University Advising & Academic Support Center: Western Illinois University

Application Process

How do I Apply?

All students interested in attending Western apply through the WIU Admission Office. Applications can be submitted online or printed out and mailed. Personnel in that office will review applications and forward those who meet the OAS criteria for admission to the OAS office. Providing letters of recommendation and student letters with the initial application will expedite admission decisions.

Suggestions for writing student letter of Interest/Qualification

Please submit a 400-500 word essay describing why you believe you are ready for the rigors of college at Western Illinois University. Please take time to reflect on your high school performance, provide explanation for inconsistencies in your grades and explain how you believe you can be academically successful if you are admitted through the Office of Academic Services (OAS). The essay is your opportunity to market yourself and convince us of your adequate preparation for post-secondary education.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call or e-mail:

Kelly A. Morris, Admission Coordinator/Academic Advisor
Office of Academic Services
KA-Morris@wiu.edu
309.298.1871

-OR-

Candace McLaughlin, Director
University Advising and Academic Support Center
CS-McLaughlin@wiu.edu
309.298.1846

Suggestions for writing recommendations

(*Students will want to provide the following information to at least one teacher of an academic course or a high school counselor.)

The student who is asking you for a college entrance referral is being considered for admission to Western Illinois University through the Academic Services Program, an admission and support program for students with academic potential who do not meet Western’s regular admission standards.

You can best help this student by giving us your honest evaluation of his or her likelihood of academic success. We are interested in the student’s current attitude toward learning, his or her study habits and time management skills, and most especially his or her motivation to succeed in higher education.

If you know of special circumstances that have impacted this student’s academic progress and have the student’s permission to mention them, please do so.

Thank you for helping us to determine the right place for the student to continue his or her education. If you have any questions about the Academic Services Program or admission process, please feel free to call or e-mail:

Kelly A. Morris, Admission Coordinator/Academic Advisor
Office of Academic Services
KA-Morris@wiu.edu
309.298.1871

-OR-

Candace McLaughlin, Director
University Advising and Academic Support Center
CS-McLaughlin@wiu.edu
309.298.1846

What Happens after I Apply?

The OAS Admission Team reviews transcripts thoroughly. We calculate the “academic GPA” for each student, which includes only core courses: English, math, science, social science and foreign language.
We look at grade trends and improvements from year to year.
We welcome student letters that provide explanations for semesters/years when a student may have struggled.*
We encourage letters of recommendation from counselors or core teachers who are able to share perspectives on classroom performance.*
Qualified students will either be offered admission based on their high school record and support letters, or they will be invited to campus to take assessments in Math and English and participate in an interview with an OAS advisor prior to an admission decision being made.

*Providing letters of recommendation and student letters with the initial application will expedite admission decisions.