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How to write the best college essay

03.16.2022 | Jennifer Johnson

Writing the college essay is the most stressful — and arguably the most important — part of the application process. 

Counselor helping student

Letters of recommendation tips

03.16.2022 | Jennifer Johnson

You’ve started the Common App, you’re working on the essay — what about your letters of recommendation? 

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Earn $500 if you apply on time

01.07.2022 | Marketing and Communications

Apply by Jan. 15 to be automatically considered for merit-based scholarships starting at $20,000, plus receive our renewable $500 Pathfinder’s Award.

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CAS Office of Admission resumes in-person visits

09.23.2021 | Director of Admission Marketing and Events Caitlin Harper

The College of Arts and Sciences Office of Admission is excited to resume in-person visits and events this fall. Safety measures will be in place.

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Princeton Review identifies Willamette as one of the ‘best in the West’

09.02.2021

Willamette among 126 colleges in the western U.S. recognized for academic excellence.

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Western Oregon University and Willamette University develop program for WOU students seeking a law degree

07.21.2021 | Willamette University College of Law

The new 4+3 agreement between Western Oregon University and Willamette Law will expand access to Western Oregon students seeking to pursue a law degree.

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College of Law announces Law School Bound admission program

01.15.2021 | Willamette University College of Law

The program offers an innovative and transparent path to obtaining a legal education.

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Explaining extracurricular activities during the pandemic

11.23.2020 | Jennifer Johnson

Activities outside of class are still the best way to help your college application stand out — even at a time when in-person contact isn’t advised or allowed.  

student filming

Tips for creating a virtual theatre audition

11.19.2020 | Professor of Theatre Susan Coromel

Auditions for theatre programs this year may require a little extra work, but it’s easy to create a strong audition.

Jaered Koichi Croes ’08

Undergraduate blog charts path for future career

10.27.2020 | Jennifer Johnson

Jaered Koichi Croes '08 launched his career with Tofugu, a Japanese culture blog born from a Willamette University project. Discover his journey today!

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3 questions to find the best college

10.14.2020 | Dean of Admission Sue Corner

As admission officers, we constantly field questions from you and love to help. However, some common questions may not lead to the answers you need.

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How do I successfully switch colleges?

10.14.2020 | Jennifer Johnson

You’re not even six weeks into your first year of college and it just isn’t a fit for you.

Whale and Egan Library, image courtesy of the University of Alaska Southeast

Willamette Law launches degree pathway with University of Alaska Southeast

10.10.2020 | Willamette University College of Law

New 4+3 Direct Admission Program allows undergraduate University of Alaska Southeast students and alumni to be admitted to Willamette Law based on certain academic credentials.

claudia ortiz gajardo

Rediscovering her roots through Latin American Studies

10.09.2020 | Jennifer Johnson

After traveling the world, Claudia Ortiz Gajardo ’20 pursues long-sought degree.

business students

How to get the best return on a business major

09.29.2020 | Jennifer Johnson

Two Oregon entrepreneurs explain why a business major is essential at an arts and science university.

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Campus tours resume under new precautions

09.25.2020

Willamette University adjusts campus tours for safety amidst the pandemic. Limited tours, health checks, masks, distancing and modified routes ensure well-being

Waller hall cupola from above, autumn colored trees, Oregon  state capitol in background

U.S. News names Willamette best in PNW for economic diversity

09.14.2020

Willamette also ranked No. 2 for best liberal arts school and “Best Value School” in Oregon.

Kimberly Cole ’02

Alumna connects communities with tools to better health

08.27.2020 | Jennifer Johnson

Kimberly Cole '02, fueled by her Willamette education, leads global initiatives in family planning and public health, impacting lives worldwide.

Dani Cone ’98

In the right place at the right time

08.20.2020 | Jennifer Johnson

Willamette’s holistic approach empowered Dani Cone ’98 to become one of Seattle's most recognizable small business owners.

Willamette statement on admission evaluation

06.17.2020 | Marketing and Communications

In the wake of the killings of Rayshard Brooks, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and George Floyd, students across the country are choosing to participate in demonstrations and important conversations to express their values.

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Willamette summer classes open to high school seniors

05.14.2020

Willamette University is offering high school seniors a more affordable way to kick start college. 

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Campus closed? Make a virtual visit

05.13.2020 | Jennifer Johnson

So you’ve finally narrowed down your preferred colleges, but now you can’t visit. What’s your next step? 

Assistant Director of Career Management Jonathan Scrimenti

MBA students Zoom toward interview success

05.06.2020 | Jennifer Johnson

Willamette students practice virtual interviews, how to tell their story through workshops.

Message to Prospective Students from Willamette President

04.27.2020 | Marketing and Communications

Looking forward to the fall.

Front of law building with pink rhododendron in bloom

Willamette Law accepting GRE for applicants

04.06.2020 | Willamette College of Law

In light of the COVID-19 pandemic and LSAT cancellations, Willamette College of Law will accept Graduate Record Exam scores for 2020 applicants.

students walking by eaton hall

Willamette recognized for creating pathway to success for underrepresented students

03.09.2020

Strive for College gives the university high marks for fostering an environment that leads to timely graduation and rewarding careers.

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Tips for nontraditional students

03.09.2020 | Jennifer Johnson

It’s been years since you’ve cracked open a textbook, but you’ve finally decided to go to college. 

Will Lomer ’22

Nontraditional student seeks success beyond the oil industry

03.08.2020 | Jennifer Johnson

Alaska native quits lucrative job for economics degree

Students work with Professor of Environmental Science Joe Bowersox

Why study sustainability? It's relevant to any major.

03.08.2020 | Jennifer Johnson

As we think about the future, we must reconsider the way we live, work and play to make the best use of our natural resources. 

Conner Mertens ’17

From athlete to advocate

02.25.2020 | Jennifer Johnson

Conner Mertens ’17, a politics major, credits Willamette for igniting his passion for advocacy. Now, he fights for patients with chronic diseases.

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Why you should attend junior preview day

02.25.2020 | Jennifer Johnson

Between the flood of marketing materials and online research, the quest to find a new college can feel a little overwhelming — but there is another option.

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How do I make a successful college transfer?

02.24.2020 | Jennifer Johnson

You’re not even six weeks into your first year of college and it just isn’t a fit for you. 

Waller Hall and Eaton Hall before a green lawn

Willamette named ‘Best Value College’ by Princeton Review

02.23.2020

University receives high marks for academic quality, affordability and success of alumni.

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Transfer student: Best questions to ask

01.31.2020 | Jennifer Johnson

Transferring to a new college is a big decision — and not one you make overnight.

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SAT vs. ACT — or none of the above?

01.31.2020 | Jennifer Johnson

Deciding on a standardized test can take some thought. 

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Test optional colleges — what does that mean for you?

01.31.2020 | Jennifer Johnson

A record number of colleges and universities chose to go test optional last year.

Hand passing business card

Make a major change with a business minor

01.31.2020 | Jennifer Johnson

Imagine sitting down for your first job interview, understanding your exact role in that organization and feeling confident you can hit the ground running.

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Parents: Tips for the final college decision

01.13.2020 | Jennifer Johnson

Your student has been admitted to college — maybe several. Now what?

Star Trees

Best spots to visit at Willamette

01.13.2020 | Jennifer Johnson

First time visiting Willamette? Check out these popular places to get a better feel for campus.

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3 of the best college essays

01.06.2020 | Jennifer Johnson

Rock collecting, volunteer work, origami — college essays on each of these topics caught the attention of Willamette admission officers this year.

WEMS

Student-run EMS offers great career preparation

01.06.2020 | Jennifer Johnson

Willamette Emergency Medical Service is one of two services of its kind registered in state.

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College application process for parents

12.12.2019 | Jennifer Johnson

The Common App deadline is looming — how is that college application coming along?

Things to do your senior year

10 things to do your senior year

12.11.2019 | Sue Corner, senior associate director of admission

You’re in the final stretch and it’s going fast.

Willamette MBA Mudd building exterior

Willamette MBA ranked a best U.S. Business School by Poets&Quants

12.03.2019 | Jennifer Bush

Willamette MBA Ranked Best U.S. Business School by Bloomberg Businessweek and Poets&Quants.

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Finding the best college: 3 questions to ask

11.17.2019 | Interim VP and Dean of Admission Mary Randers

As admission officers, we constantly field questions from you and love to help. However, some of the most common questions may not lead to the answers you need.

Willamette MBA Ranked Best U.S. Business School by Bloomberg Businessweek

11.08.2019 | Jennifer Bush

Willamette MBA Ranked Best U.S. Business School by Bloomberg Business week

Student wearing a football costume plays a violin

How to make extracurriculars stand out on a college app

10.22.2019 | Jennifer Johnson

Have you volunteered at a local food shelter, played soccer or practice an instrument?

Student sitting on lawn working on laptop

When should I apply to college?

09.30.2019

In college as in life, timing makes a difference.

Students talk to representatives from different colleges.

Steps to choosing the right college

09.11.2019 | Jennifer Johnson

You’ve done the research, figured out the pros and cons and maybe even created a spreadsheet, but you still can’t narrow down your list.

Waller Hall on a sunny autumn day with orange-yellow tree in foreground

U.S. News names Willamette among top colleges

09.10.2019 | Adam Torgerson

U.S. News and World Report listed Willamette University in the top tier of liberal arts colleges nationally, ranking the university 68th among the best liberal arts colleges and as a “Best Value School” in the magazine’s 2020 rankings.

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The most important things I learned my first year of college

08.29.2019 | Jarin Kobashigawa ’20, MBA’21

When I stepped onto campus four years ago, I had no idea how much college would change my life.

student and professor crouch over a computer screen next to a microscope

Willamette ranks among the best universities for student and staff interaction

08.06.2019 | Jennifer Johnson

Student satisfaction places university at No. 8 nationwide.

logo: featured in 2020 Fiske Guide to Colleges

Fiske guide features Willamette as a top college

07.10.2019

The 2020 Fiske Guide to Colleges hails Willamette University for its student-focused faculty, collaborative environment and commitment to service and diversity.

four employees honored for 30 years of service

Willamette honors employees for exemplary service

06.05.2019 | Tom Morlan

Willamette's Employee Awards Luncheon celebrates dedicated staff, recognizing their exemplary service and commitment to the university community.

student researchers receiving award

City honors Willamette student researchers

05.29.2019 | Tom Morlan

Willamette University students win Virginia Green Award for uncovering Salem's textile history at a downtown site, showcasing community collaboration.

monya maleki news feed

Keeping the Bearcats on their toes

05.21.2019 | Tom Morlan

Monya Maleki ’19 blends ballet and football, pioneering sports medicine research at Willamette University. Her findings redefine training for athletes.

cordarryl hall new feed

Charting a course to Intel

05.08.2019 | Tom Morlan

From Chicago's streets to Navy sub to Intel, Willamette shaped the journey of CorDarryl Hall MBA’19 as he progressed from Data analyst to storyteller.

anna ayala in the lab

Promoting a healthy future

05.01.2019 | Tom Morlan

Anna Ayala, a senior chemistry major, embodies the fusion of science, compassion, and advocacy, aspiring to be a doctor and a catalyst for social change.

Tova Hershman ’19

Honors and Awards in Bearcat Excellence presented

04.29.2019

Congratulations to the students recognized at the Honors and Awards in Bearcat Excellence event for their positive contributions to the Willamette community!

adrian uphoff

Plugging into the power of proximity

04.23.2019 | Tom Morlan

Adrian Uphoff ’19 is pushing legislation at the Capitol and opening doors for future interns.

sarah pope in lab coat

Chasing down a childhood dream

04.15.2019 | Tom Morlan

Sarah Pope '13 credits Willamette University for her journey from biology to veterinary medicine, equipped with skills and confidence for her future.

Paimon Jaberi

Finding strength in numbers

04.03.2019 | Tom Morlan

Willamette University BA/MBA grad Paimon Jaberi achieves dream job with Seattle Seahawks and uses data to tackle the business, credits Willamette University.

Student holds up a beaker with liquid in it to the light in a lab

Willamette University adds majors in data science, public health

02.15.2019 | Tom Morlan

The new degree programs will launch in the fall.

four students converse in Jackson Plaza in spring

Willamette among Princeton Review’s top colleges

02.05.2019 | Adam Torgerson

The university is named among the top colleges, best value colleges and green schools.

Willamette MBA Ranked Best U.S. B-School by Poets & Quants and Businessweek

11.27.2018 | Jennifer H. Bush

Poets & Quants and Bloomberg Businessweek names Atkinson Graduate School of Management one of the nation’s best business schools.

Early Action and Early Decision deadlines extended for California families

11.12.2018 | University Communications

Applicants affected by wildfires may submit apps until Dec. 1.

U.S. News names Willamette among top colleges

09.12.2018 | Adam Torgerson

The university was also ranked highly by counselors and is listed also among the “Best Value Colleges.”

College Raptor logo with picture of a diamond and test US Hidden Gems 2019

Willamette is a ‘hidden gem’ among universities nationwide

09.05.2018

College Raptor highlights Willamette University in several rankings including the 25 Best Colleges in the Northwest.

President Thorsett shakes the hand of a new student

Willamette welcomes new students

09.04.2018 | University communications

Undergraduate and graduate students represent 30 states and several countries.

light post with banner saying "Willamette University Not unto ourselves alone are we born." with Roger's Music Hall in background

Willamette ranked top liberal arts college in Northwest by Washington Monthly

08.28.2018

The university moves up seven spots, boosted by students’ strong commitment to volunteer work.

Featured in Fiske Guide to Colleges logo

Willamette featured in ‘Fiske Guide to Colleges 2019’

07.10.2018

Best-selling guide features some 300 of the “best and most interesting” colleges.

Willamette University expands access for students with high school college credit

05.10.2018

Credits earned from concurrent courses may transfer under the new guidelines.

student smiles after receiving an award

Honors and Awards in Bearcat Excellence announced

04.27.2018

More than 30 awards were given to students who have made positive contributions to the Willamette community.

Blitz the Bearcat with the Willamette motto "Not unto ourselves alone are we born."

Two more rounds of Bearcat Days this week and next

03.30.2018

The program follows last month’s successful admitted-student event.

Blitz the Bearcat with the Willamette motto "Not unto ourselves alone are we born."

Willamette to welcome Bearcat Days visitors

03.08.2018

Please join us in welcoming approximately 500 guests to campus for Bearcat Days on March 15–16, April 5–6 and 12–13.

david-and-stephanie

Atkinson rebuilds admissions and recruitment teams

03.02.2018 | Andrew Hickey

Reboot aims to create smoother and more impactful experiences for prospective students.

Willamette statement on admission evaluation in wake of Florida tragedy

02.24.2018

In the wake of last week’s tragic shooting in Florida, Willamette University statement on admission evaluation.

Willamette welcomes incoming students

09.04.2017 | University Communications

Undergraduate, graduate students represent dozens of states and several foreign countries.

Fiske Guide to Colleges 2018 Willamette University featured

Willamette lauded in latest ‘Fiske Guide to Colleges’

07.11.2017

Willamette lauded in latest “Fiske Guide to Colleges”

Willamette University

Final round of Bearcat Days this week

04.10.2017

Help Admissions welcome admitted students to campus Thursday and Friday.

Blitz welcomes a student

Second round of Bearcat Days this week

04.03.2017

The program follows last month’s successful admitted-student event.

Blitz the Bearcat

Willamette welcomes Bearcat Days visitors

03.13.2017 | University Communications

Events for admitted students kick off Thursday and Friday.

Updates on communications and enrollment

09.19.2016 | Stephen Thorsett

Russ Yost and Jeremy Bogan will take on expanded roles after Oct. 7.

Leadership in defining access and affordability noted

08.29.2016 | Michael Beseda

Willamette’s initiatives were quoted in a recent Chronicle of Higher Education story.

Blitz the Bearcat

Willamette celebrates Oregon Private College Week

07.25.2016 | Kaitlyn Rice '12

Prospective students and families to visit campus July 25-29.

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Follow the flow to a satisfying career

05.09.2016 | Mike Russell

Andrew Lum ’16 pairs his passion for athletics with academics and service.

Ed Whipple

Whipple '74 to lead Campus Life

04.04.2016 | Adam Torgerson

The new VP for Campus Life begins June 1.

Willamette's Academic Council unanimously endorses test-optional admissions

03.21.2016 | Adam Torgerson MBA '14 and Russell Yost MBA '05

The change reflects a nationwide trend to a more holistic review of applicants, especially from underrepresented groups.

Bearcat Days

Willamette welcomes Bearcat Days visitors

03.07.2016

Admitted students and their families arrive this week for the first of three events.

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University Communications

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Waller Hall, Fourth Floor
Willamette University
900 State Street
Salem Oregon 97301 U.S.A.