with faculty during the application process. The community is genuinely welcoming, and those early conversations can offer a meaningful glimpse into life at Davidson.