We look for students who…

Ask too many questions.

Choose the unexpected path.

Are a little too into things.

These qualities draw attention, and they make people wonder. Oddly, these are the qualities of the people whom others ultimately follow. The insatiably, incurably, relentlessly curious. And these are the qualities we look for in our applicants.

Admissions Criteria

At Warren Wilson College, we holistically review the materials in your application and consider all available information. Admission decisions are based on both your potential and your academic qualifications.

Potential Warren Wilson College applicants will possess a high school diploma and successfully complete a college preparatory curriculum. We welcome students with a wide range of GPAs, we have admitted students with GPAs ranging from 2.5 to 4.0, depending on their other qualifications.

We welcome students from traditional public and private high schools, and those with non-traditional high school experiences, including:

  • homeschool students
  • semester school students (for example, Outdoor Academy, Maine Coast Semester, Kroka, and others)
  • students returning from a Gap Year experience
  • Waldorf, expeditionary, and project-based learning schools

Steps for Applying

  1. Check dates and deadlines.

    For enrollment in the Spring Semester (starting in January):

    • Regular Decision Deadline: December 1

    For enrollment in the Fall Semester (starting in August):

    • Early Decision Deadline (binding): November 1
    • Early Action Deadline (non-binding): November 15
    • Priority Decision: February 1
    • Regular Admissions:  April 1
    • Rolling Admissions after April 1
    • Priority deposit deadline May 1

    May 1 was our priority deadline, but good news—we’re still accepting deposits for Fall 2025

  2. Complete the online Common Application.
    • To make our application as accessible as possible, we no longer require a separate application fee.
    • The Warren Wilson writing supplement is a critical part of your application review. Please take time to write a thoughtful response. The Warren Wilson optional writing prompt is: “At Warren Wilson College, we want to have a holistic understanding of who you are beyond your academic record. Please feel free to elaborate on one or more of your extracurricular activities, community engagement or work commitments, activism experiences, leadership roles, responsibilities, or other life experiences to give us a fuller understanding of you as a person. How have these opportunities been meaningful in your life or helped you grow and learn? How do you envision these experiences relating to your future at Warren Wilson College?”
  3. Complete your FAFSA if you plan to receive need-based financial aid.

    Our Financial Aid Office awards need-based grants based on the results of your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). In addition to federal loans and grants, we award need-based grants in-house.

    Our FAFSA school code is 002979

    Merit awards are granted based on your admission application and do not require a FAFSA or special application.

    Learn more about financial aid, tuition, and costs.

  4. Supply supporting material.
    • An official high school transcript or official GED certificate.
    • One (1) letter of recommendation encouraged, not required. Up to three (3) letters of recommendation will be reviewed if submitted.

    Mail transcripts or paper materials to:

    Office of Admission
    WWC CPO 6375
    PO Box 9000
    Asheville, NC 28815-9000
    United States

Interviews

Admission interviews are not required. However, they can allow Warren Wilson College to get to know you and your interests beyond what an application can tell us. During an admission interview, you have the opportunity to ask questions about Warren Wilson and explain any special personal circumstances that may have shaped your high school experiences.

There are several options and formats of interviews available:

  • In-person interviews are available for students visiting campus and are conducted by Admission Counselors. High school juniors can schedule an interview in the spring semester and high school seniors and transfer students can schedule interviews throughout the academic year. To request an on-campus interview, please indicate your interest when you schedule your visit.
  • Admission Counselors also offer off-campus interviews in cities throughout the country from September to January.
  • Virtual/online interviews (through Google Meet) are also available with admission counselors.

Contact Us

Phone: (800) 934-3536
Admissions: admit@warren-wilson.edu
International: intladmit@warren-wilson.edu

Transfer: transferadmit@warren-wilson.edu

Mail:
WWC CPO 6375
PO Box 9000
Asheville, NC 28815-9000

Navigate:
Orr Cottage
701 Warren Wilson Road
Swannanoa, NC 28778

A Test-Optional College

We’re test-optional. Which means we don’t ask you to submit your SAT or ACT scores unless you want to. Want to? Our SAT Code is 5886, and our ACT Code is 3170.

Gap Year Ready! 

Many students who enroll each year at Warren Wilson College are returning from a gap year. Depending on your gap year experience, you may enter with advanced standing in our community engagement requirement.

Find Out More!