Apply as a First-Year Undergraduate

Admissions

Students walking near Valley Dining Center — Become a Bronco

WMU has created the perfect environment for learning and pursuing your career goals, including academic and experience-driven programs, a vibrant campus community, extensive well-being resources and a helpful and diverse staff.

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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.

Apply now: Common Application

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Admission criteria: What you need to know

Official high school transcripts

Your transcript is vital to your admission to WMU. It shows what courses you've taken and your grades, which allows us to assess your academic preparation, GPA and grade trend.

ACT or SAT Scores

WMU adopted a test-optional policy for students that applies to both admission and Office of Admissions scholarship consideration.

Awards and accolades

If you have a specialized skill or talent outside the classroom or have received notable honors and awards, these accomplishments are insights into the likelihood of your academic success and will also likely be used during the scholarship consideration process.

Deadlines and timelines

Depending on your student type and what program you choose to pursue, be sure to follow the timelines and turn in your application by the designated deadline.

Learn more first-year student criteria

Students listening to a student, at the fountains.

WMU is test-optional

Western has adopted a test-optional policy. This applies to both admission and Office of Admissions scholarship consideration. Learn about our test-optional policy, instructions for enrolling students and submissions for other standardized tests.

Learn more about the testing policy

Classroom, student is sitting with a professor who is communicating with him during class.

Sending transcripts and test scores

If you need to send transcripts and test scores, you have multiple options on how to deliver them to us.

Learn more about sending transcripts

Group of students showing the W at the Valley's.

Early credit

Looking to get ahead on your college education? WMU offers many opportunities for students to earn college credits before becoming a Bronco.

Learn more about 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.

Discover your passion

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.

Explore our points of pride

Campus life promotes belonging and well-being

Students in their room relaxing, in the Valley's.

Campus housing

If you want to find and make friends while living close to classes, events and resources, campus housing is an ideal place for you to live. Let our welcoming and trained housing staff help you make a comfortable transition to residential life.

Explore housing and residence life

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.

Student organizations

A big part of college is making friends. WMU's student organizations can help you with that! With more than 300 registered student organizations to choose from, you'll connect and build a sense of community that will lead to lasting memories.

Find your registered student organization

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.

Bronco Athletics

Our student-athletes and athletics community are sources of pride. We salute their drive and excellence and support their championships at our competitive conferences. With regular season tickets free for all students, we're ready to sing "Fight, Broncos, fight!"

Discover intercollegiate 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.

Arts and entertainment

Entertainment doesn't get any better than this. Located on campus, Miller Auditorium serves as a premier performing arts venue in Southwest Michigan. We host Broadway touring productions, live concerts, comedy events, family shows and more—and students get a 50% discount on most shows!

Explore Miller Auditorium

Recreation

If you're looking to break a sweat with friends, we have exercise options such as club sports, intramural sports and pickleball at our Student Recreation Center. Take advantage of our facilities and get moving!

Get physical at the rec center

Making it count: Financing your WMU education

WMU staff working to help support students.

Financial aid information

Nearly everyone qualifies for some form of financial aid. Financial aid includes student and parent loans, grants and work-study options. Find out how much assistance your family is eligible to receive by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Learn about financial aid

Students discussion table at the Haworth Business College

First-year scholarships

As a first-year undergraduate student at WMU, there are a wide range of scholarships available to help make your education affordable. Categories include: academic excellence, financial need, program participation, Michigan residential status and beyond.

Explore scholarships

Students with their parents on move in day.

Families

Parents and families, you play a vital role in your student's transition to college life. Explore our helpful resources and learn about financial aid and costs.

Discover financial literacy resources

Western welcomes every Bronco

Apply to WMU

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Become a Bronco