Admission Criteria
It’s understandable if you think the admission decision process is complicated, and you’re uncertain about what it entails. However, we don’t want you to feel that way—the process isn’t as complex as it may seem! Essentially, our goal is to admit students who will be successful at WMU and contribute to the Bronco community. Keep reading for more information about how Western Michigan University reviews applications and the admissions timeline.
If you have questions about your individual application, please contact your admissions representative.
Items considered during review
No one item will guarantee admission, rather WMU uses a few pieces of information to make our decision:
Official high school transcripts
Your transcript is the most important piece of information. It shows what courses you’ve taken and your grades, which allows us to assess:
- Academic Preparation. Successful students are prepared students and we want to make sure you’re ready for the rigors of college-level work. We recommend*:
- 4 years of English
- 3-4 years of math (through second year algebra or pre-calculus)
- 3 years of natural sciences (two or more with a lab component)
- 2 years of the same foreign language - Grade Point Average.
- Grade Trend. How well you’ve done in your most recent courses.
ACT or SAT scores
WMU superscores and we will use the testing information you provide in your application during our decision process. In 2020, Western Michigan University adopted a test-optional policy for students that applies to both admission and Office of Admissions scholarship consideration.
- Definition of “test optional”: Students may report/submit ACT or SAT test scores if they wish, but it is not required. If a student does wish to have their test score used in the admission process, they can self-report their scores on the admission application. These students would then follow our testing policy.
Applicants who do wish test scores to be used in the admission process should report/submit scores from all test dates. Doing so will allow WMU to use your highest subscores from any test date to superscore your total (SAT) or composite (ACT) score.
Additional information
How have you spent time outside of the classroom? What honors and awards have you received? What else do you share in your application? While not primary factors in the decision process, all can provide insight into your likelihood of academic success. This information will also likely be used during the scholarship award process.
*While highly recommended, these are not requirements. WMU reviews every application and will consider students who do not meet these thresholds. Students graduating from a Michigan high school are expected to meet the requirements of the Michigan Merit Curriculum.
Assured Admission Program
WMU is committed to assisting in the education goals of our future students. Increasing access to higher education is an institutional focus, and to support this effort, we have established an Assured Admission Program for incoming first-year students. A student's academic performance (including a minimum GPA 3.00+ {on a 4.00 scale}) and conduct/behavior are the main criteria for the program. View more information on the Assured Admission Program website.
Overall academic performance and grade trend is neutral or positive.
Deadlines and timelines
Visit the Dates and Deadlines page for up-to-date timelines and application deadlines by semester/session.
First-year application
WMU is Common App exclusive for first-year applicants.