William Paterson University is pleased to announce its test-optional admissions policy beginning with freshmen applying for the fall 2019 class. According to our assessment, high school performance in academic, college-prep and rigorous coursework remains the primary measurement of predicting college readiness and student success. It has been determined that SAT and ACT test scores only provide a snapshot and do not give us an accurate review of student talent. Our test optional policy reasonably safeguards that students selected for admission are capable of success within our academic programs. It also supports our mission of servicing the state’s broad socio-economic and ethnic diversity through the admission of a talented student body. Who is NOT eligible for test-optional admission? Home-schooled students Students who would like to be considered for our merit-based scholarships (accepted students are automatically considered; there is no separate scholarship application) Students who would like to be considered for our Honors College Students applying for consideration to the Nursing and Communication Disorders and Sciences majors The Application Review Process During our review, we will take a holistic approach and focus on your high school performance and achievements. We will ensure you have completed at minimum 16 units of college-preparatory work: English (4 units): composition, literature Mathematics (3 units): algebra I, geometry, algebra II Laboratory Science (2 units): biology, chemistry, physics, earth sciences, anatomy/physiology Social Science (2 units): American history, world history, political science Additional (5 units): math beyond Algebra II, laboratory science beyond chemistry, foreign language, Advanced Placement (AP) courses, honors courses While not required, students may submit supporting documentation that highlights individual talents, interests and achievements. As such, examples of this documentation for submission include: Letters of recommendation from teachers, counselors, employers, etc. Brief personal interest statement Resume/Co-curricular document that includes evidence of: Community service activities/projects Leadership roles in organizations such as athletic and/or academic teams Musical, theatric and/or artistic performance activities Employment history Our most competitive candidates for admission possess a 3.00 cumulative high school GPA on an unweighted 4.00 scale. These students typically continue a solid course sequence in the junior and senior years and engage in extra-curricular commitments.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Will it hurt my chances of being accepted if I apply test-optional? No. If I apply test-optional, will I be considered for merit-based scholarships? No. If you’d like to be considered for merit-based scholarships, you’ll need to submit your official SAT and/or ACT scores. If I apply test-optional, may I be considered for the University Honors College? No. The Honors College requires a separate application, mandatory essay, and a review of your score report(s) and high school transcript. The average unweighted GPA is a 3.57. The average SAT score is a 1240 and ACT is 26. If I apply test-optional, may I be considered for the Nursing program? No. Nursing requires a minimum 1130 SAT (with a minimum 550 EBRW), 3.0 unweighted GPA, and no lower than B’s in Biology and Chemistry. If I apply test-optional, may I be considered for the Communication Disorders and Sciences program? No. Communication Disorders and Sciences requires a minimum 1090 SAT and 3.0 unweighted GPA. If I apply test-optional, may I be considered for the Music or Fine Art program? Yes. Our Music program requires an audition and our Fine Arts program requires a portfolio review, therefore our faculty will conduct a talent-based review (in addition to reviewing your high school transcript and other supporting documents). However, you will not be considered for merit scholarships or honors college admission without submission of SAT/ACT scores. As an international student, may I apply test-optional? Yes. However, if you're not from a country where English is the official language, you will need to submit an English proficiency exam: either the TOEFL or IELTS. Click here to review the international application process. However, you will not be considered for merit scholarships or honors college admission without submission of SAT/ACT scores. Will I be required to submit my scores later on? No. However, if you’d like to be considered for a placement test exemption you may submit. If not, you’ll simply take the First-Year Foundations placement exam which is required for every enrolled student.
