Admission Requirements


Admission to Wesleyan is based on academic records, including courses taken, grades earned, and class standing, followed by SAT or ACT test scores.*  Achievement in extracurricular activities, community participation, and a motivation to get involved and contribute to the Wesleyan campus community are also taken into consideration.

To be considered for admission into North Carolina Wesleyan University, each student must meet the following requirements. If you are a Traditional/Day, Adult, Transfer or International student, please review the below information when applying.

Traditional/Day Student Requirements

Traditional/Day Students who are applying to NCWU should meet the following requirements:

1. High school courses required as minimum standards

4 units in English
3 units in Mathematics (we do not require anything higher than Math 3)
3 units in Science
2 units in Social Studies
We do not require any foreign language courses

A student who has taken the above courses will need to submit the following materials:

  • Completed application
  • Official high school transcript
  • Official SAT or ACT score(s) NOTE: We are “Test Blind” for 2024-25

Please note that a student’s file will not be evaluated until we have received all of the above materials.

2. GPA and SAT/ACT score requirements

Students should have the following minimum criteria to be accepted for admission:

Freshman students:

  • Cumulative 2.5 weighted GPA on a 4.0 scale
  • Standardized test score of one of the following:
    • Composite of 760 on the SAT pre-March 2016 (Critical Reading and Math only. We do not count the Writing section)
    • Composite of 850 on the SAT (March 2016 and newer)
  • Composite of 15 on the ACT

**Students who do not meet the above-stated criteria will be reviewed by a committee.  These students may be required to submit additional information such as an updated transcript or recommended to retake the SAT or ACT.

 Transfer students:

  • Be in good academic and social standing with all post-secondary institutions attended
  • Cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher

International students:

  • Cumulative 2.5 weighted GPA on a 4.0 scale
  • Standardized test score of one of the following:
    • Composite of on the TOEFL (60)/IELTS (6.0)
    • Composite of 850 on the SAT (March 2016 and newer)
    • Composite of 15 on the ACT

Essay or recommendation letters

Submitting an essay and recommendation letters are optional.  However, if you think that it will help you in the admissions process, then we strongly encourage you to submit these materials.

Placement exams

Some students will need to take an English placement exam. If you do, you will be contacted prior to your registered WesWay Day, and will have the opportunity to take the exam during WesWay Day.

Deadline for submitting an application

NCWU is on a rolling admissions system, meaning that we do not have an application deadline.  However, we encourage all students to apply as early as possible, as space is limited. An admissions application can be found online depending on your student type.  A paper application can also be requested if needed.

Adult & Professional Studies Requirements

Adult students who are applying to NCWU should meet the following requirements:

1. Complete an application

Apply at no cost. Click here to apply. Make sure you choose the location and degree program you are interested in as well as provide your complete contact information. NCWU is on a rolling admissions system, meaning that we do not have an application deadline.  However, we encourage all students to apply as early as possible, as space is limited.  A paper application can also be requested if needed.

2. Minimum 21 years of age

To enroll in the Adult & Professional Studies program you must be at least 21 years of age. The Vice President of Enrollment may waive this requirement.

3. Official transcripts

Submit official transcripts from all previously attended colleges and universities. Electronic transcripts can be sent to adultstudies@ncwu.edu. Physical copies can be mailed to our main campus, attention Adult Studies/Welcome Center.

Official copy of high school transcript if transferring fewer than 12 semester hours of credit, or if applying for VA benefits.

NOTE: Not required for admissions, but recommended that all students complete a free federal application for financial aid (FAFSA school code 002951) regardless if you plan to take out loans.  This free application may also help the school to determine other types of grants you may qualify for.  Also, complete the Master Promissory Note and Entrance Counseling with FAFSA (studentaid.gov) if you think you may take out federal loans.  These are no cost and do not bind you to taking out loans if you change your mind later.

Are you an International Student? If so, we have all the answers and resources you need!