΄ΊΣκΦ±²₯

Undergraduate Catalog

Freshmen

Admission Standards

΄ΊΣκΦ±²₯ Illinois University is committed to admitting students whose academic records indicate a high potential for success. Students are generally considered for freshmen admission if they are currently enrolled in high school or if they have never attended a college or university since graduating from high school. Students must earn a high school diploma.

  1. Candidates with a minimum 2.75 cumulative high school grade point average or higher (on a 4.00 scale) will be admitted.
  2. Candidates with a 2.00–2.74 cumulative high school grade point average are eligible for a holistic review of credentials to be considered for admission. WIU may request other information, as needed.
  3. GED, proficiency-based school applicants, and standards-based school applicants without a test score will be considered for admission using a full holistic review of all credentials.
  4. Students in the top 10% of their high school class at an accredited Illinois public or private high school will be automatically admitted to WIU.

Applicants whose high school GPA falls below regular admission criteria are considered for admission through alternative credential evaluation, including factors determined by answers to a series of questions sent to the student. Students may be admitted regularly or into the Reach Program (alternative admission program). To guarantee full consideration for admission as an incoming freshman through this alternative credential evaluation, applicants are encouraged to submit an application and supporting materials by March 15. For more information about the Reach Program, please visit wiu.edu/reach.

Note: WIU considers applications on a rolling admission basis. Students are encouraged to submit all documentation prior to August 1 for the fall semester.

All new freshman applicants to ΄ΊΣκΦ±²₯ Illinois University must submit an official or unofficial current transcript listing courses taken and in progress. Unofficial transcripts will be considered for admission, but a final official transcript must be submitted immediately upon completion of high school.

High School Course-Specific Requirements:

Freshmen entering WIU are to have completed the following high school coursework before entering the University:

  1. English: four years with an emphasis on written and oral communication and literature.
  2. Social Studies: three years with an emphasis in history and government.
  3. Mathematics: three years of introductory through advanced algebra, geometry, trigonometry, or fundamentals of computer programming.
  4. Science: three years of laboratory sciences which include biology, chemistry, physics, earth science, or other college preparatory sciences.
  5. Other: two years to be selected from art, film, foreign language, music, speech, theatre, journalism, religion, philosophy, and vocational education.

In the event that new students have deficiencies in course-specific requirements, the University will consider alternative evidence or other academic activities in determining the mastery of the knowledge and skills in the area(s) of the deficiency.

Linkages Program

The Linkages Program is a concurrent enrollment program whereby students enroll at ΄ΊΣκΦ±²₯ Illinois University (Macomb or Quad Cities campus) and a participating community college. The goal is to help students reduce tuition costs and ensure a seamless transition into a WIU major. The Linkages Program is designed for college-ready students who will take one 100-level or 200-level course at ΄ΊΣκΦ±²₯ Illinois University and register for the remainder of their classes at the participating community college. The Linkages Program is also a way for students to β€œlock in” WIU’s 4-year Tuition Guarantee and become part of the WIU community. A current list of participating community colleges is available from the WIU Undergraduate Admissions website at wiu.edu/linkages. Students who are interested in the Linkages Program must submit a complete application for admission to the University.

Other Special Admission Provisions

Applicants without a High School Diploma

Persons who do not have a high school diploma and are not currently attending high school may apply for admission if they have passed the General Educational Development (GED) test. GED holders will meet with advisors who will discuss specific courses needed to meet any deficiencies in academic requirements.

Non-Degree Status

Any student who has earned a high school diploma or its equivalent may attend ΄ΊΣκΦ±²₯ as a non-degree student without meeting the regular admission requirements under the following provisions:

  1. The student may enroll in no more than six semester hours per term, and may accrue no more than 30 semester hours at WIU.
  2. Students who have earned more than 30 semester hours of college credit at ΄ΊΣκΦ±²₯ Illinois University are not normally eligible for non-degree status. However, such students may appeal to the Council on Admission, Graduation, and Academic Standards (CAGAS) for non-degree status.
  3. Students currently on academic probation or suspension are ineligible for nondegree status.
  4. Non-degree students must apply to CAGAS if they wish to be considered for degree candidacy.
  5. Non-degree students are not eligible for financial aid or automatic scholarship opportunities.
Dual Enrollment High School Students

High school students may be accepted for special admission to enroll in University courses while concurrently enrolled in secondary school. The following provisions apply:

  1. The student must meet regular admission criteria.
  2. The high school principal, counselor, or an appropriate designee must provide written support for the admission application.
  3. Students must agree to pursue academic advising through the First Year Advising Center in Macomb or Quad Cities Student Services, as appropriate. International students must agree to pursue academic advising through the Center for Global Studies.
  4. Students may enroll for a maximum of two courses per term without permission of the Council on Admission, Graduation, and Academic Standards (CAGAS).
  5. Only 100- or 200-level courses, in which the student meets WIU placement or prerequisite requirements, may be taken without permission of the appropriate department chairperson.
  6. Exceptions to the above policy must be approved by CAGAS.
Visiting/Guest Students

Students who are degree candidates at other institutions may attend ΄ΊΣκΦ±²₯ for one term under the following provisions:

  1. Students must submit an application to Undergraduate Admissions for one semester.
  2. Students must submit an official transcript from their last school attended verifying that they are in good status at that institution,
    OR
    Complete a personally signed WIU Visiting Student Form attesting good standing at the last school attended.