University News

WIU Now Live on the Common App

August 1, 2025

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MACOMB, IL - - The journey to higher education just got easier as Western Illinois University is now live on the Common App, as of Friday, Aug. 1.

Through the Illinois Board of Higher Education (IBHE), the state has contracted with the Common App to begin the Direct Admission initiative. WIU was part of a Fall 2024 pilot program for direct admission through the Common App, which saw 47 new students enroll.

Common App Direct Admissions enables a student to create an account with the Common App, entering their GPA and contact information. The student will receive offers of admission from universities where they meet the GPA requirement, taking the guesswork and worry out of applying to college. The direct admissions process will waive any application fees.

After being notified of admission, the student can complete their Common App application, along with supplying a high school transcript for official verification of their GPA.

"Our partnership with the Common App helps break down barriers for students seeking to understand their options in higher education. Western Illinois University will continue to find ways to open doors for students to unleash their potential," WIU Vice President for Student Success Justin Schuch said. "This process makes it very easy for any student to apply, understand potential scholarship support and start to see WIU as their next home."

To learn more about being admitted to WIU, visit wiu.edu/admissions. To create an account on the Common App, visit apply.commonapp.org/createaccount.

Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
Office of University Communications & Marketing