Warren Wilson College: Acceptance Rate and Admissions Statistics

Warren Wilson College's slogan is apt: "We're not for everyone...but then, maybe you're not everyone." Located on the edge of Asheville, North Carolina, Warren Wilson is one of the few remaining work colleges in the country. Each of the college's 800 students must complete a "triad" of requirements: courses in the liberal arts and sciences, participation in a campus work program, and community service. The campus includes a 300-acre farm, 650 acres of forest and 25 miles of hiking trails. Warren Wilson College wins high marks for both its value and its environmental efforts. Not surprisingly, environmental studies is the most popular major.

Considering applying to Warren Wilson College? Here are the admissions statistics you should know including average SAT/ACT scores and GPAs of admitted students.

Acceptance Rate

During the 2019-20 admissions cycle, Warren Wilson College had an acceptance rate of 85%. This means for that every 100 applicants, only 15 were rejected. These numbers suggest that the college is not very selective, but keep in mind that the specialized focus of the college attracts hard working and motivated students, so most admitted students are academically strong.

SAT Scores and Requirements

Warren Wilson College has a test-optional admissions policy, so applicants are not required to submit scores as part of the application process. During the 2019-20 admissions cycle, only 5% of applicants submitted SAT scores. As a result, the data below may not be representative of the entire student body.

This admissions data tells us that of those students who submitted scores during the 2019-20 admissions cycle, most fell within the top 50% nationally on the SAT. For the evidence-based reading and writing section, 50% of students admitted to Warren Wilson scored between 540 and 695, while 25% scored at or below 540, and another 25% scored above 695. On the math section, 50% of admitted students scored between 500 and 620. This tells us that 25% scored at or below 500 and 25% scored at or above 620. While the SAT is not required for admission to Warren Wilson, this data tells us that a composite SAT score over 1300 would be very competitive for the college.

Requirements

The SAT is not required for admission, but it will be considered if students choose to submit scores. Most do not submit scores, not do applicants need to take the SAT essay exam or SAT Subject Tests.

ACT Scores and Requirements

Because of the college's test-optional admissions policy, applicants do not need to submit ACT scores. During the 2019-20 admissions cycle, just 4% of applicants submitted ACT scores. This low percentage tells us that the scores in the table below may not be representative of the college as a whole.

This admissions data tells us that of those who submitted scores during the 2019-20 admissions cycle, most fall within the top 50% nationally on the ACT. The middle 50% of students admitted to Warren Wilson College received a composite ACT score between 21 and 29, while 25% scored 29 or higher and 25% scored at or below 21.

Requirements

The ACT is not required for admission to Warren Wilson College, and most applicants choose not to submit test scores. The college will consider scores if you choose to submit them. The optional essay test is not required.

GPA

According to the Warren Wilson College admissions website, the average GPA of admitted students is a 3.6. The admissions process is holistic, so it is possible to get in with much lower grades. Admitted students had GPAs that ranged from 2.5 to 4.0.

Self-Reported GPA/SAT/ACT Graph

In the graph above, the blue and green dots represent accepted students. The majority of admitted applicants had high school averages in the "B" range or higher, combined SAT scores of 1150 or higher, and ACT composite scores of 25 or better.

Warren Willson College has a holistic admissions process. To quote from the college's admissions website, "All available information is considered, including previous academic records, evidence of academic and social maturity, extra curricular activities, community service, score on the SAT or ACT, interview, essay, references, recent grade trends and general contributions to school and community." Good grades and test scores may not be enough to get in, for Warren Wilson wants to admit students who demonstrate a high level of engagement outside of the classroom. That type of engagement is central to life at Warren Wilson.

Data Source: National Center for Education Statistics and the Warren Wilson admissions website