West Chester University of Pennsylvania School Images
West Chester University of Pennsylvania
Introduction
West Chester University of Pennsylvania (West Chester) is a public university located in West Chester, Pennsylvania, about 25 miles west of Philadelphia. The university has been in existence since 1812 and has seen many changes, including name changes, throughout the years. In 1983, West Chester assumed its current name as it became a member of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education.
West Chester is especially well-known for its attractive campus. One section, featuring buildings made of native serpentine stone, is a designated Historic District by the National Register of Historic Places. The historic district includes the Old Library, Recitation Hall, and Ruby Jones Hall.
West Chester University of Pennsylvania
Academics
West Chester offers the following undergraduate degrees: Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Fine Arts, Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Science in Education, and a Teaching Certificate. Graduate programs include Masters of Science, Masters of Business Administration, Masters of Arts, Masters of Education, Masters of Public Health, Masters of Music, The university also offers graduate studies in law, theology, and medicine and a variety of certificates in computer science, health, kinesiology, music, mathematics, and more.
Areas of Strength
West Chester is remarkable for its strengths in formal poetry and Holocaust and Genocide Studies. Interdisciplinary studies are also a featured part of academic life. Areas of study with transcript recognition include American studies, ethnic studies, Latin American studies, Russian studies, peace and conflict studies, women’s studies, and linguistics.
Dual Degree Programs
West Chester participates in a 3-2 dual degree program with Pennsylvania State University to expedite master’s degrees for students in liberal arts, physics, and engineering. West Chester also has admissions agreements with the Drexel School of Medicine, Temple University School of Medicine, Widener School of Law, and Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine.
Most Popular Fields of Study
The top 5 fields of study completed at West Chester University of Pennsylvania.
West Chester is considered to be a particularly welcoming and nurturing environment for African American students, in part due to the Frederick Douglass Society. The society is an organization of faculty and staff and raises money for several scholarships.
The Institute for Women
The Institute for Women oversees the Women’s Studies Program, the Women’s Center, and a number of other programs and awards on campus, including scholarships for older female students.
National Student Exchange Program
West Chester is a member organization of the National Student Exchange Program, allowing West Chester students to study for as long as a year at one of over 170 schools in the United States.
West Chester University of Pennsylvania
Admissions
The admissions office evaluates applications on a rolling basis. Prospective students must submit an online application, a modest fee, a personal statement, a high school transcript with high school counselor form, and official SAT or ACT scores. Applicants should have a combined SAT of 1020 or high, a GPA of 3.0 or better in college preparatory curriculum, and should graduate in the top 40% of their class. The average admitted student has a high school GPA of 3.45, a combined SAT or 1078, and ranks in the top 31% of his or her class. Students are also expected to have studied 4 years of English, 3 years of math, 3 years of science, 3 years of social studies, and some foreign language.
Further Requirements by Department
Students applying to the music programs will need to audition as well. Interviews are required for students applying for Athletic Training, Pre-Medical, Pharmaceutical Product Development, and Respiratory Care.
Exceptional Cases
Students who show promise but do not meet the standard academic requirements for admission may enter West Chester through a reduced course load program or, for Pennsylvania residents, after successfully completing the Summer Academic Development program.
Financial Aid
In addition to the wide range of state and financial aid options open to any college or university student in Pennsylvania, West Chester offers several of their own need- and merit-based scholarships. The majority of West Chester students receive aid of some kind. Merit based scholarships are available to students with SAT scores of over 1200 and who rank in the top 20% of their class. Students who meet these criteria are encouraged to apply early in the fall of their senior year. Many West Chester students in math and science degree programs receive scholarship funds from the Pennsylvania Space Grant Consortium.
Student Financial Aid Details
How many students use Financial Aid, and how much do they use?
West Chester University of Pennsylvania 976th for the average student loan amount.
Secrets to getting the best Pennsylvania scholarships and financial aid
There are more than 25 Greek organizations on campus. Fraternities and sororities sponsor campus-wide activities and events, participate in service opportunities, and provide leadership opportunities on campus.
Marching Band
West Chester is known for its large and disciplined marching band, which has performed in such venues as the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, Philadelphia Eagles games, and the Bands of America Grand National Championships.
Dining on Campus
There are eleven different dining locations on the West Chester campus, including both traditional dining halls and convenient options such as Starbucks, Einstein Bros Bagels, and a Taco Taco Food Truck. There are many vegetarian and vegan options, and students with special dietary restrictions are encouraged to meet with the executive chef to ensure that their needs are met.
Student Enrollment Demographics
How many students are enrolled at West Chester University of Pennsylvania?
The athletics department at West Chester is known as the Golden Rams. The Golden Rams compete in NCAA Division II. Men’s sports include baseball, basketball, cross country, football, golf, soccer, swimming & diving, tennis, and track & field. Women’s sports include basketball, cheerleading, cross country, field hockey, golf, gymnastics, lacrosse, rugby, soccer, softball, swimming & diving, tennis, track & field, and volleyball.
The Campus Recreation department offers sports clubs, intramural sports, group fitness, recreational swims, and a fully equipped fitness center free for student use.
Alumni
Well-known alumni include Second Lady of the United States Jill Biden, composer Melissa Dunphy, rapper Asher Roth, actor Tom Wright, New York Yankees second baseman Pat Kelly, and professional hockey player Jim Gehring.
Bibliography
Athletics. West Chester University of Pennsylvania. Web. 10 July 2011.
Fiske, Edward B. Fiske Guide to Colleges 2011. Chicago: Sourcebooks, 2010. Print.
Greek Life. West Chester University of Pennsylvania. Web. 10 July 2011.
Pope, Loren. Looking Beyond the Ivy League: Finding the College That’s Right for You. New York: Penguin. 2007. Print.
Prospective Students. West Chester University of Pennsylvania. Web. 10 July 2011.
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West Chester, PA 19383
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