Application for Admission
Applications for admission to Wilkes University may, generally, be completed and submitted online or sent directly to the Wilkes University Office of Admissions.
Students who wish to enroll at the University full-time or part-time must contact the Office of Admissions to obtain an Application for Admission. Information and instructions regarding secondary school transcripts and records, essays and/or letters of recommendation (which are required for admittance to some programs), standardized test reports, and entrance examinations may be obtained by contacting the Office of Admissions.
Note: Several degree and specialty programs have special application procedures.
In addition to applying to Wilkes University, Pre-Pharmacy applicants who are interested in the Pre-Pharmacy Guaranteed Seat Program must submit an essay, three letters of recommendation and successfully complete an interview with the School of Pharmacy’s Admissions Committee to gain early admission to this program.
Applicants for any of the Pre-Medical Scholars, Health Science Specialty Programs, or other doctoral-related programs, must note their interest on the application for admission and successfully complete an interview with the selection committee to qualify for acceptance into these programs.
Applicants for the degree programs in Musical Theatre or Theatre Arts must successfully complete an audition, and applicants for the degree program in Theatre Design and Technology must provide samples of their art or design work and complete an interview with the departmental faculty, in order to gain admission into these programs.
Applicants who are accepted into the Digital Design and Media Art program and are interested in the B.F.A., must submit a portfolio to the Department of Integrative Media, Art and Design.
Admitted students who qualify for an honors application, will be notified during the admission process. Students invited will be asked to complete the online application and submit additional essays and portfolio materials.
In all cases, invitations to interview or audition for these identified degree programs are extended by the academic departments at their discretion. All departments reserve the right to interview applicants or request additional documentation.
Acceptance for Admission and Advanced Deposit
All applicants for admission to the University must submit the following:
- a completed and signed application for admission to the University;
- an official copy of the most recent high school or college transcript or both (a official final high school transcript is required after the applicant graduates high school);
After the application file is complete, the Office of Admissions will review the file, render a decision, and notify the applicant of that decision. Admissions decisions are made on a “rolling” basis, and notification is generally made within two to four weeks from the date the file is complete. An applicant may be required to complete an evaluative interview prior to the rendering of a final decision.
All students guarantee their place in the entering class by forwarding a $300 tuition deposit to the Office of Admissions. May 1 is the priority deadline for receipt of deposits.
Wilkes University also accepts applications for the spring semester. Procedures are similar to those for students entering in the fall semester.
While Wilkes practices “rolling” admissions, the University reserves the right to close admission with a two-week notification.
Wilkes University also offers Early Decision Admission.
Committing early to Wilkes University comes with several advantages:
- priority housing, based on preference and availability
- advanced registration for courses within your intended field of study
- access to an early advising session
- scholarship priority with early FAFSA submission
The same application requirements listed above are applicable for Early Decision. The deadline to apply for Early Decision is November 15th. Additional information about Early Decision and the full admissions process can be found here: https://www.wilkes.edu/admissions/undergraduate-requirements/index.aspx
Recommended High School Preparation
In order to best prepare for the academic demands of collegiate study, undergraduate applicants to Wilkes University are strongly encouraged to follow a rigorous, college preparatory curriculum throughout their secondary educational experience.
Such a curriculum generally includes four years of progressive course work in English, three years of mathematics, two years of science (including, at least, one laboratory component), three years of social studies, and an introduction to computing. Some degree programs may require additional curriculum completion for science and mathematics. Although not required, the faculty of the University recommends this schedule of progressive course work as a foundation for collegiate level study and for admission to the University. Many undergraduate degree programs at Wilkes University have additional college preparatory course requirements. General and special requirements for secondary course work are described more fully in the Admissions section of the Wilkes University Web site at https://www.wilkes.edu/admissions.
Elective courses in the secondary educational experience should be drawn from academic subject areas and chosen with care to reflect individual interest and proposed college major areas of study. High school electives supportive of college academic majors include computer science, foreign language, communications, the fine and performing arts, and specialized technical courses.
Applicants whose college preparation curriculum does not follow the pattern described may still qualify for admission to Wilkes University if there is other strong evidence of the student’s readiness to engage in college-level work.
Admission of Transfer Students
Wilkes University welcomes transfer students from other accredited colleges and universities for both the fall and spring semesters.
Transfer students must submit an application for admission and a transcript from every post-secondary institution attended (even if no credits were earned). An official final high school transcript and SAT or ACT scores may be required, and some transfer students may be asked to complete assessment tests prior to admission or registration for courses. Admission of transfer students is conducted on a “rolling” basis. In addition to an admissions decision, transfer students will receive a free transcript evaluation. Admission of transfer students is conducted on a “rolling” basis. In addition to an admissions decision, transfer students will receive a free transcript evaluation.
Applicants must be in good academic standing and must hold a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.00 (C) at their current or most recently attended institution in order to be considered for admission to Wilkes University. All courses with a grade of 2.00 (C)or higher that are comparable to those in the curriculum at Wilkes and from recognized accredited institutions will be accepted for transfer. Students transferring into the nursing program may register for courses only after consultation with the Chairperson of the Department of Nursing.
Enrollment in the life science majors (Biology, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Nursing, and Pharmacy) is limited, and admission to programs in these areas is competitive. Applicants into the life science majors must be in good academic standing and must hold a minimum cumulative college grade point average of 3.00 (B) from their attended institution(s) in order to be considered for admission to Wilkes University. Additional Nursing application documents and/or nursing entrance exams may be required prior to a decision and/or would be noted in the acceptance letter. Students transferring into the nursing program may register for courses only after consultation with the Chairperson of the Department of Nursing.
Applicants for the degree programs in Musical Theatre or Theatre Arts must successfully complete an audition, and applicants for the degree program in Theatre Design and Technology must provide samples of their art or design work and complete an interview with the departmental faculty, in order to gain admission into these programs.
Transfer students applying directly to the School of Pharmacy for entry into the professional school must additionally complete a School of Pharmacy application that includes submitting three letters of recommendation and statement of purpose. Applicants must be in good academic and non-academic standing. A letter confirming this information must be submitted to the Associate Dean of Admissions and Student Affairs. After the file is complete and reviewd by the School of Pharmacy Admissions Committee, the applicant quailifed candidates will be asked to schedule a personal interview. Students with questions applying directly into the Pharmacy Professional Program can contact 570-408-4298.
Transfer students applying for the fully online degree completion pathway in the Elementary and Early Childhood (PreK-4) program must apply and be accepted BEFORE May 1st. This program has a Fall Cohort ONLY admission.
In all cases, invitations to interview or audition for these identified degree programs are extended by the academic departments at their discretion. All departments reserve the right to interview applicants or request additional documentation.
University policy prohibits the Office of Admissions from knowingly admitting any student who has been dismissed from any other college or university for any reason until a period of one year has elapsed from the time of dismissal. Students who have been placed on probation by another college or university will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Degree Completion and Graduation Requirements for Transfer Students
Transfer students from two-year institutions must complete a minimum of 60 credits at an accredited degree granting institution.
To graduate, all transfer students must complete a minimum of 30 credits (exclusive of advanced placement credit awarded by Wilkes) and a minimum of 50% of their major field (and any minor field) credits at Wilkes University.
Additionally, all transfer students must satisfy the University’s General Education Requirements. (See the bulletin section entitled “General Education: The First Curricular Component” for an explanation of these requirements and associated student learning outcomes.). The University makes every effort to recognize course work and apply credits that are transferred into the University from an accredited institution in satisfaction of the General Education Requirements or to make other accommodations to ease the transition from one institution to another. For example, students who transfer certain science courses or sequence of science courses to Wilkes may, with the approval of the appropriate Dean, be permitted to apply these courses or course sequences to the requirements for Area II (The Scientific World) of the General Education Curriculum. Approval of the application of credits for courses or sequences of courses to satisfy specific requirements in the General Education Curriculum is not automatic and is dependent upon a complete review and analysis of submitted transcripts (and other pertinent documentation, as requested). Transfer students and potential transfer students are, therefore, encouraged to consult with the Office of Admissions on these matters.
Students who hold a baccalaureate degree from Wilkes University or another United States accredited institution and who seek a second baccalaureate degree will be considered exempt from the Wilkes General Education Curriculum for the purposes of seeking a second bachelor’s degree or Doctor of Pharmacy degree.
Transfer students should consult the “Graduation Requirements” section of this bulletin for an explanation of institution-wide requirements for graduation.
Prior Learning Assessment for Transfer and Adult Degree Completion Students
A special office, the Office of Prior Learning Assessment (PLA), has been created to help students in their transition into the Wilkes University academic community and in the evaluation of their prior learning in the award of academic credit for demonstrated competency. The Office of Prior Learning Assessment works in collaboration with the Office of Admissions and with academic departments to inform and advise entering students about opportunities by which academic credit might be awarded for learning that takes place outside of the “traditional” college classroom (e.g., CLEP, DSST, and Excelsior exams, departmental challenge exams, and experiential learning portfolio) and to familiarize students and their advisors with the policies and procedures associated with the award of credit for demonstrated learning and Prior Learning Assessment at Wilkes.
An important note for all students regarding the transfer of credits to Wilkes University:
While course credits may be transferred to the University from another accredited institution in fulfillment of Wilkes University graduation requirements, grades earned in those courses accepted for transfer are not included in the computation of the cumulative grade point average earned at Wilkes University.
Admission of International Students
International students are defined as those who do not hold U.S. citizenship, who are not permanent residents of the U.S., or who do not hold resident alien status in the U.S.
Undergraduate International students must submit the following in order to be considered for admission to Wilkes University:
- A completed application;
- Official results of English Proficiency
- Undergraduate students must earn a paper-based score of 500 or computer-based score of 173 or an iBT score of 60 on the TOEFL,
- IELTS of 5.5 or higher
- Successful completion of ELS Level 112
- STEP/EIKEN Level 10
- GTEC 1076
- PTE 42
- Successful completion of WESLI Level 700
- Duolingo Score of 85 or higher
- or evidence of the successful completion of an accredited intensive English language program, graduation from a U.S. High School, or English must have been the language of instruction for the student,
All international applicants whose education has been primarily outside the United States of America must provide objective evidence of proficiency in the English language. However, the following exceptions apply:
Applicants primarily educated in the following countries/territories:
- American Samoa
- Anguilla
- Antigua
- Australia
- Bahamas
- Barbados
- Bermuda
- Belize
- Botswana
- British Virgin Islands
- Canada
- Cayman Islands
- Christmas Islands
- Cook Islands
- Dominica
- Falkland Islands
- Federated States of Micronesia
- Fiji
- Gibraltar
- The Gambia
- Guyana
- Ghana
- Grenada
- Guam
- Hong Kong
- Ireland
- Jamaica
- Kenya
- Kiribati
- Lesotho
- Liberia
- Malawi
- Malta
- Marshall Islands
- Mauritius
- Montserrat
- Namibia
- Nauru
- New Zealand
- Nigeria
- Niue
- Norfolk Island
- Northern Mariana Islands
- Palau
- Papua New Guinea
- Pitcairn Islands
- Saint Helena
- Saint Kitts and Nevis
- Saint Lucia
- Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
- Samoa
- Sandwich Islands
- Sierra Leone
- Singapore
- Solomon Islands
- South Africa (English-speaking, i.e. not Afrikaans)
- South Georgia Islands
- Swaziland
- Tanzania
- Tonga
- Trinidad and Tobago
- Turks and Caicos Islands
- Tuvalu
- Uganda
- United States
- United Kingdom
- US Virgin Islands (St. Thomas, St. Croix, St. John)
- Zambia
- Zimbabwe
Wilkes University will now accept the TOEFL ITP Plus for Chinese students.
If a student falls below the minimum English requirement they can begin in the University Preparatory Program (UPP). The one-semester University Preparatory Program, offered on campus or online, provides international students with the necessary skills and strategies needed to effectively transition and succeed in college. UPP lets you expand and refine your language and academic skills while fostering the appreciation of educational growth and diversity necessary to contribute to the global learning community.
Submitting one of the following scores in addition to the other admission requirements would allow a student to be considered for admission into the UPP.
- Copy of current passport or visa, if applicable;
- Official transcripts of all secondary or post-secondary work completed to date (all transcripts should also be accompanied with a translation if in a language other than English); and
- a copy of the secondary or post-secondary diploma or leaving certificate.
If you attended a college or university syllabi may be required to determine transfer credits.
If you attended a college/university outside of the U.S., you may be required to submit a course-by-course evaluation of your foreign transcripts to be considered for admission and transfer credits. Emailed copies of the transcript are acceptable for the admissions process, however official transcripts are required to be submitted to Wilkes by the first day of mandatory orientation. To be considered official, the evaluation must be received directly from one of the following companies:
If you attended a college/university in the U.S., you must submit an official transcript. Please contact the registrar’s office at your prior institution to submit a transcript request. Transcript(s) must be sent directly from the college/university to Wilkes in order to be considered official.
After the application file is complete, the Office of Admissions will review the file, render a decision, and notify the applicant of that decision. Admissions decisions are made on a “rolling” basis, and notification is generally made within two to four weeks from the date the file is complete. An applicant may be required to complete an evaluative interview prior to the rendering of a final decision.
For admission in the fall semester, applicants who reside outside of the USA must return their completed application and attendant documents by June 15. Applicants who reside within the USA, and have a valid visa, must return their completed application and attendant documents by August 1. International Nursing Applicants must apply no later than May 15th for the fall semester. An interview is required for the nursing program.
For admission in the spring semester, applicants who reside outside of the USA must return applications and documents by November 15. Applicants who reside within the USA, and have a valid visa, must return applications and documents by December10. International Nursing Applicants must apply no later than October 15th. An interview is required for the nursing program.
All students guarantee their place in the entering class by forwarding a $300 tuition deposit to the Office of Admissions. May 1 is the priority deadline for receipt of deposits.
An I-20 form will only be issued after the application process is complete, the student has been admitted to the institution and financial statement showing sufficient funds or scholarship letter has been received.
Early Admission of High School Students
Wilkes University will consider admission for exceptionally gifted and motivated students who wish to enter the University without completing the requirements for a high school diploma.
In order to be considered for admission to the University, applicants must provide all of the materials listed under the “Acceptance for Admission and Advanced Deposit” section of this bulletin and must submit at least one letter from a high school official granting permission for early admission. Applicants must also successfully complete an interview with a counselor in the Office of Admissions.
Admission of Part-time Students
Those who wish to enroll as part-time students must contact the Office of Admissions to discuss their plans and to obtain an Application for Admission. Students who have completed college-level work at another institution must submit an official transcript as part of the admission process. Those who have completed no college work must submit an official high school transcript as evidence of high school graduation or the GED as evidence of readiness to pursue college-level studies. All documentation should be sent to the Office of Admissions.
Admissions Decision and Rescind Policy
Wilkes University seeks to enroll talented and capable students who have the potential to be active and productive members of our campus community.
Wilkes University reserves the right to revoke an admissions decision or enrollment on various circumstances deemed appropriate by the University; including, but not limited to personal behavior, academic performance, or social conduct that may poorly reflect our values of “an educated person” (please reference in the bulletin: A Guide to Learning ).
Changing from Part-time to Full-time Status
Part-time, non-degree seeking students who wish to enroll as full-time students must consult with the Vice president of Enrollment and Marketing as the first step in this process. Students who have completed 30 or more credits and have maintained a cumulative grade point average of 2.00 (C) or higher will be accepted as full-time students. Students who have completed fewer than 30 credits will be required to provide high school transcripts and appropriate test scores in support of their petition to enroll full- time before a decision will be made. Requests for change of status must be made through the Office of Admissions.
Part-time, degree-seeking students who wish to enroll as full-time students must consult with their academic advisor. Students who have completed 30 or more credits and have maintained a cumulative grade point average of 2.00 (C) or higher will be accepted as full-time students.
Readmission to the University
Students who previously attended Wilkes University and did not graduate, must contact the Registrar’s Office for re-admission into the University.
Campus Visits
A campus visit and an interview are strongly recommended for all students interested in studying at Wilkes University. Students and family members may schedule an interview by calling or writing the Office of Admissions. Campus visits may include an interview with an admissions professional, appointments with faculty members, sessions with coaches and co-curricular leaders, campus and residence hall tours, attendance in selected classes, and financial aid counseling.
In addition to individualized campus visits, the Office of Admissions hosts a number of Open Houses throughout the academic year. These visitation days usually include an introduction with admissions staff, academic department meetings, campus tours, financial aid sessions, an information session with current students, administrators and faculty, and a complimentary meal. Specific information about the agenda and dates for these days is available from the Office Admissions and on the Wilkes University website: https://www.wilkes.edu/visit.
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