Admission process at William Paterson University

Hi, guys! I'm exploring William Paterson University as an option but having some trouble understanding their admission requirements. Do they focus more on GPA or ECs? Any clarity would be much appreciated!

For William Paterson University, it's important to understand that both GPA and extracurricular activities (ECs) are taken into consideration as part of the holistic review process. However, GPA often carries greater weight in the evaluation.

Specifically, the university primarily evaluates applicants based on academic performance. They consider the rigor of your high school curriculum, your GPA, and the trend of your grades throughout high school. In terms of GPA, the average for admitted students tends to be around 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale), so a higher GPA definitely improves your chances.

On the other hand, although extracurricular activities aren't necessarily a deciding factor, they do provide the admissions team with a broader perspective of the student. Therefore, if you have meaningful engagement with ECs, especially those demonstrating leadership, dedication, or aligning with your chosen major or career goal, it would certainly enhance your application.

Apart from this, William Paterson University is test-optional, so the SAT or ACT isn't a requirement for admission. Test scores can help boost an application, particularly if your GPA is a bit lower, but it's not mandatory.

Lastly, your essay matters as it offers an opportunity to showcase who you are besides grades and test scores. Hence, taking time to articulate your experiences, aspirations, or perhaps how you would contribute to the campus community could be vastly beneficial.

Remember these are general guidelines and each application will be evaluated on its individual merits. Consider reaching out to an admissions representative at the university to get more personalized advice. Good luck!