Chances of getting into Western Carolina University
Acceptance Rate
How hard is it to get into WCU and can I get accepted?
The acceptance rate at WCU is 79%. It ranks #36 in North Carolina for lowest rate of acceptance. Western Carolina University is an easy school to get into with a very good chance of acceptance if you meet the admission requirements. Last year, 9,775 out of 12,308 applicants were admitted.
The school has moderate admission requirements, generally admitting students who can score in the top 52 percent on standardized admission tests. Western Carolina University typically accepts and attracts "B+" average high school students with an average GPA around 3.44. Most incoming freshmen graduate in the top half of their high school class. 18% of those admitted chose to enroll in the school.
The WCU application fee is $65 and applications are due by Apr 1.
Test Optional
Submission of SAT or ACT scores is not required for admission to Western Carolina University. If you submit test scores, they will be considered with your application, but they are not mandatory. 12% of students submitted SAT scores and 43% submitted ACT scores for admission for the 2021/2022 academic year..
WCU SAT Scores
SAT Requirements & Average SAT Score
| SAT Test | 25th Percentile Score |
|---|---|
| SAT Reading 25th | 540 |
| SAT Math 25th | 520 |
| SAT Composite 25th | 1060 |
| SAT Test | 25th Percentile Score |
|---|---|
| SAT Reading 75th | 620 |
| SAT Math 75th | 610 |
| SAT Composite 75th | 1230 |
| Average SAT Score | 1150
|
SAT Scores you need to get in
What are the SAT requirements for students to be admitted to Western Carolina University?
Western Carolina University is a test optional school meaning applicants are not required to submit SAT scores with their application. The position on SAT scores from the school is "considered but not required".
Students who get into Western Carolina University score in the top 49 percent of all SAT test takers.. The SAT composite score range for the middle 50% of students is 1060-1230.
Find other colleges with similar SAT score requirements
Data Sources, IPEDS for Fall 2021 starting classEstimated Chance of Acceptance by SAT Score
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WCU ACT Scores
ACT Requirements & Average ACT Score
| ACT Test | 25th Percentile Score |
|---|---|
| ACT Reading 25th | 17 |
| ACT Math 25th | 17 |
| ACT Composite 25th | 19 |
| ACT Test | 75th Percentile Score |
|---|---|
| ACT Reading 75th | 24 |
| ACT Math 75th | 24 |
| ACT Composite 75th | 25 |
| Average ACT Score | 22
|
ACT Scores needed to get accepted
What are the ACT requirements for prospective students to get into WCU?
Western Carolina University is test optional. Students are not required to submit ACT scores with their application. The policy on ACT scores is "considered but not required".
WCU regularly accepts students who score 19 and above on the ACT. These students typically score in the top 56 percent nationally. The ACT composite score range for the middle 50% of students is 19-25.
Find other colleges with similar ACT score requirements
Data Sources, IPEDS for Fall 2021 starting classEstimated Chance of Acceptance by ACT Score
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WCU GPA
Estimated GPA Requirements & Average GPA
What GPA do you need to get into Western Carolina University?
Applicants require above average high school grades to get into WCU. The average high school GPA of the admitted freshman class at Western Carolina University was 3.44 on the 4.0 scale indicating that primarily B+ students are accepted and ultimately attend. The school ranks #22 in North Carolina for highest average GPA. If your high school grades are above the average 3.44 GPA, you have a very good chance of being admitted as WCU accepts 79% of all applicants.
Explore more colleges with similar GPA requirements
GPA Data Source, Peterson's Data 2022
High School Class Rank
74% of Western Carolina University freshman were in the top half of their high school graduating class.
| High School Class Rank | Freshmen Within Range |
|---|---|
| Top 10% of class | 16% |
| Top 25% of class | 39% |
| Top 50% of class | 74% |
Applying
Admission Statistics
| Women | Men | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Applied | 7,594 | 4,714 | 12,308 |
| Accepted | 6,061 | 3,714 | 9,775 |
| Acceptance Rate | 80% | 79% | 79% |
| Enrolled | 959 | 770 | 1,729 |
| Percent of Admitted Who Enrolled (Admission Yield) | 16% | 21% | 18% |
Fall 2023 Application Deadline
Applications are Due
Days left to Apply
Applicants have 12 days left until the Fall 2023 term applications are due on Apr 1, 2023.
Application Fee
The cost for prospective students to apply to Western Carolina University is $65.
Application Requirements
What are the requirements for admission to Western Carolina University and what student information is used for admission decisions?
| Test Scores | Considered but not required |
| High School GPA | Required |
| High School Class Rank | Recommended |
| Completion of College Preparatory Program | Required |
| Recommendations | Considered but not required |
| Demonstration of Competencies | Neither required nor recommended |
Credits Accepted
| AP Credit | Yes |
| Dual Credit | Yes |
| Credit for Life Experiences | Yes |
Other Colleges to Consider
Primary data source, U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=200004 IPEDS survey data for Western Carolina University.
FAQs
Does Western Carolina University prefer SAT or ACT?
12% of students submit their SAT scores to WCU. 43% of applicants send their ACT scores when applying.
What is my chance of getting into Western Carolina University?
79% of those who apply are granted admission to WCU. Admission competition is and the college has moderate admission standards. See if your grades and scores are good enough for admission.
What SAT score is required for Western Carolina University?
The middle 50% of addmitted applicants have SAT scores between 1060 and 1230. 12% of students submit SAT scores when applying. See if your SAT score is good enough for admission.
What ACT score is required for Western Carolina University?
The middle 50% of addmitted applicants have ACT scores between 19 and 25. 43% of students submit ACT scores when applying. See if your ACT score is good enough for admission.