Wheaton College

What are the admission requirements at Wheaton College?

Wheaton College has a comprehensive admission process for prospective students. To apply, candidates must first pay a non-refundable $50 application fee and submit an official high school transcript, which should include their GPA, class rank (if available), and grades earned. Additionally, completion of a college-preparatory program is required, and secondary school GPA and records are mandatory. While admission test scores and secondary school rank are considered, they are not required for admission.

A significant portion of enrolled students at Wheaton College have strong test scores. Among those submitting ACT scores, 57.4% have a composite score in the range of 30-36, and 32.3% have a score between 24-29. For students submitting SAT scores, 60% have a composite score in the range of 1200-1399, and 29% have a score between 1400-1600. It is worth noting that standardized test scores are optional for first-year and transfer students applying for admission for Spring 2023, Fall 2023, and Spring 2024 entry.

Applicants must also provide an academic recommendation from a teacher familiar with their classroom performance. Homeschool students should refer to the academic recommendation form for further instructions. Additionally, applicants must satisfy the Christian Faith reference requirement by either submitting a Christian Mentor recommendation letter from a non-family member or participating in an interview with an Admissions Counselor to discuss their faith.

Wheaton College has a preference for Christian applicants, but it does not have an open admission policy. The acceptance rate is 27%, placing it in the top 5% of colleges. The total number of enrolled students is 546, with 237 men and 309 women. The average composite ACT score for admitted students is 29, and the average composite SAT score is 1321.

International students and U.S. residents whose native language is not English must meet English proficiency requirements, such as the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Advanced placement (AP) credits are accepted, but credit for life experiences and dual credit are not.

What are the application fees and waivers at Wheaton College?

The application process at Wheaton College requires a non-refundable fee of $50. However, for students experiencing financial hardship, the college offers the option to request a fee waiver. To obtain this waiver, the student's high school guidance counselor or principal must complete a fee waiver form and submit it to Wheaton College's admissions office. Once approved, the student will receive a fee waiver code, allowing them to complete the online application without incurring the fee.

In addition to the fee waiver for financial hardship, Wheaton College also waives the application fee for students who attend the Wheaton Connection event. This gesture serves as a token of appreciation for their attendance. It is important for applicants to be aware that admissions decisions are communicated solely through mail, and no advance notifications or phone calls are made regarding the outcome of their application.

What types of ROTC programs are available at Wheaton College?

Wheaton College provides both Army and Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) programs for prospective students. The Army ROTC program, known as the "Rolling Thunder" Battalion, has been developing future leaders since 1952. This program offers scholarships for high school seniors and current college students, which are divided into two categories: 4-year and 3-year National Scholarships for high school seniors, and 4, 3, and 2-year Campus-Based Scholarships for incoming or current college students. These scholarships cover full tuition costs, book allowances, and additional monthly living allowances during the school year. However, ROTC scholarship recipients are not eligible to receive Wheaton Merit or Wheaton Grant funds.

The Army ROTC program at Wheaton College provides various training opportunities, such as the Ranger Challenge, a competition that assesses the physical and mental capabilities of cadets. The program also emphasizes education and service, allowing students to explore military service without actually being in the military. Experienced military personnel serve as faculty members, offering guidance and mentorship to cadets.

In addition to the Army ROTC program, Wheaton College also offers Air Force ROTC scholarships for outstanding students interested in ROTC. These scholarships can cover up to full tuition costs, book allowances, and monthly living allowances during the school year.

What are the requirements for transfer students at Wheaton College?

Wheaton College has specific requirements for transfer students. Firstly, students must have graduated from high school and enrolled full-time at an accredited institution of higher education. Secondly, they must have earned at least 24 college credits post-high school graduation before enrolling at Wheaton College. Transfer students should also have completed a minimum of one semester of college-level work and be in good academic standing at their current institution.

The college accepts transfer applications for both fall and spring semesters, with application deadlines of March 15 for fall admission and November 1 for spring admission. Transfer students must submit official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended, as well as a high school transcript and standardized test scores if they have completed fewer than two years of college-level work. Additionally, Wheaton College requires transfer applicants to provide a personal statement, a college report, and a professor recommendation.

While the college recommends a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale for transfer applicants, it emphasizes that admission decisions are based on a holistic review of the application, and the GPA requirement is not a strict cutoff. Transfer students are eligible for Presidential Scholarships, academic merit scholarships ranging from $12,000 to $15,000 per year, as well as need-based financial aid.

Wheaton College has a flexible transfer credit policy and generally accepts credits from other institutions.

What types of study abroad programs are available at Wheaton College?

Wheaton College offers a diverse range of study abroad programs for its students, including both semester and summer options. The semester programs aim to immerse students in academically challenging environments within cross-cultural settings across the globe and within the United States. Among these programs are two Wheaton faculty-led initiatives: Semester in Jerusalem and Wheaton in Mexico. Additionally, there are over 60 approved partner programs available for students to choose from.

The Semester in Jerusalem program allows students to engage with ancient biblical and modern Middle East narratives, providing a unique learning experience. On the other hand, Wheaton in Mexico combines language study and practice with interdisciplinary courses, cultural immersion, and academic excursions, offering a well-rounded educational experience.

In addition to semester programs, Wheaton College also provides summer academic experiences that enable students to study, travel, and engage with other cultures. These programs are led by Wheaton College faculty and are available in various locations abroad. The college encourages students to explore the wide array of summer opportunities at their disposal.

Participating in a study abroad program at Wheaton College can help students enhance their understanding of the world and society, develop intercultural skills, improve foreign language fluency, gain confidence, learn from new perspectives, meet new people in different places, and boost future employment prospects. The college's Global Programs and Studies department is available to answer any questions or provide more information about the application process.