Why do liberal arts students keep winning those coveted grad school spots? It’s more than just stereotypes or good grades; there’s some kind of secret sauce here.
If you’ve never heard of this trend before, it might seem anachronous. In this case, we’ll call it strange-but-true: some liberal arts schools even boast that their students have grad school acceptance rates of up to 90%. Especially when compared to the national average (which is closer to 20% acceptance to graduate programs), that ratio is practically unheard of. In fact, the numbers are strong enough across the board for some in higher education to consider this a kind of unofficial pipeline. Not only are the numbers shockingly high, but it also begs the question:
What are these students doing right that everyone else is missing?
As you may have suspected, the answer is manifold. Today, we’ll uncover the real reason why graduate schools love liberal arts college applicants and how you can leverage this information for your graduate school preparation.
Empowerly is here to help decode the mystery and make your education journey clearer. Let’s get to the bottom of this question, once and for all!
What’s behind this trend?
It’s not just a rumor.
Here’s an example. Kate Ottaviano, an Anthropology major at Wesleyan, earned her Bachelor of Arts in 2009 and explains how she is now using the skills gained from that degree to launch her next step:
“…I’m currently at Columbia University taking premed courses so I can apply to medical school. Anthropology will be a boon to my resume since it both sets me apart from other medical school candidates while also demonstrating my interest in people and cultures, an important part of a career as a doctor.”
So, how exactly did Kate get to the strategic position where she is today? First, the context:
Grad school acceptance is no cake walk
Like other organizations right now, graduate school programs are feeling the pinch — and acceptance has never been more competitive. Not only are more students applying to college than ever before (since the pandemic and test-optional admissions), but also the number of seats available in each department shrank due to a series of unexpected financial struggles this year.
However, the value of the advanced degree remains. Graduate school is an opportunity for students to specialize in their field. Further, the additional training opens up career opportunities that wouldn’t otherwise be available, and allows students to take on management positions.
Wondering if a graduate degree is for you? This video provides a helpful “left-brain” analysis of how to approach this question to walk you through some of the major pros and cons:
The obvious benefit is that professional schools like law, medical, and business schools offer job security and higher lifetime earnings in your overall career. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, master’s degree holders earn a median annual wage that is around 20% higher than those with only a bachelor’s degree.
And that number trends upwards.
What are potential reasons for this preference for liberal arts?
That’s the million-dollar question. Liberal arts colleges seem to defy these impossible odds, consistently producing graduates who secure coveted spots in top graduate programs. So, why could this be happening at such high rates?
Let’s discuss the main influences at play and how you can use them to your advantage.
Holistic grad school admissions
Most top colleges use a holistic approach to evaluating student candidates. In other words, this process takes into account personal life and characteristics as well as academic grades. Liberal arts students often excel in crafting compelling personal statements and essays that convey their unique stories and demonstrate self-awareness.
Counselor tip:
Don’t underestimate the power of personal narratives. If you’re concerned about your writing ability, start early to avoid stressing out about your personal statement. Use this essay to connect your academic experiences so far to your grad school goals.
Meaningful campus engagement
Liberal arts colleges foster tight-knit communities, giving students more leadership opportunities, closer relationships with faculty, and frequent access to mentors. According to a study by the National Survey of Student Engagement, students at liberal arts colleges report higher levels of interaction with professors and more leadership roles in campus activities.
For those who don’t know, leadership is one of the most valuable character traits to demonstrate that you can add value to a college campus.
Counselor tip:
Document your extracurricular experiences and leadership roles. Keep a running list of projects, clubs, and initiatives you participate in. Don’t forget initiatives that don’t come with official titles or certificates — interpersonal leadership counts, too.
Broad transferable skills
Liberal arts programs emphasize learning how to learn. With a deep and wide curriculum, students are exposed to diverse fields of study, from literature and philosophy to data analysis and computer science. This interdisciplinary focus cultivates critical thinking and analytical skills that are essential for grad school success.
As Kate O. from Wesleyan put it:
“The beautiful thing about Anthropology is [that] it applies to any career — one can use it to analyze anything that involves culture, which is, as you know, everything.”
Plus, small class sizes mean more feedback on writing — and more independent practice. Liberal arts students often graduate having written dozens of research and reflection papers, with individualized feedback from professors that sharpens their communication skills, argumentation, and personal voice. All of these skills are golden in academia.
Counselor tip:
Highlight any interdisciplinary projects you’ve completed. Demonstrating your ability to connect seemingly unrelated fields can make you stand out to grad school committees.
Analytical perspective
With the rise of AI and automated tasks, the ability to think critically and connect interdisciplinary concepts is more important than ever. Liberal arts students are often trained to analyze complex problems from multiple perspectives — a skill that translates well into advanced academic work.
A bonus? Liberal arts colleges allow for a lot of academic exploration and pivoting, as well as innovation and improvisation. Many students apply to grad school in a different discipline than their undergraduate major, and the broad exposure at liberal arts institutions helps make that transition smoother and more compelling.
Counselor tip:
Consider pursuing research projects that allow you to tackle complex, open-ended questions. These can serve as powerful talking points in your grad school applications. Allow your curiosity to drive your work.
Alumni networks
There are other benefits to a smaller student body. Tight-knit alumni networks are another factor that can boost a liberal arts student’s grad school prospects. Alumni can provide valuable guidance, mentorship, and even connections to grad school programs or recommendation letters.
And let’s not forget the excellent employment outcomes. Liberal arts college graduates often win competitive fellowships (like Fulbright, Rhodes, or NSF) or secure meaningful post-grad employment. These real-world accomplishments strengthen grad school applications by demonstrating initiative, leadership, and clarity of purpose.
Counselor tip:
Attend alumni networking events and maintain connections with professors who can later serve as recommenders. It’s important to intentionally foster meaningful and thoughtful bonds over time; if you want a glowing review of your personality, this part can’t be faked.
What should students who are considering grad school know?
What do potential grad students want to know? If you’ve read this far, we don’t necessarily need to sell you on graduate school. What you want to know is — how to get in.
Keep your options open
Liberal arts colleges have their own advantages, but they are not the only means of grad school success. Other types of institutions can also allow you to reach your goals. After all, research universities often have bigger laboratory setups, specialized coursework, or research grants.
Need a starting point? Make a list of schools in terms of the specific skills or experiences that you must gain before you apply to grad programs.
Look for ways to develop research experience
Grad schools prefer applicants who have managed to gain valuable research experience. Liberal arts colleges provide more opportunities for undergraduates to engage in hands-on projects or even co-author papers with professors. Avail yourself of these opportunities!
Start by identifying professors whose research aligns with your interests. Don’t be afraid to reach out to discuss potential projects or assistantships. And keep track of your contributions to each project, too — you’ll need these details for your applications. Counselors recommend starting a grad school portfolio early in undergrad to include your best research papers or abstracts, leadership roles and achievements, professional contacts, and more. Having these materials at hand will streamline your application process when the time comes.
Cultivate academic relationships
It is important to be on good terms with professors and mentors, especially in liberal arts colleges where the classes are small. Not only can they advise you, but they can also write strong letters of recommendation that attest to your research and academic skills as a student.
Try to keep the relationship going with mentors and professors even after classes end. Occasional meetings will keep your work fresh in their mind when you need to ask for recommendations.
Strengthen your story
Grad school applications are all about demonstrating how your academic journey aligns with your future goals. Liberal arts students often have diverse academic experiences that can form a compelling narrative and help narrow down an academic niche.
When drafting your personal statement, think about how each academic experience connects to your intended field of study. Highlight any interdisciplinary projects that showcase your ability to think across disciplines. Having a specific desired specialization demonstrates both maturity and commitment to the work.
Leverage your career resources
The majority of liberal arts colleges possess robust career services departments that can prepare you for grad school. From resume reviews to mock interviews, these services are a goldmine.
Take advantage of the career counseling services, and ask how to translate your liberal arts experience into a language grad school admissions committees will love.
Conclusion: why liberal arts graduates have a grad school edge
Liberal arts colleges are more than just a path to a well-rounded education — they’re a solid launching point for graduate school success. From developing strong writing and research skills to promoting interdisciplinary thought, these colleges give students the tools they need to make them stand out in a competitive admissions landscape.
But the secret to success is not simply attending a liberal arts college. It is strategically leveraging every resource — from research projects and leadership roles to alumni networks and mentorship programs.
Are you ready to capitalize on the liberal arts advantage? Empowerly’s seasoned college counselors can help you find your perfect grad school fit, craft compelling applications, and position yourself for acceptance at highly competitive programs. Don’t take a chance on your future — book a consultation today and take the first step.
