About

See what students say:

Academics

Nestled in the middle of Connecticut is Wesleyan University, a historic private liberal arts university that prides itself on an open curriculum that lets students explore interests and activities outside of their major. The school does have general education expectations, which help illustrate pathways through the curriculum; it also offers a flexible framework of four competencies that provide suggestions as to skills and capabilities that students should acquire in their course choices, which is useful with more than 1,000 courses on offer. A 7:1 student-to-faculty ratio means small class sizes, which creates an "enjoyable work environment that promotes learning, questioning, debate, and just overall fun"; this includes interactive learning, "excellent introductory STEM labs, field trips, ample research opportunities, and unique in-class projects." This experiential philosophy even translates to larger formats: "I've had lecture classes that are so open to student questions that they begin to seem more like seminars," says a student. Seniors are also allowed to "teach student forums on topics they are passionate about and provide a space for current events."

Inclusivity is a priority, and the school offers courses like Queer Studies and African American Studies. Along with inclusivity, Wesleyan stresses the importance of faculty as teachers and mentors. Professors are "intentional and thoughtful about every aspect of the course" and "patient and understanding when it comes to students needing extensions." They "embrace students from majors outside their field and encourage academic exploration," As one student notes, "Every class I've taken has made me want to learn more." In addition, faculty "research is significant, and they use it to complement the classes," and they all have "workable office hours and [are] exceptionally accommodating." The alumni network is similarly willing to assist students: "Whether that is through mentoring us or hiring us as interns, they have been incredibly helpful."

Student Body

Wesleyan students are "eclectic, artsy, liberal," diverse, and inclusive. There are many different personalities at Wesleyan, but the one common denominator is that they are accepting. Everyone here "has their 'thing' that they are eager to share with others." One student adds, "No two students share exactly the same combination of interests, which makes Wesleyan a very fun place to make friends." Though this "incredibly academically motivated" group is "talented, active, and openminded," they "don't tend to be obsessive about academics," and "there's a good balance between work and life." Students say that "it feels like everyone at Wes does a million things, so for many, clubs and other extracurriculars [that] are just as meaningful as classes." Students do say that as far as sports go, "there are the athletes and non-athletes with very few individuals crossing battle lines." Still, there is "a strong culture of social acceptance and progressiveness," and people "come from all over the world and always have such amazing anecdotes to share."

Campus Life

While many admit that "there is a lot of studying during the week," they say "it's easy to find groups to study with" through tutors, study groups, or class-sponsored activities. And students here definitely find time to have fun. Because Wesleyan "is not in a big city, most of the social life is on campus," and "on the weekends, that can look like parties and performances," or taking advantage of the "strong arts and music scene," including "lots of fun concerts, films, comedy shows, or dance performances." Weekend trips to New Haven or Boston are not out of the question, but most stay local, and "people love to go thrifting at the closest places [and] eat food in Middletown" for their trips off-campus.

Outdoor activities such as hiking are widely undertaken (ultimate Frisbee is very popular here!), and many students join multiple groups and teams. In the winter there's plenty of snow, "so people like to sled on Foss Hill and have big snowball fights." Snowball fights aside, "the best days are when it's nice out in the spring, and everyone sits and eats outside," and "everyone says hi to everyone."

Contact & Visit

Campus Visits Contact

Contact
Admission Office Staff
Front Office Manager

Address
Office of Admission
70 Wyllys Avenue
Middletown, CT 06459-0265

Phone
860-685-3000

Email
admission@wesleyan.edu

Experience College Life

Most Popular Places On Campus
Public Affairs Center
Center for the Arts
Freeman Athletic Center
Exley Science Center
Olin Memorial Library
Usdan University Center Gordon Career Center Van Vleck Observatory The Jeanine Basinger Center for Film Studies Freeman Asian Studies Center

Most Popular Places Off Campus
Wadsworth Falls State Park
Main Street Restaurants
Adventure and Game Rooms
Lyman Orchards Farm ,Market, Golf course
Powder Ridge Mountain Park and Resort
Campus is a twenty minute drive from Hartford, thirty minutes from New Haven, and two hours from both NYC and Boston. Public transportation to these major cities is available.

Campus Tours

Campus Visiting Center
Monday-Friday; (Sat/Sun limited schedule)
M-F 8:30am-5pm (please see website)
860-685-3000

Campus Tours
Appointment Required: Yes
Dates: Year-round
Times: Varies
Average Length: 1 hour

On Campus Interview

Campus Interviews
No

Information Sessions
Available

Times
Varies by time of year. Please visit our website - https://www.wesleyan.edu/admission/visit-connect/info-sessions.html

Faculty and Coach Visits

Dates/Times Available
Year-round

Arrangements
Contact Coach Directly

Advance Notice
2 weeks

Contact Email Address for Visit
jwaters@wesleyan.edu

Class Visits

Dates/Times Available
Academic Year

Arrangements
Please refer to our website. If questions, contact the Office of Admission.

Overnight Dorm Stays

Overnight Dorm Stays
Available

Arrangements
Other

Limitations
Overnight stays arranged through the Office of Admission are limited to participants in Admission's WesExplore program.

Transportation

Types of Transportation Available to Campus
Bradley International Airport near Hartford is 30 miles north of campus. Taxi service is available to/from airports and train stations to campus. Middletown and CT Transit provide weekday service within Middletown, Meriden, and downtown Hartford to Wesleyan's campus. Additional information can be found on our website.

Driving Instructions to Campus
"From Hartford and Points North Take I-91 south to Exit 22 for Route 9 southbound. At exit 15 (will become exit 24B sometime in 2021), turn right onto Route 66 West (Washington Street), turn left onto High Street. From New Haven, New York and Points South Take I-95 North to I-91 North. At exit 18, take Route 691/66 East. Route 66 becomes Washington Street in Middletown. Take right onto High Street. Or, take I-95 north to the Merritt/Wilbur Cross Parkway (Route 15 North) to Route 66 Eastbound. Take right onto High Street. From Waterbury and Points West Take I-84 East. Take exit 27 to Route 691/66 East. Route 66 becomes Washington Street in Middletown. Take right onto High Street. From Boston and Points Northeast Take the Massachusetts Turnpike (I-90) West to Exit 9 for I-84 West to Hartford. Take exit 57 over the Charter Oak Bridge and follow the signs to I-91 South. Take I-91 south to exit 22 for Route 9 Southbound, At exit 15 (will become exit 24B sometime in 2021), turn right onto Route 66 West (Washington Street), turn left onto High Street. Or, take I-95 South through Providence, then take Exit 69 to Route 9 North (approximately 26 miles to Middletown). At exit 15 (will become exit 24B sometime in 2021), turn left."

Local Accommodations
Please see website and link to hotels within 15 minutes of campus and complete listing of all hotels in the Middletown area.

Admissions

Applicants: 14,500
Acceptance Rate: 17%






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