Applying to Whitman FAQs

Whitman enrolls approximately 1,500 undergraduate students from approximately 45 states and 80+ countries and sovereign nations.

Whitman is a selective college. We receive roughly 6,000 applications each year and typically offer admission to about 45% of those applicants.

Whitman does not have specific admission requirements but strongly recommends the following high school coursework: 

• Four years of English
• Four years of math
• Three years of lab science
• Two or three years of social studies (history and government)
• Two years of a foreign language

There is no minimum required grade point average, SAT or ACT scores.

At Whitman, we look at your whole story. We evaluate applicants holistically to find curious, engaged students who will thrive in our community—not just a set of test scores or a single number.

Whitman considers the following factors for admission:

• Unweighted GPA: Your high school grade point average.
• Academic rigor: The depth and challenge of your coursework, such as Honors, Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate classes, if offered by your school.
• Writing and expression: Your personal essay submitted through the Common Application or Coalition Application.
• Evaluations: Recommendations from your teachers and/or counselors.
• Extracurricular activities: Your involvement outside the classroom, including athletics, clubs, community service, performing arts, debate, leadership roles, political or religious activities, and jobs.
• Standardized test scores: SAT and ACT scores are optional. Whitman has no preference between the SAT and ACT and will superscore both exams.

Yes, students can send more than one recommendation letter, but a total of two is usually sufficient.

For many students, especially those without access to professional admission guidance, AI can serve as a helpful collaborator in parts of the application process, such as proofreading their personal essays. 

It is acceptable for students to use AI as a tool to help them brainstorm ideas, research, etc., but they should never copy and paste AI-generated content into their application.

Whitman has four application deadlines. Two of the dates correspond to our Early Decision (ED) program, one for Early Action and the final is the deadline for Regular Decision applicants.

Early Action at Whitman College is a non-binding application track for students who prefer to complete their application early in the process. Prospective students submit materials by Dec. 1 and receive an admission decision—along with their financial aid offer—in early February. Unlike Early Decision, Early Action carries no obligation to enroll. Applicants retain the flexibility to consider options, compare financial aid offers, and make their final decision by May 1.

Interviews are optional for rising or current high school seniors, but they are one of our favorite ways to connect. Rather than a formal evaluation, an interview is a relaxed, two-way conversation. It gives us a chance to answer your questions about Whitman while allowing you to share your interests, goals and background.  

How to schedule an interview: 

• During a campus visit
• Virtual interviews 
• On-the-road interviews (when Admission Officers travel to a city near you)

Please note: We are unable to offer interviews to international students. International students are encouraged to sign up for Virtual Information Sessions and explore our virtual tours. Whitman also accepts InitialView interviews.

Advanced Placement courses demonstrate a commitment to challenging coursework and are an excellent way to prepare for college. Whitman gives college credit for scores of 4 or 5 on College Board Advanced Placement exams.

A score of 5 is required to earn credit in the following subjects:

• Biology: AP Biology
• Economics: AP Microeconomics and AP Macroeconomics
• English: AP English Language and Composition; AP English Literature and Composition
• History: AP United States History, AP European History and AP World History
• Music: AP Music Theory
• Physics: AP Physics C
• World Languages: AP Spanish Language and Culture

Helpful resource: Whitman’s College Catalog on credits for advance exams

Whitman recognizes the International Baccalaureate program and considers it excellent preparation for a rigorous liberal arts education. College credit may be given for scores of 5, 6 or 7 on selected higher-level IB exams. Students may earn up to one year of credit (30 semester hours).

Helpful resource: Whitman’s College Catalog on credits for advance exams

Whitman reviews credits earned through the Running Start program and similar dual-enrollment programs on a course-by-course basis. To transfer, courses must meet the following criteria:

• Academic relevance: Classes must be at a comparable level and relevant to Whitman’s liberal arts and sciences curriculum.
• Minimum grade: Students must earn a grade of C- (1.7) or higher.

Keep in mind: Transferring more than 14 semester credits could result in fewer semesters of financial aid eligibility. 

Tracking your application is easy! After submitting your Common App or Coalition App, keep an eye on your inbox for an email with your personalized portal login details.

Through your applicant portal, you can:

• Check your application status
• Confirm receipt of transcripts, letters of recommendation and test scores (optional)
• Stay updated on next steps in the admission process