Frequently Asked Questions
Your Revolution Starts Here
Q. In what year was Washington College founded?
A: Maryland granted WC its charter in 1782; the College founder was the Rev. William Smith, an architect of American higher education who was also instrumental in the development of the University of Pennsylvania. George Washington supported the founding of WC by consenting to have the 'College at Chester' named in his honor, through his generous financial support of "fifty guineas," and through service on the College's Board of Visitors and Governors.
- Washington College is the tenth oldest college in the U.S.
- Washington College is the oldest college in Maryland
- Washington College was the first college founded in the "new" nation of America
- Washington College became coeducational in 1891
Q. What is the current undergraduate enrollment?
A: Approximately 1,350 men and women; less than half from Maryland and the balance from 35 other states and forty foreign nations. Approximately 9% of the American undergraduates are minority students and approximately 7% are international citizens. Approximately 5% of the WC student body is "non-traditional" (25 years old or older).
Q. What percentage of students live on campus?
A: Approximately 80% of our students live in college residence halls; the rest commute either from off-campus housing or from home. All non-local first-year students are required to live on campus.
Q. How many acres make up the campus?
A: One hundred and twelve acres on-campus plus two acres on the Chester River.
Q. How many buildings are located on campus?
A: More than 50 buildings are devoted to academic, administrative, recreational and residential activities on the WC campus. The newest dorms are apartment-style residence halls that opened in Fall 2001. A new academic building, Goldstein Hall opened in September, 2000. A new $25,000,000 science building opened in January 2005.
Q. What is the current market value of the Washington College's endowment?
A: The endowment exceeds $100 million.
Q. What cities are nearby?
A: Washington, Baltimore, and Philadelphia are less than 90 miles away from Washington College. The College Transportation Office runs shuttle vans on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday to the Annapolis Mall and the New Carrollton Amtrak/DC Metro Station.
Q. Is Washington College fully accredited?
Q. Who is the President of Washington College?
A: Baird Tipson is the 26th president of Washington College. Prior to assuming the presidency of WC, he served a president of Wittenberg University from 1995-2004 and as Provost (1987-1995) and Acting President (1988) of Gettsyburg College. President Tipson succeeds John S. Toll who has served as president from 1995-2004.
Admission
Q. When should I apply?
A: Preference in admission and financial aid decisions will be given to students who apply on or before February 1. Early Decision applicants have an application deadline of November 15; Early Action applicants have a deadline of December 1, and Regular Admission applicants have a deadline of March 1. Early Decision and Early Action applicants who have not had an admission interview or attended an open house program will be deferred to Regular Decision. Admission decisions are issued biweekly from mid-December through the end of March. Admitted applicants are expected to pay a $300.00 enrollment deposit by the Candidate's Reply Date of May 1. Deposits received after May 1 will not be honored if the entering class has reached its enrollment capacity on May 1.
Q. Is an application fee required? If so, how much?
Q. What credentials are required to complete the application?
A: The following credentials are required:
- completed and signed application form
- typed or printed admission essay/personal statement
- one teacher recommendation
- one counselor recommendation
- official transcript with first marking period senior grades
- SAT-I or ACT scores
Q. Is an interview required?
A: Interviews are strongly recommended and, in some cases, specifically required. Qualified applicants who have interviewed are given preference over qualified applicants who have not interviewed.
Q. Are high school honors courses weighted?
A: Yes, if the high school does not provide a weighted GPA we will calculate an 'Academic Grade Point Average' and give extra weight to Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, and other accelerated or enriched courses.
Q. Does Washington College accept scores from both the SAT-I and ACT?
A: Yes; however, SAT-II (formerly Achievement Tests) scores are not required.
Q. Does the College use a minimum SAT/ACT cut-off score for admission?
A: No. However, the middle 50% of accepted applicants have SAT-I scores in the 1050 - 1250 range. The average SAT-I V+M score for enrolled freshmen is 1150 (24 for ACT Composite).
Q. Does the College accept Advanced Placement test scores?
A: In most cases, scores of 4 or 5 will earn a student course credit and advanced placement.
Q. How many freshman applicants are accepted; how many enroll?
A: Fewer than 60% of all applicants are offered admission; approximately 30% of these students enroll.
Q: Is it possible to apply on-line?
A: Yes! Our online application links can be found on the Admissions portion of our site.
Q. Most students apply to several institutions. What colleges and universities are included in Washington College's 'overlap' group?
A: The following colleges and universities are among the institutions most often applied to by students who apply for admission to Washington College:
- Franklin & Marshall College
- Dickinson College
- Gettysburg College
- Ursinus College
- Muhlenberg College
- St. Mary's College of Maryland
- Goucher College
- University of Delaware
- Loyola College
- University of Maryland at College Park
- American University
- University of Maryland at Baltimore County
- McDaniel College
- Salisbury University
On average, our applicants apply to a total of six colleges (including Washington College) and are admitted to five of their six choices.
Q. How do I contact the Admissions Office to get more information?
A: You may fill out our Request Information Form or contact:
Admissions Office
Washington College
300 Washington Avenue
Chestertown, MD 21620
Phone: (410) 778.7700; (800) 422.1782
Fax: (410) 778.7287
Financial Aid and Scholarship Information
Q. What are the expenses for tuition, room, and board?
A: 2007-08 Annual Expenses:
Tuition: $31,570
Room: $3,450*
Board: $3,340**
Student Fee: $590
Total: $38,950
Additional Deposit/Fee Information:
Enrollment Deposit: (First-time students only) $300
Room Deposit:
First-time Students: $175
Returning Students: $300
Security Deposit: $275
Orientation Fee:
Fall Semester: $200
Spring Semester: $150
* Room fees range from $3,450 - $4,250.
Standard: $3,450
Cecil/Dorchester/Talbot/Harford/Caroline/Queen Anne's: $3,850
North Campus Apartments: $4,250
** This fee covers 19-meals per week.
Additional Meal Plans:
14/week: $3,040
10/week: $2,530 (available to off-campus students only)
5/week: $1,420 (available to off-campus students only)
Q. How many Washington College students receive aid?
A: Approximately 85% of the student body receives some form of need-based financial aid or merit-based scholarship award.
Q. What types of financial aid are available?
A: The following types of financial aid are available at Washington College:
- Federal Pell and SEOG grants
- Federal Stafford, Perkins and PLUS (parent) loans
- Federal Work Study
- State scholarships and grants
- Washington College Academic Scholarships (merit-based)
- Washington College grants (need-based)
Q. What application materials are needed to apply for financial aid?
A: WC requires aid applicants to submit both the FAFSA (WC code # 002108) and the Washington College Institutional Aid Application. Signed copies of student and parent federal tax returns are also required prior to the awarding of need-based aid.
Q. What are the deadlines for submitting financial aid forms?
A: The FAFSA and WC Institutional Aid applications must be filed by February 15; copies of federal tax returns should be submitted as soon as possible.
Q. When will I be notified of my financial aid eligibility?
A: Financial aid for new students is awarded in March and April.
Q. Will my request for aid have any impact on my ability to be admitted to Washington College?
A: No. All applicants are encouraged to apply for financial aid.
Q. What are your need-based and merit-based programs?
A: Need-based aid usually includes a combination of federal, state, and institutional funds in the form of grants, low-interest loans, and work-study. All admitted admission applicants who complete the aid application process and who demonstrate financial need are awarded aid.
Washington College offers several categories of merit-based scholarships ranging from $5,000 to $17,500 a year. All applicants for admission are reviewed to determine their eligibility for the following merit-based awards:
WC ACADEMIC SCHOLARSHIPS
These four-year scholarships range in amount from $5,000 - $15,000 per year and are awarded to admitted applicants on the basis of secondary school achievement and potential for success. All admitted applicants are reviewed by the Scholarship Committee to determine their eligibility for these awards.
WC ACADEMIC SCHOLARSHIPS FOR NHS & CLS MEMBERS
All National Honor Society and Cum Laude Society members who are admitted to Washington College are awarded a $40,000 four-year scholarship ($10,000 annually for four years). Some NHS and CLS members qualify for additional awards that increase their total academic scholarship from $10,000 per year to $11,500 - $17,500 per year. To qualify, students must be a NHS or CLS member no later than March 1 of their senior year.
HODSON TRUST SCHOLARSHIPS
Hodson Trust Scholarships are awarded to admitted applicants who have demonstrated outstanding academic achievement, character and school/community citizenship. These four-year scholarships range in amount from $16,500 to $17,500 per year.
THE HODSON SCHOLARSHIP FOUNDATION AWARDS
Hodson Scholarship Foundation awards are given to entering students from ethnic backgrounds that are traditionally under represented in higher education. Award recipients are selected on the basis of academic and personal achievement. These four-year scholarships range in amount from $5,000 to $17,500 per year.
SOPHIE KERR GIFT IN ENGLISH LITERATURE
These $6,000 scholarships ($1,500 annually for four years) are awarded to entering students who intend to major in English and/or minor in Creative Writing and who show outstanding promise in the field of English or American literature.
For more information, visit the Scholarships page.
Q. Does Washington College engage in 'award negotiation'?
A: No. Special circumstances that 1) relate to the needs-analysis process and that 2) can be documented should be brought to the attention of the Student Aid Office as soon as possible.
Q. Does Washington College offer athletic scholarships?
A: No. WC competes in NCAA Division III, which does not permit athletic scholarships.
Q. Once my financial aid package is awarded, will additional scholarships reduce the amount of financial aid I can receive?
A: Additional scholarships will not reduce the amount of a merit-based aid award; however, it may change the distribution of funds within a need-based award package. WC is one of the many institutions that reserves the right to replace institutional funds in a need-based award with outside funds. Additional scholarships can be combined with institutional merit scholarships up to the annual cost of attendance.
Q. Are Washington College admission decisions 'need-blind'?
A: Yes, admission decisions are made without consideration of a student's financial circumstances.
Q. Will your institution meet my full financial need?
A: The percentage of demonstrated need that is met by the College's aid award varies from student to student. Meeting full demonstrated need is not the policy of Washington College.
Q. Are there state financial aid programs that I should know about?
A: Yes. Maryland residents can benefit from a variety of state-funded scholarships and grants. Information about these programs is available in high schools and at local public libraries. Filing the FAFSA on or before February 15 is a requirement for state-funded programs. In most cases, out-of-state residents cannot transport their home-state awards to WC.
Q. Does this college participate in a tuition payment plan that allows installment payments for each semester's bill?
A: For a modest annual fee, Washington College families can make their college payments in 10, 11, or 12 month installments. Please refer to the Academic Management Services (AMS) web site for more information.
Q. Where can I find additional sources of financial aid?
A: Students with access to the Internet can conduct scholarship searches and discover a wealth of helpful information at a number of web sites. Two of the most extensive sites are maintained by the College Board (www.collegeboard.org) and Sallie Mae (www.salliemae.com). Among the many publications available in bookstores, we recommend the popular and user-friendly "Financial Aid for Dummies." For individual questions or concerns, students and parents are invited to contact the Washington College Student Aid Office.
Q. How do I contact the Student Aid Office to get more information?
A: Visit the Financial Aid web page or write to:
Washington College Student Financial Aid Office
300 Washington Avenue
Chestertown, MD 21620-1197
Phone: 410.778.7214; 800.422.1782, extension 7214
Fax: 410.778.7287
For more information, visit Financial Aid.
Academic Program
Q. What degrees are conferred?
A: Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, Master of Arts (English, Psychology & History)
Q. What degree programs does WC offer?
A: The following is a list of WC's undergraduate degree programs:
B.S. Degree Programs
Dual Degree Programs
Non-Degree Programs
Programs of study offered in conjunction with a traditional major as a minor, concentration, or certification:
Q. What are the College's policies regarding Advanced Placement credits?
Q. Are internships available for students?
A: Yes, see the Academic Internships for a complete listing. Recent examples include:
- Aberdeen Proving Ground
- Bally Total Fitness Human Resources Dept.
- Benedictine Foundation
- Benedictine School
- Booz-Allen Hamilton, (National Security Scholarship)
- Cecil Whig Newspaper
- Crossroads Community Center
- Department of Juvenile Justice
- Dixon Valve
- Eastern Neck National Wildlife Refuge
- First Union Investment, Baltimore, MD
- Hansard Program, London, England
- Historical Society of Kent County
- Indianapolis Zoo
- International Human Rights Consortium, Geneva
- IPO Journal
- Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth Program
- Johns Hopkins University Press
- Kent County Department of Social Services
- Kent County Health Department
- Kent & Queen Anne Hospital
- Kootenai Medical Center - Social Services Dept., Coeur d'Alene, Idaho
- Lamotte Chemical
- Legg Mason, Wood, Walker, Inc.
- Maryland/DC Press Association
- Maryland Department of Natural Resources
- Maryland General Assembly
- Mercy Medical Center
- National Aquarium
- National Cancer Institute of National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD
- New Horizons Mentoring
- New Jersey General Assembly Majority Office
- North/South Center, Miami Florida
- Operation Smile, Norfolk, VA
- Philadelphia Theatre Company
- Pickering Creek Environmental Center
- Prince William Sound Science Center, Cordova, Alaska Oil Spill Recovery Institute
- US Agency for International Development, New Delhi, India
- US Department of Agriculture, Washington, DC
- US Department of Commerce
- US Senator Joseph Biden
- US Wildlife Service, Eastern Neck Island
- Washington Center Inauguration Process
- Weber Shandwick Worldwide
- Wildfowl Trust of North America
Q. Are off-campus study programs available?
A: Yes! The following is a list of placement opportunities for off-campus study:
- Australia: Bond University
- Australia: Monash University
- Costa Rica: U. of Costa Rica
- Cuba: Summer Seminar
- Denmark: U. of Copenhagen
- Ecuador: U. of San Francisco
- England: Semester in London
- Finland: U. of Oulu
- France: Artois University
- France: Semester in Paris
- France: U. of Provence
- France: U. of Pierre Mendes
- Germany: U. of Mainz
- Germany: U. of Tubingen
- Hong Kong: Lingnan U. Hungary: U. of Pecs
- Ireland: U. of Cork
- Italy: Semester in Siena
- Japan: Meiji Gakuin University
- Mexico: U. of Guadalajara
- Morocco: Al Akhawayn U.
- Netherlands: U. of Leiden
- Russia: St. Petersburg U.
- Scotland: University of St. Andrew's
- South Africa: Rhodes University
- South Korea: Yonsei University
- Spain: Seminar in Granada
- Spain: U. of Nebrija
- Thailand: Chiang Mai U.
- Turkey: Bogazici University
See the Office of International Programs for more information.
Q: What are the general education requirements at Washington College?
A: The College's general education requirements consist of two first-year seminars and a minimum of ten 'distribution' courses. Students are able to select courses taken for general education purposes from a wide array of offerings. This flexibility benefits all students, particularly those first-year and second-year students who wish to explore their interests prior to selecting a major.
Q. What constitutes a normal course load?
A: Four courses each semester (the equivalent of sixteen credit hours).
Q. What is the student/faculty ratio?
Q. What percentage of the teaching faculty hold a terminal degree? (Ph.D., Ed.D, etc.)
Q. What is the average class size?
A: The average class size is 17; the distribution of WC courses by class size is as follows:
| Class Size | % of Total |
| Independent Study | 6% |
| 2 to 5 | 11% |
| 6 to 10 | 16% |
| 11 to 15 | 20% |
| 16 to 20 | 21% |
| 21 to 25 | 10% |
| 25+ | 15% |
Q. To which law schools have Washington College graduates recently been offered admission?
A:
- Albany Law School
- American University
- Boston College
- Boston University
- Florida State University
- Brooklyn Law School
- California Western School of Law
- Catholic University
- Cornell University
- Creighton University
- CUNY Law School at Queens College
- Dickinson (Penn State)
- DePaul University
- Duke University
- Emory University
- Franklin Pierce Law Center
- George Mason University
- Georgetown University
- George Washington University
- Golden Gate University
- Gonzaga University
- Hastings College of Law
- Hofstra University
- John Marshall Law School - Chicago
- Loyola University (New Orleans)
- Loyola Law School - Los Angeles
- Marquette University
- New England School of Law
- New York Law School
- Northeastern University
- Nova University
- Ohio Northern University
- Pace University
- Penn State University
- Quinnipiac College of Law
- Rutgers University - Camden
- Saint Louis University
- St. Thomas University School of Law
- Seton Hall University
- South Texas School of Law
- Southwestern University
- Stetson University
- Suffolk University
- Syracuse University
- University of Akron
- University of Baltimore
- University of Dayton
- University of Denver
- University of Georgia
- University of Iowa
- University of Maine
- University of Maryland
- University of Miami
- University of Michigan
- University of Minnesota
- University of Missouri, Columbia
- University of Missouri, Kansas
- University of New Mexico
- University of North Carolina
- University of North Dakota
- University of Notre Dame
- University of Pennsylvania
- University of Pittsburgh
- University of Richmond
- University of San Diego
- University of Texas
- University of Virginia
- University of Wyoming
- Villanova University
- Wake Forest University
- Washburn University
- Washington University
- Washington & Lee University
- Whittier College School of Law
- Widener
- William and Mary
- William Mitchell College of Law
Q. To which medical and veterinary schools have WC graduates recently been offered admission?
A:
- Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine
- Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine
- University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine
- North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine
- Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine
- Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine
- Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine
- University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine
- University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine
- Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine
- University of Alabama School of Medicine
- George Washington University School of Medicine
- Georgetown University School of Medicine
- University of Florida College of Medicine
- Emory University School of Medicine
- Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine
- Tulane University School of Medicine
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
- University of Maryland School of Medicine
- Tufts University School of Medicine
- University of Rochester School of Medicine
- SUNY Health Science Center at Syracuse College of Medicine
- East Carolina University School of Medicine
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine
- Medical College of Ohio
- Northeastern Ohio Universities College of Medicine
- Ohio State University College of Medicine
- University of Cincinnati College of Medicine
- Wright State University School of Medicine
- University of Cincinnati College of Medicine
- University of Maryland Dental School
- Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine
Q. What are the College's persistence rates?
A: Over 90% of all freshmen return for their sophomore year and approximately 70% graduate in four years.
Q. How many graduates attend graduate school?
A: Approximately one-third in the first year following graduation; approximately half within five years.
Q: What do graduating seniors have to say about their WC experience?
A:
Q. Are you satisfied with the quality of instruction?
A. 91% said Yes!
Q. Are you satisfied with the availability of faculty?
A. 97% said Yes!
Q. Are you satisfied with campus study space?
A. 91% said Yes!
Q. Are you satisfied with laboratory space?
A. 92% said Yes!
Q. Did WC enhance your writing skills?
A. 88% said Yes!
Q. Did WC enhance your oral communication skills?
A. 85% said Yes!
Q. Did WC enhance your analytical thinking skills?
A. 91% said Yes!
Q. Did WC enhance your creative thinking skills?
A. 87% said Yes!
Q. Did WC enhance your computing skills?
A. 82% said Yes!
Q. Did WC enhance your self-esteem?
A. 86% said Yes!
For more information, visit Academic Programs.
Student Life Information
Q. What career planning services are offered?
A: The Center for Career Development is open forty hours a week and offers individual counseling, vocational testing, group counseling, and career/graduate school information. The staff assists with job-hunting strategies, resume preparation, and the development of interview skills. Graduate school and employment recruiters come to campus and interested students are provided with transportation to attend off-campus recruiting fairs. WC alumni also assist graduating seniors by sharing career information and creating opportunities for networking.
E-mail career_center@washcoll.edu.
Q. Does Washington College offer a Remedial or Developmental Studies Program?
A: Not a "program"; however, Writing Tutorials, a Mathematics Workshop, Study Skills Services, and Peer Tutors are available to provide individualized support.
E-mail Associate Provost for Academic Services Mark Hoesly at mhoesly2@washcoll.edu.
Q. What counseling/tutorial services are available to students with learning disabilities?
A: While there is no specific LD program, the Associate Provost for Academic Services advises students with documented special needs.
E-mail Dean Mark Hoesly at mhoesly2@washcoll.edu.
Q. What counseling services are offered?
A: Licensed psychologists, a family therapist, and a consulting psychiatrist provide counseling, evaluation, and consultation to students.
Contact the Student Affairs Office for more information at (410)778-7752.
Q. Has campus been adapted for the physically disabled?
A: Much, but not all, of the campus is accessible to mobility-impaired students. However, special arrangements can be made to accommodate mobility-impaired students.
Contact the Student Affairs Office for more information at (410)778-7752.
Q. What health services are offered?
A: The Health Services Center is open for student care Monday-Friday from 8:30-Noon and 1:00-4:00 pm. A registered nurse and four nurse practitioners are available during these hours to see students on a walk-in basis; the College physician conducts daily one-hour clinics during the week. Twenty-four hour emergency service is available at the Kent & Queen Anne's County Hospital, which is located adjacent to the campus.
E-mail Director Dawn Nordhoff at dnordhoff2@washcoll.edu.
Q. What Security services are offered by Washington College?
A: Public safety officers are on duty twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week.
E-mail Director Jerry Roderick at jroderick2@washcoll.edu.
Q. Is Washington College served by public transportation?
A: Chestertown is served by only limited regional public transportation. The College Transportation Office runs shuttle vans on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday to the Annapolis Mall and the New Carrollton Amtrak/DC Metro Station.
Q. Does Washington College have an honor code?
A: Yes; it reads as follows: We at Washington College strive to maintain an environment in which learning and growth flourish through individuals' endeavors and honest intellectual exchanges both in and out of the classroom. To maintain such an environment, each member of the community pledges to respect the ideas, well being, and property of others. Thus, each member of the Washington College community abides by an Honor Code. Visit the Catalog for more information.
Q. Do students spend their weekends on campus?
A: Yes, most (70%-75%) students stay on campus during the weekends to participate in various social and recreational activities.
Q. What is the alcohol policy on campus? In the residence halls?
A: Underage drinking is illegal on and off campus.
Q. Can freshmen have cars on campus?
A: Yes; the annual fee for a parking permit is $30.00.
Q. Does Washington College have performance ensembles?
A: Yes, there is a Concert Band and several musical ensembles including a Jazz Band, Gospel Choir, Brass Ensemble, and Early Music Consorts (vocal and instrumental). Contact Amzie Parcell for more details.
Q. Does Washington College have a rehearsal area for student musicians on campus?
A: Yes, there is a rehearsal area on campus designated for student musicians. Contact the Student Affairs Office for more information at (410)778-7752.
Q. Can freshmen work on the newspaper (Elm), yearbook (Pegasus), features magazine (Washington College Collegian) and literary magazine (Washington College Review) staff?
A: Yes! Contact Professor Robert Mooney or Meredith Davies Hadaway for more information.
Q. Does Washington College have many student clubs and organizations?
Q. Does Washington College have national Greek organizations?
A: Yes. There are four fraternities (Kappa Alpha, Kappa Sigma, Phi Delta Theta, and Theta Chi) and three sororities (Alpha Chi Omega, Alpha Omicron Pi, and Zeta Tau Alpha). Approximately 20%-25% of the student body belongs to a Greek-letter organization.
Q. Is there an orientation for new freshmen and/or transfers? When is it scheduled?
A: Yes. One-day summer registrations are scheduled in late June and early August. Several days of new student orientation also precede the beginning of classes in August.
Q. Are students required to live on campus?
A: Freshmen and sophomores are required to live on campus; juniors and seniors are permitted to live off-campus. On-campus housing is available for approximately 900 students.
Q. What are the campus housing options at Washington College?
A: Please visit the Residential Life page for complete information on housing.
Q. What kind of Laundry Facilities are available for students?
A: All residence halls have debit card-operated laundry machines. Cards can be purchased from a vending machine located in the Cove, the campus snack bar in Hodson Hall, or in $25 increments from the Bookstore.
Q. Is there a linen service available for students?
A: Each student is supplied with an extra-long twin size bed. Although you may bring your own sheets, you may also purchase linens from a College-affiliated linen company. This is not a laundry service. Information will be mailed to new students during the summer before the freshman year. The linen company offers sheet sets, pillows, comforters, blankets, mattress pads, egg crate pads, towels, washcloths, robes, shower caddies, shower shoes, and bedside rugs. Students are responsible for washing the linens.