Resources for Families and Supporters

1.  Location: Sometimes, students want to be close to their family, while others want to experience a new place. Think about weather, safety, and transportation. Big cities may have more job opportunities and internships, but many students feel more comfortable living in smaller cities and towns.
    
2. Size: Big universities (with 30,000+ students) have more resources, but larger classes make it more challenging for students to connect with professors. Smaller schools mean more personal attention. Your student should decide: Do they want to stand out to professors or blend into the crowd?
    
3. Majors: Your student should find a school that teaches what they want to study. Some colleges are known for certain areas of study, while others offer a wider variety of programs.
    
4. Student Life: Some schools feel like big communities, and some are quieter. Your student should consider what clubs or activities they might be interested in and how they hope to make new friends.
    
5. Cost: College is a significant investment, but many schools offer scholarships, grants, and other forms of financial assistance. Don't be discouraged from applying to schools because of costs. Your student may be eligible for financial aid that can help reduce the price.

Keep Track of Deadlines

Each school might have a different deadline for their application for admission, scholarships, and financial aid. Be sure to keep track of these deadlines so your student doesn't miss out.

> Western's Important Dates and Deadlines

Have Them Check Their Email

Email is the main way schools will communicate with your student to keep them updated on their application, or to invite them to special events and other opportunities.

Encourage Them to Reach Out

Sometimes you'll have a question and won't be able to find the right answer. Admissions Offices are there to help you! Your student will most likely have an assigned Admissions Counselor dedicated to helping them throughout their college application process.

> Find Your Student's WWU Admissions Counselor

Guaranteed Admission at WWU

There are two pathways to guaranteed admission at Western Washington University for first-year students attending high school in Washington State. 

1. Western Guaranteed Admission is available to students attending a high school in Island, San Juan, Snohomish, Skagit, and Whatcom counties. 

2. The Washington Guaranteed Admissions Program (WAGAP) is for students in participating high schools across Washington State.

You can sign up for updates and information to let us know if your student is ready for WWU!

> Learn more about Guaranteed Admission

Sources of Financial Aid

Scholarships & Grants

This is free money that your student doesn't have to pay back. They can come from public and private sources and sometimes require an application. Encourage your student to apply to as many as possible during high school. You'd be surprised how many scholarships & grants aren't awarded because students don't apply!

> WWU Admissions Scholarships

> Free Scholarship Search Tools

Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

Federal financial aid, like the Pell Grant, Work-Study, and student loans, is based on the student's and their family's income information provided through the FAFSA.

Plus, many schools use students' FAFSA information to determine eligibility for other scholarship opportunities. By completing the FAFSA, you are ensuring your student is considered for as many options as possible.

> Learn More About the FAFSA
When completing the FAFSA, you will be asked which schools should receive your information. To add Western, enter the code 003802.

Washington Application for State Financial Aid (WASFA)

Washington State residents who are ineligible to complete the FAFSA due to immigration status may apply for state financial aid by completing the WASFA. Western also uses the information from this form to determine if students are eligible for need-based scholarships.

> Learn More About the WASFA

For Washington State Residents

The Washington College Grant provides eligible students with additional financial aid for college.

College Bound is a generous program that offers free public college tuition to students who fulfill the program's requirements.

Weigh Out the Options

Similar to when you were researching colleges, now you and your student should take a closer look at what each college has to offer. The College Comparison Tool can help you track all the factors your student is considering.

Continue Checking Email

After your student is admitted to a college, they may continue to receive information regarding special opportunities, such as applying for Honors, additional scholarship opportunities, or special programs.

These options can also help your student decide where they want to go.

Review Financial Aid Options

For many families, their student's financial aid package is the big deciding factor. Review all your options carefully and choose what makes sense for your family.

And it's ok if you're not sure how to review the financial aid letter. Reach out to the Financial Aid office, and they will be more than happy to review it with you and answer any questions you may have.

Ready to make your decision?

Once your student is ready to make a decision, they will want to confirm their enrollment to the school. Some schools require a deposit or fee to complete this process. If the deposit or fee is a financial burden, reach out to the Admissions Office to see if you can have it covered by financial aid during your student's first term.

Getting Ready

Once your student confirms their decision, there will likely be a series of next steps they must complete before they begin.

Again, be sure to check your emails and mailbox for any reminders or important information on next steps.