Applying to Wesleyan

Standardized Testing

Wesleyan currently requires that students submit either the ACT OR the SAT with two Subject Tests.

The Wesleyan Admission Committee views standardized tests in the context of each student’s entire application, background, and environment. We look at the high school transcript as the most critical factor and predictor of academic success at Wesleyan. There is no minimum score required to obtain for admission and there is no score that will disqualify any student from a thorough evaluation. All applications to Wesleyan are evaluated completely and holistically. Standardized test scores are just one of many factors we consider. By viewing students’ scores in this context, we feel that scores play the role they should in the admission process: as a piece of the whole picture, not a determining factor.

While the median scores for Wesleyan’s admitted students are quite high, we recommend that prospective students look at the full range of scores for students applying and admitted to Wesleyan to gain a better perspective on the role of standardized testing in our process. You can find this information in the charts below.

What is Wesleyan’s Score Choice policy?

Wesleyan is committed to using your test scores in the most beneficial way possible for you in the admission process. We will use the highest scores on each section of the SAT or on Subject Tests, and the highest subscores and recalculated composite score on the ACT when evaluating your application. The College Board’s new Score Choice policy gives students the ability to send scores from individual test dates to colleges and universities, instead of all of their testing results. Although we do not require all scores to be submitted, Wesleyan strongly encourages students to report all of their scores when applying instead of electing to use the Score Choice option.

While the median scores for Wesleyan’s admitted students are quite high, we recommend that prospective students look at the full range of scores for students applying and admitted to Wesleyan to gain a better perspective on the role of standardized testing in our process. You can find this information on the charts below.

How late can I sit for standardized tests if I am applying to Wesleyan?

The timing of standardized testing and its availability for our review depends on whether or not you are applying Early Decision I or II, or Regular Decision. For Early Decision I (deadline November 15), the latest sitting recommended would be the November testing dates. For Early Decision II and Regular Decision (both with deadline January 1), the January testing dates would be the latest sitting possible.

Should I pay to have my test scores rushed to Wesleyan?

No. You can elect to send your scores to Wesleyan during the registration process for standardized tests or after you sit for the exam. Scores are transmitted to Wesleyan electronically in 10-14 days after the exam is administered. Rushing test scores incurs an unnecessary cost for students and their families.