Admissions

A: Approximately 80% of our students live in college residence halls; the rest commute either from off-campus housing or from home. First-year and second-year students are required to live on campus.

A: One hundred and twelve acres on campus plus two acres on the Chester River.

A: More than 50 buildings are devoted to academic, administrative, recreational and residential activities on the WC campus. "Chester" and "Sassafras," the first WC buildings to utilize eco-friendly geothermal heating and cooling, opened in August 2008. The three-story buildings will each house 100 students in suites and semi-suites. The newest academic building, the John S. Toll Science Center, opened in January 2005. The newest sports facility, the Kirby Stadium, opened in 2007. The expanded and renovated Gibson Fine Arts Center will open in August 2009; the expanded and renovated Hodson Hall Student Center will open in late 2009.

A: The endowment exceeds $170 million.

A: Yes, by the Middle States Association of Schools & Colleges.

A: Baird Tipson is the 26th president of Washington College. Prior to assuming the presidency of WC, he served as 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 served as president from 1995-2004.

A: 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 may be deferred to Regular Admission. Admission decisions are issued biweekly from mid-December through the end of March. Admitted applicants are expected to pay a non-refundable $500.00 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.

A: Yes; the application fee is $50.00.

A: The following credentials are necessary:

• completed and signed application form
• one teacher recommendation
• typed or printed admission essay/personal statement
• SAT-I or ACT scores (or score optional form)
• one counselor recommendation
• official transcript with first marking period senior grades

A: Interviews are strongly recommended and, in some cases, specifically required. Qualified applicants who have interviewed may be given preference over qualified applicants who have not interviewed.

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.

A: Yes. The SAT-I Writing test is recommended but not required.

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).

A: Yes. Applicants with either a GPA of 3.50 or better or a documented learning difference can request a 'score optional' review.

A: In most cases, scores of 4 or 5 will earn a student course credit and advanced placement.

A: Approximately 60% of all applicants are offered admission; approximately 20% of these students enroll. On average, our applicants apply to a total of eight colleges (including WC) and are admitted to six.

A: Yes! The web site for the Common Application is www.commonapp.org/.

A: Yes! Our online application links can be found at www.washcoll.edu.

A: The following colleges and universities are among the institutions most often applied to by students who apply for admission to Washington College; they are listed according to overlap frequency:

• St. Mary's College of Maryland
• McDaniel College
• Gettysburg College
• Goucher College
• Loyola College
• Dickinson College
• American University
• Elizabethtown College
• Franklin & Marshall College
• Susquehanna U.
• Mt. St. Mary's U.
• Ursinus College
• Catholic U.
• Muhlenberg College
• Roanoke College
• Elon U.
• Drew University
• Randolph Macon College
• George Washington U.
• Juniata College
• Hobart College

A: Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, Master of Arts (English, Psychology & History)

A: The following is a list of WC's undergraduate degree programs:

A: Yes. See the Academic Catalog for a complete listing. Recent examples include:

A: Yes! A list of placement opportunities for foreign study is available on the Office of International Programs site.

A: The College's general education requirements consist of two first-year courses 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.

A: Four courses each semester (the equivalent of 16 credit hours).

A: Twelve to one.

A: Approximately 85%.

A: The average class size is 17; the distribution of WC courses by class size is as follows:

A: Approximately 90% of all freshmen return for their sophomore year and approximately 70% graduate in four years.

A: Approximately one-third go on to advanced studies in the first year following graduation; approximately half within five years.

A:

• Albany Law School
• American University
• Boston College
• Boston University
• Brooklyn Law School
• California Western School of Law
• Catholic University
• Cornell University
• Creighton University
• CUNY Law School at Queens College
• DePaul University
• Dickinson (Penn State)
• Duke University
• Emory University
• Florida State University
• Franklin Pierce Law Center
• George Mason University
• George Washington University
• Georgetown University
• Golden Gate University
• Gonzaga University
• Hastings College of Law
• Hofstra University
• John Marshall Law School, Chicago
• Loyola Law School, Los Angeles
• Loyola University (New Orleans)
• 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
• Seton Hall University
• South Texas School of Law
• Southwestern University
• St. Thomas University School of Law
• 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 & Lee University
• Washington University
• Whittier College School of Law
• Widener University School of Law
• William and Mary
• William Mitchell College of Law

A: No, WC is an NCAA Div. III institution, and consequently athletic grants are prohibited.

A:

Men

Women

A: WC competes in the Centennial Conference, which includes Johns Hopkins, McDaniel, Swarthmore, Haverford, Ursinus, Muhlenberg, Gettysburg, Bryn Mawr, Dickinson, and Franklin & Marshall.

A: Approximately 30% of the student body participates in a varsity sport and approximately 30% participates in a club sport or recreational program.

A: Write to:

Athletics Office
Washington College
300 Washington Avenue
Chestertown, MD 21620-1197

Phone: 410.778.7231; 800.422.1782, extension 7231
Fax: 410.778.7741
E-mail: See names & addresses posted above

A:

Tuition: $34,690.
Room: 3,790.*
Board: 3,670.**
Activity Fee: 660.
Total: $42,810.

* Apartment-style single room fees range from $4,070 - $4,550.
** This fee covers 19 meals per week. The 14-meal plan is $3,215.

A: Approximately 80% of the student body receives some form of need-based financial aid or merit-based scholarship award.

A:

• Federal Pell and SEOG grants
• Federal Stafford, Perkins and PLUS (parent) loans
• Federal Work Study
• State scholarships and grants
• WC academic scholarships (merit-based)
• WC grants (need-based)

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.

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.

A: Financial aid for new students is awarded in March and April.

A: No. All applicants are encouraged to apply for financial aid.

A: No. Special circumstances that relate to the needs-analysis process and that can be documented should be brought to the attention of the Student Aid Office as soon as possible.

A: No. As a NCAA Division III member, Washington College is prohibited from awarding athletic scholarships.

A:

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 may qualify for additional merit-based funds that increase their total academic scholarship from $10,000 per year to $11,500 - $15,000 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 $15,000 to $20,000 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 $15,000 to $20,000 per year.

QUILL & COMPASS SCHOLARSHIPS
These $6,000 scholarships ($1,500 annually for four years) are awarded to entering students who intend to major in American Studies or History.

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.

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 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.

A: Yes, admission decisions are made without consideration of a student's financial circumstances.

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.

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.

A: For a modest annual fee, Washington College families can make their college payments in 10, 11, or 12 month installments.

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 encouraged to contact the Washington College Student Aid Office.

A: Write to:

Washington College Student Financial Aid Office
300 Washington Avenue
Chestertown, MD 21620-1197

Phone: 410.778.7214 or 800.422.1782, extension 7214

A: The Center for Career Development is open 40 hours a week and offers individual counseling, vocational testing, group counseling, and career/graduate school information. The staff assists with job-hunting strategies, resumé 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 Mr. Jim Allison at jallison2@washcoll.edu.

A: Not a "program"; however, Writing Tutorials, a Mathematics Workshop, Study Skills Services, and Peer Tutors are available to provide individualized support. Email the Office of Academic Skills Director, Ms. Cassandra Green at cgreen3@washcoll.edu.

A: While there is no specific LD program, the Associate Dean of the College advises students with documented special needs. Email the Office of Academic Skills Director, Ms. Cassandra Green at cgreen3@washcoll.edu.

A: Licensed psychologists, a family therapist, and a consulting psychiatrist provide counseling, evaluation, and consultation to students.

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.

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 Chester River Hospital Center, which is located adjacent to the campus. Email Director Dawn Nordhoff at dnordhoff2@washcoll.edu.

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.

A: No. The College Transportation Office runs shuttle vans on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday to the Annapolis Mall and the New Carrollton Amtrak/DC Metro Station.

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.

A: No, most (70%-75%) students stay on campus during the weekends to participate in various social and recreational activities.

A: Underage drinking is illegal on and off campus.

A: Yes, the annual fee for a parking permit is $30.00.

A: Yes. There is a Concert Band and several other musical ensembles including a Jazz Band, Gospel Choir, Brass Ensemble, and Early Music Consorts (vocal and instrumental).

A: Yes!

A: Washington College has more than seventy clubs and organizations that are open to student membership. A complete listing of student clubs and organizations is posted at http://sga.washcoll.edu/clubsandorganizations.php.

A: Yes. There are four fraternities (Kappa Alpha, Kappa Sigma, Theta Chi, and Phi Delta Theta) 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.

A: Yes. One-day summer registrations are scheduled in June. Several days of new student orientation also precede the beginning of classes in August.

A: Freshmen and sophomores are required to live on campus; juniors and seniors may petition to receive permission to live off-campus. On-campus housing is available for approximately 1,100 students.

A: WC's twenty-eight residence halls offer a variety of housing options that Include traditional single sex dorms, special interest groupings and apartment-style accommodations. For a full description of housing options, go to: http://residentiallife.washcoll.edu/.

A: All residence halls have debit card-operated laundry machines. Cards are sold through the WC Bookstore.

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.