Overview
Wesleyan University is a highly selective private four-year institution in Middletown, Connecticut. The school accepts 14.4% of applicants and enrolls 2,973 students.
Admission Statistics
- Acceptance Rate
- 14.4%
- Average SAT
- 1,415
- SAT Range (25th–75th)
- 1,320–1,510
- ACT Composite (avg)
- 33
- Total Enrollment
- 2,973
Your Chances by SAT Score
Your score is above the 75th percentile. You are a competitive applicant.
Your score falls within the middle 50% of admitted students.
Your score is below the 25th percentile. Other parts of your application will need to stand out.
Admission Guide
Wesleyan's admissions office cares deeply about intellectual fearlessness and your willingness to challenge conventional thinking. The school wants students who will push boundaries in their Open Curriculum, where you can take any course without distribution requirements after your first year.
Unlike peer liberal arts colleges, Wesleyan has a distinctly activist culture rooted in its history as an early adopter of coeducation and racial integration. Your essays should reflect genuine engagement with social issues or unconventional academic interests rather than safe, polished topics. The admissions committee responds to applicants who show they've wrestled with complex ideas and aren't afraid to take unpopular positions.
Reference specific aspects of Wesleyan's culture in your application: the Film Studies program (one of the first in the country), the notorious Naked Dorm tradition, or the student-run Eclectic Society. Mention professors by name if their work genuinely connects to your interests. The Center for the Arts and its emphasis on experimental performance could be perfect fodder for creative applicants.
Don't write about wanting a "small liberal arts experience" or "close professor relationships." Every applicant says this. Don't assume Wesleyan is a safety school because it's less famous than Williams or Amherst. The school rejects plenty of high-stats applicants who seem like they're settling.
Wesleyan offers Early Decision I (November 15) and Early Decision II (January 1), both of which provide admission advantages. The school also accepts the Common Application with a supplement that includes the "Why Wesleyan" essay. Your supplemental essay needs to be specific about why Wesleyan's particular brand of academic freedom appeals to you.
The admissions office pays attention to demonstrated interest, so visit campus if possible and attend virtual sessions. Your interviewer will likely be an alumnus who can speak to the school's lasting impact on intellectual development and social consciousness.
What It Costs If You Get In
- Average Net Price
- $27,888/yr
- Tuition (in-state)
- $67,316
- Students Receiving Aid
- 15%
After You Graduate
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 91.6%
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $73,897/yr
- Freshman Retention Rate
- 95.4%
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Wesleyan University require SAT or ACT scores for admission?
Wesleyan University is test-optional for most applicants. You can choose whether to submit standardized test scores as part of your application.
What are the application deadlines for Wesleyan University?
Wesleyan offers Early Decision I (November 15), Early Decision II (January 1), and Regular Decision (January 1). Early Decision is binding if you are accepted.
Can I transfer to Wesleyan University as a transfer student?
Yes, Wesleyan accepts transfer students for both fall and spring semesters. Transfer applications are due March 15 for fall admission and November 15 for spring admission.
What makes Wesleyan University's curriculum different from other liberal arts colleges?
Wesleyan has no distribution requirements or core curriculum. Students design their own academic path with guidance from faculty advisors, allowing complete freedom in course selection.