Applying for Admission
Looking to apply to become part of Illinois Wesleyan's incoming class of 2025?
If so, you've come to the right place! At IWU, we don't charge an application fee and submitting standardized test scores is optional.
All completed applications will be reviewed individually. You can find basic admission criteria and requirements here.
Application for Fall 2025 is now open!
Required Materials
Students interested in admission to Illinois Wesleyan University must submit:
- One of the following applications (one application is not preferred over another):
- Transcripts for all previous high school and/or college coursework
- Essay
- Students whose first or native language is not English are required to meet our English
proficiency requirements.
- The English proficiency requirements can be met in the following ways:
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First or Native language is English
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Completing at least 3 years of secondary education where the school's primary language of instruction is English.
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English Proficiency Exam: IELTS, TOEFL, GTEC, Duolingo English Test, or PTE scores are accepted. IWU accepts MyBest scores for the TOEFL, in addition to TOEFL scores from a single test date. Minimum test scores are required for admission: IELTS 6.5 band score, TOEFL score of 80 iBT (Internet-based), Duolingo English Test score of 115, PTE score of 56. Scores more than two years old will not be accepted.
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- The English proficiency requirements can be met in the following ways:
Early Action (non-binding)
Students who submitted all required application materials by November 15th are eligible for consideration. Early Action decisions are sent out between November 15th and December 15th. Students admitted under Early Action still have until May 1st to make a college selection. Some students who apply under Early Action may be deferred to the Regular Decision process to allow the Admissions Committee to request and consider updated information.
Regular Decision
Students can submit an application under Regular Decision at any time. Decisions for students applying under Regular Decision are mailed after December 15th.
Optional Supplemental Materials
- Letters of Recommendation
- Personal Statement
Additional Requirements for Specific Programs
- If you are planning to pursue the Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree in the School of Art, you are required to present a portfolio.
- If you are planning to pursue the Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in the School of Art, a portfolio review is not required, but it is an option for talent scholarship consideration.
- Transfer students must submit a portfolio.
If you are planning to major in music, an audition is required before you can be admitted to the School of Music.
The School of Nursing requires the successful completion of Algebra, Geometry, Chemistry, and Biology during high school to be considered for admission.
If you are planning to major in theatre, an audition or interview is required before you can be admitted to the School of Theatre Arts.
Recommended Admission Criteria
- Fifteen (15) academic units within the areas of English, foreign language, mathematics, laboratory science and social science.
- A cumulative grade-point average of a B or higher.