University News
WIU to Target More Local Students
August 4, 2014
MACOMB, IL -- High school seniors from a nine-county area adjacent to Western Illinois University have yet another incentive to apply to WIU.
Those graduating seniors who apply for admission to Western for the Fall 2015 semester will have the University's $30 application fee waived. The eligible counties include high schools in Adams, Brown, Fulton, Hancock, Henderson, Knox, McDonough, Schuyler and Warren.
According to Admissions Director Andy Borst, while fewer local students are choosing to attend WIU right out of high school, many of these students transfer to Western after just a semester or two at a different college or university.
"We know that attending a university close to home isn't for everyone, but with so many local students coming back to us after finding out that their college choice wasn't all they hoped it would be, we want to provide an incentive for local students to give WIU a serious first look," Borst said. "We want students to get their college choice right the first time."
WIU will host a special visit day for local students from 6-7:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 11 in the Donald S. Spencer Student Recreation Center. The program will host admissions staff from more than 50 colleges and universities from throughout the nation, including Western Illinois University. Admissions staff will also visit local high schools in early September and continue to Thanksgiving, with follow-up visits in Spring 2015.
"We find that many local students who grow up around WIU may have some false assumptions about both our quality and variety of academic and campus programs," Borst added. "When local students come to campus for an official visit they are often surprised by how the University matches their values, how many opportunities are available and by the cutting edge work of our talented faculty."
High school seniors may apply to Western for the Fall 2015 semester now, with acceptance letters going out after Labor Day. To apply to WIU, visit wiu.edu/apply. Local students should select the fee waiver option on the payment screen and the $30 will not be applied based on the high school attended.
For more information about admissions at WIU, contact the Office of Undergraduate Admissions at (309) 298-3157 or email admissions@wiu.edu.
Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
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