Western Michigan University admits students whose educational backgrounds indicate a high probability for success in college work. Applications received after the below deadlines may be changed to a subsequent term.
Students who wish to be considered for the following programs should note unique deadlines:
A first-year applicant is a student who is applying for admission and who has not attempted or earned any college credit after graduating from high school/secondary school (or earned equivalent).
The primary information considered in the admission decision are grade point average, rigor of curriculum, and trend of grades. Other variables such as letters of recommendation, extra-curricular activities, honors and awards and essay/personal statement are reviewed and may be used in the admission decision, scholarship selection or Lee Honors College invitation processes.
WMU does not require students to submit either the ACT or SAT for admission. However, if submitted, ACT/SAT test scores may be used in the admission decision process.
WMU strongly recommends that applicants complete a rigorous college preparatory curriculum that would include minimally: four years of English; three years of mathematics, including Algebra II or higher (fourth year preferred); three years of social sciences; three years of science (at least two from biology, chemistry or physics); and two years of foreign language.
Offers of admission made to students still in high school/secondary school are conditional pending graduation from high school/secondary school and the University’s review of final grades. Poor performance may result in a change of admission status or withdrawal of the admission offer.
A transfer applicant is someone who has graduated from high school/secondary school (or earned equivalent) and who enrolled in at least one college-level course after high school/secondary school (or earned equivalent).
The University bases admission decisions on previous college coursework completed at each institution attended, as well as the trend of the most recent grades. If fewer than 24 hours have been completed at the college level, high school/secondary transcripts are also required and will be considered in the review process.
ACT or SAT scores are not required; however, applicants may submit an ACT or SAT test score if the student believes it will positively influence the admission decision.
Offers of admission made to students currently enrolled at another college or university are provisional, pending successful completion of work in progress. Poor performance may result in a change in admission status or withdrawal of the admission offer.
The University reserves the right to withdraw, revoke, and/or cancel an admission decision for any reason, and at any time, it deems warranted. This right shall also apply in instances when the University acquires information about an applicant or student after an admission decision is made.
Admission to Western Michigan University is non-discriminatory.
Students who make an initial enrollment at WMU but do not return the following semester/term will have three (3) semesters of valid admission status in which to re-enroll, providing they left in good standing and do not enroll at another higher education institution. After three semesters, students in good standing and with no college work since leaving WMU may reactivate their admission status by reapplying as a returning student.
Students who leave the University in good standing and are gone for more than one year must reapply as a returning student. If during the year or more away from WMU, the student takes additional college work, the student must have official transcripts sent from each institution attended after leaving WMU. The readmission decision will be made under existing transfer admission standards.
Dismissed students applying for readmission must reapply as a returning student and have official transcripts sent from each institution attended after leaving WMU. The University requires evidence that the causes of past academic problems have been removed before approving readmission. An authorized college advisor will provide approval based on receipt of application, transcripts and demonstrated evidence of removal of past academic problems. University students who have been dismissed will normally not be readmitted for at least one fifteen-week semester.
Deadlines for readmission are:
Fall Semester: August 15
Spring Semester: January 1
Summer I session: May 1
Summer II session: June 15
Students with no previous college work since receiving a high school diploma or equivalent should complete the first-year application. This includes currently enrolled high school students participating in Early/Middle College or dual enrollment courses. To be considered for first-year admission, applicants should follow the steps below:
Fall Entry:
Students should submit applications for Fall Semester during the fall preceding their enrollment. High school/secondary school students may apply for first-year admission after completion of the junior year. Applications that are complete (application, official transcript, and application fee or waiver) and received by December 15 will be considered for all WMU academic programs and admission scholarships and receive priority consideration for invitation to the Lee Honors College. Applications must be complete (application, official transcript, and application fee) by June 1 to be considered for fall entry.
First-year, main campus:
Early Action: December 15*
Rolling Admission: June 1
*Students who complete their application file by the Early Action deadline will be considered for admission to all academic programs, admission scholarships and receive priority consideration for the Lee Honors College.
Spring or Summer Entry:
Applicants are strongly advised to submit all materials (application, fee, transcripts) at least two months prior to their desired entry term. Applications and materials received after the below deadlines may be changed to a subsequent term. The deadlines listed below are for all student types and campuses.
Spring: January 1
Summer I: May 1
Summer II: June 15
Western Michigan University has adopted a test-optional admission policy. Test-optional means that students have the choice to submit an ACT or SAT if they believe it make their admission application stronger. Visit the Office of Admissions website (wmich.edu/admissions) for details. In the interest of promoting college access and providing admission decisions in a timely fashion, WMU uses self-reported test scores for the initial admission decision and scholarship awarding process.
Superscoring
When considering applicants who take either the ACT or SAT test more than once, Western Michigan University will use the highest subscores from any test date to superscore the total (SAT) or composite (ACT) score. That score is what will be used for admission and scholarship consideration. Only scores from the same test type will be used - subscores cannot be mixed between the ACT and SAT. WMU does not have a preference between the two tests. Superscoring will be calculated by:
ACT: Average of the highest section score on English, Math, Reading, and Science
SAT: Sum of the highest section score on Math and Evidence-Based Reading and Writing
Official Test Scores
Scores can be sent directly from the testing agency or included on an official high school transcript. WMU will not accept emailed or faxed test score reports, or any score report from a student or family. Discrepancies between self-reported and official scores may result in admission and/or scholarship offers being revoked. Students may request official test scores from the appropriate testing agency:
ACT: Use WMU school code 2066
SAT (College Board): Use WMU school code 1902
In order to make the best possible decision for an individual student, an admissions counselor may require a personal interview to clarify or explain parts of the application materials.
The Advanced Placement Program (AP) of the College Board provides the opportunity for students to earn college credit while still in high school/secondary school. WMU awards credit for all AP areas. To learn what AP exam score is required for credit in a subject, visit wmich.edu/registrar/students/advising/students-advising-ap for detailed information. For those wishing to participate, have AP send a score report to WMU, College Code 1902.
Western Michigan University awards credit for IB higher level (HL) exam scores of 5 or better. Visit wmich.edu/registrar/students/advising/students-advising-ib to obtain information about the IB higher level subjects granted credit.
Students enrolled in an early-middle college program are considered first-year students with advanced standing and should follow the first-year application process. Official college transcript(s) are required prior to notification of an admission decision if college courses and associated grades are not included on the official high school/secondary school transcript. Applicants are subject to first-year enrollment policies including scholarship eligibility, housing consideration, and orientation requirements.
A final transcript showing acceptable grades must be received within the first term of enrollment at Western Michigan University. See “credit evaluation” portion in “transfer applicants” section for transfer credit policies.
Students dual enrolled in high school, but not part of an early/middle college are not required to submit college transcripts at the time of application provided the courses and associated grades are included on the high school transcript. However, an official college transcript must be submitted to receive credit for any college coursework. See “credit evaluation” portion in “transfer applicants” section for transfer credit policies.
The University notifies first-year applicants of their admission status on a rolling basis. When all materials are on file and the Admissions Committee acts, students will receive written notice. The decision may be to admit or to ask the applicant to begin at another school and transfer to the University after establishing a successful college record. Please note:
Admission of students to first-year status while they are still in high school/secondary school is conditional upon their graduation from high school/secondary school and the University’s review of their final grades. Poor performance in the senior year may cause a change in admission status or withdrawal of the admission offer.
The Alpha Program is a conditional admission academic support program for first-year students. The program provides developmental academic advising, alerts students to University resources, and requires attendance at skill-building workshops. Consideration is given to those students who do not meet WMU’s regular admission criteria but who have demonstrated the potential for college-level work. The Office of Admissions determines eligibility of applicants for admission as Alpha students. Selected students and their parents or guardians are required to sign a program contract accepting conditions of admissions.
The Western Success Preparation (WSP) bridge week includes an intensive five-day class designed to give some Alpha Program students a head start on a great first year at Western Michigan University. WSP is held the week before Fall Welcome. When WSP concludes, students will transition seamlessly into the Alpha Program Welcome and Fall Welcome with all of the first-year students. Students will receive one credit upon completion of the program. Selected Alpha students are recommended to WSP and will be notified by the Alpha Program separately from an offer of university admission.
The mission of the Western Michigan University Orientation program is to provide a comprehensive experience which will aid new students in their transition to the institution, expose new students to the educational opportunities within WMU, integrate new students into the academic and campus life of the institution, increase the retention rate of new students, assist parents and families of new students to understand the University environment and services, and enhance parental awareness of issues facing college students.
Orientation is required for all incoming first-year students, regardless of entry term. All first-time students will meet with an academic advisor and register for courses at orientation. With the exception of Medallion students who participate in “Honors First” and early/middle college students, incoming first-year students are not allowed to register for classes prior to attending Orientation.
Students who have started or completed college coursework in the fall term immediately after high school/secondary school graduation or any later term are considered transfer applicants. To be considered for admission, transfer students should:
Applicants are strongly advised to submit all materials (application, fee, transcripts) at least six months prior to their desired entry term. Applications and materials received after the below deadlines may be changed to a subsequent term.
Students interested in Aviation Flight Science (AFS) should complete their admission application file no later than February 15, prior to the fall they wish to enroll. WMU does not admit AFS students for terms other than the Fall Semester.
Fall: August 15
Spring: January 1
Summer I: May 1
Summer II: June 15
Western Michigan University has adopted a test-optional admission policy. Test-optional means that students have the choice to submit an ACT or SAT if they believe it make their admission application stronger. Visit the Office of Admissions website (wmich.edu/admissions) for details. In the interest of promoting college access and providing admission decisions in a timely fashion, WMU uses self-reported test scores for the initial admission decision and scholarship awarding process.
Superscoring
When considering applicants who take either the ACT or SAT test more than once, Western Michigan University will use the highest subscores from any test date to superscore the total (SAT) or composite (ACT) score. Only scores from the same test type will be used - subscores cannot be mixed between the ACT and SAT. WMU does not have a preference between the two tests. Superscoring will be calculated by:
ACT: Average of the highest section score on English, Math, Reading, and Science
SAT: Sum of the highest section score on Math and Evidence-Based Reading and Writing
Official Test Scores
Scores can be sent directly from the testing agency or included on an official high school transcript. WMU will not accept emailed or faxed test score reports, or any score report from a student or family. Discrepancies between self-reported and official scores may result in admission to WMU being revoked. Students may request official test scores from the appropriate testing agency:
ACT: Use WMU school code 2066
SAT (College Board): Use WMU school code 1902
The University notifies transfers of their admission status on a rolling basis. When all materials are on file and the Admissions Committee acts, students receive notification. The decision may be to admit, to hold a decision for work in progress at another institution, or to suggest a student complete more and/or improved work before being admitted. Please note: Aviation Flight Science (AFS) applicants will receive their admission decision after the February 15 deadline and once all AFS application files are reviewed. AFS applicants who are admissible to WMU but who are not offered admission to AFS will be admitted to the University via University Curriculum and may update their major to a secondary choice program.
Admission of students attending another institution is provisional, dependent upon successful completion of the work in progress.
Students admitted to WMU will receive an evaluation of their previous college work, showing courses transferred with WMU equivalencies. Course equivalencies for Michigan’s public community colleges and other institutions are available at wmich.edu/transfer/credit. Transferable courses completed at another college will be accepted for credit only, and only courses in which a “C” (or 2.00) or better was earned (as determined by WMU) will be eligible for transfer. Grades earned in those classes will be used only to determine admissibility to the University; they will not be recorded on the WMU transcript.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, high schools, colleges and universities moved to online instruction and implemented a credit/no-credit or pass/fail grading system. For courses taken during this period of time, WMU will award transferable credit for these courses provided:
The student earned a “pass” or “credit” grade.
The college or university indicates that students who earned a “pass” or “credit” grade is the equivalent of a “C” letter grade (2.00) or better.
In some cases, credit earned by examination transfers in some cases to the University. Students who have taken AP, IB, or CLEP examinations should have official score reports sent to the Office of Admissions. Credit is awarded based on exam scores and more information can be found at wmich.edu/transfer/credit.
Western Michigan University typically only accepts credit from institutions of higher education that are accredited by a regional accrediting agency, such as the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) or the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS). Credits completed at an institution that is accredited by some other national or specialized program accreditor may only be accepted upon review and approval by faculty from the appropriate department(s) or areas of study. In order to accept the credit, the approving department or program must outline the exact credits that will transfer for specific courses, or as a block, in a Memorandum of Understanding with the sending institution, and transcribed by WMU prior to the student beginning classes at WMU. WMU is responsible for all credit it transcribes, whether earned on campus or transferred from another institution. Per HLC policy, by transcribing transferred credit, WMU attests to the relevancy, quality, and rigor of the coursework completed at the other institution.
College credit from foreign institutions will be evaluated by the Haenicke Institute’s International Student and Scholar Services Office and transfer credit is awarded on a course-by-course basis depending on the result.
All regulations and procedures concerning transfer of credit for new students also apply to WMU students who take work at other institutions to transfer back to WMU. Before enrolling at another institution, WMU students should discuss course selection with their WMU academic advisor to ensure transferability.
All admitted transfer students should make arrangements for an advising session with an appropriate WMU college advisor as soon as they have their admission materials and credit evaluation. All new transfer students receive a Transfer Advising Hold on their account until they have met with an advisor. During the advising session, students will learn how transferred courses apply to their WMU major and will select courses for registration. Registration may be completed after the advising session once the advising office removes the hold. Transfer students should meet with their advisor and register during the registration periods available to current WMU students and should not wait until just before the beginning of classes.
The mission of the Western Michigan University Orientation program is to provide a comprehensive experience which will aid new students in their transition to the institution, expose new students to the educational opportunities within WMU, integrate new students into the academic and campus life of the institution, and increase the retention rate of new students. Orientation is required for all incoming transfer students, regardless of entry term.
The International Student and Scholar Services (I3S) at the Haenicke Institute for Global Education handles the CELCIS Pathway, undergraduate and graduate applications for admission. In addition, the I3S conducts international student orientation programs for new students, coordinates international student activities, issues immigration documents, provides immigration advice, enforces immigration compliance of students and scholars, authorizes international travels of students, and serves as a liaison between students and their financial sponsors and between students and their academic program offices.
International students interested in seeking admission to Western Michigan University should apply on-line at wmich.edu/internationaladmissions.
To qualify for admission, international students must show evidence of their English language proficiency, and that they are academically and financially capable of successfully completing their studies on a full-time basis. Before an international student can be fully admitted and a Certificate of Eligibility for a visa is issued, the student must:
Western Michigan University accepts the following English proficiency test scores:*
Name of the Test
Minimum Score requirement