A first-year student is anyone applying for admissions who has never attended another college or university beyond high school graduation. If you completed college courses while in high school, you are still considered a first-year student. 

PennWest is test optional. 

 

A transfer student is anyone applying for admission who has attended another college or university and has credits post-high school, at the time of application. If you are completing college courses while in high school you are considered a first-year student and not a transfer student.

Additionally, if you have already received a bachelor's degree from PennWest or another college or university, and are pursuing a second degree, you are considered a transfer student as well.