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Apply to Willamette University – Undergraduate

A supportive, personalized process from start to finish.

Prospective students take a tour at Salem campus

You’re ready to take the next step and we’re here to make applying as straightforward as possible. There’s no application fee, standardized test scores are optional, and you’ll receive personalized guidance every step of the way.

How the Application Process Works

Applying to Willamette gives you the chance to share your story. Take the time you need. Your application can be saved and returned to as you go, and we’ll be here to support you throughout the process.

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  • Step 1
    Start Your Application

    Choose your platform:
    • Common App
    • Coalition with Scoir

  • Step 2
    Submit Your Materials

    You'll request your transcript and letters of recommendation are sent. A full checklist is below.

  • Step 3
    Get Your Admission Decision

    We review applications carefully and holistically, and we’ll keep you informed throughout the process.

Application Deadlines

We offer Early Action, Early Decision, and Regular Decision options. Apply early to maximize scholarship opportunities and get your decision sooner.

  • Fall Entry Early Action (Non-binding) and Early Decision (Binding)

    • November 1 deadline
    • Materials due November 14
    • Decisions are typically released in mid-December
    • May 1 deposit deadline

  • Fall Entry Regular Decision

    • January 15 deadline
    • Materials due January 23
    • Decisions are typically released in mid-March
    • May 1 deposit deadline

  • Spring Entry

    • November 1 deadline
    • Decisions are typically released in mid-November
    • December 13 deposit deadline

Scholarships & Financial Support

Willamette is committed to making the cost of college manageable. Every applicant is considered for merit scholarships with no additional forms or applications required. Every Willamette College undergraduate student receives scholarship support.

In addition to our standard merit awards, students who apply by the early or regular deadlines qualify for special early application scholarships.

  • Early Action and Early Decision applicants will receive an additional $1,000 per year scholarship award ($4,000 total).
  • Regular Decision applicants will receive an additional $500 per year scholarship award ($2,000 total).

There is no application fee, and our team is here to help you explore financial aid, scholarships, and payment options so you can make the best decision for your future.

Financial Aid for New Students

Your Checklist to Apply

Willamette takes a holistic approach to reviewing your application. No single element determines your admission decision. Please use this checklist as your guide.

Required

Your full application, including your personal statement. No preference is given to either application type.

Transcripts should be sent by your counselor via Common Application, Scoir, Parchment, MaiaLearning, Slate.org, or email to bearcat@willamette.edu.

Recommended coursework:

  • Four years of English
  • Four years of mathematics (including algebra, geometry, and trigonometry)
  • Four years of social science
  • Three to four years of lab-based science
  • Three to four years of a second language
  • Submitted by your high school counselor through Common Application, Scoir, MaiaLearning, Slate.org, or email to bearcat@willamette.edu.
  • The School Report Form will provide us information about your school’s demographics and academic offerings, as well as your academic progress. The Counselor Recommendation (either the form or a letter) will provide us a better understanding of your experience in high school from your counselor’s perspective

Optional Items

  • Willamette is test-optional. Submit verified scores only if you feel they strengthen your application.
  • We superscore your highest section scores from multiple test dates from a single test type.

A teacher recommendation (from a recent English, math, science, or history course) can be submitted through Common Application, Scoir, MaiaLearning, Slate.org, or email to bearcat@willamette.edu.

Applicants are encouraged to interview with an admissions counselor to share more about their interest in Willamette, academic experience and extracurricular involvement. Interviews can be conducted as part of a visit to campus or virtually.

If you’ve completed college credits, submit official transcripts.

  • Schoolhouse is a free online tutoring platform that allows students to demonstrate proficiency in subject areas that may go beyond what is offered at their school. You have the option to enhance your Willamette College application by submitting your Schoolhouse certifications.
  • If you choose to include your Schoolhouse materials, please upload them on the Academics section of your application (up to 3) or email PDF(s) to bearcat@willamette.edu after submission.
  • This optional addition to your application can provide further insights into your academic journey. To be considered as part of your application, your certifications must be complete and sent to Willamette by the materials deadline of your application plan.

Support for You Throughout the Process

We’re here to help you navigate deadlines, materials, and next steps. Whether you’re applying early or finishing your application close to the deadline, your admissions counselor is ready to support you.

Contact Willamette College Admissions

A Willamette student walking at Salem campus in the evening

Privacy & Policies

The admission committee reserves the right to delay an admission decision if additional materials or grades will prove helpful in the review of an application. Applicants will be notified via email of these requests.

Late applications are considered on a space-available basis. Contact the Office of Admissions if applying after the deadlines. For fall entry, we are unable to accept applications for first year students after June 30, transfer students after July 14 and international students requiring a visa after February 1. For spring entry, we are unable to accept applications after November 1.

Willamette protects the privacy of the information you share with us through the application process.

Read our Privacy Policy

Related Links

Apply as a Transfer Student Apply as an International Student Apply as a Graduate Student

Willamette University

Office of Admissions