At Â鶹´«Ã½, you’ll join a family of Colonels dedicated to helping you thrive—both in college and in life. Our first step is to guide you through the admissions process. We’re thrilled that you’re considering Wilkes.
A Holistic Approach to Admission
With a focus on promoting college access and equality in the admissions review process, Â鶹´«Ã½ conducts a holistic review on each applicant. Our philosophy is to look beyond grade-point average and test scores to understand the achievements and influences that have contributed to each student’s journey. This approach allows Â鶹´«Ã½ to make a fair and informed admissions decision for each student.
How to Apply
There is no application fee for undergraduate applicants.
- Complete one of the following applications accepted by Wilkes:
- Submit official high school transcripts.
The University accepts a limited number of applications for the spring semester. Procedures are similar to those followed in the fall semester.
Admissions Types
Rolling Admission
Â鶹´«Ã½ considers applications on a rolling basis. That means that you’ll receive your admissions decision within a few weeks of the university receiving all your application materials.
Early Action
Early Action is a non-binding commitment by Â鶹´«Ã½ to respond to first-year undergraduate applicants earlier in the admissions decision cycle. Applicants will still have until May 1 to pay their enrollment deposit or commit to Wilkes. Applying Early Action ensures a quicker admissions decision, allows you to decide early, and is the best way to fully enjoy your senior year of high school.
To apply Early Action, students must submit a complete application (Â鶹´«Ã½ Application or Common App) must be received by the deadline of Dec. 1. If opting to include standardized test results (official scores from either the SAT or ACT) must also be received by the deadline of Dec. 1.
We encourage all students to complete and submit the 2026-2027 FAFSA by Feb. 15, 2026 to ensure maximum consideration for all types of aid.
Students applying Early Action will receive a decision early January and will be part of the early financial aid awarding process beginning in late January if Â鶹´«Ã½ has received the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by Feb. 15.
Possible decisions for Early Action qualified applicants will be:
- Admitted
- Deferral of decision to inquire further information
- Denial of admission
Priority Admission
The Priority Admission deadline is Jan. 15. Meeting this deadline will unlock priority consideration for admission and access to enhanced financial aid awards. To be eligible for priority admission, you must submit your application by 11:59 p.m. EST on Jan. 15, and all required items must be received by Jan. 31.
When you’re applying through Common App and our Â鶹´«Ã½ App, please select "Rolling Admission" as your preferred admission plan. You'll be eligible for priority admission if you submit the application by the priority deadline date of Jan. 15 and all other items by Jan. 31.
Important Dates to Remember
- Aug. 1 opens for first-year students.
- Jan. 1 form opens, allowing students, including high school seniors, to begin applying for financial aid.
- Dec. 1 Early Action applications are due.
- May 1 Admitted students should declare their intent to enroll in the entering class by forwarding a $500 tuition deposit to the Office of Admissions by May 1. This deposit will be applied directly to the first tuition bill.
Admission Requirements
All high school students applying for admission to Â鶹´«Ã½ must have completed at least the following course requirements before enrollment.
If you have not taken these courses, you can still apply. An admissions counselor will work directly with you to request additional information to assess academic preparedness.
General Requirements
- Four years of English
- Three years of social studies
- Three years of mathematics
- Two years of science (including a laboratory component)
Program-Specific Requirements
Some academic programs at Â鶹´«Ã½require additional course preparation for admission.
Science-related Programs (pre-pharmacy, neuroscience, all majors in the College of Science and Engineering)
Science-related Programs (pre-pharmacy, neuroscience, all majors in the College of Science and Engineering)
- 3.00 (on 4.00 Scale) Cumulative High School GPA
- Four years of mathematics and four years science preferred
Nursing Majors
Nursing Majors
- 3.30 (on 4.00 Scale) Cumulative High School GPA
- Mathematics coursework must include algebra
- Science coursework must include biology and chemistry
Digital Design and Media Art (Bachelor of Fine Arts Option Only)
Digital Design and Media Art (Bachelor of Fine Arts Option Only)
- Portfolio of essay and artworks
- F.A. application
Pre-Pharmacy Guaranteed-seat Program
Pre-Pharmacy Guaranteed-seat Program
- 3.00 (on 4.00 Scale) Cumulative High School GPA
- Interview with department faculty for qualified students
Theatre Arts and Musical Theatre Majors
Theatre Arts and Musical Theatre Majors
- Audition and interview with department faculty
Theatre Design and Technology Majors
Theatre Design and Technology Majors
- Portfolio and interview with department faculty
Tour Wilkes
Get to know Â鶹´«Ã½better before you visit in person. View every aspect of campus and hear what current students have to say about Â鶹´«Ã½in our virtual tour.
