Undergraduate Application Processes & Requirements

At Wilkes University, 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, Wilkes University 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 Wilkes University to make a fair and informed admissions decision for each student.

How to Apply

There is no application fee for undergraduate applicants.

1. Complete one of the following applications accepted by Wilkes:
   • Wilkes Application
   • The Common Application external website
2. 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.

APPLY TO WILKES

Admissions Types

Rolling Admission

Wilkes University 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 Wilkes University 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 (Wilkes University 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.

The 2025-26 FAFSA will be available sometime in Oct. 2024, and we encourage all students to log into this application on or after Oct. 1, 2024, and complete and submit the application by Feb. 15, 2025, 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 Wilkes University 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 Wilkes University 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 Online application opens for first-year students.
• Jan. 1 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) external website 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 $300 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 Wilkes University 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 Wilkes require additional course preparation for admission.