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Helping your students find the right fit

We value the relationships we’ve cultivated with counselors from across the country.

2020 Counselors of the Year

Willamette University is a proud member of the Colleges that Change Lives non-profit organization. Since 2009, CTCL has recognized the tireless work of individuals who counsel students in the college search process with the Counselor of the Year Award. We join them in celebrating this year’s recipients. Congratulations 2020 CTCL Counselors of the Year.

Fall Travel and COVID-19

It’s no secret: this is a year like no other. With the world facing the COVID-19 pandemic, our admission staff has made the difficult decision to suspend our fall travel. Clearly, this was the right decision that was made easier by you, the School Counselor, supporting your own students' college search by offering us a virtual platform to come visit your students. We know it’s not easy to adjust to online learning or hybrid models when they are not your norm, and we appreciate your help in reaching your students.

If you would like Willamette to arrange a virtual visit to your high school, please contact your admission representative directly.

Accepting applications for Spring 2021

Starting this year, Willamette will be accepting applications for Spring 2021 to accommodate students who have adjusted their college start date due to the pandemic. Applications for Spring 2021 entry are due by November 1, 2020.

What we are looking for in an applicant

Willamette practices holistic admission and values academic curiosity, service and contributions to others (including family commitments), and extracurricular involvement and leadership. We also acknowledge that COVID-19 has impacted our future students and families in unique ways. We are committed to this promise that, "no student will be disadvantaged [in the admission process] because of a change in commitments or change in plans because of this outbreak."

Transcripts are evaluated on an individual basis taking the school’s profile and academic resources into consideration. We strive to admit students who have made sound choices to challenge themselves academically where there are opportunities to do so. We use a weighted GPA when awarding merit scholarships and will recalculate if the school does not provide a weighted GPA. For schools where a narrative transcript is used in place of a GPA, we ask that you please provide an estimation of what the GPA might be so as not to disadvantage the student in our merit scholarship process.

SAT and ACT Tests are optional for admission and are not factored into the merit scholarship award for any applicant. There is also no additional work required of an applicant if they choose not to submit test scores. If an applicant self-reports their test scores in the Common Application but indicates that they do not want those scores considered, the scores will be redacted from their record before their application is reviewed. A student’s choice to apply test-optional is a very personal one, and we do not seek to advise or sway a student in either direction. However, if an applicant would like to ask questions about our test-optional policy we encourage you to have them reach out to their admission counselor.

Willamette is a member of the Common Application. A Counselor Recommendation and the School Report Form are required credentials to complete an application. If you feel that you are unable to provide a recommendation letter for your applicant, we ask that you indicate so on the Counselor Recommendation. Applicants without a viable letter of recommendation from their counselor should be encouraged to submit a letter of recommendation from a teacher in a core subject area, so long as it does not increase any barriers to the student in completing their application. While not required, we also greatly appreciate a School Profile, particularly if it tells us more about your school and senior class than what is indicated in the School Report Form.

Helping your students and their families learn more

Willamette is a great choice for high-achieving students who thrive in a close-knit learning environment. Students in every major collaborate with professors on cutting-edge research and meaningful work, and they forge lasting friendships in a rich array of activities outside the classroom. We offer more than 50 academic programs, including 5 dual-degree options.

This year we are offering a robust menu of virtual visit options, including our fall preview, Cardinal & Gold Day. We hope these resources will give your students and their families a greater sense of our academic and social community. Please contact your admission counselor, bearcat@willamette.edu or 503-370-6303 if you have any questions.

Willamette University is Test-Optional

Students can decide whether their standardized test results accurately reflect their academic ability and potential. Should the student submit them, the test scores will be reviewed with other indicators of their academic ability. Review Willamette's FAQs about being test-optional.

Enduring Value

• Up to $30,000/year in merit scholarships
• Additional grants & scholarships available
• Internships, study abroad, and undergrad research opportunities
• Up to 8 credits accepted from dual-credit, IB or AP programs

Application Basics

• Common Application
• $0 Application Fee
• *NEW* Nov. 1: Regular Decision for Spring 2021
• Nov. 15: Early Decision & Early Action
• Jan. 15: Regular Decision
• Oct. 1: FAFSA opens (priority deadline 2/1)

Campus Life

• The Bistro coffeehouse
• Outdoor Program
• 20 NCAA Division III teams
• Intramural sports
• 100+ student clubs & organizations
• Greek life
• Two dining hall options

Supportive Learning

• Academic hearths: Spaces where students and professors gather to study, talk and eat together.
• The Learning Commons: Gives students 24/7 access to white/glass boards, projection systems, big screens and comfortable spaces.
• Student Success Hub: Connecting students with the resources they need to succeed.
• Willamette is No. 8 in the nation in terms of student-staff interaction, according to a Wall Street Journal-affiliated ranking.
• Dual-degree programs: Combine a Willamette bachelor’s degree with an MBA or a Law degree from one of our top-ranked graduate programs.

New Programs

• Willamette has been teaching business for over 40 years with our MBA, dual-degree, and business minor. In 2021, students can major in business.
• In 2021, Willamette will add women’s triathlon to our 20 NCAA Division III offerings.
• Students fulfill part of their general education requirements by taking part in study abroad, research and internship opportunities.
• Our College Colloquium course connects first-year students with mentors and a dedicated faculty advisor.