Start Your Application
We’re thrilled you’re interested in applying to Wheaton’s College of Arts and Sciences as a first-year applicant! If you have any questions, please contact the admissions office. We’re always here to help.
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How to Apply
On this page, you’ll learn about how to apply as a first-year student, the timeline for applications and admissions decisions, and the high school requirements for first-year Wheaton applicants.
Information is also available for applicants to the Conservatory of Music, Transfer Students, International Students, TCK/MKs, and Homeschooled Students.
The content of your application will be the same regardless of which platform you choose. Once you begin your application, you’ll be assigned an admissions counselor to help you through the application process.
Application deadlines are:
- October 15th for Early Action I
- November 15th for Early Action II
- January 15th for Regular Decision I
- February 15th for Regular Decision II
See the Application Timeline below for all application deadlines.
First, request transcripts. We accept official transcripts electronically through an official transcript service, or by mail. Transcripts should include grades earned, class rank (if available), and GPA.
Transcripts can be mailed to:
Wheaton College Undergraduate Admissions
501 College Avenue
Wheaton, IL 60187
Second, request recommendation letters.
- An academic recommendation from one of your core academic teachers—English, science, social science, math, or foreign language. This letter is encouraged, but not required for an admissions decision.
- A Christian Mentor recommendation letter from a pastor, youth leader, or Christian mentor (non-family members).
- Choose recommenders who know you well, and make your request early in your senior year to allow them time to write about you thoughtfully.
- You can send an online request for recommendation by email to your recommenders through the online application. From the "My Account" page, click on "Submit Supplemental Items" in the application checklist and follow the instructions.
Optional Supplemental Materials
- The optional High School Report (PDF) should be completed by the high school guidance office, and submitted with your official transcript and school profile. Regular Action applicants should send a 7th-semester grade report or transcript.
- Standardized test scores are not required for students taking an accredited curriculum. However, if your test scores reflect your academic ability well and you would like a test score considered, submit SAT, ACT, or CLT (Classical Learning Test) test scores directly from the testing company or include them in your high school transcript.
Deadlines for submitting supplemental materials are:
- October 22nd for Early Action I
- November 22nd for Early Action II
- January 22nd for Regular Decision I
- February 22nd for Regular Decision II
All applicants are considered for academic merit scholarships. Consult Cost & Aid for instructions on how to apply for need-based financial aid.
Direct your questions to the Student Financial Services Office at 800.222.2419, or contact them via email.
First-year Admission Application Deadlines
| Admission Round | Application Due | Supplemental Items Sent by | Decision Notification by | Reply-by Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Early Action I | October 15 | October 22 | Thanksgiving | May 1 |
| Early Action II | November 15 | November 22 | Christmas | May 1 |
| Regular Decision I | January 15 | January 22 | March 1 | May 1 |
| Regular Decision II | February 15 | February 22 | April 1 | May 1 |
| Rolling Admission | On-going as space is available | N/A | Three Weeks Upon Completion of Application File | Two weeks after acceptance |
| Spring Entry | October 1 | October 8 | November 1 | December 1 |
Transfer Admission Application Deadlines
| Entry Term | Application Due | Decision Notification by | Reply-by Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring Entry Priority Deadline | October 1 for guaranteed consideration | November 1 | December 1 |
| Fall Entry Priority Deadline | March 1 for guaranteed consideration | April 1 | May1 |
| Rolling Admission | On-going as space is available | Three Weeks Upon Completion of Application File | Two weeks after acceptance |
Wheaton looks for applicants who have followed a challenging college preparatory curriculum. Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate courses are encouraged, if available.
- Applicants are expected to complete a minimum of 18 units in high school. A unit is one full year of a subject. Only courses taken in grades 9-12 are counted. Applicants should complete at least 14 units by the end of their junior year.
- Of the 18 units, 15 must be in English, mathematics, science, social studies, and foreign language. The remaining three may be in academic subjects such as accounting, art history/survey/appreciation, Bible or religion, child development, communications, computer science, consumer education, drama, ESL, family living, journalism, marketing, or music history, theory, and appreciation.
- Applicants should complete at least two years in one foreign language.
- Courses such as physical education, choir, band, driver’s education, or vocational courses do not count toward the 18 units. Only one unit of computer science may be counted toward the 18 units.
- Students in accelerated programs who complete both the requirements for a diploma and Wheaton’s entrance requirements in three years may be considered for admission. They must demonstrate exceptional academic ability as well as maturity sufficient to perform at the college level.
For more information, visit our Admissions FAQs page, or contact the admissions office by phone at 800.222.2419, or by email at admissions@wheaton.edu.
Questions?
Do you have other questions or need clarification on a finer point in the application process? Want to talk with someone? We'd love to hear from you.