Bearcat Counselor CONNECTION
WHAT’S NEW
NEW ACADEMIC PROGRAMS
This fall, we’ll officially launch the following academic programs: Industrial Engineering
Among the fastest growing occupations, Industrial Engineering focuses on how people interact with systems. Industrial engineers must understand people, culture, and systems - skills already embedded in a liberal arts education. Housed within our School of Computing and Information Sciences, and including courses from business, mathematics, and the natural sciences, students will complete a Bachelor of Science degree in just four years. This exciting new major is fully accredited with the addition of ABET accreditation to follow the first graduating cohort in 2027. Musical Theatre
Our new Musical Theatre major offers students a well-rounded, performance-driven curriculum in the context of Willamette’s liberal arts environment. Students will receive in-depth training in music theory, vocal technique, and musicianship through our music department. In acting courses, they will emphasize character development, stage presence, audition preparation, and the unique storytelling style of musical theatre. Through dance training, students study musical theatre dance styles, movement, and performance techniques.
Dual Degree - Willamette BA/BS & PNCA MA/MFA
Our latest 3+2 dual degree program offers Willamette College students a truly unique path that embraces a liberal arts education and deepens skills in visual arts or creative studies. Students may choose from any undergraduate major at Willamette College in
Salem. During the junior year, students will apply to one of three graduate programs at Pacific Northwest College of Art (PNCA) in Portland:
• MA in Critical Studies: Gain skills in analytics, research, writing, communication, and critical analysis while learning from prominent artists and scholars.
• MFA in Visual Studies: Students can choose to focus on one medium or explore mediums to refine, expand, and develop their creative practice.
• MFA in Print Media: Through our facilities, students can access equipment to hone skills related to bookmaking, lithography, screen printing, and more.
WILLAMETTE CAREER CENTER
Opening this fall, our new Career Center is the final step in our multi-year expansion of career services.
Relocated to the first floor of the Putnam University Center, this $2 million, donor-funded project will be a professional hub for students seeking to leverage their Willamette education into meaningful and high-impact careers. This stunning new space will feature advising offices, private, reservable conference rooms, and community spaces that will enhance existing and expanded career programming.
Already more extensive than many of our peer institutions, Willamette’s career development program boasts more staff per student than many large institutions. Our new Director of Employer Engagement will focus on internship and job development and employer partnerships.
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View all majors and academic programs at: go.willamette.edu/all-majors
NOV. 1
EARLY ACTION/ EARLY DECISION
JAN. 15
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
• Common Application or Coalition with Scoir Application
• Application Essay and Willamette Supplement Questions
• Official High School Transcript
• School Report and Counselor Recommendation
• No Application Fee
OPTIONAL APPLICATION MATERIALS
• School Profile
• Teacher Recommendation (encouraged)
• SAT/ACT Scores
• Admissions Interview
We encourage all applicants who are able to meet with an admissions counselor through an admissions interview. These informal conversations provide an excellent opportunity for an applicant to discuss their interest in Willamette and provide more context to any aspect of their application. Interviews may be held on-campus, during our recruitment travel, and virtually.
INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS
• Proof of English Proficiency
• Passport Photo Identification Page
• Financial Guarantee Statement
WILLAMETTE HAS BEEN TEST OPTIONAL SINCE 2017
Shared SAT/ACT scores serve as an additional credential to help us understand the applicant as a whole and cannot negatively impact an applicant’s merit aid. Transcripts, course rigor, essay, activities list, and recommendations are the most important indicators of admissibility and merit awarding.
Students may submit self-reported or unofficial scores to complete their application. For all enrolling students, we require submission of official test scores either on the final high school transcript or from the College Board or ACT.
AI GENERATED WRITING, INCLUDING CHATGPT
While Willamette understands that the use of AI programs, such as ChatGPT, are tools that can be helpful in the writing process, an applicant should not submit an essay in which any portion of the writing has been generated by anyone except the individual applicant. Use of AI to organize an outline or basic list of ideas at the preliminary stage of the writing process is acceptable; use of anyone’s wording, thoughts, grammar or written work in essay form – AI or human – other than that of the applicant is strongly discouraged. Applicants determined to have utilized AI beyond an acceptable limit are likely to be denied admission.
REGULAR DECISION ENROLLMENT DEPOSIT
PRIOR COLLEGE CREDIT
MAY 1
Willamette accepts up to 32 semester credits (equivalent to one year) for first-year students who’ve completed college-level courses through dual-enrollment or earned a qualifying score on AP or IB HL exams.
SCHOLARSHIPS & FINANCIAL AID
Merit-based scholarships start at $28,000 per year and are awarded to all students at the point of admission. Merit aid is based on materials submitted on the application, including demonstrated academic achievement (grades and rigor in context of the student and school), writing, and extracurricular activities.
Admitted international students are guaranteed an International Student Grant of $48,000.
All merit-based and competitive scholarships can be stacked with awards from outside organizations. All students are eligible for on-campus employment.
Willamette only utilizes the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). We encourage all students to submit the FAFSA when it becomes available October 1. The offer of need-based financial aid will be sent along with the offer of admission if a student’s FAFSA is on file at that time. Students should include their Social Security Number (SSN) on their application for admission to avoid delays in the financial aid process.
VISIT CAMPUS
Each of our three daily visit opportunities feature an information session and student-led campus tour. Let us know you’re going to be in the area, and we’ll also ensure time to talk after your tour on any specific questions you have about Willamette.
For counselors who haven’t visited within the last three years, we’ll also cover one night of lodging at The Grand Hotel in downtown Salem. Students within two years of enrollment are eligible for up to $500 in reimbursement of travel expenses.
CONTACT US
Office of Admissions Willamette University 900 State St Salem, OR 97301 bearcat@willamette.edu 844-BEARCAT 503-370-6303
Find your admission counselor at go.willamette.edu/meet-our-team
