Undergraduate Admissions

West Chester University

Emil H. Messikomer Hall
100 W. Rosedale Avenue
West Chester, PA 19383
610-436-3411
ugadmiss@wcupa.edu


Freshman Admission Procedures and Requirements

The Admissions Process

The Office of Admissions at West Chester University completes a preliminary evaluation of applications on a rolling basis once all information has been received and processed. The admissions committee reviews every application individually and each aspect of a student’s file is considered: academic record, standardized test scores, personal statement, and selected program of study. The committee prioritizes applicants with the strongest academic credentials during the review process and notifies them of its decision as quickly as possible upon completion of their file. Other candidates may be required to submit additional information or will be referred to the committee for a second review. Final admissions decisions may be rendered as late as mid-March depending on the circumstances.

How To Apply

 

  • Apply online *
  • $45.00 Application Fee**
  • Include personal statement
  • Submit an official high school transcript
  • Send official SAT or ACT scores
  • Recommendation letters are not
    required
  • It is the applicant’s responsibility to supply the Office of Admissions with the necessary documents to complete their application

* To request a paper application contact the Office of Admissions at ugadmiss@wcupa.edu or call 610-436-3411

** All applicants are required to pay the application fee stated above. The WCU Fee Waiver Policy is available for your convenience.

Guidelines For Admissions Consideration

SAT

1020 or higher combined

(critical reading and math)

GPA

B or better in a college preparatory curriculum

Rank

           Top 40% in graduating class        

  • Audition required for all Music applicants
  • Interview required for the following programs - Athletic Training, Pre-Medical, Pharmaceutical Product Development & Respiratory Care
  • Portfolios are required for all Art applicants

Special Admissions Programs

Not all freshman applicants demonstrate potential for college success in clear-cut, traditional ways. We offer two special admissions programs for a limited number of candidates who we feel have the ability to be successful with additional assistance. Decisions for the special admissions programs are made by committee and applicants may be required to submit supporting documentation.   

If an applicant does not qualify for either of these programs we strongly recommend they enroll at a local community college with the option to apply as a transfer student. For more information on transferring to WCU please click Transfer.

  • Fall Reduced Course Load: Students admitted to West Chester University through this program are limited to only 12 credits in their first fall semester rather than the traditional 15 credits. This helps with the transition to the University environment and aids in the adjustment to college level courses. These students are still considered full-time students therefore this does not impact financial aid consideration.

  • Summer Academic Development Program: Students referred for consideration to the summer program will be required to submit further information to complete their file. The final admissions decision is made by the Director of Developmental Programs.  Students attend a five-week summer program and complete courses to enhance their basic skills. This program is available to Pennsylvania residents only.


Required Core High School

Curriculum

 

Fall 2012 Enrolled

Freshman Academic Profile

Subjects

Number of Years

English

4 years

High School GPA

3.47

Math (Algebra I, II, Geometry)

3 years

Combined SAT

1075

Lab Science (must include Biology and Chemistry)

3 years

      (Critical Reading & Math)

Social Studies

3 years

Class Rank

Top 31%
Foreign Language
Recommended

*Certain majors will require additional years and/ or courses in specific subject areas

 

Merit Based Scholarships

Freshmen who meet the minimum academic requirements for merit-based scholarship consideration, and are admitted to the University by January 15th, will be mailed a scholarship application.  Candidates must have a minimum combined SAT score of 1200 or better (critical reading and math) and rank in the top 20% of their class.  Students with a combined SAT score of 1150 may be considered if they rank in the top 15% of their class.  Applicants who meet the academic criteria for scholarship consideration are encouraged to apply early in the fall of their senior year.

The University Scholarship Committee reviews all applications submitted by the assigned due date to determine the allocation of awards. Consideration will be based on the strength of your academic achievements in high school, as well as your involvement in co-curricular activities and accomplishments within the community.

Scholarship applicants should file their FAFSA forms in January of their senior year.

Questions regarding the invitation to apply for merit based scholarships should be directed to the Office of Admissions at 610-436-3411.

Questions regarding scholarship selection should be directed to the Office of Financial Aid at 610-436-2627.