Washington College Parent Direct Mail 2020

PARENTS: Simplify the Search Help your student navigate the college selection process.

SENDing YOUR STUDENT TO COLLEGE From selecting the right colleges to navigating the complex worlds of campus visits, applications, and financial aid, the admissions process can feel overwhelming.

It doesn’t have to be that way. The Washington College Admissions Team put together this guide to give you the tools to evaluate your student’s needs, shift all the moving parts into place, and help them choose the college that fits best.

The Value of Education Why Liberal Arts?

“Liberal arts” is a vague term, but it usually means an education that balances science with humanities and encourages students to think and explore beyond a single major or focus. Students at liberal arts colleges are exposed to a wide array of research methods, problem-solving skills, and types of scholarship. That breadth of knowledge provides flexibility and critical thinking that can be applied in any field.

The Liberal Arts at Washington College At Washington College, a liberal arts education builds skills that our students can use, no matter where their paths take them. Our distribution requirements are designed to be flexible while still ensuring that every graduating student has a solid and varied foundation on which to build a future. A focus on experiential learning offers opportunities to study outside the classroom, and our Center for Career Development helps students to secure internships and develop the resume and interview skills they need to get started on a career path.

Building on the skills developed in distribution requirements, a Washington College education takes students outside the classroom. From opportunities like the Summer Undergraduate Research Program, which allows students to spend their summers on campus working one-on-one with faculty on graduate-level research and experiments to research funding programs like the Cater Society of Junior Fellows and John S. Toll Society, which offer students grants to pursue independent research interests, students at Washington College have access to a wealth of resources that allow them to build skills and expand their learning outside the classroom.

WHY IT’S WORTH IT In June of 2019, the New York Federal Reserve released a survey confirming the cost of a college degree remains a worthwhile long-term investment: • The average rate of return for a bachelor’s degree remains high at around 14%, easily exceeding various investment benchmarks, such as the longterm return on stocks (7%) or bonds (3%).

• In recent years, the average college graduate with just a bachelor’s degree earned about $78,000 compared to $45,000 for the average worker with only a high school diploma. This means a typical college graduate earns a premium of well over $30,000, or nearly 75%.

Jaison R. Abel and Richard Deitz, “Despite Rising Costs, College Is Still a Good Investment,” Federal Reserve Bank of New York Liberty Street Economics (blog), June 5, 2019, libertystreeteconomics.newyorkfed.org/2019/06/despite-rising-costs-college-is-still-a-good-investment.html.

A Washington College education takes students

outside the classroom.

Our three Signature Centers serve as experiential learning hubs, offering opportunities in three focused areas: creative writing, American history, and environmental science.

The Rose O’Neill Literary House is a haven for budding writers, bringing visiting writers as part of an annual lecture series and offering workshops in writing and in the use of our antique printing presses.

The Lit House also produces an annual literary magazine called Cherry Tree: A National Literary Journal @ Washington College featuring poetry, fiction, creative nonfiction, and literary shade by emerging and established writers from across the United States, and all over the world. Washington College undergraduates participate in all facets of the production of this print journal.

With a focus on American history, the Starr Center for the Study of the American Experience helps students develop the skills needed to connect past, present, and future. With field programs like the StoryQuest oral history program, students have the chance to conduct historical research themselves.

Through the Explore America summer internship program, Starr Center students spend their summers working in prestigious locations like the Smithsonian Institution and the U.S. House of Representatives.

The Center for Environment and Society offers internships and fellowships in areas related to environmental protection and preservation. The Center works out of our Living Building Certified Semans-Griswold Hall which is a regional hub for hands-on research along the Chester River. CES oversees the 4,400-acre River and Field Campus and is home to the Chester River Watershed Observatory, and the Foreman’s Branch Bird Observatory.

Additionally, several on-campus organizations and opportunities also allow students to get hands-on experience in business and marketing fields. Members of the Brown Advisory Student-Managed Investment Fund get the chance to manage a real-world business portfolio worth more than $1M, while the Washington College chapter of the American Marketing Association provides future marketers with real-world case studies on which to build practical experience.

Through it all, the Center for Career Development focuses on helping all Washington College students build a future. Through the Center, students can secure internships, develop the resume and interview skills they need to thrive in the workplace upon graduation, and capitalize on the advice of expert career counselors.

The 2019 First Destinations Survey obtained information from 292 of the 314 members of the Class of 2019 regarding post-graduation activities. Results of the survey help us better understand the range of post-graduation experiences, along with top employers and graduate/professional schools. The survey provides students with an understanding of how academic majors can lead to various “first destinations� and career paths. 92% were either employed or continuing their education nine months after graduation.

92%

were either employed or continuing their education nine months after graduation.

24% (based on responses from 49% of employed graduates) obtained positions through alumni and faculty/staff connections.

1% HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONS

2% LAW SCHOOL

7%

1% STILL SEEKING

OTHER*

16%

CONTINUING EDUCATION

73%

EMPLOYED

16% reported obtaining positions through an internship, externship, or career-related event.

Employed graduates report

Percentages are rounded to the nearest whole number.

starting locations in 17 states, the District of Columbia, and

*Other is categorized as traveling, volunteering, deferring graduate school, working in temporary positions, or unpaid internships.

5 international locations: China, India, Israel, Japan, and Morocco.

UTILIZE YOUR RESOURCES We understand how complex the college search can be, especially right now. That’s why we want to help you fully understand all the tools available to you and your student during this journey. Visiting a college, whether in person or virtually, will allow your family a chance to gather information on the campus community, academics and resources in place for students. Don’t be afraid to take multiple looks at colleges, or to take advantage of the different formats colleges are sharing information through— there is a lot to take in during a first impression. Below are our top tips for making the most of your college search.

Drop Us a Line!

Many students don’t interact with a college until they submit an application. While there’s nothing wrong with waiting until an admission decision to schedule a visit, encouraging your student to reach out to the colleges that interest them most can give their application an edge if their counselor considers “demonstrated interest” in their final decision-making process.

Asking Questions The best thing you can do during a college visit is ask questions. From inquiries about the particulars of financial aid to broader questions about the campus community and values, no question is too strange or too small to ask. Admissions counselors, tour guides, and student ambassadors are always happy to help visitors find the information they need.

Some questions are obvious: What are the entry requirements? Does it have the right majors? Can my family afford it? Others are a little more personal: What do students do on the weekends? Will my student be able to pursue their hobbies on campus?

What resources are available for academic or social difficulties? The deeper you reach with these questions ahead of time, the more you will get out of any college visit.

Think about what you and your student want to take away from each experience you have with a college. Is your student curious about what is available to do outside of class? Are you wondering about what meals are served in the dining hall? Do you just want to know what the weather is like in the winter? Every question is important, and now is the time to have them answered. Does your student have lingering questions?

They can chat with a current student at washcoll.edu/askastudent about all their burning inquiries.

Is “Fit” Really That Important?

Sometimes a student’s decision on a college can be cryptic or unfathomable. We know how you feel. The teenage mind is beyond comprehension. If you’re having a hard time understanding your student’s judgment, ask them about their reasoning. Don’t be afraid to give it a few days before digging deeper: with a little extra time to think about it, your student’s “I don’t know, I just liked it” might become “I felt really comfortable

Visit checklist Here is a checklist of helpful tips and hints for your student to use for virtual and on-campus visits.

Get Acquainted with Admissions Find out everything you need to know about a college’s academics and admissions process: Take part in an admissions info session**.

Interview with an admissions counselor*.

Talk to current students about their favorite classes and professors*.

Learn the ins-and-outs of Financial Aid with a Financial Aid counselor*.

Talk with a professor who teaches classes that inspire you*.

Connect with Campus Get a feel for the college and see if student life meets your expectations: Go on a campus tour**.

Get a feel from current students about student life and campus activities.

Take a look at the residence halls*.

Visit all of the campus hubs: the library, career center, fitness center, etc.

Speak with coaches and team members of any sports you may play*.

Go off campus to find out more about the surrounding area.

Ask Away Here are a few questions that could help you get a feel for a college and its students: What are the top reasons to choose this college?

What is your favorite thing about this college?

What is your least favorite thing about this college?

What do you do for fun here?

What are the weekends like?

What made you choose this college in particular?

What are the best and worst things about living here? * These activities are only offered virtually at WC at this time, visit washcoll.edu/visit for the most up-to-date visit information. **Campus Tours and Information Sessions are available in-person and virtually at the time of print, visit washcoll.edu/ visit to learn about visiting WC in accordance with state and local government guidelines pertaining to COVID-19.

The Application Process How to Apply A COMPLETED APPLICATION No matter the college or the application, you should have these components on hand to ensure your student’s application is complete by the deadline: • High school transcript • SAT or ACT test scores, including subject tests if available • Letters of recommendation from a counselor and at least one teacher • An essay or personal statement of interest Additional components of a college application include relevant financial aid forms, such as the FAFSA, and optional components like interviews, where a student will meet one-on-one with a representative from the college and discuss their interests and goals.

TEST OPTIONAL ADMISSION AT WASHINGTON COLLEGE A growing number of colleges, including Washington College, offer students the chance to apply without requiring SAT or ACT scores. We believe that students with a strong record of academic performance should not be penalized by test results that are inconsistent with their grades. This test-optional application is designed to give a boost to students who are academically successful but don’t necessarily do well on standardized tests. Requirements vary from college to college; always check with your Admissions counselor to see what your student needs to provide!

All homeschool and international students are required to submit standardized exam scores (TOEFL/IELTS/SAT/ACT) and are not subject to WC’s Test Optional policy.

APPLICATION DEADLINES There are three separate types of application to colleges, with different deadlines and requirements. They are Early Decision, Early Action, and Regular Decision.

Early Decision Students who apply Early Decision make a commitment to attend their chosen college if they’re accepted. At Washington College, we recommend Early Decision for students who have done their research, thought it over, and know for sure that WC is their first choice. The Early Decision application deadline is November 15.

Early Action Unlike Early Decision, Early Action application is not binding. There’s no commitment, and no downside to applying early. Students who apply Early Action typically receive notification of acceptance much earlier than students who apply Regular Decision, and may receive priority consideration for scholarship and fellowship programs, depending on the school. The Early Action application deadline is December 1.

Regular Decision Regular Decision application is nonbinding, with a deadline that extends much longer than those for Early Decision and Early Action. The Regular Decision application deadline is February 15.

FINANCE FAQS Education is an investment. Here are some commonly asked questions about financing a liberal arts education at Washington College.

Acronym round up FAFSA—The Federal Application For Student Aid. Used to determine expected family contribution to the cost of education.

EFC—Expected Family Contribution.

How much a family is expected to contribute toward the cost of education before federal financial aid can be awarded.

HIPAA—Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act. Health information for college students over age 18 is protected by HIPAA, and a student must give Health Services permission before medical information can be released directly to a parent or guardian.

FERPA—The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act. FERPA protects student education records. A student must give Washington College permission before enrollment or academic information can be released directly to a parent or guardian.

What is the difference between merit and need-based funding?

In most cases, eligibility for a merit scholarship is determined by high school GPA or test scores. Need-based funding is determined by the FAFSA EFC and unmet need eligibility.

Does my family need to complete the FAFSA annually?

Yes, a new FAFSA must be submitted each year.

What are my family’s loan options?

The Federal Direct PLUS Loan Program allows parents of undergraduate students to borrow up to the full cost of attendance minus other financial aid. Many students are also eligible for federal education loans.

What are subsidized and unsubsidized loans?

Subsidized loans are made to students who demonstrate financial need. The U.S. Department of Education pays the interest of students who maintain half-time enrollment during their time at school.

Unsubsidized loans are made regardless of financial need. Students are responsible for all interest accrued while they are enrolled in school.

Are payment plans available?

Yes. Our monthly payment plan is an interest-free alternative to paying each semester in full.

Is there an enrollment deposit at Washington College?

The enrollment deposit of $700 can be paid by check, credit card, or wire transfer.

RESOURCES FOR PARENTS & GUARDIANS Family2Family With Family2Family, parents and guardians of new or prospective WC students can get the inside scoop on what to expect during this major step in the parenting process.

Have your questions answered by knowledgeable parents who are happy to help and support you as you learn the WC ropes. You can learn more about the Family2Family program at washcoll.edu/family2family.

Washington College Parents Facebook Page Join a social community of active Washington College parents, both past and present, for access to advice on everything from sending care packages to navigating WC’s online portals.

Financial Aid Staff When it comes to financial support, the Office of Student Financial Aid’s counselors are the best in the business. Let our experienced staffers guide you through the sometimes complex world of financing your student’s education.

To get in touch with Financial Aid, call 410-778-7214 or email fa_office@washcoll.edu

Your Admissions Counselor Don’t forget that your Washington College admissions counselor is always available to answer your questions and point you toward resources during the application and acceptance process! To speak to someone in Admissions, call 410-778-7700 or email wc_admissions@washcoll.edu.

Stay In The Know To request more information from Washington College, please visit washcoll. edu/parentinfo to be added to our mailing list and stay up to date on college happenings and deadlines.

Our Campus Campus Located in historic Chestertown, Maryland, Washington College’s 120-acre campus seamlessly blends the old with the new, from the red-brick pathways to the state-ofthe-art equipment in our Toll Science Center. A commitment to sustainability means that we’re always looking for new ways to reduce our carbon footprint and give back to the environment, whether by reducing waste in our Food Recovery Network and Back to Tap refillable water bottle program or providing new habitats through our Campus Garden’s Bee Campus USA Certification.

Waterfront Our location on the Chester River gives us invaluable access to the water, which we take full advantage of with our Waterfront Campus. The Boathouse houses our sailing and rowing teams, as well as recreational boats for our student body, and the new Semans-Griswold Environmental Hall will provide academic and lab spaces for handson environmental research.

RAFC Located just ten minutes from the main campus, our 4,700-acre River and Field Campus is an interdisciplinary living laboratory. Encompassing both pristine ecosystems and a working farm, the RAFC provides valuable field research access for a variety of academic programs.

Dorm Living Almost every incoming first-year student will live in a double room with a roommate.

Our residence halls range in size from 21 to 140+ residents, but each hall is equipped with laundry machines, lounges, wireless internet, cable, and secure entrances.

Students are allowed to bring a microwave, a fridge up to 4.4 cubic feet, and a TV.

The First-Year Student Experience All incoming first-year students are encouraged to complete an Orientation Explore! program, a short pre-orientation program designed to kickstart their understanding of Washington College academics and introduce them to a small group of their fellow students in advance of the coming year. Orientation Explore! gives students the chance to make friends in their year and begin building relationships before they even step foot in the classroom.

First-year students are assigned a peer mentor, an older student with the academic and interpersonal skills needed to help Washington College newcomers adapt to college life and academics.

Safety First Your student’s safety is important, even when you can’t be on campus to protect them. Protecting our students takes top priority at Washington College, with plenty of resources dedicated to ensuring that campus is a comfortable, safe, and healthy place to be.

The office of Health & Counseling Services provides physical and mental health care to all students on campus. Health Services offers byappointment health care for a variety of injuries and common medical conditions, as well as annual flu vaccinations and a “Self-Help Shelf” stocked with common first-aid and over-the-counter items that students can access without an appointment.

Additional medical care and after-hours emergency care are handled by the University of Maryland Shore Medical Center, located within quick walking distance of campus.

The office of Public Safety is committed to making campus a safe, friendly, and welcoming place for students. From issuing keys and ID cards to investigating safety concerns, patrolling campus, and supervising campus events, they are a fixture of the WC community. Public Safety is reachable immediately via emergency phones throughout campus. In addition, the WAC Alerts System provides students with real-time notification through text messages and emails.

An extensive Blue Light System across campus provides students with frequent, convenient points from which to contact security or police in an emergency.

The student-run Safe Ride program offers free and safe transportation on campus and throughout Chestertown to Washington College students. Operating every night, Safe Ride provides students with an alternative to walking or driving themselves.

Planning Your Day, Your Way What are you and your student hoping to get out of this college visit? Would you like a tour of campus? Information on financial aid? The chance to meet with team coaches or interview with our admissions counselors? Do you want to visit in person, virtually, or a combination? Virtual visits can be just as informative and valuable as in person visits, without the stress of travel. Whatever your needs, the Washington College admissions team will help you schedule a visit day that fills them. Learn more about customized campus visits at washcoll.edu/visit.

NEARBY AIRPORTS • Baltimore-Washington International (BWI) | 70 miles | 113 kilometers | 1 hour, 20 min.

• Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) | 76 miles | 122 kilometers | 1.5 hours • Dulles International Airport (IAD) | 106 miles | 171 kilometers | 2 hours Through our Fly-In Reimbursement Program, students who travel to campus are reimbursed the cost of half their plane ticket, up to $150, for one trip. Learn more at washcoll.edu/ride-or-fly.

Dress for the Weather Chestertown is located on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. We have a saying in Maryland: if you don’t like the weather, wait five minutes and it’ll change! Don’t forget to check the forecast before you come to campus (or ask your Admissions counselor for tips before you leave).

Explore Chestertown Founded in 1706 as a port town on the Chester River, Chestertown is a historic town with plenty of local interest. Browse the shops and galleries on High Street, pick up a coffee from Evergrain Bakery or Play It Again Sam’s, walk along the river, and enjoy everything we have to offer.

Downtown Lined with shops, galleries, and the workspaces of local artists, High Street is the focal point of Chestertown. Many shops offer discounts for Washington College students— just look for a sticker in the window!

First Friday The first Friday of each month, local shops, community organizations, and art galleries provide special programming and entertainment for Chestertown. The event is free, though special offers may not be.

Farmer’s Market Join the Chestertown community in Fountain Park for a weekly Farmer’s Market.

Running every Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon, March through November, the Farmer’s Market is a showcase of fresh local produce, baked goods, organizations, and handcrafts.

Lodging Chestertown is home to several excellent bed and breakfasts and local hotels, as well as a Courtyard Inn, Holiday Inn Express, and Quality Suites.

Visit for a complete list of accommodations available in Chestertown.

Help your student navigate the college selection process.

Simplify the search

parents:

Office of Admissions 300 Washington Avenue Chestertown, MD 21620