As the westernmost institution in the UNC system, Western Carolina University provides
educational opportunities to residents of the state’s western region and attracts
students from around the globe to explore the area’s vast resources.
At Western Carolina University, we view our admissions process as our opportunity
to build the community that defines our institution. We look for people eager to explore
and ready to redefine success.
Programs and courses at Western Carolina are designed to provide hands-on, applied
experience. Students engage with communities across the region as they practice their
profession in real-world environments.
Western Carolina’s unique mountain location helps fuel a vibrant campus community
with more than 170 student clubs and organizations as well as a busy performing arts
calendar and the campus’s own adventure guide service.
Western Carolina is home to 16 Southern Conference athletic teams with more than 375
student athlete competitors. WCU strives to inspire student-athletes to compete like
champions on the field and in the classroom.
Western Carolina was founded to serve the region it calls home, and that has not changed.
WCU continues to focus on regional development initiatives, engaged service and community
programs. It also partners with alumni and donors to ensure access to higher education
for deserving students in the region and beyond.
Western Carolina University offers the Academic Success Program (ASP) as an opportunity
for students to begin their college experience early and to prepare them for success
in college and beyond. This program is designed to provide a full year of support
to facilitate a successful first-year experience and to help student develop skills
to excel in their college career. It helps motivate them to set higher goals in school
and in life and holds them accountable for demonstrating attitudes and behaviors that
coincide with reaching their goals.
ASP is a conditional admission program in that students who are invited to participate MUST successfully complete a 5-week
intensive summer program. Students are enrolled in to seven credit hours of courses,
all of which count toward graduation, and participate academic, social, and transitional
support events, workshops, and seminars. The highly structured learning community
environment is designed to guide and support students as they prepare for and transition
in to their first college experience.
Check out our ASP faculty and what they have to say about their summer courses!
ASP by the Numbers
$64: Money saved per credit hour, summer vs. fall
$448: money saved when enrolled in 7 summer credits
$50,000: amount available in total stipends for qualifying students
54%: ASP 2017 students with Dean's List designation or better
84%: ASP 2017 students with 3.0 or better GPA
97%: ASP students who are more confident in their ability to succeed at WCU after their
summer program
3.14: average GPA for ASP students in 2017
Why a summer in Cullowhee?
Get a jump-start on your major, or earn liberal studies requirements if undecided.
Earn 7 credits toward graduation in just five weeks.
Receive individual support from the Writing and Learning Commons and Math Tutoring
Center.
Be matched with a high-achieving peer mentor.
Learn the ins and outs of the university process during the slower-paced summer session.
Be introduced to several out of the classroom student clubs and organizations such
as intramural sports, minority student organizations, and other leadership opportunities.
Go on a field trip within your learning community: last year's trips included trips
to the Duke Energy Center, the Cherokee Heritage Museum, and a float down the French
Broad River.
Connect with other students and build relationships with key faculty and staff members
who will continue to support you throughout your time at the University.
Academic incentives and awards as well as other motivational techniques.
Enjoy the local community and adventure opportunities the mountains of Western North
Carolina provides during the summer.
4. If you have disability accommodations from high school or a documented disability,
please register with the Office of Accessibility Resources.
5. If you would like to apply for financial aid for the summer, please fill out the 2017-18 FAFSA. You might have already filled out the 2018-19 FAFSA for your fall enrollment which
will apply to Fall 2018, Spring 2019, and Summer 2019.
6. Next, please refer to the Admitted Students site and follow the step by step instructions (if you have not done so already).
You will log in to your Catamount Gateway account, the same account you used to apply
to continue the process. Remember, your Orientation date will be June 21-22, 2018.
