Freshmen
Transfers
International Students
Exchange Students
Returning Students

Computer Requirement -- Beginning with the Fall 1998 semester, all newly admitted degree-seeking undergraduate students are required to have an appropriate, networkable computer. This requirement also applies to readmitted students beginning with the Fall 2001 semester. read the complete requirement

Your application to WCU begins with a strong high school record. We particularly look for:

• Excellent academic performance
• High class rank
• Strong ACT or SAT scores

We also look for:

• Students who have completed honors coursework
• Well-rounded students who have distinguished themselves outside of the classroom in leadership, community service, or other activities

To be considered for admission, you must have earned a high school diploma or its equivalent and satisfy the UNC minimum course requirements (MCR).

• Four units of English
• Two units of social studies (one in U.S. history)
• Four units of mathematics (algebra I, algebra II, geometry, and an advanced unit of mathematics beyond algebra II)
• Three units of science (life science, physical science, and a laboratory course)
• Two units of a language other than English

You'll also need to submit scores for the SAT or ACT, including a writing score, so be sure to sign up for a testing date well in advance.

 Find out more about preparing to apply with our application checklist.

The successful transfer applicant to Western Carolina University will have a cumulative college GPA of 2.0 or better and be eligible to return to the college or university attended most recently.  Those under the age of 24 must meet the University of North Carolina system’s minimum course requirements (MCR).  These can be met in high school by completing the following:

• Four units of English
• Four units of mathematics, including algebra I and II, geometry and an advanced math for which algebra II is a prerequisite
• Three units of science
• Two units of social science, including one unit of US or American history
• Two units of the same foreign language

Minimum course requirements can also be met by

• Earning an Associate of Arts or Associate of Science degree
• Completing the 44-hour general education core at a North Carolina Community College or
• Completing six semester hours each of transferable credit in English, math, science, social science and foreign language. 

*Please note that the Associate of Applied Science does not count towards minimum course requirements.

At WCU, we welcome students with diverse educational backgrounds. We’ve designed our application process with the goal of evaluating your academic achievements in context.

Minimum requirements for international students include:

• Completion of secondary-school coursework. You’ll need to submit the courses you took, your grades, graduation date, and any diplomas or certificates you received. Usually, students need an original transcript of courses and grades, and a copy (not original) of a diploma is helpful. All transcripts must be in English or translated using World Education Services or a similar translation company.
• A TOEFL score of 550 (paper-based), 213 (computer-based), or 79 (Internet-based).  If English is your native language the Scholastic Achievement Test (SAT) may be submitted.
 
Find out more about preparing to apply with our application checklist. And be sure to check our success tips for international students.

To be an exchange student at WCU, your home institution needs to have an established agreement with WCU. Check with International Programs and Services to learn about participating in an exchange.

Returning Students