Access to Excellence

The Access to Excellence (A2E) program is a fully-funded opportunity for students admitted to Willamette University (see eligibility below). A2E is designed to invite students to experience campus life firsthand and connect with a community that values diverse perspectives and experiences essential to Willamette’s culture.

Participants will attend Bearcat Day, our admitted student event, and continue with A2E’s exclusive programming. All costs, including travel to and from campus and overnight accommodations, are covered for both the student and one guest.

This year’s theme, the Power in Community, reflects Willamette's commitment to cultivating a student body that reflects a wide variety of backgrounds with the understanding that we learn and grow best around people with experiences, opinions, and beliefs different from our own. It is this environment that empowers Willamette graduates to confidently advocate for themselves, their peers, and people around the world. Through A2E, you will begin to create your Willamette community and leave with a better understanding of the power of your own and others' stories.

A2E Program Dates

March 13–14, 2026
April 3–4, 2026
April 17–18, 2026

The program kicks off at 8:00 a.m. Participants traveling from beyond western Oregon, and those coming from out of state, should plan to travel the day prior (March 12, April 2, or April 16). The program will end Saturday so that participants can travel home that afternoon.

A student sitting on a bench under a cherry blossom tree

What to Expect from A2E

During A2E, students will first take part in Bearcat Day activities, gaining a comprehensive admitted student experience, before moving into exclusive A2E programming. Over two days, you’ll have the chance to:

Experience life as a Willamette student
Build connections with faculty, staff, current students, and fellow admitted students
Explore the city of Salem and the stunning landscapes of the Pacific Northwest

A brick building near a stream and grass on the Willamette campus

Eligibility

To participate, submit the Access to Excellence application (available for students in their Willamette Applicant Portal). To qualify, you must:

Be admitted to the Willamette College entering class of 2026. This includes first-year applicants, transfer students and those who have graduated high school and are completing a gap-year.

We strongly encourage students who identify as any of the following to apply:

First-generation college students - those with parents or guardians who have not obtained a bachelor’s degree.
Students eligible for the Pell Grant or who qualify for free or reduced lunch in secondary school.
Students who live in small towns or rural areas.

A group of Willamette students, one biking, some chatting on the grass, and others in the stream

How To Apply

Submit and complete an application for admission to Willamette College by the Early Action/Early Decision or Regular Decision priority deadline.
Submit the Access to Excellence Application in your Willamette Applicant Portal, which includes responses (no more than 300 words) to two questions:
- How would participation in the Access to Excellence program aid in your college search process?
- One of the following:
  - How have you found a way to uplift or advocate for others?
  - How have you cultivated your community?

Two students walking on a paved path near brick buildings

Deadlines and Notification

Students may apply to attend A2E after submitting their application for admission. We strongly encourage students to apply prior to receiving their admission decision.

Priority Deadline: February 13, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. Pacific

This is ideal for students who would prefer to attend the first event on March 13-14, 2026.

Final Deadline: February 20, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. Pacific

Students who apply by the final application deadline will be considered for the remaining two Bearcat Day/Access to Excellence dates.

A2E applicants will be notified by email on February 20, 2026 for the first A2E program (March 13-14). All other applicants will be notified by February 27, 2026.

The sun is setting while a group of students play volleyball

Travel Grant

Willamette University will cover all costs associated with travel and participation in our A2E fly-in program. Once invited to attend the program, participants will receive information regarding event registration which will include logistics for flight and/or ground transportation, hotel accommodations, and dietary needs. The travel grant can also cover costs for one guest to join the participating student. A guest may include, but is not limited to a parent, guardian, counselor, older sibling or any other individual who has been supporting the student’s college search and decision process. For participants traveling by plane, a REAL ID-compliant form of identification is required and must be presented during the confirmation process.