Your Opinion: Is this School Hard to Get Into?
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Wesleyan University, a liberal arts school, provides students a well rounded foundation in education by having a curriculum with a diverse range of subjects. This college is located in Middletown, CT, a predominately urban area. There are around three thousand students enrolled each year at Wesleyan University.
The acceptance rate for this school is lower than most schools and competition is high, given that only 20 percent of students who applied are granted admission to the school. You can get more information from the admissions office website at wesleyan.edu.
Overall Wesleyan University Acceptance Rate - Fall 2020
16.5%
The overall acceptance rate for Wesleyan University was reported as 16.5% in Fall 2020 with over 13,300 college applications submitted to this school. Both in state and out of state applicants are included in these figures. We do not have data on transfer acceptance rates currently.
Historical Trend and Acceptance Rate 2022 Projection
The historical trend chart shows acceptance rates from the previous years, from which we have projected the acceptance rate for the 2022-2023 school year. The overall acceptance rate trend for Wesleyan University has been slowly getting lower over the recent years.
Acceptance Rate By Year
- 2016-2017: 17.8%
- 2017-2018: 16.3%
- 2018-2019: 17.5%
- 2019-2020: 16.5%
- Projected Acceptance Rate 2022-2023: 15.7%
How Does Wesleyan University Compare?
Admissions Rates & Enrollment Rates - Details
General Recommendations & Requirements for Admissions
- School Records are Required
- Submit Recommendation Letters are Required
- Standardized Test Scores (SAT,ACT,...) are Recommended
- TOEFL Exam (Foreign Language Students) are Required
Number of Applicants, Percent Accepted, and Enrolled Students (Fall 2020)
Applicants | 13,264 | 37.8% | 62.2% |
Admitted | 2,186 | 45.3% | 54.7% |
Enrolled | 771 | 44.9% | 55.1% |
To learn more about the data and calculations that power this site, please visit our data discussion page.
Nestled in the middle of Connecticut is Wesleyan University, a historical private liberal arts university that prides itself on an open curriculum that lets students explore interests and activities outside of their major. The school does have General Education Expectations, which help illustrate pathways through the curriculum; it also offers a flexible framework of
four competencies that provide suggestions as to skills and capabilities that students should acquire in their course choices, which is useful with more than 1,000 courses on offer. An average 8:1 student-to-faculty ratio means small class sizes, which creates an "enjoyable work environment that promotes learning, questioning, debate, and just overall fun"; this includes interactive learning, "excellent introductory STEM labs, field trips, ample research opportunities, and unique in-class
projects." This experiential philosophy even translates to larger formats: "I've had lecture classes that are so open to student questions that they begin to seem more like seminars," says a student. Seniors are also allowed to "teach student forums on topics they are passionate about and provide a space for current events." Inclusivity is a priority, and the school offers courses like Queer Studies and African America Studies. Along with inclusivity, Wesleyan stresses the importance of
faculty as teachers and mentors. Professors are "intentional and thoughtful about every aspect of the course" and "patient and understanding when it comes to students needing extensions." They "embrace students from majors outside their field and encourage academic exploration," As one student notes, "Every class I've taken has made me want to learn more." In addition, faculty "research is significant, and they use it to compliment the classes," and they all have "workable office hours and [are]
exceptionally accommodating." The alumni network is similarly willing to assist students: "Whether that is through mentoring us or hiring us as interns, they have been incredibly helpful." Wesleyan students are "eclectic, artsy, liberal," diverse, and inclusive. There are many different personalities at Wesleyan, but the one common denominator is that they are accepting. Everyone here "has their 'thing' that they are eager to share with others." One
student adds, "No two students share exactly the same combination of interests, which makes Wesleyan a very fun place to make friends." Though this "incredibly academically motivated" group is "talented, active, and openminded," they "don't tend to be obsessive about academics," and "there's a good balance between work and life." Students say that "it feels like everyone at Wes does a million things, so for many, clubs and other extracurriculars [that] are just as meaningful as classes."
Students do say that as far as sports go, "there are the athletes and non-athletes with very few individuals crossing battle lines." Still, there is "a strong culture of social acceptance and progressiveness," and people "come from all over the world and always have such amazing anecdotes to share." While many admit that "there is a lot of studying during the week," they say "it's easy to find groups to study with" through tutors, study groups, or
class-sponsored activities. And students here definitely find time to have fun. Because Wesleyan "is not in a big city, most of the social life is on campus," and "on the weekends, that can look like parties and performances," or taking advantage of the "strong arts and music scene," including "lots of fun concerts, films, comedy shows, or dance performances." Weekend trips to New Haven or Boston are not out of the question, but most stay local, and "people love to go thrifting at the closest
places [and] eat food in Middletown" for their trips off-campus. Outdoor activities such as hiking are widely undertaken (ultimate Frisbee is very popular here!), and many students join multiple groups and teams. In the winter there's plenty of snow, "so people like to sled on Foss Hill and have big snowball fights." Snowball fights aside, "the best days are when it's nice out in the spring, and everyone sits and eats outside," and "everyone says hi to everyone." About
See what students say:
Academics
Student Body
Campus Life
Admissions
Admissions
Overview
Applicants: 13,067
Acceptance Rate: 19%
Average HS GPA: 0.00
SAT & ACT Test Scores
SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing
25th-75th percentile (enrolled students)
650 - 750
SAT Math
25th-75th percentile (enrolled students)
650 - 760
SAT Composite Scores
25th-75th percentile (enrolled students)
1310 - 1490
ACT Composite Scores
25th-75th percentile (enrolled students)
31 - 34
Testing Policies
Standardized testing policy for use in admission
Test Optional
Deadlines
Early Decision — November 15
Early Decision II — January 1
Regular — January 1
Other Admission Factors
Academic
Rigor of Secondary School Record
Selectivity Rating
Get a personalized plan for a competitive application from an admissions expert.
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Academics
- Faculty and Class Information
- Graduation Rates
- Majors
- Degrees
- Career Services
- Prominent Alumni
- Academic Rating
Academics
Faculty and Class Information
Most frequent class size
10 - 19
Most frequent lab / sub section size
10 - 19
Graduation Rates
Majors
AREA, ETHNIC, CULTURAL, GENDER, AND GROUP STUDIES.
- African-American/Black Studies.
- American/United States Studies/Civilization.
- East Asian Studies.
- Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies, Other.
- French Studies.
- Italian Studies.
- Latin American Studies.
- Russian, Central European, East European and Eurasian Studies.
- Spanish and Iberian Studies.
BIOLOGICAL AND BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES.
- Biology/Biological Sciences, General.
COMPUTER AND INFORMATION SCIENCES AND SUPPORT SERVICES.
- Computer Science.
EDUCATION.
- Social and Philosophical Foundations of Education.
ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE/LETTERS.
- English Language and Literature, General.
- English Language and Literature/Letters, Other.
FOREIGN LANGUAGES, LITERATURES, AND LINGUISTICS.
- Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics.
- German Language and Literature.
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics, General.
HISTORY.
- History, General.
LIBERAL ARTS AND SCIENCES, GENERAL STUDIES AND HUMANITIES.
- Humanities/Humanistic Studies.
- Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies.
MATHEMATICS AND STATISTICS.
- Mathematics, General.
MULTI/INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDIES.
- Biological and Physical Sciences.
- Science, Technology and Society.
NATURAL RESOURCES AND CONSERVATION.
- Environmental Studies.
PHILOSOPHY AND RELIGIOUS STUDIES.
- Philosophy.
- Religion/Religious Studies.
PHYSICAL SCIENCES.
- Astronomy.
- Chemistry, General.
- Physics, General.
PSYCHOLOGY.
- Physiological Psychology/Psychobiology.
- Psychology, General.
SOCIAL SCIENCES.
- Anthropology.
- Archeology.
- Econometrics and Quantitative Economics.
- Political Science and Government, General.
- Social Sciences, General.
- Sociology.
VISUAL AND PERFORMING ARTS.
- Art History, Criticism and Conservation.
- Dance, General.
- Drama and Dramatics/Theatre Arts, General.
- Film/Cinema/Video Studies.
- Fine/Studio Arts, General.
- Music, Other.
Degrees
Bachelor's
Doctoral/Research
Master's
Post-Master's certificate
Career Services
On-Campus Job Interviews Available
Career Services
Alumni Network
Alumni Services
Classes
Interest Inventory
Internships
Regional Alumni
Opportunities at School
Experiential
Internship
Notable Faculty
Prominent Alumni
Michael Bay '86
Feature filmmaker known for directing and producing the Transformer films and other big-budget, high-concept action films
Bill Belichick '75
Head Coach of the NFL New England Patriots
Beverly Daniel Tatum '75
President Emerita of Spelman College; renowned authority on the psychology of racism, and author of numerous books including "Why Are All the Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria?"
Lael Brainard '83
Economist and Member of the U.S. Federal Reserve Board of Governors
Jay Levy, MD '60
HIV/AIDS and cancer research physician and Professor of Medicine with specialties in virology and immunology at the University of California, San Francisco
Lin-Manuel Miranda '02
Award winning composer, lyricist, playwright, singer, and actor widely known for creating and starring in the Broadway musicals "In the Heights" and "Hamilton"
Bozoma Saint John '99
Businesswoman and marketing executive currently Chief Marketing Officer at Netflix. Previously, she served as CMO at Endeavor, and chief brand officer at Uber
Academic Rating
Careers
Graduation Rates
Career Services
On-Campus Job Interviews Available
Career Services
Alumni Network
Alumni Services
Classes
Interest Inventory
Internships
Regional Alumni
Opportunities at School
Experiential
Internship
ROI & Outcomes
Information from PayScale:
Starting Median Salary (Up to Bachelor's degree completed, only)
Mid-Career Median Salary (Up to Bachelor's degree completed, only)
Starting Median Salary (At least Bachelor's degree)
Mid-Career Median Salary (At least Bachelor's degree)
Students Say
The Gordon Career Center has “many helpful resources for applying to summer internships and jobs after graduation,” and works individually with students to design career paths based on the overlap of interests, rather than straight trajectories from a major. Due to the interdisciplinary nature of the school, students have multiple and wildly varying interests (for instance, a double major in physics and theatre), and “no one can be placed in a traditional box.” Students are truly free to make their own schedules and pursue the career they desire here, all with the support of the faculty. “Not once have I been discouraged from pursuing my interests, and the encouragement to follow these passions has caused a spark in me to bring them together,” says a theater and science in society double major.
Tuition & Aid
Dates
Application Deadlines
Jan 15
Required Forms
FAFSA
Forms CSSProfile
Forms Divorced Parent
Financial Aid Statistics
Average Freshman Total Need-Based Gift Aid
Average Undergraduate Total Need-Based Gift Aid
Undergraduates who have borrowed through any loan program
Average amount of loan debt per graduate
Average amount of each freshman scholarship/grant package
Financial aid provided to international students
Expenses per Academic Year
Average Cost for Books and Supplies
$1,200
Tuition / Fees Vary by Year of Study
No
Transportation for Commuters
On-Campus Room and Board
$15,724
Available Aid
Financial Aid Methodology
Institutional
Scholarships and Grants
Need-Based
Need-Based College/University Scholarship or Grant Aid from Institutional Funds
Need-Based Federal Pell
Need-Based Private Scholarships
Need-Based SEOG
Need-Based State Scholarships
Institutional non-need-based scholarship or grant aid is available
Federal Direct Student Loan Programs
Direct PLUS Loans
Direct Subsidized Stafford Loans
Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loans
Federal Family Education Loan Programs (FFEL)
College/university loans from institutional funds
Is Institutional Employment Available (other than Federal Work Study)
Yes
Financial Aid Rating
Student Body
Overall
Student Body Profile
Total Undergraduate Enrollment
3,385
Foreign Countries Represented
61
Demographics
96% are full time
4% are part time
Campus Life
- Campus Life
- Housing Options
- Sports
- Student Activities
- Special Needs Admissions
- Student Services
- Sustainability
- Campus Security Report
- Other Information
Campus Life
Overview
Campus Life
Undergrads living on campus
98%
Help finding off-campus housing
No
First-Year Students living on campus
100%
Campus Environment
Suburban
Housing Options
Apartment Single
Disabled Student
Dorms Coed
Dorms Female
Dorms Male
Frat Sorority
Theme Housing
Wellness Housing
Special Needs Admissions
Type of Program
For all students with disabilities
College Entrance Tests Required
Special Need Services Offered
Calculator allowed in exams
Dictionary allowed in exams
Computer allowed in exams
Spellchecker allowed in exams
Distraction-free environment
Accommodation for students with ADHD
Other assistive technology
Student Activities
Registered Student Organizations
213
Number of Honor Societies
2
Number of Social Sororities
1
Number of Religious Organizations
5
Sports
30% participate in intramural sports
18% participate in intercollegiate sports
Men's Sports (Cardinals)
16 Sports
Baseball
Basketball
Crew Rowing
Cross Country
Diving
Football
Golf
Ice Hockey
Lacrosse
Soccer
Squash
Swimming
Tennis
Track Field Indoor
Track Field Outdoor
Wrestling
Women's Sports (Cardinals)
16 Sports
Basketball
Crew Rowing
Cross Country
Diving
Field Hockey
Golf
Ice Hockey
Lacrosse
Soccer
Softball
Squash
Swimming
Tennis
Track Field Indoor
Track Field Outdoor
Volleyball
Student Services
Health
LGBT Support Groups: www.wesleyan.edu/queer
Minority Support Groups: www.wesleyan.edu/inclusion and www.wesleyan.edu/studentaffairs
Air Force ROTC Offered at cooperating institutions: Yale University
Sustainability
Wesleyan’s Sustainability Office and Sustainability Advisory Group for Environmental Stewardship (SAGES) collaborate regularly to develop strategies to promote conservation and reduce Wesleyan’s carbon footprint. The university has committed to carbon neutrality by 2050. SAGES produced the campus’s first climate action plan in 2010 and is now creating a new Sustainability Action Plan, which will be released in 2015. The school is dedicated to green building practices, and its two most recent construction projects received LEED Gold and Platinum certification, respectively. Wesleyan has completed numerous energy conservation projects, including building envelope improvements, HVAC upgrades, and a campus-wide switch from oil to B20 bioheat. Wesleyan generates most of its own power, with solar panels on the Office of Admissions and Freeman Athletic Center and two natural gas cogeneration facilities. All residential energy savings go directly to Financial Aid through the Wes to Wes program. Through low-flow water fixtures, Wesleyan has reduced its water consumption by 13.1 million gallons annually. The Sustainability Office manages composting programs for residences, and pre- and post-consumer composting in the main campus dining hall. Wesleyan’s students are actively involved in promoting sustainability on campus, including an on-campus farm, local food CSA, permaculture club, and outing club.
AASHE STARS® rating
Silver
School Has Formal Sustainability Committee
Sustainability-focused degree available
School employs a sustainability officer
Public GHG inventory plan
% food budget spent on local/organic food
Available Transportation Alternatives
Carpool/Vanpool Matching Program
Condensed Work Week Option For Employees
Free Or Reduced Price Transit Passes And/Or Free Campus Shuttle
Incentives Or Programs To Encourage Employees To Live Close To Campus
Indoor And Secure Bike Storage, Shower Facilities, And Lockers For Bicycle Commuters
Reduced Parking Fees For Car And Van Poolers
School Adopted A Policy Prohibiting Idling
School Offers A Telecommute Program For Employees
Data provided by Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE), STARS®, as of March, 2021.Campus Security Report
Campus Security Report
The Jeanne Clery Act requires colleges and universities to disclose their security policies, keep a public crime log, publish an annual crime report and provide timely warnings to students and campus employees about a crime posing an immediate or ongoing threat to students and campus employees.
Please visit The Princeton Review’s page on campus safety for additional resources: //www.princetonreview.com/safety
The Princeton Review publishes links directly to each school's Campus Security Reports where available. Applicants can also access all school-specific campus safety information using the Campus Safety and Security Data Analysis Cutting Tool provided by the Office of Postsecondary Education of the U.S. Department of Education: //ope.ed.gov/campussafety/#/
Other Information
Campus-wide Internet Network
% of Classrooms with Wireless Internet
Partnerships with Technology Companies
Personal computer included in tuition for each student
Discounts Available with Hardware Vendors