Dates
- March 17-18, 2023
- April 7-8, 2023
- April 16, 2023 - Virtual
- April 21-22, 2023
Review the sample schedule to the right. Please note, the final schedule of sessions is pending to change. Students traveling from out of state or a greater distance should plan to travel to campus the day prior (March 16, April 6 or April 20). The program will end Saturday with the intention that all participants can return home that afternoon.
Eligibility
A2E is a competitive application-based program. To qualify, you must:
- Be a high school senior, gap-year student or transfer student who has been, or will be, admitted to the Willamette University College of Arts and Sciences for fall 2023 entry.
As a program designed to increase access to higher education for students historically marginalized, we strongly encourage students from traditionally underrepresented backgrounds to apply. This includes, but is not limited to:
- First-generation college students - those with parents or guardians who have not obtained a bachelor’s degree.
- Students who self-identify as a student of color, such as American Indian, Asian, Black, Hawaiian, Indigenous, Latinx, Native American, and/or Pacific Islander descent.
- Students eligible for the Pell Grant or who qualify for free or reduced lunch in secondary school.
- Students with DACA or undocumented immigration status.
How to Apply
- Apply for admission to Willamette University College of Arts and Sciences via the Common Application and submit all required materials under an Early Action, Early Decision or Regular Decision application plan.
- Submit the A2E Application, including two short answer questions of no more than 300 words:
- 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 and/or yourself?
- How could Willamette support you based on your identity, life experiences, and values?
Deadlines
Early Action/Early Decision Applicants Priority Deadline: February 10, 2023 at 11:59 p.m. Pacific
This includes students who applied Early Action or Early Decision and received an offer of admission in December 2022. This is ideal for students who would prefer to attend the first event on March 17-18, 2023.
Regular Decision Applicants: February 24, 2023 at 11:59 p.m. Pacific
This includes students who applied Regular Decision and students who applied Early Action or Early Decision and were held for additional information, such as an updated transcript or writing sample. Admission decisions for Regular Decision applicants will be released no earlier than February 17, 2023. Students interested in A2E should apply prior to receiving their admission decision.
Notification
A2E applicants will be notified by email on February 14, 2023 for the first A2E program (March 16-18). All other applicants will be notified by February 28, 2023.
Questions
Please contact the Office of Admission at bearcat@willamette.edu or 503-370-6303 with questions regarding the program or application process.
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.
Virtual Access to Excellence
Can’t make it to campus for an A2E fly-in program? We’re excited to invite any interested student who has been admitted to Willamette University’s entering class of fall 2023 to attend the Virtual Access to Excellence on Sunday, April 16, 2023, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Pacific. The two-hour event will include:
- A warm welcome to the Willamette community
- Keynote address
- An interactive small group session to explore themes of diversity, inclusion and equity
- A panel discussion on building your community
Register Here