Frequently Asked Questions for International Students
Which standardized tests are required for admission?
At Wheaton, the submission of all standardized testing (with the exception of English proficiency) is optional. If you would like to submit the results of SAT Subject Tests, SAT Reasoning Tests and/or the ACT, the admission committee is happy to consider these scores, but your secondary school grades will be emphasized more heavily.
Do I need to take the TOEFL?
Non-native English speakers must provide evidence of their English proficiency in order to be considered for admission. The TOEFL is the preferred test, but the Wheaton Admission Staff recognizes that some students do not have access to the TOEFL exam. In such cases, the IELTS may be submitted in place of the TOEFL. Non-native English speakers whose high school curriculum is taught entirely in English may request a waiver of the TOEFL by contacting the Admission Office.
What are my chances of being admitted to Wheaton and receiving financial aid?
Unfortunately, there is no simple answer to this question. There are many factors that are considered in each admission and financial aid decision, such as strength of curriculum, grades, intellectual curiosity, trend in performance during secondary school, English skills, writing skills, letters of recommendation, extracurricular activities and personal talents, strength of the applicant pool. As a result, it is not possible to predict an international student's chance of admission and need-based aid based on grades and test scores; we must see the entire application.
Can you tell me how many students from my country applied, were accepted and received financial aid last year?
The number of students who apply from each country varies from year to year. Similarly, admission decisions made in last year's applicant pool may be very different from those we make this year. For this reason, we do not supply specific information about number of applications, average GPA, test scores, etc. on a country-by-country basis.
I cannot visit Wheaton but would like to have a telephone interview or in interview with an alum who lives in my area. Is this possible?
It may be possible to arrange an interview with a Wheaton graduate in your area. For more information, please contact the APAC (Alumnae/i and Parent Admission Committee) Office at apac_office@wheatoncollege.edu at least one month before the application deadline.
Wheaton does not offer telephone interviews.
Rest assured that the Wheaton Admission Staff understands that many international students are unable to travel to the United States for college visits. While we hope that those who come to the Boston/Providence area will include a visit to Wheaton, those who are unable to visit will not be at a disadvantage in the admission process.
Do you offer financial aid for international students?
Yes! For more information, click here.
Do you offer academic scholarships to international students?
Yes! For more information, click here.
Do you offer athletic scholarships?
Wheaton's athletics teams compete in the NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) Division III which prohibits the awarding of scholarships based on athletic ability to students. Talented athletes may qualify for need-based financial aid and/or academic merit scholarships. For more information, click here.
As an international student, may I apply for Early Decision admission?
Wheaton awards its need-based financial aid during the Regular Decision process only. As a result, non-US citizens who are seeking substantial need-based financial aid should not apply under Early Decision. Exception: students who attend one of the United World Colleges may apply for Early Decision or Regular Decision admission.
I do not have a graded writing sample to submit with my application. What should I do?
Click here for more information.