Access the Wellesley Experience (AWE) is our on-campus college access program. AWE is a day-long immersive experience centered for prospective students who are first generation, low income and from communities who have been historically excluded from higher education. However, any high school senior living in or attending school in Massachusetts is welcome to apply to AWE!
AWE provides a unique opportunity for prospective students to explore Wellesley and connect with our community members—faculty, staff, and current students—while learning about community and belonging on campus. Additionally, prospective students will spend time in sessions discussing selective admission, affordability, the liberal arts and sciences, and so much more. We hope that students leave AWE with even more resources and confidence as they navigate the college admission process.
This is a drive-in program, meaning that students accepted to AWE will come to campus, participate in the program, and head back home all on the same day. Wellesley will coordinate and cover all travel costs for those admitted to and attend AWE. AWE was specifically designed to address the challenges of accessing a college education. We’ll focus on personalized guidance, interactive sessions, and community engagement during AWE; aiming to empower students as they move forward and achieve their educational goals.
AWE will be hosted on Saturday, October 18, 2025.
Here's how to apply to AWE.
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(Hint: It's a breeze!)
💻 Visit the application (the application for AWE 2025 will open on June 16!).
✅ What you'll need to apply:
- REQUIRED: Your unofficial High School Transcript from grades 9 to 11. If you do not have an unofficial high school report for 11th, you may submit your most recent progress report in addition to your 9-10th transcript.
- REQUIRED: Two thoughtful paragraphs (250-400 words) addressing the following prompt:
- Wellesley students actively seek ways to build bridges and to change the world for the better. Tell us about an experience working with and alongside people of different backgrounds and/or perspectives from your own. Why was this important to you, and what lessons from this will you bring with you to Wellesley?
🎉 Hit submit!
Frequently asked questions
Unfortunately we are not able to accommodate any family members or guests. AWE is exclusively for prospective students.
The event will run from 8:30am to 3:30pm on Saturday, October 18, 2025.
We have two deadlines! Deadline #1 is on July 18, 2025 and Deadline #2 is on August 6, 2025.
Students who apply by Deadline #1 will receive their AWE decision by email by the end of July. Decisions for applications submitted by Deadline #2 will be released by the end of August.
No, there is not a wait list.
Being offered admission to AWE does not assure admission to the College.
We encourage you to explore virtual options like our virtual tours and webinars! We also have other in-person visit options that we also hope you consider!
Please email us at admission@wellesley.edu. We’re happy to answer any and all questions!