Western New England University (WNE) is setting a new standard for simplifying college admissions through its direct admissions program, which addresses application stress while boosting accessibility. This year, over 2,000 students were offered admission — along with scholarships — even before submitting applications, demonstrating WNE’s proactive approach to increasing enrollment and reducing barriers to higher education.
Maintaining Standards While Simplifying Processes
It’s important to note that WNE’s program is not open enrollment. Instead, the university leverages existing information—such as students’ GPA, high school background, and intended major—to identify candidates who meet WNE’s rigorous admission criteria. Those who qualify receive admission offers without the traditional application hurdles.
“Our quality and standards remain the same. What has changed is our process,” said Michelle Kowalsky Goodfellow, WNE’s Associate Vice President of Enrollment Management. By doing so, WNE eliminates unnecessary barriers while maintaining the academic rigor and integrity of its admissions.
Transforming the Admissions Experience
For students like Ndilei Lukulay, a first-generation college student from Springfield, Massachusetts, this approach has been life-changing. Initially uncertain about her college prospects, Lukulay expressed relief at receiving an offer of admission and financial aid before completing the traditional application process. Now thriving as a pharmacy major, she credits the program with alleviating her financial and emotional concerns.
“I didn’t know where to start, and I was very stressed about the whole thing,” Lukulay shared. Her story reflects the program's aim: providing a clear path to college for students who might otherwise feel intimidated by the process.
Focus on Accessibility for All Students
While WNE’s direct admissions program has a strong focus on making college more accessible for underserved populations—such as first-generation and low-income students—it’s designed to benefit all students. Applying to college can be a daunting experience, with many applicants struggling to compare themselves to others and doubting their qualifications. Direct admissions aims to overcome these feelings of inadequacy and eliminate the stress of waiting to find out if they are “good enough.”
“We just have to get them over that first hurdle of feeling like, ‘Yeah, I can apply and actually be admitted there,’” said Michelle Kowalsky Goodfellow, WNE’s Associate Vice President of Enrollment Management. By providing early and clear offers of admission to students who meet the university’s criteria, the program instills confidence and removes uncertainty, creating a more positive start to their college journey.
Financial Aid and Stress Reduction
Direct admissions at WNE also tackle financial challenges many families face. Scholarships are offered alongside admission, providing immediate reassurance about affordability. For students like Lukulay, this dual offering of access and aid is pivotal.
First-year psychology major Marykate Agnes echoed these sentiments, praising the program for smoothing her transition to college. “It’s an awesome thing, and it takes stress off the students,” she said.
A Model for the Future
By simplifying admissions without compromising on academic standards, WNE’s direct admissions program sets a forward-thinking example for higher education. As colleges nationwide contend with challenges like declining enrollment and skepticism about the value of a degree, WNE demonstrates that accessibility and innovation can go hand in hand.
For students like Lukulay and Agnes, this program underscores that how you go to college matters as much as where you go—a message resonating with the next generation of learners.
Adapted from WGBH reporting, To fill seats, colleges flip the script with direct admissions
