Information for High School Counselors 2023-2024

Bearcat Counselor Connection

ESSENTIAL UPDATES

What's New

New School of Computing & Information Sciences (SCIS)

Inaugurated in May, the SCIS is set to revolutionize tech education in the region. Willamette’s SCIS proudly offers both undergraduate and graduate programs in data science and computer science. This includes the popular 3+1 BS/MS in Data Science. Coming in 2024, Willamette will introduce a new Master’s in Computer Science program, designed for students without a tech background. With nine full-time core faculty, Willamette is set to onboard three more within the next year. Visit willamette.edu/computing for more information.

Simplified Application Process

We’ve joined the Coalition for College. Students can now apply using Coalition with Scoir in addition to the Common Application. Applying to Willamette remains test-optional and absolutely free.

What's Distinct

Unrivaled Faculty Achievements

The excellence of our faculty is undeniable. They’ve clinched Oregon’s “Professor of the Year” title a staggering 11 times — a record in itself.

Strategic Location

Located in Oregon’s bustling second-largest city, our campus positions students at the nexus of employment, internships, and vast opportunities. With proximity to the State Capitol, Salem Health Hospital, and the city’s vibrant core, our students are truly at the center of it all.

Empowering Career Support

With a dedicated team of over twelve professionals, Willamette’s Office of Career Development ensures students turn their knowledge into action. Through enriching co-curricular activities and hands-on professional experiences, we pledge that each Willamette student will engage in an internship, research initiative, or study abroad program before they graduate.

Fast Facts

1,337 Undergraduate enrollment

11:1 student to faculty ratio

20% first generation college students

86% test optional applicants

22% PELL eligible

72% students from out of state

11 countries represented

37 states represented

12 average class size

31% students of color

Most Common Degrees by Major (2021-2022)

Biology, Civic Communication and Media, Economics, English, Environmental Science, Exercise and Health Science, History, Politics Policy Law & Ethics, Psychology, and Sociology

View all majors and academic programs at: willamette.edu/go/all-majors

Priority Deadlines

Nov. 15 Early Action/Early Decision

Feb. 1 Regular Decision

May 1 Enrollment Deposit

Application Requirements

• Common Application or Coalition with Scoir Application

• Application Essay and Willamette Supplement Questions

• Official High School Transcript

• School Report and Counselor Recommendation

Optional Application Materials

• School Profile

• Teacher Recommendation (encouraged)

• SAT/ACT Scores

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.

Prior College Credit

Willamette accepts up to 32 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 $22,000 per year and are awarded to all students at the point of admission. They can be combined with competitive scholarship awards in Art, Debate, Music, STEM, Theatre, Public Health, Environmental Science, and Data Science.

Willamette only utilizes the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). For 2024 entry, need-based aid will be awarded in late February for students filing their FAFSA once it becomes available in mid-December.

Find more information about competitive scholarships at: willamette.edu/go/competitive-scholarships

Connect with Us

We welcome counselors to engage with us throughout the year when time permits.

Virtual Programs

During the school year, we host hour-long programs specifically for counselors. Check out this year’s programs and sign up online through our counselor page, linked below.

• Sept. 13 - Partnering with Parents, Guardians, and Support Networks

• Nov. 8 - Financial Aid Updates for Counselors

• Feb. 13 - Health Careers & Medical School 101

• Mar. 19 - What We've Seen from ChatGPT

Visit Campus

We offer three daily visit opportunities each featuring 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.

Haven’t visited in a while? We’ll also cover one night of lodging at The Grand Hotel in downtown Salem.

Find more information for counselors at: willamette.edu/go/for-counselors