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Camp College

Join us July 23-25, 2025 to kick start your college search process.

College Camp Logo for Willamette University

Camp College provides rising juniors and seniors an opportunity to spend time at Willamette experiencing college life while making progress on their college search. This three-day, two-night camp experience offers students from Salem and the greater Willamette Valley to attend a sample college class, discover the differences between college types and sizes, and attend workshops that will better prepare them for a successful college application process.

Sample Schedule

  • Day 1

    • Welcome and Check-In
    • Willamette Information Session and Campus Tour
    • College 101 Workshop
    • Sample Class
    • College Search Workshop
  • Day 2

    • Neighbor College Visit
    • College Search Workshop
    • Study Abroad 101
  • Day 3

    • Neighbor College Visit
    • College Search Workshop
    • Financial Aid 101
  • Sample College Search Workshops

    • College Exploration and the Common App
    • Finding Balance in High School to College
    • Introduction to Degree Programs & Majors
    • Maximizing Your Next Two Years
    • Writing an Effective College Essay
Eligibility to Participate in Camp College

Camp College is an application-based program open to rising high school juniors and seniors committed to pursuing a four-year college or university education. To be eligible, applicants must:

  • Be on track to graduating high school in June 2026 or June 2027;
  • Be enrolled and attend a high school within the Willamette Valley;
  • Demonstrate a solid commitment to attending a four-year college or university; and,
  • Display leadership experience or potential.
Students walking on a sidewalk by a cherry blossom tree
Join Us for Camp College

This program is dedicated to expanding access to higher education for students from historically underrepresented backgrounds. We especially encourage applications from students who identify as:

  • Students who have experienced hardships and/or overcome adversities that limit access to higher education;
  • First-generation college students - those with parents/guardians who have not obtained a bachelor’s degree; and,
  • Students eligible for free/reduced lunch in high school or who will qualify for a Pell Grant.
A student skipping rocks on a sunny day in a stream
What’s Included at Willamette’s Camp College

Camp College is a free program—there’s no cost to participate! Students are responsible for their own transportation to and from campus, but once you’re here, we’ve got you covered:

  • All meals (most dietary restrictions will be accommodated);
  • On-campus housing;
  • Transportation to and from college visits as part of the program; and,
  • Educational content and materials.
Students and parents taking a guided tour on the Willamette campus
Camp College Application, Dates, and Deadlines

Complete and submit the Camp College application form no later than May 19, 2025. Applicants will be notified of their status by the end of May. The Camp College Program runs from July 23-25, 2025.

Ready to Apply? Submit your Camp College application today!

Three students chatting directly with a WU professor

Camp College Frequently Asked Questions

Camp College

Contacts

Contact the Camp College program coordinator Sarah Schollmeyer at 503-370-6645.

Willamette University

Office of Admissions

  • Graduate and Professional Center

    Address

    Ecotrust Building
    721 NW 9th Ave
    Portland Oregon 97209 U.S.A.