Navigating College Admission: The Important Role of Families - Willamette University
NAVIGATING COLLEGE ADMISSION The Important Role of Families
“ Willamette University is far away from the East Coast prestige machine in both geography and philosophy. It’s a place where you will grow, if you take advantage of the university’s abundant offerings and active community.”
– Colleges That Change Lives
Willamette University is a private liberal arts college located in Salem, Oregon, right across the street from the State Capitol. As the first university in the west, we have a tradition of focusing on the future. The future is innovative. It is interdisciplinary. We strive to prepare our students for a rapidly changing world by encouraging them to think outside the box, to explore new academic paths. Willamette has been guiding future leaders and insightful thinkers since 1842. We will be proud to help your student realize their full potential and make their mark on the world.
WHY WILLAMETTE?
We are focused on providing an educational experience that can only be found here. A Willamette education offers flexibility for students who aspire to do it all and for those whose goals are more specific.
As a liberal arts university, we provide space for students to pursue their varied interests, knowing that modern careers often rely on diverse skills and outside-the-box thinking.
WHAT IS A LIBERAL ARTS UNIVERSITY?
A liberal arts university promotes a multifaceted education where students develop the skills and knowledge to become leaders in work and life. The curriculum isn’t rigidly and narrowly focused. Here, students are encouraged to explore the intersections between disciplines and become critical thinkers. This often manifests as taking classes in departments outside one’s major, getting involved with student-run organizations and clubs, or pursuing passion projects through research.
“The safe campus setting with expansive extracurricular and academic opportunities has made Willamette a great choice for our son.” —Todd Olson ’86
THE WILLAMETTE ADVANTAGE
Our location is one of our greatest assets. Where a student goes to school affects what they learn and at Willamette, we incorporate the surrounding area into learning opportunities. With immediate access to the Pacific Northwest’s lush natural environment, Oregon’s center of government, historical archives, and local businesses, Salem provides many meaningful ways to connect with the world. Internship opportunities with Salem’s museums, government offices, and Salem Hospital encourage students to consider their impact on their community and the world at large. Campus is a mere hour away from the coast and Mt. Hood as well as the cultural and industrial center of Portland, offering further opportunities to learn and grow.
ONLY THE BEST
Top-of-the-line studios, labs, and equipment facilitate in-depth learning and prepare students for modern careers. From our microscopy classroom equipped with Leica DM2500 compound microscopes to our state-of-the-art recording studio, Willamette’s campus is designed to give your student the resources to pursue their dreams.
Willamette faculty members have been named Oregon’s Professor of the Year a record 11 times, a distinction our faculty has earned by acting as mentors, offering one-on-one support, and providing opportunities for undergraduates to join them in their research, writing, and other scholarly work.
A NATURAL LEARNING RESOURCE
Willamette’s 305-acre outdoor laboratory in Zena Forest offers students a unique space to conduct research and find artistic inspiration. Outdoor programs give students a chance to explore the surrounding area, learn about the natural environment, and build connections with their peers.
THEIR HOME AWAY FROM HOME
“Sending our daughter halfway across the country was nervewracking, to say the least, but we’ve been so happy with the safety of the Willamette campus and the Salem area, both of which are small enough to have a real sense of community where people look out for each other.”
—Traci Giuliano
SALEM
The Willamette campus is located in the heart of downtown Salem, right across the street from the State Capitol. The surrounding area is highly walkable and boasts restaurants, coffee shops, vintage stores, and theaters so students don’t have to travel far to feel connected to their community. A few blocks away, Salem’s Saturday farmer’s market runs from spring to fall, allowing students to engage with local farmers and craftspeople.
ON-CAMPUS HOUSING
Willamette requires students to live on campus for their first two years. Studies show that living on campus correlates to higher GPAs, a higher retention rate, and graduating sooner.
The benefits of living with a roommate include feeling more connected and engaged, improved social skills, and easing the transition into a new environment. Students are assigned to one of Willamette’s 11 residence halls based on their year and number of roommates they
will have. While some students will live on campus throughout their four years at Willamette, those who move into the community find ample rental houses and apartments available in close proximity to campus.
Our flexible dining plans can accommodate various dietary needs and feature locally and sustainably sourced seasonal food.
PRIORITIZING WELLNESS
When students feel their best, they do their best. That’s why we take a comprehensive view of our students’ well-being by offering services and resources related to physical and mental health through the Bishop Wellness Center on campus.
WILLAMETTE IS A JED CAMPUS
This means that we have adopted a program that is designed to support emotional health and makes efforts to prevent substance abuse and suicide. We are committed to the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of our students and to that end, we are proud to provide numerous resources to help them live their best lives on campus.
STUDENT RESOURCES
Physical Wellness
Bearcat Pantry
Bishop Health Services
Healthy Cooking Classes
Intramural Recreation
Student Health Insurance
Exercise Classes
Outdoor Program
Willamette Emergency Medical Services
Mental Health & Wellness
Counseling Services
UWill Online Therapy
Mind Spa
Mental, Social, & Emotional
Wellness
Gender Resource and Advocacy Center
Sexual Assault Response Advocates
Lift Up! Program
Confidential Advocate
Trans/Gender Identity Exploration
Support Space
Many of Willamette’s student-led organizations support the social, emotional, and cultural wellness of their members. And there’s always room for more!
Alianza
Asian Coalition for Equality
Black Student Union
Buddhist Student Association
Campus Ambassadors
Disability Advocacy Club
Fraternity and Sorority Life
Hawai’i Club
Intervarsity Christian Fellowship
Jewish Student Union
Native and Indigenous Student Union
Neurodivergent Student Union
Non Traditional Student Union
Queer Student Union
Sinophone Cultural Association
Student Athlete Advisory Committee
HELPING FIRST-GENERATION STUDENTS THRIVE
More than one fifth of Willamette students are the first in their family to attend college. We are proud to welcome our first-generation students by providing resources to support them, and their families, as they begin their college journey.
of Willamette students are the first in their families to attend college. 21 %
“As parents it is reassuring that Willamette University cares about our daughter and is invested in her success. Willamette has been the best choice she could have made!” —Brian and Peggy Sawyer
FIRST-GEN RESOURCES
The First-Generation Book Drive is a student-driven initiative that aims to reduce financial stress on firstgen students by facilitating donations of textbooks and class supplies.
The First in Family Reception is part of our new student orientation to welcome first-generation students and their families to the Willamette community and provide an opportunity for them to ask questions and connect with other families.
Internship Funds offer financial support to students while they pursue meaningful work experiences to complement their classroom learning.
The FirstGen & Juice Lunch is an event sponsored by the Office of Career Development for first-generation students to build community and share experiences.
Our Renjen/Deloitte Pathways Program Career Advisor supports first-generation students as they explore majors, internships, and career possibilities.
WORKING TOGETHER TOWARD A SAFE LEARNING ENVIRONMENT
It is our mission to provide our students with a safe place to learn. The Office of Campus Safety provides a variety of services that promote safe practices in the Willamette community and educate both students and staff about personal safety. These are just a few of the services we provide to give students and their families peace of mind so they can worry less and focus on what matters.
STUDENT RESOURCES
Safety escorts
Escorts are available on campus and up to two blocks off campus.
Vehicle assistance
Campus safety officers can help with a number of quick fixes related to vehicles such as jump starts and tire changes.
Welfare checks
If a student is concerned about the safety of a friend or neighbor, campus safety will conduct a welfare check.
WEMS
Willamette University Emergency Medical Services is a professional EMS agency that provides quick response emergency care on campus and in the surrounding area.
Emergency phones
Campus safety officers are available 24/7 through our campus 911 number and can also be contacted using the blue-light emergency phones located on campus.
TRANSPORTATION
SafeRide program
Students can show their Willamette ID to use a SafeRide through Lyft or Yellow Cab.
Bicycle registration
Students can register a bike for free, receive an identifying sticker, and receive a free bike lock to help prevent theft.
A QUALITY EDUCATION IS WITHIN REACH
Education should be accessible. We are dedicated to helping our students and their families understand the cost of college and navigate their financial aid options.
FINANCIAL AID OPPORTUNITIES
All applicants are automatically considered for merit-based scholarships and all those offered admission will be guaranteed an award of $25,000-$33,000 per year.
Merit-based scholarships are automatically renewed each year. Scholarships can be stacked with other forms of financial aid including grants, loans, competitive scholarships, outside scholarships, and student employment.
FINANCIAL AID FACTS
Tuition and fees: willamette.edu/go/tuition
• Average Merit Scholarship: $27,200 (award range $22,000-$32,000)
• Average Total Financial Aid Offer (including merit scholarship, grants and loans): $44,005
• $42 million in scholarships awarded annually
• 100% of students receive financial aid
• 100% of Willamette competitive scholarships and outside awards may be stacked on top of Willamette awards
• 100% of students are eligible for on campus jobs
• Willamette encourages all families, regardless of expected family contribution, to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as soon as it is available
• Averages are for first-time first-year students beginning at Willamette for the fall 2023 semester
PRICE DOES NOT EQUAL PRESTIGE
At Willamette, we strive to make a quality education affordable through scholarships and need-based aid. Allow us to answer your family’s questions about the cost of college. Learn more at: willamette.edu/go/scholarships
INVEST IN THE FUTURE
90% of Willamette students say their professors are engaging and easy to understand, meaning they develop the foundation they need to be competitive in the job market. This is why Willamette alums are among the top earners in the state of Oregon.
38,125 Willamette alumni worldwide provide the vital industry connections and generous support that make our significant merit-based aid possible.
The Office of Career Development’s staff of ten specialized career coaches and advisors will help your student build networking skills, connect with mentors, and discern their career pathway.
“As a former professor myself, I’ve seen many parents ask, ‘What am I getting for my money?’ In my daughter’s case, Willamette University has answered confidently: “A socially conscious, wellinformed, knowledgeable critical thinker who is poised to make an impact in the world.”
—Alan Swinkels
GRADUATE PLACEMENTS
We are proud to see so many of our students go on to achieve great things after graduation. Whether they choose to pursue a graduate education or dive straight into the job market, Willamette students are competitive candidates who have secured places at many of the nation’s top institutions and companies.
ENTER THE WORKFORCE SOONER INCREASE EARNING POTENTIAL
Dual degree programs in law, computer science, data science, and business allow students to complete both their undergraduate and graduate degrees in less time. In their senior year, they will finish their Bachelor’s Degree and begin working toward their MBA, law degree, or master’s in data science or computer science, allowing them to start their career a full year sooner, saving both time and tuition.
• Amazon
• AmeriCorps
• Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation
• Boston University
• Brown University
• Cambia Health Solutions
• Columbia University
• Getty Research Institute
• Georgetown University
• Google
• Harvard University
• Intel Corporation
• Microsoft
• Native American Rights Fund
• National Renewable Energy Laboratory
• Nike
• Oregon State Capitol
• Smithsonian Institute
• Stanford University
• The Walt Disney Company
• U.S. Bank
• University of Glasgow
• Yale University
WHAT CAN YOU DO TO HELP YOUR STUDENT?
Have a direct conversation with your student about their college search. Support the development of the list of colleges they plan to apply to, but don’t write the list for them. Remember, this is their college search. It is important that they pursue the colleges that meet their needs.
Listen to your student and consider what you know about them as a person and learner. Don’t worry about what you hear from other parents, family members, or neighbors. Your student’s college search should be unique to them.
Every part of the application should be completed by the student. Don’t be tempted to write or alter any part of your student’s work. Admissions counselors want to see the applicant’s voice and ability come through in the way they complete the application. You can help by proofreading for spelling and grammatical errors.
Have a conversation with your student about which teachers might be the best choices for recommendation letters. You can help them think about who has helped them grow, who has seen them develop in an area of strong academic interest, and who knows them best.
Support your student by encouraging campus visits. It can be an investment of time, money, and energy to visit colleges, but at some point in the process it is critical to do so. Your willingness to join a campus visit, to listen along with your student, and to give honest and supportive feedback will be important to their ultimate college choice.
Remind your student of the importance of connecting with their admissions counselor. The college search is a time of forming relationships with an institution, and it often involves both asking and responding to questions. Help your student to understand the value of engaging with university staff throughout the process.
Application and financial aid deadlines are important and it is the responsibility of your student to make sure they get things done on time. You can help them stay on track and even stay ahead of deadlines with calm, kind reminders.
APPLICATION REVIEW
Willamette uses the Common Application and Coalition with Scoir, and there is never a fee to apply.
We consider all aspects of the application - courses, grades, activities, essay, and letters of recommendation when making both the admission and merit scholarship decisions. It is important to present a carefully prepared and thorough application to maximize your chances for admission and aid.
Submitting SAT or ACT scores is completely optional for both admission and aid.
An admission interview is not required but highly recommended. This relaxed conversation with an admissions counselor allows the student to ask questions and helps the counselor to better understand the applicant. Interviews can be arranged on campus or virtually.
The admissions counselor is a resource for the student and parent and can be contacted with questions at any time throughout the application process.
VISIT OUR CAMPUS!
See for yourself what makes Willamette a great place to learn, and get all your questions answered in the process. Make a reservation for an in-person visit or or take a virtual tour on our website. Whether you and your student visit in person or virtually, you will have the opportunity to meet oneon-one with an admission counselor and chat with current Willamette students. Let your student experience what it is like to be a Bearcat!
Visit: willamette.edu/go/visit
LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
We are gathered on the land of the Kalapuya, who today are represented by the Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde and the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians, whose relationship with this land continues to this day. We offer gratitude for the land itself, for those who have stewarded it for generations, and for the opportunity to study, learn, work, and be in community on this land. We acknowledge that our University’s history, like many others, is fundamentally tied to the first colonial developments in the Willamette Valley. Finally, we respectfully acknowledge and honor past, present, and future Indigenous students of Willamette.
