First-Time Freshmen

You are considered a first-time freshman if you are a current high school senior, have a TASC/GED or haven't attended college since graduating.

How to Apply as a First-Time Freshman

To apply to West Virginia University as a first-time freshman, please complete the following steps:

WVU has a rolling admissions policy, which means that you should receive our decision within a few weeks after we receive your application and required materials. 

Application Deadlines for First-Time Freshmen

WVU has a rolling admissions policy, which means we do not have a specific deadline by which you must apply. Applicants are considered for and informed of admission on a first-come, first-served basis.  For you to be considered for first-time freshman admission all application materials and supporting documents must be received by these dates:

• by August 1 for fall semester admission
• by December 1 for spring semester admission

We recommend you apply as early as possible. 

Admission Requirements for First-Time Freshmen

To be considered for freshman admission, you must successfully complete the following high school unit requirements:

• 4 units of English including grammar, composition and literature.
• 4 units of college preparatory mathematics. Three units must include algebra I and II and plane geometry plus an additional math unit. Select majors may require a fourth math considered to be higher than Algebra II. *see below
  
• 3 units of social studies including U.S. history.
• 3 units of science. ALL units must be laboratory science. Recommended units include biology, chemistry, physics, anatomy and environmental science.
• 2 units of a foreign language which must be for the same language. American Sign Language is acceptable for this requirement.
• 1 unit of fine arts. Recommended units include music, band, art, theater, dance, drama and performance.

*WVU identifies a West Virginia student completing Math I, Math II, Math III TR and Math IV TR as successfully earning three units of college preparatory mathematics. To earn the required four mathematics units to satisfy the admission requirements for WVU, an additional course, such as Transition Mathematics for Seniors, Calculus or AP Statistics, would need to be successfully completed. WVU does not recognize Math I Lab as a credit in mathematics.

In addition to the high school unit requirements listed above, you must meet the following requirements based on your residency. Please note: Meeting these requirements does not guarantee admission to the Morgantown campus.

• West Virginia residents: must have at least a 2.0 cumulative high school GPA and either a super scored ACT composite of 19 or a super scored Math and Critical Reading SAT total of 910 (pre-March 2016 test sitting) or a super scored Evidence Based Reading/Writing and Math Section score of 990 (post-March 2016 test sitting). SAT scores will not be super scored across pre-March 2016 scores and post-March 2016 scores.
  

• Nonresidents: must have at least a 2.5 cumulative high school GPA and either a super scored ACT composite of 21 or a super scored Math and Critical Reading SAT total of 990 (pre-March 2016 test sitting) or a super scored Evidence Based Reading/Writing and Math Section score of 1070 (post-March 2016 test sitting). SAT scores will not be super scored across pre-March 2016 sittings and post-March sittings 2016.
  
  

All applications must be accompanied by an official transcript. Essays and letters of recommendation are not required and will not be considered in the admission decision.

Some colleges and programs have additional admission standards that exceed the requirements for admission to WVU. Also, some Engineering majors may reach capacity and therefore will be restricted from entry. Please note: Admission to the University does not ensure admission into a specific school or college.

About Test Super Scores

WVU combines the highest sub-scores from different test dates to create a “super score” total or composite for admissions and scholarship consideration eligibility. WVU does not require you to take the optional written component of the ACT examination or the SAT Essay.

SAT: WVU will continue to accept pre-March 2016 SAT scores. If SAT scores are received for both pre-March 2016 and post-March 2016 sittings, super scores will be calculated separately. A set of super scores will exist for the pre-March scores and a set of super scores will exist for the post-March scores. WVU does not require the essay portion of the SAT test.

How GPA is Calculated and Evaluated

Grade-point average (GPA) is based on information received from a student’s high school transcript. The most recent cumulative GPA on the transcript is used when determining admission to the University. This is the same GPA used by the Undergraduate Scholarship Office when determining scholarship eligibility.

WVU reviews high school GPA based on a four-point grading scale. In most instances, WVU will consider weighted GPA when determining eligibility for admission and scholarships. WVU reserves the right to recalculate GPA when the weighted or non-weighted GPA falls outside of the four-point scale or in other instances where recalculation is deemed appropriate.

Students Who've Taken the TASC, GED or HiSET

For students who have taken the TASC, GED or HiSET after their anticipated high school graduation date, please submit the WVU undergraduate application for admission and contact the State Department of Education to request that scores be mailed to the WVU Office of Admissions. 

Score requirements:

• Test Assessing Secondary Completion (TASC) - score of 500 on each of the five subtest categories
  
• General Equivalency Degree (GED) - average standard score of 2250 (450) or above
  
• HiSET exam - minimum score of 45

Home Schooled Students

Each year, WVU accepts applications for admission from students who are educated at home or in non-accredited high schools. These applicants must submit a complete undergraduate application and SAT or ACT test scores. Immunization records must also be submitted before enrollment.

The strength of your coursework is important in the admission process. Home schooled applicants and applicants who attended non-accredited high schools must furnish documentation to validate learning in four of the academic core areas, shown above in Admission Requirements for First-Time Freshmen, unless they were completed at an accredited high school or college. If you completed units at an accredited high school or college, transcripts of the units taken must be provided to WVU. 

This documentation should take the form of a typed manuscript or description of your class background and must include the following, at a minimum:

• The student’s name.
• A list and description of courses completed. 
• Grades earned for the courses completed.
• The number of credits earned for each course.

The courses must be broken down by 9th, 10th, 11th and 12th grade years. The transcripts must bear the signature of the person who administered the curriculum.

Upon completion of an application file with the required documentation, WVU will review the entire application file of an individual who has been home schooled or attended a non-accredited high school. All application materials must be received by the regular admission deadline.

Please note: West Virginia residents who were home-schooled and who are applying for a WV PROMISE Scholarship or a West Virginia Higher Education Grant must have GEDs. Further questions regarding this should be directed to West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission.

Early Admission

WVU will admit a limited number of rising high school seniors who have demonstrated high academic achievement and maturity to enter college before high school graduation. Students who have completed their junior year in high school with 3.5 GPA or higher and a 26 enhanced ACT composite or a super scored Math and Critical Reading SAT total of 1170 (pre-March 2016 test sitting) or a super scored Evidence Based Reading/Writing and Math Section score of 1240 (post-March 2016 test sitting) and have completed all requirements for graduation from high school except senior English may apply for early admission. 

In addition to submitting the freshman admission application and required documents, the principal or guidance counselors must submit a letter supporting the application. The student's parent(s) or guardian(s) must also submit a letter of support for the application. 

Once the above requirements are met, an interview with the student will be conducted for the Early Admissions Program. Accepted students are admitted as full-time students with all of the rights and privileges offered to other students.

Scholarship Eligibility

You are considered for merit scholarships when you apply for admission to WVU. You can check your scholarship eligibility in the Scholarships section of the Financial Support and Services website. Please contact the admissions counselor from your state or region if you have an updated transcript with a higher GPA for scholarship consideration. 

Freshman Class Statistics

The average student enrolled in WVU’s Fall 2017 freshman class had a 3.47 high school grade point average, ACT score of 24 and a combined Math and Critical Reading SAT score of 1039.

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