Undergraduate Admissions Policies

Undergraduate Admissions Policies

At Widener University, we are committed to an admissions process that looks thoughtfully at the whole person. We understand that each applicant brings a unique combination of academic preparation, life experiences, talents, and aspirations, and we strive to honor that individuality throughout our review process. 

Our evaluation is holistic and strength‑focused. Rather than concentrating on any single factor, we consider how a student’s academic record, extracurricular involvement, personal characteristics, and lived experiences together reflect their readiness to succeed at Widener. We believe that potential is demonstrated in many ways, and our goal is to recognize and support it. 

Widener seeks to enroll motivated, capable students who are prepared to engage fully in the academic, social, and personal opportunities that a Widener education provides. In addition to academic achievement, we value qualities such as perseverance, curiosity, initiative, and alignment with Widener’s mission and values. We look for students who are eager to grow, contribute meaningfully to our community, and prepare for lives of impact beyond the classroom. 

We view the admissions process as a partnership. Our Admissions team works closely with prospective students and families, offering guidance and support as applicants share their goals and experiences. Every application receives careful, respectful, and compassionate consideration. 

Widener University is committed to ethical and principled admission practices. Our policies and procedures align with the National Association for College Admissions Counseling (NACAC) Code of Ethics, and we remain attentive to any updates or revisions. 

First‑Year Admissions Policy 

Widener University follows a rolling admission process and offers a non‑binding Early Action option with a deadline of November 1. Applicants may submit an unofficial high school transcript for review; however, an official transcript confirming high school graduation is required prior to enrollment. 

All offers of admission are provisional and are contingent upon successful completion of secondary school coursework and certification of graduation with a satisfactory academic record. 

To confirm enrollment, admitted students are required to submit a $400 non‑refundable enrollment deposit by the National Candidates Reply Date of May 1. Applicants admitted after this date are considered on a space‑available basis and will receive an alternate deposit deadline. 

After confirming enrollment, students must submit required medical documentation completed by a family physician, enroll in the University’s health insurance plan or provide proof of comparable personal coverage, and complete school discipline and criminal history certification forms. 

Beginning in 2020, Widener University adopted a test‑optional admissions policy. We recognize that standardized test scores are just one part of an academic profile and do not always reflect a student’s full range of abilities or potential. This policy allows applicants to decide whether submitting SAT or ACT scores best represents their academic strengths. Students are encouraged to consult their assigned Admissions Counselor if they would like support in making this decision. 

For students who choose to submit standardized test scores, Widener reviews either SAT or ACT results. When multiple scores are provided, a superscore is calculated and used as part of the admission review process. 

First‑Year Admissions Procedure 

Widener University does not charge an application fee. First‑year applicants may apply using either the Common Application or the Widener University application. Admission decisions are made on a rolling basis, with a non‑binding Early Action deadline of November 1. 

A completed application includes submission of a high school transcript. Standardized test scores are optional (see the test‑optional policy above). 

All applicants are automatically considered for merit‑based scholarships during the application review process. 

Transfer Student Admissions Policy 

Widener University welcomes transfer students for both the fall and spring semesters and operates under a rolling admission model. A transfer student is defined as an individual who has completed at least 12 transferable college credits after graduating from high school at another college or university. 

Applicants may submit unofficial college transcripts for admission review. Official transcripts from all institutions attended must be provided prior to enrollment. 

Offers of admission are provisional and dependent upon the successful completion of any coursework in progress at the time of application. 

To confirm enrollment, admitted transfer students are required to submit a $400 non‑refundable enrollment deposit by the deadline specified in their admission letter. 

After confirmation, students must submit required medical documentation, verify health insurance coverage, and complete school discipline and criminal history certification forms. Transfer students are also required to submit a Prior Institution Transfer Evaluation Form before matriculation. 

Transfer Admissions Procedure 

Widener University does not assess an application fee for transfer applicants. Students may apply using either the Common Application or the Widener University application. Admission decisions are released on a rolling basis. 

Applicants must submit official transcripts from each college or university attended. Students who have completed fewer than 60 college credits are also required to submit an official high school transcript confirming graduation. 

If an applicant has attended multiple institutions, Widener calculates a cumulative grade point average that is used in the application review. 

All transfer applicants are automatically reviewed for merit‑based scholarship eligibility. 

After admission, Widener conducts a transfer credit evaluation. Students are encouraged to meet with an academic advisor to review their transfer credit statement and academic options prior to submitting their enrollment deposit and committing to Widener. 

Right to Rescind or Modify Admission 

Widener University reserves the right to revoke or modify an offer of admission or enrollment. Disciplinary issues, criminal convictions, or conduct inconsistent with the University’s core values—whether occurring prior to application submission or after an admission decision—may affect enrollment eligibility. 

Because offers of admission are often extended while students are still enrolled in coursework at another institution (such as a high school or college), Widener also reserves the right to revoke admission, adjust enrollment status, or reduce or withdraw merit‑based scholarships if a final transcript reflects a significant decline in academic performance. Admission may be revoked if an applicant is found to have misrepresented information during the admissions process. 

Campus Visit Policy 

While interviews are not required for admission, Widener strongly encourages prospective students and families to visit campus. Campus visits provide an opportunity to experience the Widener community firsthand and to meet with an Admissions Counselor who can offer personalized guidance. 

International Applicants

An international applicant is defined as an individual who is not a U.S. citizen or permanent resident (Green Card holder) and intends to enroll at the university on a qualifying non-immigrant or temporary visa, such as an F-1, J-1, or M-1 visa. 

This includes applicants currently residing in the United States in a non-immigrant  status, such as dependent visa categories (e.g., H-4, L-2), as well as those applying  from outside the United States. 

While all individuals meeting the definition above are considered international applicants, Widener University may classify applicants differently for admissions, tuition, and financial aid purposes based on their current immigration status. 

Certain applicants may be evaluated under policies applicable to domestic applicants, in accordance with institutional guidelines and applicable law. 

Applicants Requiring Visa Sponsorship

 International applicants who require sponsorship from Widener University for an F-1 or J-1 student visa must complete additional requirements, including submission of financial documentation and issuance of appropriate immigration documents. 

International Application Requirements

In general, international applicants must submit the following: 

• Completed application for admission 
• Official secondary and or post-secondary academic transcripts 
• Certified English translations of all academic documents not issued in English 
• Credential evaluation from a recognized evaluation service, if required 
• Proof of English language proficiency 
• Copy of valid passport 

Widener University reserves the right to request additional documentation as  necessary to evaluate academic preparedness and authenticity of materials. 

Credential Evaluation and Academic Records for International Students

All academic records must be authentic, complete, and verifiable. 

Widener University may require: 

• Course-by-course credential evaluation for post-secondary coursework 
• Verification of institutional accreditation or recognition 
• Additional documentation in cases of suspected irregularity 

Submission of fraudulent or altered documents will result in denial or revocation of  admission. 

Proof of English Language Proficiency

To be considered for admission to an undergraduate or graduate program,  applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency unless they qualify for a  waiver as outlined below or a waiver has been deemed by Widener International. 

Methods of Demonstrating English Proficiency 

Applicants may satisfy the English language proficiency requirement through one of  the following: 

• Achieving the required minimum score on an approved English language proficiency examination (see chart below)  
• Successful completion of an approved English language program at the advanced level  
• Earning a grade of C or higher in a college-level English composition course equivalent to Widener University’s ENGL 101 at an accredited institution in the United States  
• Completion of two or more years of secondary education in the United States (undergraduate first-year applicants only)  
• Completion of a recognized English-medium secondary curriculum, such as International Baccalaureate (IB) or A-Levels (undergraduate first-year applicants only)  
• Completion of at least two years of full-time university-level coursework delivered in English at an accredited institution in the United States (undergraduate transfer applicants only)  

Widener University reserves the right to request additional documentation or require an English proficiency examination if the applicant’s ability to succeed in an English-language academic environment is in question. 

English Proficiency Examination Requirements 

English Proficiency Waiver 

Applicants may be exempt from the English language proficiency requirement if they have completed their education in a country where English is the primary language of instruction. 

The following countries are recognized as exempt: 

Completion of education in an English-speaking country or institution may qualify an applicant for a waiver; however, Widener University reserves the right to require proof of English proficiency in any case where academic preparedness is unclear. 

Financial Documentation for International Students

Applicants must demonstrate sufficient financial resources to cover tuition, fees, room and board, and living expenses for at least one academic year. 

Financial documentation must: 

• Be issued in English or accompanied by a certified translation 
• Be dated within six months of submission 
• Clearly identify account holder and available funds 

Widener University reserves the right to deny issuance of immigration documents if financial documentation is insufficient, fraudulent, or unverifiable. 

Admission Decisions and Enrollment

Admission decisions are contingent upon: 

• Verification of all submitted materials 
• Demonstration of academic readiness 
• Satisfaction of English language requirements 

The University reserves the right to rescind an offer of admission if discrepancies  are identified. 

Enrollment deposits may be required to secure admission. Deferral requests will be  evaluated on a case-by-case basis. 

Immigration Document and Compliance Policy

1. Issuance of Immigration Documents 

The University will issue Form I-20 or DS-2019 only after: 

• Admission is granted 
• Financial documentation is provided and approved 
• All required materials are verified 

Admission and immigration document issuance are separate processes. 

2. Maintenance of Status 

International students are responsible for maintaining lawful immigration status, including: 

• Full-time enrollment each required academic term 
• Accurate and timely reporting of address changes 
• Compliance with program start and end dates 
• Adherence to all federal regulations governing student status 

3.  Full-Time Enrollment Requirement 

Students must maintain full-time enrollment as defined by federal regulations and institutional policy. 

Failure to maintain full-time enrollment may result in termination of immigration status. 

4. Employment Regulations 

International students may engage only in employment authorized under federal regulations. 

Unauthorized employment is a violation of immigration status and may result in termination. 

5. Check-In and Orientation 

All international students are required to: 

• Complete immigration check-in upon arrival 
• Attend mandatory orientation programs 
• Provide all required documentation for SEVIS activation 

6.  Leave of Absence and Withdrawal 

Any change in enrollment status, including withdrawal or leave of absence, must be approved in advance. 

Such changes may have immediate immigration consequences. 

7. Academic and Disciplinary Impact 

Academic dismissal, suspension, or disciplinary action may affect immigration status. 

The University will report required changes to federal authorities as mandated.