Admission
Washington College is a selective national liberal arts college. Through the application form and supporting credentials, the Admissions Committee seeks to learn as much as possible about each candidate for admission. In addition to the official transcript, a counselor recommendation and one teacher evaluation are considered in evaluating the secondary school experience. Standardized test scores are also part of the admission process but are considered to be subordinate to the secondary school record. Other subjective factors that are considered include the admission essay/personal statement, extracurricular activity profile, and interview.
Then, on the basis of scholastic achievement, personal characteristics, and overall potential for success in a collegiate environment, the committee selects for admission those individuals whose abilities, attributes, and interests match our criteria for the fall or mid-year entering class. Although an interview is not mandatory (unless specifically required by the Admissions Committee), candidates who have visited the campus and met with a member of the admission staff are given preference in the admission process.
General Information
Washington College is a participant in the Common Application program. The Common Application for Admission is available in most secondary school guidance offices, online at www.commonapp.org, and upon request from the Washington College Admissions Office. The application should be thought of as a direct medium of communication between the candidate and the Admissions Committee. Care should be exercised to take full advantage of the opportunity to detail one's interests, activities, talents, ambitions, and other significant personal attributes.Application Fee
The application fee for 2007-2008 is $45.
Notification and Reply Date
Regular Admission candidates who submit their application on or before February 15 will be given priority consideration for fall admission and merit-based scholarships. Candidates who file an application after February 15 may be assigned to a fall admission wait list. Since Washington College subscribes to the Candidate's Reply Date Agreement, the required $300 enrollment deposit must be received no later than May 1. The deposit is non-refundable after May 1 and will be applied toward first-semester bills. New students who wish to reserve oncampus housing will be required to complete a housing application and submit a housing deposit by a specified date.
School Records
An official secondary school transcript is required of all candidates for admission to Washington College. The following college preparatory units are recommended: four years of English; four years of social studies; four years of mathematics, including Algebra II; three years of a lab science; and two years of a modern foreign language or Latin. Considerable emphasis is placed upon the rigor of the candidate's course load in any given year (especially the senior year), and on participation in accelerated, honors, advanced placement, or international baccalaureate courses.
Recommendations
Two recommendations should be submitted on the applicant's behalf: a written statement from the secondary school college advisor or guidance counselor (or college faculty advisor if a transfer applicant) and one teacher evaluation that must be completed by a teacher of a major academic subject taken within the last two years. Additional teacher references may be submitted if so desired.
Standardized Testing
Results of either the SAT I or ACT should be sent directly to Washington College (institution code #5888) by the testing agency. We recommend, but do not require, that students submit results from the writing component of these tests. Unless requested, transfer candidates are not required to submit results of standardized testing.
If English is not the applicant's first language, results of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) must be submitted to the Admissions Office. Submission of SAT I or ACT results also is recommended, but not required.
The Admission Interview
The admission interview is seen as an ideal way for the prospective student and the College to learn more about each other. Although an interview is not mandatory (unless specifically required by the Admissions Committee), candidates who have visited the campus and met with a member of the admission staff are given preference in the admission process. Arrangements for an admission interview and campus visit are best made in advance by telephoning the Admissions Office (800-422-1782, x-7700, or 410- 778-7700). The Admissions Office is open Monday-Friday from 8:30 a.m.-12 noon and 1:00-4:30 p.m. throughout the calendar year.
Special Admision Programs
Early Decision
Washington College offers an early decision plan for students who are sure they will attend if admitted. This plan requires applicants to certify that Washington College is their first choice and that an offer of admission, if extended, will be accepted. The application deadline for early decision candidates is November 15; notifications are issued on December 15 and enrollment deposits are required by January 15. Early decision applicants who have not interviewed or attended a Fall Open House program will be deferred.
Early Action
Washington College offers an early action plan for students who wish to be notified of their admission status prior to January 15 of the senior year. Early action candidates who submit an application and all required credentials on or before December 1 will be informed of their status (admitted, denied, deferred) no later than January 15. Early action applicants who have not interviewed or attended a Fall Open House program will be deferred. Admitted applicants are not required to reply to the College's offer until May 1.
Early Admission
The College will consider applications from prospective students who have completed all requirements for their secondary school diploma in three years rather than four. High school students who have not received a secondary school diploma or its equivalent are not eligible for admission to the College as matriculated, degree-seeking students.
Under special circumstances, secondary school seniors will be permitted to enroll for undergraduate classes at the College as non-degree, non-matriculated students. This policy applies to all participants in the College's "More Able" program as well as the occasional local student who has attained a cumulative grade point average of "B" or better and who demonstrates strong motivation, maturity, and suitability for college-level coursework. Permission to enroll on a non-degree, non-matriculated basis is granted by the Vice President for Admissions and Enrollment Management.
Non-degree students are not eligible to receive any Federal Title IV financial aid funds until they have attained either a secondary school or GED diploma. Non-degree students will not be permitted to continue their studies at the College beyond the first year without either a secondary school diploma or GED diploma.
Freshman Entrance with Advanced Standing
A student may enter as a freshman with advanced standing toward a Washington College degree. This standing is usually achieved through the Advanced Placement Examinations given each May by the College Board. A score of four or five on an A.P. exam (or an A.P. score of 3 in calculus BC or Statistics) may, with the approval of the appropriate academic department, earn course credit toward graduation and make the student eligible to take upperlevel courses in the department.
It is also possible to gain advanced standing either through the College Level Examination Program (CLEP) or by taking courses for college credit while in secondary school. In the latter case, the applicant should have the appropriate college transcript sent to the Admissions Office prior to entrance. Credit for such courses will be granted only upon entrance as a freshman; credit will not be granted retroactively.
Home-schooled Students
Washington College welcomes applications from home-educated students. Applicants will be required to 1) submit a completed application form and essay/personal statement, 2) submit official results of either the SAT-I or ACT examinations, 3) submit a transcript (or its equivalent) of academic coursework, 4) submit one letter of recommendation, and 5) interview on campus with a member of the admission staff.
Transfer Admission
Transfer students are admitted to the College for semesters beginning in January and August. Application procedures for transfer candidates are generally the same as outlined above. Official transcripts from all colleges attended must be submitted. An official secondary school transcript is also required. Advanced placement and course credit will be given to transfer students with acceptable A.P. scores provided that documentation from the College Board is received within one semester of enrollment at Washington College. It is advisable to consult with both the Admissions Office and the Registrar in order to obtain an accurate evaluation concerning transfer of academic credits.
To satisfy requirements for graduation, transfer students must complete a minimum of fifty-six credit hours at Washington College or in a Washington College approved offcampus study program, and the final eight courses must be taken in residence. Transfer students must also complete the senior capstone experience.
Readmission of Former Students
Unless an official leave of absence has been obtained, students who voluntarily withdraw in good standing and take courses at another college or university during the withdrawal period are required to complete an Application for Readmission.
To be readmitted, students suspended for academic reasons must petition the Committee on Advising and Academic Standing and submit evidence of further academic progress supported by an official transcript from an approved college.
Students dismissed for a disciplinary reason must petition the Vice President and Dean of Students and supply evidence clearly indicating, through study at an approved college or recommendation from an employer, that readmission is warranted.
International Student Admission
International students are encouraged to apply to Washington College and should review all information posted for international students at the College web site.
The required financial affidavit and appropriate academic transcripts should be mailed or faxed (410-778-7287) to the College as quickly as possible. If English is not the applicant's first language, results of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) must be submitted to the Admissions Office. Submission of SAT I or ACT results also is recommended, but not required.
Washington College recognizes the International Baccalaureate curriculum, Higher Level courses, and diploma for the following purposes: admission, the assigning of advanced standing credit, and the fulfillment of requirements for distribution, prerequisite courses, and graduation. No special use is made of Subsidiary Level course credits. Students who receive grades of 5, 6, or 7 in the Higher Level examinations may receive a maximum of one full year of credit. Advanced standing for high academic achievement in other international education systems will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
International students who require a student visa to enter the United States are required to submit a health form with current immunization records and chest x-ray results, and an affidavit of financial support; these documents are sent to all admitted applicants and must be returned no later than June 1.
Entrance At Mid-Year
Normal application procedures should be followed for entrance at the beginning of the spring semester; however, the application should be submitted as early as possible in the fall since the semester begins in January. It is also advisable to consult with the Registrar, as well as the Admissions Office, concerning the availability of courses.