Applying to Willamette in 2022? This is a space for the members of the class of 2026 to post questions, comments or admissions stats and updates.
1 Like
I’ll answer my own question: D was admitted last night with a $24000 merit award!
GPA 3.94 UW, no test scores, good essay, average ECs. From California.
I’m very excited to visit Willamette–seems I’ve only heard good things!
9 Likes
We were surprised to get the decision, DD didn’t know it was coming out!
1 Like
DS admitted yesterday with 20k merit. GPA around 3.3, 33 ACT, good essay, average EC’s, also from California. We visited in October.
2 Likes
We were surprised and happy that my daughter got the $32,000 Trustee Scholarship and an extra $500 but I forget what it was called.
We recently visited and she liked it, but she would like to talk to someone from the music dept because that was her main EC and it’s important to her that she keeps it up in college.
We plan on attending one of the admitted student days—it’s nice to have this acceptance early!
1 Like
Did anyone else’s student get the nice surprise from Willamette today? (if not, you will soon, we are in PNW so mail is fast).
I have to say, this is my third go-round with the college process and I was extremely impressed with not only the “bling” but the personalized note from her admissions officer. If it were based on that alone, it would be Willamette all the way (not to mention that I think “Bearcats” is a nice mascot haha. All the “dumb” reasons to pick a college, right?
Agreed, we likely got same package and it was appreciated.
1 Like
Having trouble responding…
My daughter is involved with music. What does she want to know? The teachers are nice. The ensembles are smaller than our high school ones and not as good. They need more students to go out for them, I think. Not sure why people don’t. They seem fun and they pick good music. My daughter wants to get her cinematic mini symphony going if others want to get that started with her… She arranged music for that in high school and enjoyed it. No pep band this year that my daughter could find. 
But she is in chamber, orchestra, band and jazz band.
4 Likes
Thank you for this discussion!
My D also received a very generous package last week with merit aid. It was exciting, as this is one of her top choice schools. She has asked me not to share specifics but she is an honors student from Cali with quite a bit of leadership, glowing letters of rec and extracurriculars.
The common app bolstered her GPA higher than the UC/CSU apps, because it included her freshmen and senior year grades. Now that she has this merit offer, the price is comparable to Cali public schools. Perhaps that is intentional on their part?
Last year we talked about her applying to some “higher academic schools” (whatever that means to people) but decided against it because the chances of merit aid are so low. Do parents and students feel that the name of the school will honestly offer a better education and that they are willing to pay full price for that? We couldn’t justify it ourselves.
Willamette seems like the perfect fit for her for several reasons, given her specific interests, the many teacher awards, a LAC education, walkability, friendly environment, and now the cost. For those that don’t know, they have also reduced their tuition by 20% this year.
I would like to hear from others the reasons not to consider W, because it seems wonderful. I’m starting to think that even if she gets into her choice UCs, a smaller school education at a matched price must be the way to go.
6 Likes
Has your daughter visited? We have not, but are trying to work in a visit over spring break. Willamette sounds like a wonderful school, but I could see that some kids might think it’s too small. Depends on the kid, of course! I do know a current senior who has been thrilled with her experience thus far, and is sad that it is coming to an end.
Edited: sorry @raincat this was not directed to you, but for @Casey2022 !
2 Likes
Hi,
Yes, we did have a visit and liked the campus. Everyone was very friendly and supportive also. We liked that you can easily walk around the campus and the neighboring town. There is a train station close by, however the airports are in Portland and Eugene. It might be worth looking to see if the train from Salem goes close to your residence. For us, it does.
The school is also next to several government offices, including the state Capitol. We found that most other LACs we visited were in residential neighborhoods and quite isolated from cities. Perhaps some students prefer that and feel it’s more safe.
It is a small school and for students that want a larger college/social experience, big parties, televised sporting events, etc, then W and most LACs won’t be for them. We have spoken with several families that have attended W and heard mostly positive things, especially for those interested in the Japanese exchange program. They also have a large garden/plot of land for those that want to intern there.
2 Likes
We are seriously considering W over UC’s. We were given very generous merit as well. We are chasing merit because D has plans to attend grad school. So graduating without debt is key.
Off topic, we have an oral surgeon who did their undergrad at W and then wend to Harvard for their DMD and MPH. Then to UCSF for their MD. Is a proud W alum.
4 Likes
Anyone going to Bearcat Day? We tried to register for April 1, but it’s already full!
1 Like
We might have to cancel our April 1 Bearcat day so you should get on the waitlist!
We are going to Bearcat Day during our spring break. We will be going to the April 15th one.
2 Likes
We signed up for the waitlist–maybe we’ll get your spot!
2 Likes
My daughter and I are attending on that date from San Diego. First time in Oregon for both of us.
1 Like
Wow! Any idea how many spots there are? I hope they can squeeze you in!
I have no idea how many spots there are, but I was surprised that it was full! D is off school that day and doesn’t want to miss school for these college events, so that’s really the only one that works for her.
1 Like