Your chances of getting into Western Illinois University
Admission Rate & Difficulty
Acceptance Rate
The acceptance rate at Western Illinois University is 72.5%. Its admission rate is the 26th lowest in Illinois.
Admission Selectivity
How hard is it to get into Western Illinois University and can you get accepted?
Western Illinois University is a moderately competitive school to get into. You have a strong chance of acceptance if you meet the criteria. Last year, 5,187 out of the 7,156 who applied were admitted.
The school has extremely easy admission requirements, generally admitting students who can score in the top 72 percent on standardized admission tests. Western Illinois University typically accepts and attracts "B+" average high school students with an average GPA around 3.45. Most incoming freshmen graduate in the top half of their high school class. 18% of those admitted chose to enroll in the school.
Can you get into Western Illinois University?
72% are accepted, can you get in? Use the admission calculator to see if you have the grades and test scores needed to get in. See your admission chances based on your extracurriculars, intended major, background, and more.
Admission Requirements in Brief
To have the best chance of getting into to Western Illinois University you should:
- Have a high school GPA of 3.45 or better
- Earn B+ grades in high school
- Score 990 on the SAT
- Score 21 on the ACT
- Graduate in the top half of your high school class
Western Illinois University GPA
GPA Requirements & Average GPA
What GPA do you need to get into Western Illinois University?
GPA Requirements
The GPA requirements for getting into Western Illinois University are to have around a 3.45 high school GPA. You are required to have above average high school grades.
If your high school GPA meets these requirements, there is a good chance you will be accepted as Western Illinois University accepts 72% of students who apply.
Average GPA
The average unweighted GPA at Western Illinois University is 3.45 on the 4.0 scale. To achieve the average GPA for admission, you need to earn B+ letter grades and regularly score around 87-89 percent on tests and assignments in high school. The school ranks #24 in Illinois for highest average GPA.
Importance of GPA
Since Western Illinois University is a test optional college, extra focus will be placed on your GPA when the school considers your application. As a result, it is very important that you meet the GPA requirements.
See additional colleges accepting applicants in the 3.5 GPA range.
Competitiveness by GPA Ranges
The table below outlines the number of admitted freshmen by GPA range as well as how competitive your GPA will be as compared with other applicants.
GPA Data Source, Peterson's Data 2022
Western Illinois University SAT Scores
Test Optional
Submission of SAT or ACT scores is not required or recommended by Western Illinois University.
SAT Requirements & Average SAT Score
| SAT Test | 25th Percentile Score |
|---|---|
| Reading 25th Percentile | 450 |
| Math 25th Percentile | 430 |
| Composite 25th Percentile | 880 |
| SAT Test | 75th Percentile Score |
|---|---|
| Reading 75th Percentile | 550 |
| Math 75th Percentile | 540 |
| Composite 75th Percentile | 1090 |
| Average SAT Score | 990
|
SAT Scores you need to get in
What are the SAT requirements for you to be admitted to Western Illinois University?
Average Score & Range
The average SAT score at Western Illinois University is 990 out of 1600 and the range for the middle 50% of accepted students is 880-1090. Students who get into Western Illinois University score in the top 81 percent of all SAT test takers.. Western Illinois University ranks #44 in the state of Illinois for highest average SAT composite score.
Score for Acceptance
You should target scoring 990 or above to be most competitive with other applicants. Western Illinois University regularly admits students with SAT scores down to 880 on a 1600 scale. However, three quarter of admitted students score higher. If you score below a 880, admission should be considered a reach. Some students may be accepted with minimum SAT's as low as 770, but scores this low are outside the normal range.
Score Submission Requirements
Western Illinois University is a test optional school meaning do not have to submit SAT scores with your application. The position on SAT scores from the college is "neither required nor recommended".
View other colleges which accept students in the 990 SAT score range.
Data Sources, IPEDS for Fall 2021 starting classChance of Acceptance by SAT Score
The table below outlines your predicted admission chances based on SAT score alone. If you are an average applicant with a score of 985, you have around a 72% chance of being admitted. A 1090 places you well ahead of most other applicants and gives you about a 83% chance of getting in.
Western Illinois University ACT Scores
ACT Requirements & Average ACT Score
| ACT Test | 25th Percentile Score |
|---|---|
| Reading 25th Percentile | 16 |
| Math 25th Percentile | 16 |
| Composite 25th Percentile | 18 |
| ACT Test | 75th Percentile Score |
|---|---|
| Reading 75th Percentile | 24 |
| Math 75th Percentile | 24 |
| Composite 75th Percentile | 24 |
| Average ACT Score | 21
|
ACT Scores needed to get accepted
What are the ACT requirements for students to get into Western Illinois University?
Score Range
The average ACT score for admitted students to Western Illinois University is 21, while the middle 50% of students (25th to 75th percentile) score between a 18 and 24. The school ranks #37 in Illinois for highest average ACT composite score.
Score for Acceptance
For the best chance of admission, you should have an ACT of 21. This will place you in solid competition against other applicants. At a minimum, you should aim for a 18 and score in the score in the top 62 percent nationally. The lowest ACT score likely to be admitted is a 15.
45 percent of applicants submit ACT scores to Western Illinois University.
Score Submission Requirements
You do not have to to submit ACT scores with your application as Western Illinois University is test optional. The policy from the school on ACT scores is "neither required nor recommended".
Find other colleges with similar ACT score requirements
Data Sources, IPEDS for Fall 2021 starting classChance of Acceptance by ACT Score
Here are your predicted chances of getting into Western Illinois University for different ACT score ranges. A typical applicant with a 21 score has around 72% chance of getting in. Your odds increase to about 83% with a 24 ACT score.
High School Class Rank
73% of Western Illinois University freshman are in the top half of their high school graduating class and 34% are in the top quarter.
| High School Class Rank | Freshmen Within Range |
|---|---|
| Top 10% of class | 14% |
| Top 25% of class | 34% |
| Top 50% of class | 73% |
Applying
Admission Statistics
Admission and enrollment rates by gender are detailed the the table below.
| Women | Men | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Applied | 4,442 | 2,714 | 7,156 |
| Accepted | 3,363 | 1,824 | 5,187 |
| Acceptance Rate | 76% | 67% | 72% |
| Enrolled | 561 | 359 | 920 |
| Percent of Admitted Who Enrolled (Admission Yield) | 17% | 20% | 18% |
Application Fee
The cost for prospective students to apply to Western Illinois University is $30.
Application Requirements
What are the requirements for admission to Western Illinois University and what student information is used for admission decisions?
| Test Scores | Neither required nor recommended |
| High School GPA | Required |
| High School Class Rank | Neither required nor recommended |
| Completion of College Preparatory Program | Required |
| Recommendations | Neither required nor recommended |
| Demonstration of Competencies | Neither required nor recommended |
Credits Accepted
| AP Credit | Yes |
| Dual Credit | Yes |
| Credit for Life Experiences | Yes |
Admission Requirements Summary
Because Western Illinois University is moderately competitive, you have a strong chance of acceptance with the right GPA and test scores. If you have a 3.45 GPA, you have a very good likelihood of getting in. A 990 on the SAT and 21 on the ACT will further lock in your application.
Other Colleges to Apply To
Students applying to Western Illinois University often consider these colleges
Primary data source, U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=149772 IPEDS survey data for Western Illinois University.
FAQs
Does Western Illinois University prefer SAT or ACT?
77% of students submit their SAT scores to Western Illinois University. 45% of applicants send their ACT scores when applying.
What is my chance of getting into Western Illinois University?
72% of those who apply are granted admission to Western Illinois University. Admission competition is low and the college has extremely easy admission standards. See if your grades and scores are good enough for admission.
What SAT score is required for Western Illinois University?
The middle 50% of addmitted applicants have SAT scores between 880 and 1090. The average SAT score is 985. See if your SAT score is good enough for admission.
What ACT score is required for Western Illinois University?
The middle 50% of addmitted applicants have ACT scores between 18 and 24. The average ACT score is 21. See if your ACT score is good enough for admission.