First Year
From our welcoming community and beautiful campus to our outstanding faculty members and leadership opportunities, West Chester University specializes in creating a personalized educational experience. At WCU, we encourage you to embrace our endless resources to ensure a successful future in your chosen field.
Current high school students and high school graduates who have not enrolled in a post-secondary institution apply to WCU as a first year. Please mention any college courses completed in high school on the WCU application.
Admissions Requirements
How Do We Evaluate An Admissions Application?
Every aspect of the application is considered: strength of an academic record which includes the GPA and rank if provided and requested program of study. The admissions committee prioritizes applicants with strong academic credentials and notifies applicants of a decision on a rolling basis. Some candidates may be asked to submit additional information. In some cases, the application may be referred to the admissions committee for a second review. For consideration, the following majors require additional steps:
- Music: an audition is required for all applicants
- Studio Art and Graphic & Interactive Design: portfolio submission
- Respiratory Care: interview with department
Required Core High School Curriculum
Subjects and Number of Years
(Algebra I, II, Geometry or Computer Science)
(must include Biology and Chemistry)
Fall 2023 Enrolled First Year Academic Profile
General Admission
Below are the first year general admission guidelines for most majors (some majors will have stricter guidelines for consideration):
- B-B+ grade point average in high school (Nursing: A grade point average)
- Completed the college prep program of study as determined by their high school
- Average SAT score: 1060-1200 (Nursing: 1250) - please note that submitting SAT and/or ACT scores is optional, not required, for students applying to WCU
- Rank: Top 40%
Our most competitive applicants have the following:
- 4 years of Math
- 4 years of Science
- 2-3 years of Foreign Language
- Honors, Advanced Placement (AP), or International Baccalaureate (IB) courses are highly encouraged
How to Apply
- Complete the application for admission.
- Pay a $45 non-refundable application fee online by credit card. If you are eligible to use an application fee waiver, please refer to the WCU Fee Waiver Policy
- Submit an official high school transcript.
WCU is test optional for the current admissions cycle. If you choose to send your test scores, they should be sent officially from your high school or testing service. WCU will use the highest score/section on the SAT or the highest ACT composite score.
Program of Study Special Notes
- Athletic Training
- The undergraduate Athletic Training program is now Health Sciences: General - Sports Medicine Studies BS. Students apply directly into a 3+2 program in which he or she can earn a bachelor's degree in Health Sciences: General - Sports Medicine Studies BS and a master's degree in Athletic Training.
- Undeclared/Exploratory Studies
- Due to the competitive nature and enrollment limitations of some academic programs, we offer the opportunity to indicate a second choice of major. If you are undecided about the program of study you wish to pursue, you can select the Exploratory Studies Program (Undeclared).
- BSN Nursing
- First year applicants interested in the BSN Nursing (first years only) program must apply early in the fall of their senior year. Please note, transferring into the Nursing program as a current WCU student is unlikely to occur.
- Elective Social Studies Certification
- Applicants who wish to teach social studies at the secondary education level may pursue teaching certification in combination with any of the following BA degree programs: geography, history, or political science.
- Elective Language and Cultures Certification
- Applicants who wish to receive a language and cultures certification may pursue a PA K-12 Certification in combination with the Languages and Cultures BA degree in any one of the following areas: French, German, Russian, or Spanish.
- School of Music requires an audition. Studio Art requires a portfolio review. Applicants to these programs of study are encouraged to apply early.
Special Admissions Program
We offer a special admissions program for a limited number of candidates who we feel have the ability to be successful with additional assistance. Decisions for the program are made by a committee and applicants may be required to submit supporting documentation
If an applicant does not qualify for this program, we strongly recommend they enroll at a local community college or another university/college for at least 24 credits and then apply as a transfer student.
Summer Academic Success Program
Below are the admissions guidelines for students who are considered for the Summer Academic Success program:
- B grade point average in high school
- Average SAT score:880-1000
- Completed the college prep program of study as determined by their high school
Other Pathways to WCU
Merit Scholarship
Applicants eligible for scholarship consideration will be notified with further information. For more information on scholarships, please visit our Financial Aid website.
