How to Apply as an Undergraduate, First-Year Student

Applying is the first step to starting your Widener Pride journey—and we've made it easy!

Admissions & Aid
Undergraduate Admissions
How to Apply as an Undergraduate, First-Year Student

Applying to college shouldn't be stressful. That's why we made the application process as easy as possible so you can focus on choosing a school that's a good fit for your future.

If you are a current high school student, you're in the right place. We can't wait to learn more about you through your application!

Additional Offerings

Not a full-time, first-year applicant? Don't worry, we've got you covered.

Contact Information

Have questions? We've got the answers.

Muller Hall
University Pl
Chester, PA 19013
888-WIDENER
admissions.office@widener.edu

Meet the Team

Apply Now Early Action Application Requirements Financial Aid

Applying online is not only easy—it’s free!

When applying to Widener, you have two options—our Widener Application or the Common Application.

Application Timeline

There is no application deadline! We accept applications on a rolling basis. Apply when you're ready and we'll take a look as soon as we receive your app.

August 1: Application opens
November 1: Early Action deadline & decision notifications begin
November—August: Rolling admissions; apply online
March/April: Admitted Student Day(s)

What to Expect after Applying

Once all of your application materials are received, you can expect to hear back from us quickly. When we review your application for admission, we automatically evaluate your eligibility for merit-based scholarships, so there is no need to apply for scholarships separately.

FAQs

Yes, Widener offers direct admission. If you apply to a specific program and are admitted, you will gain direct admission into that program.

Yes, Widener allows admitted undergraduate students that have submitted their enrollment deposit to defer their admission. This deferment is typically granted for one semester.

Absolutely! Your application will save automatically and you can return any time.

If you applied as an Early Action applicant and submitted your required materials before November 1st, you can expect to receive an admissions decision by the Thanksgiving holiday.

All other applications are reviewed on a rolling basis and you will typically receive an admissions decision within 2-3 weeks after submitting your materials.

While there are no specific length requirements for your personal statement, we recommend creating a short-form essay around five paragraphs in length.

No! There are no application fees to apply to an undergraduate program at Widener University.

Start A New Application Log In To Admissions Portal

Next: Early Action

Why Apply Early Action?

Eager to become part of the Widener Pride? Apply by our November 1 Early Action deadline to experience the following benefits:

Receive an early admissions decision (by Thanksgiving!)
Early consideration for merit awards and other Widener institution-based scholarships
Priority release of financial aid offers, including need-based awards*
Priority enrollment for summer registration, where you can sign up for classes, meet future classmates, and more

Early Action or Regular Decision Applications

Early Action

Regular Decision

Deadline to apply: November 1st
Admissions decision by Thanksgiving
Priority scheduling of classes
Early access to Widener merit scholarships and financial aid offers*

Applying early action is non-binding.

No deadline to apply
Applicants have more time to submit required materials
Access to class scheduling, scholarships, and financial aid after early action applicants

Start A New Application Log In To Admissions Portal

Next: Application Requirements

Admissions Application Requirements for First-Year Students

Complete our online application or the Common Application.
Submit your official high school transcript.
Submit either an admissions essay or your SAT/ACT scores As part of our test-optional admissions process, you may choose between these two requirements. SAT/ACT scores are not required if you choose the test-optional option.

Feel free to include letters of recommendation with your application. These letters are not required.

If admitted to Widener, please note that you must have received your high school diploma or GED equivalent, or be beyond the age of compulsory high school attendance in the state of Pennsylvania or Delaware.

What is a test-optional admissions process?
The way you complete your application is up to you. Don't want to submit an SAT or ACT score? Submit an essay instead! Proud of your test scores? We encourage you to submit them with your application. Doing so will not hurt your overall application, regardless of your scores.

How will Widener evaluate my application?
If you are not planning to submit test scores, we will evaluate your application based on the strength of your essay, cumulative high school grade point average (GPA), and performance in courses specific to your major—such as science and math courses for prospective engineering, nursing, biochemistry, and pre-physical therapy students.

If you are planning to submit test scores, we will evaluate your scores along with your high school transcripts. As part of our test-optional admissions process, your SAT or ACT score will not hurt your overall application.

Questions?
We welcome the chance to talk through your individual application.
Schedule a One-on-One Meeting

The test-optional admissions process applies to domestic freshman students only. See international admissions requirements.

Contact your high school counseling office to learn more about the process for submitting transcripts.

Directly from the College Board or ACT
On your official high school transcript
From your school counselor

Next: Financial Aid

Financial Aid

As soon as we receive your application, you are automatically considered for Widener University academic merit-based scholarships.

Widener University requires submission of the FAFSA in order to be considered for need-based financial assistance.

*Please list Widener’s school code of 003313 to insure we receive your FAFSA in a timely manner.

Priority FAFSA filing date: Feb. 1: Submit your FAFSA by Feb. 1 to receive a priority financial aid offer—giving you more time to plan for college and make the decision that's right for you.