Application FAQs

• How are admission decisions at Eastern made?

  Admission to Eastern is competitive. The Admission Committee considers many factors when evaluating applications for admission. The students admitted for the 2023-2024 year:

  • Earned an average GPA of 3.4 (4.0 scale)
  • The middle 50 percent of admitted students scored:
    • Between 1070-1190 on the combined Reading/Writing and Math sections of the New SAT
    • Between 20-24 composite on the ACT
  • Ranked in the top half of their high school class
  • Demonstrated academic success in a solid schedule of college preparatory courses in high school

• What about the admission interview?

  While interviews are not generally required of students applying for admission, the Admission staff may request an interview with certain applicants to obtain additional information or clarify information. Interested students are strongly encouraged to visit the campus. The Admission information session and campus tour schedule can be found online at: http://www.easternct.edu/admissions/visit.

• How do I apply?

  To apply for admission, applicants must submit the following information to the Office of Admissions:

  1. A completed application for admission, including the non-refundable $50 application fee.
     Applying for Fall 2024? Use Eastern's Online Web Application
  2. An official secondary school transcript (including first quarter senior grades) and/or General Education Diploma.
  3. SAT I or ACT scores (Only if you choose to send them; see Test Optional policy below).
  4. One letter of recommendation. The letter must be from a counselor or teacher.
  5. College transcript(s), if applicable.
  6. Essay: at least 250 words explaining why Eastern, Connecticut's public liberal arts university, is the right college choice for you (this is a requirement for Eastern's online application. If you are applying through the Common App, you may complete and send one of the Common App essays). Essays can be submitted via email to admissions@easternct.edu.
  7. TOEFL (Minimum TOEFL requirement: Score of 550 or 213 on the computer-based test. Required of international applicants only).

  Submit admission requirements to:
  Office of Admissions
  Eastern Connecticut State University
  83 Windham Street
  Willimantic, CT 06226

   

  Please contact us by phone at (860) 465-5286, by email at admissions@easternct.edu or by fax at (860) 465-5544.

  Eastern Connecticut State University admits students of any age, race, color, sex, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, or non disqualifying handicap to all the rights, privileges, programs and activity generally accorded or made available to students at the University.

• What is Eastern's Test Optional policy?

  Eastern has joined a growing number of public and private colleges that have adopted a Test Optional Admission Policy. This means that students do not have to submit SAT or ACT scores when they apply for admission. Admission to Eastern is based primarily on a student's achievement in a strong high school curriculum, which is the best predictor of success at Eastern.

  As a general guideline, students who choose not to submit their SAT/ACT scores with their application to Eastern and expect to be admitted should present:

  • a completed application,
  • an unweighted cumulative academic GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale (this GPA includes only English, Foreign Language, Math, Natural Science and Social Studies courses),
  • a college preparatory curriculum that results in 18 academic units over four high school years,
  • a senior year course schedule that includes at least four academic courses resulting in four academic units,
  • a solid essay, and,
  • a strong teacher recommendation in one of the five core disciplines outlined above.

  Presenting such an application will ensure that the Admissions staff has the ability to make a holistic decision on the student's application.
  
  Interviews are also strongly recommended for students not submitting SAT/ACT scores, but are not required as part of the application process.

  Note: All admitted applicants will be required to submit their SAT or ACT test scores in order to facilitate English and Math course placement during First-year Student Preference Registration in late spring of the high school senior year.

• Test Optional FAQs

  May I submit my test scores if I desire to do so?
  Students who believe their SAT or ACT scores accurately represent their academic ability and potential and strengthen their overall application are encouraged to submit their standardized test scores.

  If I submit my test sores, what should I submit?
  Eastern wants your highest test scores. This means that we will consider only the highest Critical Reading and Math SAT scores or highest English, Reading, Math, Science and Composite ACT scores submitted by the applicant, regardless of whether you achieved the individual highest scores on the same test date. Please consider all of your highest individual SAT or ACT results before choosing not to submit your scores.

  What is an academic unit?
  An academic unit is considered a full-year academic course. The following subjects are considered to be academic courses: English, Foreign Language, Math, Natural Science and Social Studies.
  A one year course = 1 academic unit.
  A ½ year course = ½ academic unit.
  Two ½ year courses = 1 academic unit.

  Are there any first-year applicants who must submit standardized test scores?
  Yes. Students who wish to be considered for the Honors Program or Merit Scholarship and applicants who have been home schooled are required to submit SAT or ACT scores as part of their applications.

  Must transfer students submit standardized test scores?
  SAT or ACT test scores are optional and used only for course placement for transfer students.

  Must international students submit test scores?
  Yes. If an international student chooses not to submit SAT scores, the applicant is required to submit either TOEFL or IELTS English Language test scores with their application. If an international student chooses to submit their SAT scores, TOEFL/IELTS scores are not required.