March 17, 2021 MACOMB/MOLINE, IL -- More than 1,700 colleges and universities across the U.S., including Western Illinois University are taking a more holistic approach to admissions by considering extracurricular involvement and a high school GPA versus the traditional SAT/ACT score as an indicator of academic success. WIU made the decision to go "test optional" in October 2019 for students applying for the 2020-21 academic year. At the time, Western was one of just two Illinois public institutions that decided to go test-optional for college admissions. WIU will continue its test optional admissions policy for students applying for the 2022-2023 academic year and beyond. Students are automatically admitted to WIU if they have a 2.75 or higher high school GPA (on a 4.0 scale). To apply, visit wiu.edu/apply.