Mailing Address: 237 High Street, Middletown, CT 06459
Rank on 2008 List: 14
Rank on 2006 List: 10
Average GPA: 3.8
Matriculation Rates of African Americans: 91%
Total Enrollment: 2,798
African American Enrollment: 189
Number of Applications: 8,250
Acceptance Rate: 27%
*Average SAT scores: Reading: 640-750; Math 650-730; Writing 640-730
Black Student Group(s): Ujamma, Black Women’s Collective
Summer Program(s): Hughes Program
Application Deadline(s): Regular Decision: Jan. 15; Early Decision 1: Nov. 15; Early Decision 2: Jan. 15
Start Sending Acceptance Letters: Early Decision: Dec. 15; Regular Decision: April 1
Financial Aid Deadline(s): Feb. 15
Costs: Tuition & Fees: $38,634; Housing: $10,636; Books & Supplies: 1,155
Greek Organizations: Alpha Phi Alpha,Zeta Phi Beta
*25th Percentile-75th Percentile
Gregory Pyke, Senior Associate Dean of Admission
What are you looking for in a student?
I am looking for a desire to learn. Ability is also important, but it can be measured in lots of different ways. The desire to learn, or genuine curiosity, is evident in the way teachers talk about their students in recommendations. It comes through in interviews and essays too. The most basic evidence of this curiosity is in the curriculum the student has chosen over four years of high school.
What advice do you have for students who might fall short of minimum requirements, but still want to attend?
There are no minimum requirements but admission is highly selective. I encourage students who have not yet done their best work to do so in the time remaining in school without slacking off in the rigor of their program. And keep in mind that a year or two in a public university or community college might very well allow that student to show us could be done here as a transfer student. It is not too late.
What advice do you have for applicants?
Academics must come first but also get and stay involved in activities through school, church or community. Show what your contribution to our campus life might be in that way, and through your talents beyond school work. Then, in the application process, give time to your personal statement and if the college offers interviews like Wesleyan does, take advantage of that opportunity to make yourself better known to us.
What kind of opportunities do you have for non-traditional students?
We have room for about 50-60 transfers each year, and our international population is growing from 6% to 9% and more in the future. Both these groups have all the same opportunities at Wesleyan as any other student.
How does the university weigh GPA, SAT scores, extracurricular activities and college essay and recommendations during the application process?
There is no “weighting” or formula involved. We read each application fully to know the student and the context in which they have lived, worked and achieved, how they have made a difference in other lives and made the most of their opportunities so far.
What is the student-teacher ratio?
The student teacher ratio at Wesleyan is 9:1 and most of our