Application Deadline : November 1, 2026
Ready To Do Something Real?
Curious minds find their place here. See what four years at Wooster looks like for you.
How To Apply
Application steps for domestic first-year students.svg){kind=small}
Choose Your Application
Apply through the Common Application, Apply Coalition on Scoir, or the Wooster Priority Application.
Any of the three platforms are accepted.
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Submit Required Materials
High school transcript, Secondary School Report, and one Letter of Recommendation (such as from a teacher, counselor, CBO, or other mentor).
Wooster has a test-optional admissions policy. SAT/ACT scores are not required and will not be used in consideration for merit-based scholarships.
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Complete Your Profile
Track the status of your required materials on your Applicant Status Portal after submitting.
Consider scheduling an Admissions Interview with a Wooster representative.
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Apply for Financial Aid
Students applying for need-based financial aid are required to complete the FAFSA when it becomes available. Submit to Wooster using our federal school code: 003037.
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93%
Employed or in graduate school within 9 months
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13
Average class size
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99%
Of admitted students receive some form of aid
First-Year Applicants
For U.S. students entering college for the first time. Bring your curiosity to a campus where it has room to grow.
Application Requirements:
- Essay, included in the application
- Official high school transcript
- Secondary School Report
- One Letter of Recommendation (such as from a teacher, counselor, CBO, or other community mentor)
- Optional: SAT/ACT scores (test-optional)
- Optional: Art portfolio, writing portfolio, or additional recommendation letters
Deadlines: ED I: Nov 1 | EA: Nov 1 | ED II: Jan 15 | Regular: Feb 15
International Applicants
Students from 75 countries call Wooster home. A close-knit residential campus makes the distance feel smaller than you'd expect.
Application Requirements:
- Essay, included in the application
- Official Secondary School Transcript
- Secondary School Report, including the Counselor Recommendation
- Teacher Recommendation
- Proof of English Proficiency
- Wooster International Certification of Finances
Deadlines: ED I: Nov 1 | EA: Nov 1 | ED II: Jan 15 | Regular: Feb 15
Transfer Applicants
Transfer students receive guaranteed housing, a dedicated coordinator, and a minimum scholarship of $35,000 annually.
Application Requirements:
- Submit your Common App for transfer to receive a minimum scholarship of $35,000 annually – top applicants will receive more!*
- Add Wooster’s code 003037 to your FAFSA if interested in financial aid
- Submit any supporting transfer application documents to admissions@wooster.edu
- Complete the College Report with your current institution and have them send to admissions@wooster.edu.
Gap Year / Deferred Applicants
Time away before college can be some of the most valuable time you spend. Wooster welcomes students who want to arrive with more experience under their belt.
Application Requirements:
- Apply and gain admission as a first-year student
- Submit a Deferral Request Form by June 1
- Submit the $400 non-refundable enrollment deposit by May 1
- Reapply for need-based financial aid via FAFSA if taking a full gap year (merit scholarships are honored for up to one year)
- Note: Deferred enrollment is not guaranteed but Wooster works to accommodate all reasonable requests.
Deadlines: Deferral Request Form: Jun 1 | Enrollment deposit: May 1
Homeschool Applicants
The independence and curiosity that shaped your education are exactly what Wooster is built for.
Application Requirements:
- Apply through the Common Application, Apply Coalition on Scoir, or the Wooster Priority Application.
- Provide detailed course descriptions or syllabi for all academic work completed through the homeschooling program.
- Submit two letters of recommendation, including one from a person who has provided academic instruction and one from someone outside of the student’s home.
Deadlines: ED I: Nov 1 | EA: Nov 1 | ED II: Jan 15 | Regular: Feb 15
Still Have Questions?
Our admissions team can help you figure out the right application path
and what to expect next.
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99%
of admitted students receive some form of financial aid
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100%
Presidential Scholar Award
Tuition Covered
8
Semesters your scholarship is guaranteed
At the same dollar amount
33%
of incoming U.S. students were Pell Grant eligible
Class of 2028
Merit Scholarship Opportunities
Every applicant is automatically considered for merit scholarships. Students may apply or audition for additional interest-based scholarships. As a test-optional school, SAT/ACT scores are not considered for any merit-based scholarship.
Presidential Scholar
Full Tuition
Our most prestigious scholarship, awarded to students with impeccable academic records and demonstrated commitment to their communities. Must apply for admission by November 1, 2026, to be considered.
College Scholar
3/4 Tuition or 2/3 Tuition
Awarded to students with outstanding academic records and demonstrated potential to positively impact the Wooster community. Must apply for admission by November 1, 2026, to be considered.
Dean's Scholar
$25,000 – $43,000
Awarded based on academic record as well as service and involvement. No separate scholarship application required.
Wooster Visit Award
$1,000
Awarded automatically to prospective students who attend an on-campus, in-person visit coordinated through the Office of Admissions.
Music Scholarship
$2,000 – $8,000
Awarded to incoming first-year students based on skills in music performance or composition.
Covenant Scholarship
$1,000 – $3,000
Awards are made to incoming first-year students who are members of the Presbyterian Church (USA) who have demonstrated academic achievement and involvement in one’s community and church.
Model UN Leadership Award
$2,000
Awarded to first-year applicants who demonstrate leadership and growth through their high school Model UN experiences and intend to continue to do so at Wooster.
Scottish Arts Scholarships
$2,000 – $8,000
Awarded to first-year students on the basis of music performance skills demonstrated at the audition. Transfer students may be considered upon review.
Theatre and Dance Scholarship
$2,000 – $8,000
Awarded to first-year students (transfers not eligible) on the basis of acting, directing, playwriting, design and technology, stage management, or dance.
Herrick L. Johnston Scholarship in Chemistry
$5,000
Awards two domestic students entering the Class of 2030 with an interest in Chemistry or Biochemistry & Molecular Biology (B&MB).
McSweeney Scholarship in French and Francophone Studies
$1,000
Provides financial support to two domestic students who choose to major, minor, or take consistent coursework (one class every semester on campus) in French and Francophone Studies.
Notes
Merit scholarships are just one part of the picture. Grants, work-study, and loans are also available to students who demonstrate financial need. Complete the FAFSA to be considered.
Applicants for interest-based scholarships must apply Early Decision or Early Action.
Financial Aid Resources & Tools
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Early Aid Estimator
Get a personalized estimate of your cost to attend Wooster
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Tuition & Fees 2026-27
Complete breakdown of all costs including room and board
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Financial Aid Guide
Financial aid verification and disbursement information
Questions About Financing Your Education?
Our financial aid office is here to help you understand your options and create a plan that works for your family.
Summer Visit Day
We invite you and your family to enjoy a summer day with Wooster’s spirited students and staff. All ages of high school students are encouraged to attend.
Essay Workshop
The essay is one of the most talked about pieces of a college application. This workshop will review why the essay is important, how to choose a topic, and offer advice from an experienced application reader on how to make your essay stand out.
Behind the Decision: A Live Application Review
For this case study session, you will act as an admissions officer at a selective university reviewing applicants for a spot at a fictional school. Along the way, you will learn about a holistic review of a college application, how to make your application stand out, and what parts of the application are most important for admission.
Why Early Decision?
Hear directly from an Admissions Counselor about the benefits of applying Early Decision at The College of Wooster. This session is designed for seniors interested in learning more about the Early Decision application process, but all ages of high schoolers are welcome to attend.
Scot Saturday
Wooster students take charge of your visit experience by leading an extended campus tour of some popular spots on campus. This program is ideal for first-time visitors looking for a general introduction from the student perspective.
Athletics at Wooster
Interested in pursuing athletics at Wooster? Join this virtual session led by athletics staff and Wooster student-athletes to learn more about what it takes to compete as a Fighting Scot.
Still Have Questions?
Our admissions team is happy to help. Reach out and we'll get
you pointed in the right direction.
Jason McGrath
Vice President for Enrollment Management
jmcgrath@wooster.edu
Rachel Chisnell
Executive Assistant, Admissions
rchisnell@wooster.edu
Annie Murphy
Campus Visit Coordinator, Admissions
amurphy@wooster.edu
Abby Righter
Senior Assistant Director of Admissions
arighter@wooster.edu
Gracie Andrews
Senior Assistant Director, Admissions
gandrews@wooster.edu
Maud Bulman
Assistant Director of Admissions and Coordinator of Diversity Outreach
mbulman@wooster.edu
Amy Szydlowski
Director of Enrollment Systems
aszydlowski@wooster.edu
Catherine Finks
Executive Director of Admissions
cfinks@wooster.edu
Leah Anderson
Senior Assistant Director, Admissions
landerson@wooster.edu
Khallyani Minich
Assistant Director, Admissions
kminich@wooster.edu
