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. WMU will likely recalculate your GPA using a weighted 4.00 scale. This allows us to consider both the grades you received as well as the difficulty of your courses. If you earned a “C” or better in any AP, IB, Honors, Dual Enrollment, or AICE course, we will include an additional honor point for that course. This is the GPA that we will use for admission, scholarships, and Lee Honors College invitation.
- Grade Trend. How well you’ve done in your most recent courses.
ACT or SAT Scores
Western Michigan University has adopted a test-optional policy. This 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.
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.
Enrolling students: Students who decide to enroll at WMU are encouraged to provide official test scores if they have them prior to new student orientation. If you chose to submit self-reported scores, you must provide the official test scores prior to new orientation. Scores can be sent directly from the testing agency or included on an official high school transcript.
Visit the Testing Policy page for additional information.
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.
Deadlines and Timeline for first-year students
Fall Semester (late August)
- December 15, Early Action (non-binding)—Admission to all Western academic programs†, admission scholarship consideration and priority invitation to the Lee Honors College
- June 1, Rolling Admission—Admission to WMU academic programs.
Application review will begin in October and continue on a rolling basis. Students who complete their application by the Early Action deadline can anticipate receiving their admission decision after winter break. After, application review will continue on a rolling basis, and students should receive their admission decision within six to eight weeks of completing their application file
Other Semesters
- Spring semester (January): January 1
- Summer I semester (May): May 1
- Summer II semester (late June): June 15
Students who apply for other semesters will receive their admission decision on a rolling basis, typically three – four weeks of a complete admissions file.
†First-year students interested in Aviation Flight Science for fall 2022 entry must complete their admission application by the following deadline: December 15 (Early Action)