MACOMB, Ill. (NEWS3) — After years of declining enrollment, Western Illinois University is revising its admissions criteria.
According to a recent WIU press release, prospective students with a high school diploma and at least a 3.3 grade point average (on a 4.0 scale) will automatically be accepted to the university effective 2020.
“Standardized tests are not necessarily a reflection of how successful a student is, or can be,” Interim President Martin Abraham said. “We feel that the grade point average is a good indicator of a student’s academic ability as the GPA encompasses not just grades achieved on exams, but for projects, homework and more. It’s a reflection of the work a student puts into his/her overall schoolwork in order to be successful.”
WIU is one of the only public schools in the state that is test-optional in regards to college admissions. However, students will have to submit ACT/SAT scores if they have less than a 3.3 GPA, but at least a 2.0, to be considered.
Incoming freshman with excellent academic ability and achievement in high school will automatically be awarded $3,000 to $8,000 each year from the enhanced Western Commitment Scholarship program.
WIU also revised their transfer scholarship program by increasing the award to $2,500.
