Western Illinois University: 2024 Requirements, Scores & GPAs

This is the go-to guide for getting into Western Illinois University. We suggest you read until the end... Not only will we layout the exact GPA and test scores you should aim for when applying to Western Illinois University, but we’ll also offer creative ways to help your application stand out from the pack. We breakdown Western Illinois University statistics better than any article out there and show you how these have changed over time. Also, make sure to check out Western Illinois University on CampusReel to see what it’s really like here. If you're interesting in transferring to Western Illinois University, the read our transfer guide. You can also use the below calculator to help determine your likelihood of acceptance at Western Illinois University

What GPA do you need to get into Western Illinois University?

Western Illinois University’s average GPA is 3.31. Western Illinois University does require GPA. This average GPA means Western Illinois University is very selective. Often times, schools in this range are trying to increase their selectivity and “prestige”. We can’t read the minds of Western Illinois University application readers, but they likely want to increase the average GPA from 3.31 to 3.48 this year - to play it safe, we recommend striving for the 3.48 GPA.

*BEFORE CONTINUING PLEASE NOTE: GPA and “prestige” DO NOT mean a college is right for you. Western Illinois University may seem amazing on paper, but you may hate it... That’s why 700,000 students transfer colleges every year - they end up going to the wrong school. It’s crucial to watch the videos on CampusReel and make sure you can envision yourself on Western Illinois University’s campus. These Western Illinois University admission statistics do not sufficiently tell you what a college or university is like.

What is Western Illinois University’s acceptance rate?

Last year Western Illinois University’s acceptance rate was 60.07. However, check out how the acceptance rate has changed over time.

As you can see, Western Illinois University is a little easier to get into than last year.

Acceptance rate alone does not indicate your likelihood for getting into Western Illinois University - it’s a very high level understanding of the true competition. Use the acceptance rate as a general guide for curating a list of 10-15 schools that fall into different ranges of competitiveness. Then, use the below data to get a deeper understanding of how your application will compare to the rest of the pool.

Does Western Illinois University Require Test Scores?

Western Illinois University requires that you either take the SAT or ACT. See the table below for how Western Illinois University’s accepted students have performed on both tests. You may be wondering how many test scores should you submit. Generally, don’t freak out about taking the test too often. Industry consensus is that you can submit up to 6 tests as a reasonable limit.

Western Illinois University SAT Requirements

Western Illinois University’s average SAT score is 1020 - this is the sum of the math and reading portions of the SAT (the 1600 scale). Check out the below table for a deeper look into how students performed - it’s also very interesting to look at the average test score over time. The trend over time helps give insight into whether Western Illinois University is getting more or less competitive.

Western Illinois University’s average SAT score is 1020. To be a competitive applicant for Western Illinois University your SAT score should come close to the average. If you’re closer to the 930, you’re likely going to have a tougher time getting accepted. To consider Western Illinois University a “target” school (one that you are likely to get into) you should aim for a score of 1110.

Western Illinois University ACT Requirements

Western Illinois University’s average ACT score is 61. To be a competitive applicant for Western Illinois University your ACT score should come close to the average. If you’re closer to the 52, you’re likely going to have a tougher time getting accepted. To consider Western Illinois University a “target” school (one that you have a good chance of getting into) you should aim for a score of 70.

Western Illinois University Requirements

Now you know where you need to be for getting into Western Illinois University from a grade and test score perspective. Let’s quickly outline what else you’ll need to provide for your application to get reviewed, and then we’ll move onto the most important section: differentiating your app.

How to get into Western Illinois University

Follow these steps to maximize your chances of getting into Western Illinois University. Everything you read above will help prepare you for what you need to achieve to have a shot at Western Illinois University, but these steps will take you even further in applying that knowledge and differentiating your application.

Main Academic Excellence that is in line with Western Illinois University admission standards.

1. Score at least a 1020 on the SAT or 61 on the ACT.
2. Maintain a GPA of at least a 3.31.

Join Extracurriculars that Align with Western Illinois University’s Values.

1. Join your school band, a sports team or another group activity. If Western Illinois University values music heavily, for example, then try to participate in an organization related to that topic.
2. Volunteer in your hometown. Macomb has tons of ways to be involved beyond just the college. Western Illinois University wants applicants that are also good ambassadors for the school - they want students who will give back to the local community and broader Macomb area in general.
3. Spend your summer doing something that speaks to your values, personal growth, leadership qualities and other less quantifiable characteristics. Western Illinois University needs to see past your test scores and grades - they need to know that you will be a valuable and contributing member of their community. You are more than grades and test scores - your experiences should demonstrate that.

Prepare Your Application

1. Write a stellar essay that shows Western Illinois University something they can’t figure out from the other parts of your application. For a detailed guide on writing the best college essay, check this out.
2. Get teacher recs that speak to your character. If you know what you’re majoring in and include that in your Western Illinois University app, try to have at least 1 recommendation from a teacher in that department.
3. Apply Before the Deadline. Too many students wait until the last minute to submit their application, and too much can go wrong during this precious time window. Since many students are applying on the last day, it’s possible that Western Illinois University’s own system crashes. Don’t risk the added stress this can cause - submit your app a few days early.