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WCU waives app fee for those impacted by recent hurricanes, will assist with travel costs for Nov. 23 open house attendees

Alumni tower in fall

 

By Julia Duvall

It has been more than a month since Hurricane Helene tore through Western North Carolina and the surrounding Appalachian Mountains, but the effects of the historic storm will be felt for months and years to come.

Western Carolina University is working to lessen some of the burden of impacted students and families visiting and applying to college by streamlining processes and helping to offset travel costs for those attending the Nov. 23 open house.

There are important deadlines and guidelines students need to keep in mind as they begin the application process.

The early action application deadline is Friday, Nov. 1. Students who apply by the deadline will receive an electronic admission decision by Dec. 15. This also applies to priority consideration for the Brinson Honors College.

WCU offers the Great Grades Guarantee and the Brinson Honors College Guarantee, which means that eligible high school students who maintain a minimum 3.50 GPA, weighted and unweighted, and who meet all GGG criteria and deadlines are guaranteed an offer of admission to WCU. More information can be found at greatgrades.wcu.edu.

“Though the guaranteed deadline is Nov. 1, WCU will work with students from storm-affected areas,” said Mike Langford, WCU’s director of admissions.

Eligible high school students who meet at least two of the following academic criteria are eligible for honors college consideration:

  • Maintain a minimum unweighted, cumulative H.S. GPA of 3.9
  • Maintain a minimum weighted, cumulative H.S. GPA of 4.3
  • Maintain a high school class rank within the top 10%
  • Present a minimum ACT score of 27 (or SAT of 1260)

In addition to NC Promise, WCU’s Catamount Commitment program invests in North Carolina students who commit to strategic investment in their futures. WCU’s commitment encourages and incentivizes students to Finish in Four, limit or eliminate college debt and earn competitive credentials for graduate school or career choices. More information is available at catamountcommitment.wcu.edu.

There are three award levels based on cumulative GPA. For example, students with a 4.0 GPA will receive an annual award of $3,000 and can still be considered for other aid and awards.

WCU is waiving the application fee for prospective students impacted by Hurricanes Helene or Milton. Students applying through the Common App should select the application fee waiver from the drop-down menu. Students applying on WCU’s website should check yes for a fee waiver and select Hurricane Helene as the reason.

WCU will host its final Fall Open House for 2024 on Saturday, Nov. 23. Prospective students can register at openhouse.wcu.edu.

Students who register and attend the Open House will receive a $50 gift certificate to WCU’s bookstore and a $50 travel card to offset expenses. Students will also receive a WCU t-shirt and a meal voucher to use at any campus dining location.

For more information about applying to WCU, visit apply.wcu.edu.

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