West Chester University of Pennsylvania
West Chester, Pennsylvania
Located just 25 miles from Philadelphia, West Chester University of Pennsylvania (WCUPA) is a public, regional, comprehensive institution committed to providing high-quality undergraduate education as well as a vibrant on-campus community.
Get to know West Chester University of Pennsylvania
College Highlights
STUDY ABROAD
Study abroad is an incredible opportunity to see and experience another part of the world. Through the Center for International Programs, West Chester is able to connect students with various programs across the world. The center supports three different types of abroad: faculty-led, exchange, and programs offered through an affiliate partner. All students interested in studying abroad should attend an information session in order to learn more about the options available. Below are a few examples of abroad options by duration:
Spring Break
1. WCU Abroad: Conference, Research, or Performance Abroad (Various Cities)
2. WCU Spring Break in Cuba: Cuban Culture and Community (Cuba)
3. WCU Spring Break in France & Italy: Foodways of France and Italy (Lyon and Milan)
Academic Year (Including Semester)
1. WCU in Japan: Hosei University in Tokyo (Japan)
2. AIFS Study Abroad in Athens: Semester or Academic Year (Greece)
3. AIFS Study Abroad in Cannes: Semester or Academic Year (France)
Summer Programs
1. WCU Summer in Austria: Actilingua in Vienna (Austria)
2. WCU Summer in Costa Rica: Politics, Culture, and Geography (Costa Rica)
3. WCU Summer in England: Modern Physics in London (United Kingdom)
Winter
1. WCU Winter in Costa Rica (Costa Rica)
2. WCU Winter in Honduras: Nutrition Assessment, Education, and Service (Honduras)
3. WCU Winter: Rafiki Africa Foundation in Kenya (Kenya)
CO-CURRICULAR PORTFOLIO
The Co-Curricular Portfolio is WCUPA’s way to make a meaningful record of a student’s involvement outside of the classroom. The point of the portfolio is to demonstrate that students have impactful experiences outside of their schoolwork. Résumés can only fit so much information, and so extracurricular experiences must often be excluded or abbreviated. The portfolio allows students to showcase their experiences in clubs, sports, service, leadership, and more. This detailed scope says much more about students’ overall abilities and skillsets.
LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
Leadership experience, especially at the collegiate level, is a valuable asset to employers and grad schools. Students who can demonstrate experience as leaders show that they are capable handling advanced roles in challenging situations. Considering that leadership is a powerful skill, West Chester provides it students numerous opportunities to gain experience.
Certificate Program for Leadership and Civic Engagement
Students have the chance to gain certificate recognition for their leadership work in areas of civic and social need. In order for students to receive their certificate, they must demonstrate a commitment to communication, leadership, service, global awareness, and recognition of diversity. The program is run by the Honors College but open to students of all majors and disciplines.
Executive Leadership Series (ELS)
ELS is an advanced-level program open to executive officers of student organizations. Members of ELS take part in 5 bi-weekly meetings that explore more complex topics of leadership. Meetings are a way for campus leaders to come together and share ideas and advice about delegation and organizational structure.
Women Leading Up
Women Leading Up is both a celebration and exploration of female leadership. Members of this community learn from great women leaders in the Philadelphia area, as well as study what it takes to make a great female leader. Influential speakers come to share their wealth of knowledge, and all discussions are followed by group collaboration and consultations.
UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH
Undergraduate research is both a huge responsibility and a major achievement. Students who conduct research gain experience with inquiry, methodology, technical writing, discovery, and presentation, all of which are highly valuable to both employers and graduate schools. There a few different opportunities to engage in research, one of which includes a summer research experience. Students selected for the summer program become research fellows, conducting scholarly/creative work over a five-week period.
ENROLLMENT BY ETHNICITY
Non-U.S. Citizen: 0%
Hispanic/Latinx: 6%
Black or African American, non-Hispanic: 11%
White, non-Hispanic: 74%
Native/Indigenous American or Alaska Native, non-Hispanic: 0%
Asian, non-Hispanic: 3%
Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander, non-Hispanic: 0%
Two or more races, non-Hispanic: 4%
Race and/or ethnicity unknown: 2%
ACADEMIC DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM
The Academic Development Program recognizes potential in students who may have not met WCUPA’s admissions requirements fully. Students chosen for the program take part in a summer session, increasing skills in reading, writing, and mathematics. In addition to academic preparation, students also receive mentoring, counseling, advising, and tutoring. Ultimately, the program aims to prepare underdeveloped students for academic success by the time fall semester starts.
LEARNING ASSISTANCE & RESOURCE CENTER
When it’s all said and done, a college education is about each student’s individual and personal pursuit. That means students need to be self-motivated and self-reliant—qualities that can take time to develop. The Learning Assistance & Resource Center (LARC) recognizes the practice needed for healthy academic habits, thereby providing services aimed to increase educational responsibility among students. LARC’s tutors work one-on-one with students to develop skills in critical thinking, problem solving, participation, and leadership. LARC’s goal is to prepare all students to become successful, independent thinkers.
EARLY ALERT PROGRAM
The Early Alert Program identifies academic and social problem areas among students. By maintaining open communication between faculty, staff, and administrators, the University is able to assist students who fall behind. The program detects students who are struggling with coursework or having a hard time assimilating into the campus community and provides them with the resources to succeed. In general, the program aims to make the transition into college easier by keeping an open channel of communication.
OMICRON DELTA KAPPA LEADERSHIP HONORARY
The Omicron Delta Kappa honor society is open to undergraduate junior and seniors, graduate students, faculty, and staff who have aptly demonstrated their achievement in leadership. Student members must rank in the top 35% of their class and must demonstrate excellence in one of the following areas: Scholarship; Athletics; Campus or Community Service, Social and Religious Activities, and Campus Government; Journalism, Speech, and the Mass Media; and Creative and Performing Arts.
PRE-MAJOR ADVISING
Deciding a major isn’t always easy, and many students may even need a guiding hand to see all their possible choices. Faculty members are happy to act as pre-major advisors in order to help their students select the appropriate major for them. Undecided students are given a wealth of resources in order to let them explore their choices before coming to a conclusion. Through pre-major advising, students can discover passions they never knew they had.
Admission
TEST SCORES
Required
FRESHMAN PROFILE
SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing
25th Percentile: 510 | 75th Percentile: 600
SAT Math
25th Percentile: 500 | 75th Percentile: 580
ACT Composite
25th Percentile: 20 | 75th Percentile: 26
ACT Math
25th Percentile: 18 | 75th Percentile: 25
ACT English
25th Percentile: 19 | 75th Percentile: 26
Tuition & Cost
Tuition (in-state): $7,716
Tuition (out-of-state): $19,290
Fees: $2,755
Room: $5,794
Board: $3,700
Contact West Chester University of Pennsylvania
Contact Admissions
www.wcupa.edu/_admissions/
(610) 436-3411
ugadmiss@wcupa.edu
Campus Location
700 South High Street
West Chester, PA 19383
(610) 436-1000
Visit West Chester University Online