The Great Grades Guarantee and the Brinson Honors College Guarantee

Proven performance should be rewarded. That’s Western Carolina University’s philosophy, and that’s the thinking behind the WCU Great Grades Guarantee.

The Great Grades Guarantee (GGG) emphasizes classroom performance. University and national data support the position that past classroom performance remains the best predictor of success in college. Western Carolina University knows that students who perform well in rigorous courses in high school are most likely to succeed in college; thus, admission decisions at WCU focus on students who are likely to persist, perform well, and graduate.  

The Great Grades Guarantee can alleviate some stress that hard-working, successful high school students encounter in the college admission process. Other academic indicators such as SAT and ACT scores or class rank may be added factors that can influence admission to specific admission paths, specific programs of study, direct entry from high school into the Brinson Honors College, or scholarship eligibility. With the Great Grades Guarantee, grades are not the only factor considered in the admission decision, but the guarantee assures that the spotlight will shine brightest on outstanding classroom performance in strong courses.

Great Grades Guarantee (GGG): 

1. Admission Guarantee:

Eligible high school students who maintain a cumulative A average (3.50 or better weighted and unweighted GPA) and who meet all other GGG criteria and deadlines are guaranteed an offer of admission to WCU.

1. First-Year Students: Earn and maintain a 3.50 or better cumulative high school GPA (weighted and unweighted A average in grades 9-12, including dual enrollment college courses) and meet the additional Great Grades Conditions to receive an offer of admission to the fall semester immediately following high school.
2. Great Grades Conditions:
   1. Applicant must be a N.C. resident (nonresident applicants will be considered on a space-available basis).
   2. Applicant must fulfill all Minimum Course Requirements (MCR) and Minimum Eligibility Requirements (MER) of the UNC System*.
   3. Applicant must submit application for admission and required supporting documentation (including application fee or waiver, if required) by the Early Action Deadline (Nov. 1).
   4. Applicant must exhibit good citizenship (e.g., no social or judicial violations) as well as positive school and community involvement.
   5. Students are recommended to take two of the same type of standardized test to super score results. Test scores may be advantageous for admission to specific majors, Brinson Honors College admission, and consideration for some scholarships**.
   6. Students are strongly encouraged to visit campus to see if WCU is the best fit  (visit.wcu.edu).
   7. For the guarantee to remain in effect, admitted students must submit a nonrefundable enrollment deposit ($300) by May 1 of senior year and comply with all commitment action steps by stated deadlines. The enrollment deposit can be paid  online at Catamountportal.wcu.edu

*Must fulfill 2021 edition of MER criteria as specified by the University of North Carolina system. Go to https://www.northcarolina.edu/future-students/admission-requirements  for more information.

**Great Grades Guarantee pertains to first-year admission to the university. Competitiveness for admission to specific programs of study, admission to the Brinson Honors College, merit-based scholarship eligibility, and other honors and awards may be affected by other academic indicators such as standardized test scores.

2. Brinson Honors College Guarantee:

Eligible high school students who meet the academic criteria listed below and who meet all other BHCG conditions are guaranteed admission to the Brinson Honors College.

1. First-Year Students: Meet at least two of the following academic criteria:
   • Maintain a minimum unweighted, cumulative H.S. GPA of 3.9
   • Maintain a minimum weighted, cumulative H.S. GPA of 4.3
   • Maintain a high school class rank within the top 10%
   • Present a minimum ACT score of 27 (or SAT of 1260)
2. Brinson Honors College Conditions:
   1. Applicant must be a N.C. resident (nonresident applicants will be considered on a space-available basis).
   2. Applicant must fulfill all Minimum Course Requirements (MCR) and Minimum Eligibility Requirements (MER) of the UNC System*.
   3. Applicant must submit application for admission and required supporting documentation (including application fee or waiver, if required) by the Early Action Deadline (Nov. 1).
   4. Applicant must exhibit good citizenship (e.g., no social or judicial violations) as well as positive school and community involvement.
   5. Students are recommended to take two of the same type of standardized test to super score results. Test scores may be advantageous for admission to specific majors, Brinson Honors College admission, and consideration for some scholarships**.
   6. Students are strongly encouraged to visit campus to see if WCU is the best fit  (visit.wcu.edu).
   7. For the guarantee to remain in effect, admitted students must submit a nonrefundable enrollment deposit ($300) by May 1 of senior year and comply with all commitment action steps by stated deadlines. The enrollment deposit can be paid  online at Catamountportal.wcu.edu

*Must fulfill 2021 edition of MER criteria as specified by the University of North Carolina system. Go to https://www.northcarolina.edu/future-students/admission-requirements  for more information.

**Brinson Honors College Guarantee pertains to first-year admission to the university. Competitiveness for admission to specific programs of study, merit-based scholarship eligibility, and other honors and awards may be affected by other academic indicators such as standardized test scores.

First-year applicants with a minimum 3.50 unweighted H.S. GPA who do not meet the early application deadline and/or who do not quite meet the BHCG academic criteria can be considered for honors college admission on a case-by-case basis. An online application to the Brinson Honors College is available at honors.wcu.edu.

Transfer students must have at least a 3.5 cumulative GPA (with at least 15 credit hours) at their most recent, accredited institution and must complete an online application available at honors.wcu.edu. Transfer students at select North Carolina Community Colleges may transfer into the Brinson Honors College at WCU with up to twelve Honors Credits. Consult your Honors advisor to ensure your credits transfer.

Admitted first-year or transfer students who enroll full time at WCU and earn a WCU cumulative GPA of 3.50 or better on at least 15 credit hours at WCU may be eligible to join the Brinson Honors College. Online applications are available at honors.wcu.edu.

(Updated August 2022)