Transfer Applicants
Transfer students enrich our campus community by adding an incredible amount to the diversity, life, and culture of Wesleyan.
Transfer Eligibility
Transfer students come to Wesleyan from a variety of institutions and experiences. To be eligible to apply as a transfer student, one must:
- Have a high school diploma (or its equivalent).
- Have studied full-time at another institution.
- Completed at least one full year of undergraduate coursework (a minimum of 6 Wesleyan credits) but not more than two full years (a maximum of 16 Wesleyan credits) by the time they matriculate. Please note that 1 Wesleyan credit is equivalent to 4 semester hours or 6 quarter hours.
- Be entering as a 1st semester sophomore, 2nd semester sophomore, or 1st semester junior, based on total number of credits
Students entering as a 2nd semester junior (or beyond) are not eligible for admission. Wesleyan does not discount previously earned credits, nor do we grant a second bachelor’s degree.
Students who have taken college courses through a high school dual enrollment program (including Bard High School Early College Network) are welcome to apply as first-year applicants. Students enrolled at Bard College at Simons Rock or other residential early college programs are encouraged to contact our office prior to applying.
Fall Transfer (Entering September 2025) Application Dates:
- Deadline: March 15
- Admission Notification: late April
- Financial Aid Request Deadline: March 15
Transfer Application Information
Application Process
Transfer Applicant Process
Students looking to transfer to Wesleyan must apply by submitting a Common Application online along with the following:
- College Report (PDF)
- Official transcript(s) of ALL college work to date
- Official final high school transcript or proof of graduation (i.e. GED)
- Mid-term report (PDF) if currently enrolled
- Two instructor evaluations:
Instructor evaluations are from college teachers of academic courses. Applicants from larger schools, especially first year students, may be concerned about this component of the application. We have received very helpful evaluations from graduate Teaching Assistants as well as from faculty with whom the applicant has spoken about the reasons for transfer. The College Report may present a similar issue because academic deans may not know the student personally. Some larger schools have a policy to attach a form letter to the report. Wesleyan accepts these form letters without prejudice against the applicant. Students may submit teacher evaluations from high school teachers, but these should be in addition to the College Instructor Evaluations and not a replacement. - A $65 non-refundable application fee (The application fee is automatically waived for students applying for Financial Aid.)
Optional Application Materials:
Standardized Testing
Wesleyan does not require transfer applicants to submit SAT or ACT scores as part of the application for admission. Students can decide for themselves whether or not their scores reflect their academic ability and if they would like their test scores to be considered alongside their college and high school transcripts. Scores of tests taken during high school are accepted, as are scores of more recent testing, if a candidate elects to submit them.
Interview
Interviews are no longer part of the transfer application process to Wesleyan. However, given that transfer students have a wide variety of educational trajectories, a member of our admission team may reach out if questions arise.
Non-traditional Students
Applicants who have significant interruptions in their schooling (high school or college) or who were home schooled should provide a thorough explanation of their educational situation, background, and chronology in their personal statement or in the Additional Information section of their application. Competitive applicants need to have been enrolled recently in a full-time course of study to demonstrate a record of success in such a program.
Re-applying as a Transfer
Reapplicants (i.e. students who have applied to Wesleyan but never matriculated) must submit a new application. Applicants who were denied admission to Wesleyan must wait one full year before reapplying.
Residential Requirement for Transfer Students
Transfer students entering Wesleyan as a 1st semester sophomore are required to live on campus as full-time students for at least five semesters.
Transfer students entering Wesleyan as a 2nd semester sophomore or 1st semester junior are required to live on campus as full-time students for at least four semesters.
A semester in residence is defined as any semester in which a student attends classes on the Wesleyan campus, has attempted at least three credits, and received at least one grade. If a conversion to semester hours is required, each Wesleyan credit may be assigned a value of four semester hours.
Transfer Credit Evaluation
Transfer Credit Evaluation
Wesleyan will provide a credit review with an offer of admission. Generally, coursework will be creditable and determine transfer admission eligibility if:
- The course was taken on a college campus (not a college-level course taken at high school).
- The course is similar to a course offered by a Wesleyan department .
- The course is at the college level.
- A grade of C- (B- for a summer course) or better was earned.
Students can use a maximum of two AP or IB credits toward their Wesleyan degree. Please see the graduate requirements in the Wesleyan Course Catalog.
Transfer Financial Aid
Financial Aid for Transfer Students
Wesleyan will automatically waive the application fee for any student applying for financial aid.
Wesleyan meets 100% of demonstrated financial need. We do this by creating a financial aid package (based on our assessment) that bridges the difference between the total cost of attendance and the family's expected financial contribution. Wesleyan’s financial aid packages are loan-free.
Our commitment to meet full demonstrated need extends to every year of enrollment. Students who apply to Wesleyan and indicate that they will not be seeking financial assistance will not be eligible to receive Wesleyan financial aid until after the student has been enrolled for one year/two full semesters at the university.
Financial Aid for International Transfer Students
Financial aid for international transfer students is very limited. However, Wesleyan does offer financial aid to students who are undocumented and have DACA status.
International students not requesting financial aid should submit documentation verifying sufficient financial resources and/or outside scholarships to meet the expense of a Wesleyan education. Applicants should use the International Student Certification of Finances form and submit the completed form with your application. For more information, visit the Financial Aid Office website.
Check Your Application with WesCheck
Application decisions for Wesleyan University will be accessible through WesCheck, our dedicated applicant portal. Once online decisions are officially released, applicants will receive an email notification prompting them to log in and check their status.
Transfer Admission Frequently Asked Questions
No. Students are admitted to the University, not to a specific major or academic program.
Students transferring as a 1st semester sophomore have access to most majors. However, students entering as a 1st semester junior may be prohibited from certain programs. Please review our departmental policies for Film, College of Letters, and College of Social Studies via WesMaps prior to applying.
The mid-term report is required for any student who is currently enrolled in an undergraduate program and taking courses. However, we will automatically waive the requirement for any student who is not currently enrolled (e.g., taking a Gap Year, on medical leave) in an undergraduate program.
No, portfolios or auditions are not considered for transfer applicants.
Yes, all materials, including updated college transcripts (if applicable) and letters of recommendation, need to be resubmitted.
No, we do not consider requests to defer enrollment from incoming transfer students.
- The Gordon Career Center - helps students translate their Wesleyan education into a lifetime of meaningful work. The Center provides students with the tools to map out their future.
- WesMaps - links to all Wesleyan majors, minors, and other academic offerings and courses during the academic year.
- Student Involvement - provides advice, guidance, and acts as a resource for students and student organizations.
- University Health Services - provides comprehensive primary care of illness and injury and is open for appointments with physicians and advanced practitioners.
Yes! Although you are not a first-year student in college, you are a first-year student at Wesleyan. Our New Student Orientation is designed with the transfer student experience in mind. You can learn more by consulting our Get Ready for Wes - Transfer Students webpage.
Get in Touch
Office of Admission
860-685-3000 860-685-3000 • admission@wesleyan.edu
