William Paterson University: Acceptance Rate and Admissions Statistics

William Paterson University is a public university with an acceptance rate of 92%. Founded in 1855, William Paterson is located in northeastern New Jersey, 20 miles from New York City. Students at William Paterson can choose from 57 undergraduate degree programs, 28 master’s degree programs, 22 graduate certificate programs, and two doctoral programs from the university's five colleges. The university has a 14-to-1 student / faculty ratio and small classes. On the athletic front, the William Paterson Pioneers compete in the NCAA Division III Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) and the New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC).

Considering applying to William Paterson University? Here are the admissions statistics you should know, including average SAT/ACT scores and GPAs of admitted students.

Acceptance Rate

During the 2018-19 admissions cycle, William Paterson University had an acceptance rate of 92%. This means that for every 100 students who applied, 92 students were admitted, making William Paterson's admissions process less competitive.

SAT Scores and Requirements

Beginning in 2020, William Paterson University became test-optional for most applicants. Students applying to nursing and communication disorders and sciences majors are required to submit test scores..During the 2017-18 admissions cycle, 95% of admitted students submitted SAT scores.

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This admissions data tells us that most of William Paterson's admitted students fall within the bottom 29% nationally on the SAT. For the evidence-based reading and writing section, 50% of students admitted to William Paterson scored between 450 and 550, while 25% scored below 450 and 25% scored above 550. On the math section, 50% of admitted students scored between 440 and 540, while 25% scored below 440 and 25% scored above 540. Applicants with a composite SAT score of 1090 or higher will have particularly competitive chances at William Paterson University.

Requirements

William Paterson does not require SAT scores for admission for most applicants. For students who choose to submit scores, note that WP participates in the scorechoice program, meaning that the admissions office will consider your highest score from each individual section across all SAT test dates. William Paterson does not require the optional essay section of the SAT.

ACT Scores and Requirements

Beginning in 2020, William Paterson University became test-optional for most applicants. Students applying to nursing and communication disorders and sciences majors are required to submit test scores..During the 2017-18 admissions cycle, 9% of admitted students submitted ACT scores.

This admissions data tells us that most of William Paterson University's admitted students fall within the bottom 27% nationally on the ACT. The middle 50% of students admitted to William Paterson received a composite ACT score between 16 and 23, while 25% scored above 23 and 25% scored below 16.

Requirements

Note that William Paterson University does not require ACT scores for admission for most applicants. For students who choose to submit scores, William Paterson participates in the scorechoice program, meaning that the admissions office will consider your highest score from each individual section across all ACT test dates. William Paterson does not require the ACT writing section.

GPA

In 2019, the average high school GPA of William Paterson University's incoming freshmen class was 2.88, and over 41% of incoming students had average GPAs of 3.0 and above. These results suggest that most successful applicants to William Paterson have primarily low B grades.

Admissions Chances

William Paterson University, which accepts over 90% of applicants, has a less selective admissions process. The admissions review is primarily focused on GPA, grade trends, and rigorous coursework. WP is also looking for candidates who demonstrate engagement in extracurricular activities. Potential applicants should have a minimum of four units of English (composition and literature); three units of mathematics (algebra I, geometry, and algebra II); two units of laboratory science (biology, chemistry, physics, earth sciences, and anatomy/physiology); two units of social science (American history, world history, and political science); and five additional units of college preparatory coursework (literature, advanced math, foreign language, social sciences).

Note that while not required, William Paterson will also consider optional letters of recommendation; personal interest statements; and resumes describing extracurricular projects, leadership roles, artistic or performance activities, and employment history. Programs in art, music, and nursing have additional requirements for admission. While the school is test-optional, prospective nursing students, as well as students applying for merit scholarships or for admission to the University Honors College are required to submit standardized test scores.

If You Like William Paterson University, You May Also Like These Schools

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• Ramapo College of New Jersey
• Rutgers University - New Brunswick

All admissions data has been sourced from the National Center for Education Statistics and William Paterson University Undergraduate Admissions Office.