Admissions

Getting Accepted to Your College

It's time to start planning the best direction for you!

Factors to Consider and Discuss

Location:

Distance from home, weather, urban or rural, etc.

Programs Available/School Focus:

Are there programs or majors offered here that aren't available at other colleges?

Public vs. Private:

A public university’s tuition is subsidized by the state government, so it can sometimes be cheaper.

Secular vs. Religious:

You don’t have to be religious to go to a religious college and you don’t have to go to a religious college to study religion. Some might require attendance at religious services.

Diversity:

The types of cultures, languages, and people represented on the campus or community.

Size:

Number of students, campus size, city population, etc.

In-state vs. Out-of-state:

In-state tuition at public schools is usually cheaper than tuition at out-of-state public schools.

Cost:

Don't let the listed cost of attendance stop you from applying. The amount you pay depends on a financial aid package, which is offered after you are accepted.

Selectivity:

How competitive is it to get in? How many new students do they accept each year?

4-year vs. 2-year college:

Community colleges offer 2-year degrees with a path to transfer to a 4-year school.

Mythbuster

MYTH:

There is only one perfect college for me.

FACT:

There are probably many colleges that would be good fit for you. The bottom line is that you want to choose a college that you will enjoy being at for the next few years, offers the programs you might be interested in studying, and is located in an area that will allow you to grow socially and academically. Doing your research will decrease your stress and allow you to have a positive college experience.________________________________________

Sources: UW Dream Project

Apply to at least three: Reach, Solid, and Safety

Reach – You might not get in, but it’s worth applying because you really want to go.
Solid – You’re a competitive applicant and will likely be accepted.
Safety – You’ll definitely get accepted, and it’s a backup in case the others don’t work out.

Get Organized!

Start making a list of colleges that you are interested in. What are their admissions deadlines, scholarship opportunities and financial aid deadlines? Make a calendar to make sure you give yourself plenty of time.

Washington College deadlines for public schools are here
Process of applying and common terms here
Admissions process for a 2 year college here
Admissions process for a 4 year college here

Need HELP? The Career & College Readiness (CCR) Center and the Counseling Center are here to help with any questions you may have.

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