International Applicants
The application: an overview
Wellesley is proud to claim a long history of engagement with the world. Our 2,300 students come from more than 80 countries; many of our faculty were trained or currently conduct research abroad; and many of our most prominent programs, from the Albright Institute to the Wellesley Centers for Women, are explicitly global in scope. Our stunning 500-acre campus is located in the suburban town of Wellesley, 12 miles from Boston and Cambridge, one of the world’s great concentrations of intellectual, entrepreneurial, and technological innovation.
For many students, Wellesley is a transformative experience. We appreciate your interest, and we’re excited to learn more about you.
Important Updates for First-Year Applicants
Suspension of Standardized Testing Requirement
Wellesley has temporarily suspended its requirement that first-year applicants submit SAT or ACT scores given the fact that many high school students are unable to sit for standardized tests due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This means testing will be optional for first-year applicants applying to the College for entry in the fall of 2021. If an applicant wishes to have their standardized test scores considered as one component of their application, we will consider those scores in a nuanced and contextual way alongside all other application credentials. If applicants choose not to submit standardized test scores, we will evaluate their application in a nuanced and contextual way without scores. Our holistic, committee-based application review process gives us the flexibility to evaluate each applicant’s academic and extracurricular accomplishments within individual context. For more information on the Test Optional Policy, please read our Standardized Testing FAQs.
Suspension of Regular Decision with Early Evaluation
We are suspending the Regular Decision with Early Evaluation option for first-year applicants to the College for entry in the fall of 2021, in light of the aforementioned change to our standardized testing requirement and an understanding that many secondary schools have changed coursework and grading for their students. We believe this will allow us to provide a more in-depth, equitable, and consistent application review process to all Regular Decision applicants, enabling us to review all Regular Decision applications synchronously and over a longer period of time.
Change of Regular Decision Deadline to January 8
Since the Office of Admission will require more time to consider all Regular Decision applications, we have changed the Regular Decision deadline to January 8 (previously January 15) so that we can continue to thoughtfully review all Regular Decision applications and release admission decisions in a timely manner.
Academic preparation for admission
Your academic preparation as an applicant for admission to Wellesley should include:
- training in writing
- the interpretation of literature
- mathematics
- at least one laboratory science
- other academic studies customary for university admission
- fluency in all areas of the English language: reading, writing, and verbal skills.
Wellesley does not offer courses in intensive English or in English as a second language (ESL).
Financial aid for international students
Financial assistance is available for a limited number of international citizens. Wellesley is committed to meeting 100 percent of calculated need for all admitted international citizens who have applied for financial aid during the admission process. Its purpose is to support highly qualified candidates who could not otherwise attend Wellesley. Because of the keen competition for these funds, candidates should apply for them only if family resources cannot adequately meet College expenses. In determining the amount of aid given, the College examines the financial resources of the student and her family through information provided on financial aid forms. A well-formulated financial plan is required of all financial aid applicants. For more information on financial aid for international students, please see Financial Aid for International Applicants.
Wellesley Welcomes International Students
Want more information especially for international students? Peruse our brochure!
