First Year Admissions

1. Graduation, with satisfactory scholarship in a college-preparatory curriculum, from an approved secondary school or approval by the Credentials Evaluation Division of the Pennsylvania Department of Education, or Pennsylvania Homeschoolers Accreditation Agency.
2. Submitting SAT and/or ACT is currently optional for first year applicants. Students still have the option to submit test scores (SAT/ACT) if they choose, but they will not be penalized in any way for not submitting scores. This temporary adjustment will be re-evaluated after each cycle has ended. Applicants who graduated from high school more than two years ago do not need to submit test scores.

First Year applicants can apply through the Common Application. The application is available starting in early August and review of completed applications begins in September. A completed application includes an official high school transcript, optional official SAT or ACT scores, and a non-refundable $45 application fee or approved application fee waiver. Additional information may be requested by the admissions committee, which may include a personal statement, letters of recommendation, updated senior year grades, or additional test scores. All candidates will receive written notification after a decision has been rendered.

Applicants not accepted as first year students will have an opportunity to gain admission as transfer students. It is recommended that students successfully complete at least 24 academic credits prior to submitting a transfer application. Also, applicants not accommodated as first year students are eligible to enroll in coursework through the WCU Non-Degree program, assuming they meet the admission and prerequisite requirements. 

Students with superior academic qualifications and mature personal development can be admitted as first year students upon completing their junior year of high school. Students who, in the opinion of their school counselors or high school principal, warrant consideration for early admission should contact University Admissions for more information.

Information about the SAT and ACT may be obtained from high school counselors or by visiting the testing website. It is the applicant's responsibility to ensure all required test scores are forwarded to University Admissions.

WCU recognizes excellence demonstrated by students on the Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) examinations. With respect to AP tests, scores of 3-5 will be considered for transfer credit. With respect to the IB diploma tests, only scores of 5-7 will be considered for transfer credit. Consult individual departments for equivalencies to specific West Chester University courses. Students are encouraged to submit their scores to the Office of the Registrar as early as possible to be scheduled appropriately for their first semester.