ADMISSIONS

ACT/SAT Test Optional 

At Dakota Wesleyan University, you do not have to submit your ACT or SAT test scores with your application.

DWU aims to remove barriers that may impede some students’ ability to pursue a Dakota Wesleyan education. With that aim, DWU no longer requires first-year students to submit their standardized test scores as a part of their application. There are exceptions for certain students/programs where scores are required. 

Exceptions

• Student athletes 
  • At this time, because of NAIA eligibility rules, student athletes are required to submit official scores in order to be declared eligible for competition. These scores are submitted to both DWU and the NAIA. 
• International students 
  • International students are still required to submit English Language Test Scores (TOEFL, IELTS, PTE) or College Preparation Test Scores (ACT, SAT) for admission consideration.  
• Homeschooled students without a transcript 
• Early Admission (Direct-Entry) Nursing Applicants 
  • Students wishing to be considered for direct-entry admission into our nursing program should submit test scores. Students who choose not to submit test scores during the application process may still declare a nursing major but will apply for entry into the program during their second year at DWU. 
• Other outside scholarships 
  • Scholarships offered by entities other than DWU may require a standardized test score, including but not limited to Dakota Corps, South Dakota Opportunity Scholarship and others.

Important Admission Information

We also want you to know that no applicant will be denied admission because of race, color, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender or gender identity, genetic information, age or other impermissible factors. The university reserves the right to deny admission or continued enrollment to any student who imposes an unreasonable risk of harm to the health, safety, welfare or property of the university, members of the university community or him/herself. 

Please also note that some of our programs have special requirements for admission, and so if you are denied admission into athletic training, education or nursing, you may be eligible for admission into other programs.  

Higher Learning Commission 

DWU is institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.