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

English4 years
Math3 years
(Algebra I, II, Geometry or Computer Science)
Lab Science3 years
(must include Biology and Chemistry)
Social Studies3 years

Fall 2023 Enrolled First Year Academic Profile

 

High School GPA3.46
Combined SAT1163
ACT 24
Class Rank Top 36%

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

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