features
Freshman
for students who have not enrolled in college course work after high schoolFrequently Asked Questions
Applying to Western...
Getting to know Western and Bellingham...
Should I apply online?
Whatever is most comfortable for you, works for us. Over 90% of our applicants find the online application to be most convenient as you can edit it and you don’t have to worry about how legible your printing is. The online application is available at http://admissions.wwu.edu/apply/, or you can email us to request a paper application. Regardless of how you apply, we encourage you to keep a copy of your completed application for your records.
What does the Admissions Committee look for when reviewing my application?
You know there is much more to you than your GPA and test scores, and so do we. Obviously, your academic performance – including grades, grade trends, the types of courses you’ve taken, and how much you pushed yourself – should be, and is, important. At the same time, we know that other factors can have an impact on academic achievement.
We also know that Western would be BORING if GPA and test scores were all that we cared about. What you do in or for your community, how you spend your time outside of school, what other talents you bring to campus, how you challenge yourself, and what makes you different than the person sitting next to you, can also influence the decision on your application. We are looking for students who want to be actively involved in their learning and in the Western community.
Do SAT or ACT test scores have to be sent directly from the testing agency, and how important are test scores in the application review?
While most students request for their scores to be sent to Western at the time they register for the test, you can also have your high school send them with your transcript. To be received on time, you should take the test at least six weeks before the application deadline. Since Western only uses your highest scores, you don’t need to worry about "screening" your scores before you have them sent. We want your application to be as strong as it can be, so we don’t even look at weaker scores if you take the test more than once.
And, no, we do not prefer one test over the other.
Finally, test scores are not nearly as important in the application review as most students may think. Your academic record and what you have accomplished in and out of the classroom are much more helpful in the application review.
Testing agency contact information can be found at:
- Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT I)
- College Board/SAT, Box 6201, Princeton, NJ 08541-6201
- Phone 609.771.7600 -- TDD 609.882.4118
- FAX 609.771.7681
- WWU Institutional Code: 4947
- www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/sat/scores/sending.html
- American College Test (ACT)
- ACT Records, PO Box 451, Iowa City, IA 52243
- Phone 319.337.1313
- WWU Institutional Code: 4490
- www.act.org/aap/scores/
How does Western use the writing section of the SAT and ACT?
Whether you loved it or didn’t quite see the point, you don’t need to worry about it this year. Instead, we rely on the personal essay you submit with the application to get a sense of your writing skills, and more important, to get to know you. If you didn’t do as well on the writing section of the test, this gives you a new opportunity to let your writing shine. If you did great on that section, chances are you’ll do just as well (or even better) on your personal essay.
Do you accept the "Common Application"?
No, but we've got something that's equally helpful. Like many other schools, Western uses CollegeNet/ApplyWeb for our online application. This means that you can use the same account login and password for Western as you use for University of Washington, Washington State University, Central Washington University, Evergreen State College, University of Puget Sound, Pacific Lutheran University, Whitman College, and many others across the country. When you use the same account login and password, common aspects of the applications get filled in automatically.
What about the cumulative senior project or the Washington state WASL?
At this point, neither the senior project or the WASL is considered in the admissions process. That said, we encourage you to put your best foot forward in everything you do, and make the most of all of your educational opportunities.
If Running Start students are considered freshmen, does that mean my college credits won't transfer?
No. Any transferable college credit you earned while also fulfilling high school requirements will be considered in transfer to Western. To receive credit, it is the student's responsibility to ensure that Western receives their official transcripts. The same policies and restrictions regarding the acceptance of transfer credit will apply.
What should I expect after I apply for admission?
- If you apply online you will receive an acknowledgement email within an hour of successfully submitting the application and payment of the application fee.
- If you apply online or on paper you will receive an email within 3-7 working days after we receive your application. This email will include your student number (Western ID) and instructions on how to check your application status online using the Application Status website. This website will list the items we've received, as well as any missing items needed to make your application complete. This website will not display your decision.
- You will be notified in writing of an admissions decision. While some students are notified earlier, the majority of decisions are made within four weeks after the application deadline. Fall applicants who apply early may receive a decision as early as December 1st and no later than mid-April.
When should I apply for admission and financial aid? Do you have an application timeline to keep me organized?
These next few months can be busy while you're juggling all your responsibilties as well as applying to college. Here is a timeline to help you stay organized and to let you know when you will hear from us again.
Am I required to live on campus as a freshman?
No, you are not required to live on campus. But, it's definitely recommended for first-year students. Not only does it make it easier to meet new people and to take advantage of all that campus has to offer, but living on-campus makes it easier to focus on academics as you have someone to cook your food, clean your bathrooms, and keep you informed. We can pretty much guarantee you won't have it so good off-campus.
Western's residence halls are among the nicest in the country – including great facilities, tremendous choice, a spectacular location, and a very welcoming community. On-campus housing is available to all interested students, including 92% of the freshman class and nearly 4,000 students overall. Many freshmen choose to stay on campus as sophomores, juniors and even seniors as it just is comfortable, convenient, and fun.
Priority for selecting where on campus you want to live is determined by the date we receive your application for admission.
How can I get departmental information in my area of interest?
Visit departmental websites or check out our major guides, which provide an excellent overview of each major and the courses required to earn a degree. You can also reference our online course catalog.
I am afraid that I will not be able to afford to attend Western.
Western is committed to helping reduce the cost of attendance for students who cannot afford full tuition, on-campus housing and meals, books, and related expenses. Students who submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by Western’s priority financial aid deadline of February 15th are considered for need-based aid in the form of grants, tuition waivers, work-study employment, and loans.
Nearly 85% of low and lower middle income students - as determined by the FAFSA - who are Washington residents that applied for financial aid generally are awarded need-based grants, waivers, and scholarships that exceeded the full cost of tuition and fees. These grants and waivers are free money, meaning they do not need to be repaid. The remaining grants, waivers, scholarships, on-campus employment and loans help cover additional expenses such as housing, meals, books, and related expenses.
Western recognizes that affordability is also a concern for middle income families. Partial tuition waivers, loans, student employment, and scholarships help these families to reduce the cost of attendance as well.
How easy is it to find a job while I am a student?
The Center for Student Work Experience helps work-study and non work-study students find jobs both on and off campus. Well over 3,000 students hold jobs in a variety of different areas on campus. Some examples of student jobs are web page designers, computer programmers, food services, departmental assistants, Residential Advisors, student advisors, kayak guides, and grounds crew.
Where is Bellingham and what is it like?
A coastal city of 75,000, Bellingham is located 55 miles south of Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; and 90 miles north of Seattle. Our location between two major cities provides easy access for national and international visiting artists, scholars, and touring groups. The local music scene and arts community are great, with many places for live music, performances, and art. On and off-campus theatre and other performance opportunities are abundant, including the Up-Front Theater, owned by internationally known improv comedian Ryan Stiles.
The San Juan islands and Bellingham Bay lie directly to the west; Mt. Baker and the North Cascade mountain range are less than an hour east. Bellingham is the only city in Washington and Oregon to be designated a Trail Town USA by the American Hiking Society. In addition, Bellingham has also been rated nationally as one of the top 10 places to live for people in their 20s.
What kind of outdoor recreational opportunities are available?
Bellingham is an outdoor-lover's paradise. For the outdoor enthusiast, the San Juan Islands, Skagit River delta, and Mt. Baker National Forest and Ski and Snowboard Area are all at our doorstep. Nearby, Mt. Baker Ski Area has one of the longest seasons in the country (November - late-April), enjoyed world record snowfall during the 1998-1999 season, and is well regarded as the place where snowboarding began!
One great way to get into the outdoors is to visit the Outdoor Center, a part of the Associated Students of Western. The student-run bike shop is the perfect place for a tune-up. The Outdoor Center also rents outdoor equipment ranging from backpacks and sleeping bags to snowshoes and snow skis. They also plan kayaking, hiking, mountain climbing, skiing, snow-shoeing, snowboarding, biking, and sailing trips with trained student leaders to destinations all over the greater Whatcom County area.
Another location for great outdoor activity is the WWU Lakewood recreational facility located on the shores of Lake Whatcom. The Lakewood facility is surrounded by 30 acres of wooded land and beach property owned by the University. At Lakewood you can rent kayaks, canoes, rowboats, sailboats, and windsurfing boards for as little as a dollar a day. Or, just come to relax and swim off the docks!
Western's location is idea for fieldwork and outdoor research, with mountains, glaciers, rivers, saltwater, and a wide variety of other natural habitats in our backyard.