Illinois Wesleyan University is a well-known institution. It has a selective admission process. The acceptance rate of Illinois Wesleyan University (IWU) is 42.22%. This means that 42 out of every 100 applicants get admitted.
How Competitive are Illinois Wesleyan University Admissions?
- Moderately Competitive: Applicants need good academics and extracurriculars.
- GPA, SAT/ACT, and AP/IB courses significantly impact admission chances.
- A holistic review considers essays, recommendations, and leadership roles.
Since the acceptance rate is low, you need to perform exceptionally well in academics and other activities. However, since it is not below 20%, you still have a chance if your GPA isn't excellent. You can compensate for a lower GPA by scoring high on the SAT, and ACT, and taking IB or AP courses.
Additionally, a well-written letter of recommendation, your participation in co-curricular and extracurricular activities, and your interpersonal communication skills can enhance your admission chances.
Illinois Wesleyan University Admission Requirements
IWU GPA Requirement
The average GPA of the admitted students at IWU is 3.86. This indicates extreme selectivity in admissions.
To have strong chances, you must aim for straight A’s in all courses.
If your GPA is between 3.56 and 3.86, then you need a high SAT or ACT score to compensate. You need a minimum of 3.46 GPA to have a realistic chance of admission.
Can I Get Into IWU Without SAT Or ACT?: Illinois Wesleyan University considers admission test scores (SAT/ACT) during the application process but does not require them. Although it is not strictly a requirement, the test scores are considered for admission decisions. Hence, it is advisable to prepare well for the test and submit the best scores. Normally, students may appear in the test 4 to 5 times to improve their scores. Hence you are required to plan early and appear in upcoming SAT / ACT tests. Check the schedule of the test and plan accordingly. It is advisable to appear multiple times in the test unless you score well above the average SAT / ACT score of the admitted students, as given below.
Illinois Wesleyan University (IWU) SAT Requirements
Each school has different requirements for SAT and ACT testing. Only a few schools require the SAT or ACT, but many consider your scores if you choose to submit them. The test score policy is already mentioned.
Illinois Wesleyan University Average SAT Score: 1263
The average SAT score of the admitted students at Illinois Wesleyan University is 1263 on the 1600 SAT scale.
Illinois Wesleyan University SAT Competitiveness
This score makes it slightly Competitive for SAT test scores. You need to well to score 1263 on the SAT.
Key Insight:Aim for the 75th percentile (1330 SAT or 30 ACT) to stand out. If your scores are below average, consider retaking the test. Illinois Wesleyan University allows Score Choice for the SAT and Superscoring for the ACT, giving you flexibility to submit your best scores.
If your score is below 1120, you must retake the SAT to improve your chances of admission to IWU. It is not strange to appear multiple times for the SAT to improve scores. Colleges don’t mind if you have appeared multiple times, but not more than 5 times.
Illinois Wesleyan University SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | 615 | 560 | 670 |
| SAT Reading | 610 | 560 | 660 |
| SAT Composite | 1263 | 1120 | 1330 |
It means that if you have scored less than 1120 then you are below most of the admitted students at IWU and your chances of admission are very few. But if you have scored 1330 or more, your chances of admission are higher. 25th percentile means that only 25% of the admitted students have fewer scores than this score. 75th percentile marks the score of the upper 25% of the students. View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 1250
Can I get into Illinois Wesleyan University (IWU) with a 1350 SAT?
With a 1350 SAT Score, your chances of admission at Illinois Wesleyan University (IWU) are good but the admission staff at IWU tests your all-around personality and your academics. Your GPA, Class performance, SAT/ACT/Test scores, and AP or IB Courses can help your application stand out. Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and interpersonal communication skills are very important. Additionally, if you cannot perform well in one area, you have a chance to showcase your strengths and abilities in other areas, improving other areas will help you secure admission. You need to show better performance in all areas. An equally high GPA, taking IB or AP Courses and your role in leadership activities will increase your chances of admission. However, if you equally compete well in all other areas, your chances of admission are high.
Illinois Wesleyan University (IWU) ACT Requirements
The average ACT Score at IWU is 28.
Illinois Wesleyan University ACT Competitiveness
This score makes Illinois Wesleyan University Competitive for ACT scores. You need to do well to score 28 on the ACT.
Illinois Wesleyan University ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACT Math | 26 | 23 | 29 |
| ACT English | 28 | 24 | 31 |
| ACT Composite | 28 | 25 | 30 |
Can I get into Illinois Wesleyan University with a 30 ACT?
With a 30 ACT Score, your chances of admission at Illinois Wesleyan University are good but the admission staff does not check your ACT Score only. The College Admission process tests your all-around personality and academics. Your GPA, Class performance, SAT/ACT/Test scores, and AP or IB Courses can help your application stand out. Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and interpersonal communication skills are very important. Additionally, if you cannot perform well in one area, you have a chance to showcase your strengths and abilities in other areas, improving other areas will help you secure admission.
SAT Vs ACT: Which score to send
You can compare your scores in SAT and ACT to the average SAT and ACT Scores of the admitted students at Illinois Wesleyan University. More importantly, comparing your scores with the 25th and 75th percentiles of SAT and ACT scores will give you a better understanding of where you stand. If your score on the SAT is near the 75th percentile SAT score, then you must send your SAT score. If your ACT score is near the 75th percentile, then you must send your ACT Score.
But there is more, if both of your scores are in the same range, then it is better to send an ACT Score, as in the case of ACT, you can control which score to send as opposed to SAT.
Here is how: When sending the ACT Score, you can decide which score you want to send to the colleges. You could take 8 ACT tests, and only send your highest one. This is not the case with the SAT, where your score report mentions all of your attempts.
View a list of all colleges with an average ACT score of 28.IWU Profile
Name: Illinois Wesleyan University (IWU)
City: Bloomington
URL: www.iwu.edu/
State: Illinois
Type: Non-Profit Private
Zip: 61702-2900
Campus: Main
Accredited by: Higher Learning Commission (NCACHE)
How to Improve Your Chances of Getting into Illinois Wesleyan University
Boost Your Test Scores: Retake the SAT/ACT if needed. Use resources to improve your score.
Focus on Academics: Maintain a high GPA and take challenging courses.
Extracurricular Activities: Illinois Wesleyan University values well-rounded students who make meaningful contributions to their communities. Here’s how to showcase your strengths:
- Highlight long-term commitments, and unique accomplishments.
- Leaderships: Demonstrate clear leadership experience. This is not only true for Illinois Wesleyan University but also other schools. If you cannot demonstrate strong leadership qualities, your chances of acceptance will be low. Work on your weak areas, and improve your communication and interpersonal skills. Also, include your work experiences where you were given leadership responsibilities, and write down your achievements and how you were able to contribute as a team leader and team member.
- Community Service: Show how you have influenced change in the community and have a strong desire to do so in the future. Also, if you are planning to apply for Illinois Wesleyan University, participate in relevant activities. Work for social welfare and look for opportunities where you can make an impact. Start with your school or student council. Those having positions like president, secretary generals etc… in students councils have better chances. Network with notable people and develop your social media profile accordingly.
- Passion Projects: Whether it’s starting a club, publishing research, or excelling in the arts, show what sets you apart. Example: If you’ve founded a nonprofit or won a national competition, make sure it’s prominently featured in your application.
- Align your goals with Illinois Wesleyan University’s mission. Carefully read the objectives and mission of Illinois Wesleyan University on their official website and plan accordingly for each specific point. See how well your profile matches their objectives and goals, and work on the areas where you are lacking.
- Secure Strong Recommendations: Get letters from professors or employers who know your abilities well. Share your achievements and goals with them for a stronger, more personalized recommendation. If personal statement and recommendations align, your chances of success will be higher.
- Build a Strong Network: Engage with Illinois Wesleyan University Alumni and current students. Ask them how they planned their scholarship journey, what challenges they faced, and how they overcame them. Learn about the key factors behind their success and how they secured their selection.
- Craft Strong Essays: Tell your story authentically and highlight what makes you unique. College Essay is a very important document. Unlike your transcripts, which just show your numbers or grades, the essay reflects your true personality as a human being. Take considerable time to refine and craft your statement of purpose. Here are the detailed guidelines for writing a winning College Essay form our experts.
Does a degree from IWU Worth It?
Getting into IWU can be a great opportunity for many students. It is a prestigious institution known for its strong programs. However, whether it is worth it depends on your personal and academic goals, as well as your financial situation. IWU offers a rigorous academic environment and access to cutting-edge research, but it may not be the best fit for everyone. It's important to consider factors such as cost, location, and specific academic programs when making this decision. Please note that the average household income of the admitted students at IWU is USD: 81071.43 and unemployment rate is 2.9%.
How much does a degree from IWU Cost?The average annual cost of the degree at Illinois Wesleyan University is USD: 66835. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at Illinois Wesleyan University is much less than this.
How can I get a scholarship?
24.5% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 64.49 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to IWU and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At Illinois Wesleyan University, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist IWU as your choice in the form.
How much a IWU Graduate make?
The average annual salary of the IWU graduate after 4-6 years of graduation is USD 70871. An average IWU graduate makes this much after 10 years of enrollment (4-6 years after graduation).
The average annual income of a graduate in the United States is USD: 40595
Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than Illinois Wesleyan University. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower than the requirements of Illinois Wesleyan University, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Birmingham-Southern College | Birmingham-Southern College, AL | 1218 | 26 |
| University of Mobile | University of Mobile, AL | 1220 | 24 |
| Samford University | Samford University, AL | 1227 | 26 |
| University of Arizona | University of Arizona, AZ | 1229 | 25 |
| Hendrix College | Hendrix College, AR | 1246 | 27 |
| John Brown University | John Brown University, AR | 1218 | 26 |
| Biola University | Biola University, CA | 1250 | 27 |
| University of Redlands | University of Redlands, CA | 1215 | 28 |
| Whittier College | Whittier College, CA | 1231 | 27 |
| Quinnipiac University | Quinnipiac University, CT | 1216 | 27 |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as Illinois Wesleyan University. If your SAT or ACT score are competitive for Illinois Wesleyan University, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Alabama in Huntsville | University of Alabama in Huntsville, AL | 1259 | 28 |
| California Lutheran University | California Lutheran University, CA | 1258 | 28 |
| Rollins College | Rollins College, FL | 1265 | 27 |
| Butler University | Butler University, IN | 1262 | 27 |
| Earlham College | Earlham College, IN | 1261 | 28 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than Illinois Wesleyan University. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| The University of Alabama | The University of Alabama, AL | 1304 | 27 |
| Chapman University | Chapman University, CA | 1316 | 29 |
| University of San Francisco | University of San Francisco, CA | 1323 | 29 |
| Thomas Aquinas College | Thomas Aquinas College, CA | 1328 | 30 |
| University of Colorado Boulder | University of Colorado Boulder, CO | 1301 | 29 |
Degree Programs
Bachelor Degree Programs
- Accounting and Related Services
- Anthropology
- Area Studies
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Biology, General
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Business/Commerce, General
- Chemistry
- Classical and Ancient Studies
- Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
Full list of All degree programs offered by Illinois Wesleyan University.
Data on this page is sourced from IPEDS, College Scorecard's latest data as provided in 2024, US Department of Education's latest 2024 statistics, Institute's official websites and printed material as well as additional publicly available sources.