Exceptions

Documented Learning Disability

Students with a documented learning disability, do not have to submit test scores such as the SAT or ACT for admission to Worcester State. However, they must submit educational testing and assessment completed within the last three years and a copy of the Individual Education Plan (IEP) Students with learning disabilities must still complete the required 17 academic units with a minimum GPA of 3.0. First-year student applicants with a language-based learning disability may substitute two alternate academic electives for the foreign language course requirements. Applicants on a Section 504 Plan must meet all Department of Higher Education requirements.

English as a Second Language (ESL) Students

ESL students are eligible for exceptions to the admission requirements. For example, they may substitute two course electives for the two required foreign language courses. They must also take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or IELTS and SAT* and should contact their school counselor or the Admissions Office for more information.

*students applying for fall 2023 admission may be waived from submitting SAT or ACT scores

Vocational-Technical Students

Vocational-technical students must complete 17 academic courses, distributed in the same manner and with the same minimum grade point averages required of other high school graduates, with the following exceptions:

  • Two vocational-technical courses may be used to fulfill the two required electives.
  • Vocational-technical high school graduates who do not complete the two required academic foreign language courses must complete an additional elective college academic for a total of three such courses, and satisfy one of the following options:
  1. Complete at least one Carnegie unit of foreign language;
  2. Complete a fourth Carnegie unit of mathematics or science, which need not be a laboratory course; or
  3. Complete one Carnegie unit of computer science.

Note: A Carnegie unit represents a full academic year of study or its equivalent in a specific subject.

This requirement will remain in effect until the Department of Education (DOE) implements its requirements regarding foreign language study for vocational-technical students. At that time, vocational-technical applicants for admission to Worcester State University will be required to meet DOE requirements for foreign language study.