Washington College

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 his service on the College's Board of Visitors and Governors.

• WC is the tenth oldest college in the U.S.
• WC is the oldest college in Maryland
• WC was the first college founded in the 'new' nation of America
• WC became coeducational in 1891

A: Approximately 1,450 men and women; forty-nine percent from Maryland and the balance from 30 other states and twenty-eight foreign nations. Approximately 7% of the American undergraduates are minority students and approximately 4% are international citizens.

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 opened in August 2009 and the expanded and renovated Hodson Hall Student Center opened in October 2009.

A: The endowment exceeds $170 million.

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

For more information on Washington College's accreditation, please contact:

Middle States Commission on Higher Education
3624 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104
Telephone: (267) 284-5000
E-mail: info@msche.org
Spanish: (267) 284-5015 or españolinfo@msche.org

A: Mitchell Reiss is the 27th president of Washington College. Most recently, President Reiss served as diplomat-in-residence at The College of William & Mary, Williamsburg, VA, where he has also served as vice provost for international affairs, dean of international affairs, director of the Wendy and Emery Reves Center for International Studies, professor of law at the Marshall-Wythe School of Law, and professor of government.

From 2003 to 2007, Reiss served as President George Bush's Special Envoy for the Northern Ireland Peace Process, the role in which he attained the rank of ambassador. For his service, the State Department honored him with its Foreign Affairs Award for Public Service. He has also served the U.S. Department of State as director of policy planning, where he reported to Secretary of State Colin Powell and helped develop U.S. foreign policy, with special emphasis on Iraq, North Korea, China, Iran and the Arab-Israeli conflict.

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 $55.00.

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
• 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.

See the Advance Placement Credit chart for more information.

A: Approximately 55% 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 here.

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:

B.A. Degree Programs

• American Studies
• Anthropology
• Art
• Business Management
• Computer Science
• Drama
• Economics
• English
• Environmental Studies
• French
• German
• History
• Humanities
• Human Development
• Intercultural Studies
• International Studies
• Mathematics
• Music
• Philosophy
• Political Science
• Psychology
• Sociology
• Spanish
• Student Designed

B.S. Degree Programs

• Biology
• Chemistry
• Physics
• Psychology

Dual Degree Programs

• 3+2 in Nursing with University of Maryland, College Park
• 3+2 in Nursing with University of Delaware
• 3+2 in Engineering with University of Maryland, College Park
• 3+4 in Pharmacy with University of Maryland

Special Programs

Programs of study that are either offered in conjunction with a traditional major or that lead to a minor, concentration, or certification:

• African Studies
• Asian Studies
• Behavioral Neuroscience
• Creative Writing
• Criminal Justice
• Gender Studies
• European Studies
• Information Systems
• Latin American Studies
• Near Eastern Studies
• Pre-Law
• Premedical Studies
• Elementary & Secondary Education Teacher Certification

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

• African American Oral History Project
• Albany Museum
• Alliance Environmental Systems
• Azuke Theatre Collective
• Booz Allen Hamilton
• British House of Commons
• Brookings Institute
• Bureau of Labor Statistics
• Carter Center Youth Facility
• Chester River Hospital Center
• Columbia Presbyterian Hospital
• Commission for Security and Cooperation in Europe
• Deutsche Bank
• Endo Pharmaceuticals
• Inside Lacrosse Magazine
• Johns Hopkins Hospital Psychiatric Unit
• Johns Hopkins University Press
• Kent Association of Riding Therapy
• Kent Family Center
• Kraft Foods
• Legg Mason/Smith Barney
• Lincoln Financial
• Maryland Department of Natural Resources
• Maryland General Assembly
• Merrill Lynch
• Morgan Stanley Financial
• National Aquarium
• National Islamic Institute
• National Security Agency
• Office of Naval Intelligence
• Optometry Internship
• Orthopedic Internship
• Penninsula General Hospital
• Philadelphia Magazine/Metrocorp Publishing
• Pickering Audubon Center
• Rock Hall Museum
• Schooner Sultana
• Sheppard Pratt Psychiatric Hospital
• Smithsonian Museum: Artic Studies
• Social Security Administration, DC
• Sotheby's
• Springfield State Psychiatric Hospital
• Tyler Arboretum
• Under Armour
• US Congress
• US Embassy, Nicosia, Cyprus
• US Naval Research Lab
• US Senate Committee on Foreign Relations
• US State Attorney General's Office
• US Women's Soccer, Freedom Team
• USDA/Agricultural Research Service
• Ward Museum of Wildfowl Art
• Women's Center of Hollywood, MD

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: $37,882.
Room: 4,664*
Board: 4,048**
Activity Fee: 660
Total: $47,254

*Average room price.
**This fee covers 19 meals per week.

A: Approximately 85% of the student body receives some form of need-based financial aid or merit-based scholarship award.

A:

A: WC requires aid applicants to submit both the FAFSA (WC code # 002108) and the Washington College Institutional Aid Application by March 1. 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 March 1.

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 Office of Student Aid 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 $50,000 four-year scholarship ($12,500 annually for four years). Some NHS and CLS members may qualify for additional merit-based funds that increase their total academic scholarship from $12,500 per year to $13,500 - $15,500 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 $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 5, 10, 11, or 12 month installments.

A: Yes, Washington College offers a prepaid tuition plan which guarantees savings by protecting the student from future increases in the price of tuition. Tuition may be prepaid at the prevailing semester rate by multiplying the current semester rate by the number of semesters to be prepaid. Prepayment must be received in the student accounts office along with the prepayment agreement document by no later than August 5 in order to lock in at the current semester's tuition rate.

The Prepaid Tuition Option covers tuition only; room, board, and other fees cannot be prepaid and will be invoiced according to the normal fall/spring billing cycle(s).

For additional information or questions, please contact Jeani Narcum, Director, Office of Student Aid at 410.778.7214.

A: Students can conduct scholarship searches and discover a wealth of helpful information at a number of websites. A good place to start is www.fastweb.com.

A: Write to:

Washington College Office of Student Financial Aid
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, Andrea Vassar at avassar2@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, Andrea Vassar at avassar2@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 $70.00.

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 eighty 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.