Apply as a first-year undergraduate
Welcome to Western Michigan University! We're delighted that you're interested in learning more about becoming a Bronco. The more you explore WMU, the more you'll realize this may be the perfect place for you.
Everything you need to explore academic programs, discover campus life and learn how to apply is available here.
Be sure to schedule a campus visit so you can see WMU in person. Can't come in person? Check out our virtual experiences for more ways to learn about our school. And check out what current students have to say at our connect page and explore WMU's social media accounts!
We define being a first-year undergraduate as follows:
- Never having attended any post-secondary institution after high school graduation (or credential equivalent)
- Finishing an early/middle college program
- Completing a GED
If you're not a first-year undergraduate, see other application types.
If you've already applied, check your Gold Gateway account to check your application status.
If you're an admitted student, pursue next steps here.
Admission criteria: What you need to know
Official high school transcripts
ACT or SAT Scores
Awards and accolades
Deadlines and timelines
![Students listening to a student, at the fountains.](https://files.wmich.edu/s3fs-public/styles/3_2/public/images/u171/2023/MBZ01755.jpg?h=56d0ca2e&itok=cLltQvFW)
WMU is test-optional
![Classroom, student is sitting with a professor who is communicating with him during class.](https://files.wmich.edu/s3fs-public/styles/3_2/public/images/u171/2023/DSC09448.jpg?h=56d0ca2e&itok=Pnp18w1c)
Sending transcripts and test scores
![Group of students showing the W at the Valley's.](https://files.wmich.edu/s3fs-public/styles/3_2/public/images/u171/2023/GroupCampus.jpg?h=56d0ca2e&itok=3eglg-Mq)
Early credit
Explore majors
With more than 150 areas of study to choose from at WMU, explore the programs that ignite your interests. And if you need some guidance, our advisors can help you get on your path to a meaningful future.
Why WMU?
Your Western experience is designed to prioritize the whole you. You'll find everything you need to thrive intellectually, emotionally, physically and socially both in and out of the classroom.
Campus life promotes belonging and well-being
![Students in their room relaxing, in the Valley's.](https://files.wmich.edu/s3fs-public/styles/3_2/public/images/u171/2023/Room.jpg?h=56d0ca2e&itok=OfEpyszu)
Campus housing
![Casting day has come for the RSO American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) concrete canoe in Floyd Hall. Led by the concrete canoe captains Jessica Schneider and Parker Lammers, engineering students get a chance to showcase the culmination of their work.](https://files.wmich.edu/s3fs-public/styles/3_2/public/images/u171/2023/concrete.jpg?h=56d0ca2e&itok=iwW2BcHp)
Student organizations
![Western Michigan University’s Men’s Soccer team takes on the University of Akron at the WMU Soccer Complex. The Broncos ultimately lost with a final score of 0-1.](https://files.wmich.edu/s3fs-public/styles/3_2/public/images/u171/2023/Soccer.jpg?h=56d0ca2e&itok=g-uaoUtk)
Bronco Athletics
![WMU’s Department of Theatre performs The Play That Goes Wrong at Shaw Theatre. A new production by the Cornley University Drama Society, The Murder at Haversham Manor, has everything going purposely wrong to deliver laughs.](https://files.wmich.edu/s3fs-public/styles/3_2/public/images/u171/2023/theatre_0.jpg?h=56d0ca2e&itok=Ro9x2QTv)
Arts and entertainment
![Students find many ways to work out while at the Student Recreation Center. The 8,000-square-foot weight room is just one part of the 240,000-square-foot facility.](https://files.wmich.edu/s3fs-public/styles/3_2/public/images/u171/2023/studentRec.jpg?h=56d0ca2e&itok=x3HuhQCw)
Recreation
Making it count: Financing your WMU education
![WMU staff working to help support students.](https://files.wmich.edu/s3fs-public/styles/3_2/public/images/u171/2023/DSC00511.jpg?h=56d0ca2e&itok=QM--4SB9)
Financial aid information
![Students discussion table at the Haworth Business College](https://files.wmich.edu/s3fs-public/styles/3_2/public/images/u171/2023/Scholarship.jpg?h=56d0ca2e&itok=eQ-0T_zg)
First-year scholarships
![Students with their parents on move in day.](https://files.wmich.edu/s3fs-public/styles/3_2/public/images/u171/2023/MBZ09686.jpg?h=31570097&itok=aARhRP-S)