Early Decision
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Show Your Commitment. Get Noticed.
Apply Early Decision!
If Whitman College is your first choice, applying Early Decision is the way to show it. If admitted, you’re committing to enroll—provided your financial aid package makes attending possible. The payoff? You’ll hear back sooner on both admission and financial aid. We evaluate yours and all applicants on the same qualities—academics, curiosity, strong writing, and how you’ve made a difference—but Early Decision applicants are admitted at higher rates because their commitment shines through.
We offer two Early Decision application dates: Nov. 15 (Early Decision I) and Jan. 10 (Early Decision II). More info below!
3 Reasons to Apply Early Decision
You’ll find out early.
You’ll learn if you’re admitted and receive your financial aid offer months before regular applicants—giving you more time to plan your future!
You’ll stress less.
You get to spend the rest of your senior year making memories—not working on college applications or waiting to hear back.
You’ll save money.
We waive the $60 application fee for all admission apps submitted before Dec. 1.
Your Future Awaits at Whitman!
Ready to kick-start your amazing future at Whitman College? With our world-class faculty, inclusive community and unique learning opportunities, there’s no better place to ignite your potential! Apply for admission today on the Common App or Coalition App.
“I received my Whitman acceptance letter and financial aid package before the winter holidays! I remember coming home from high school and seeing my Whitman admission box. I instantly felt relieved! It felt good knowing where I was going to college and how it’d be paid for, especially since I am a first-generation college student.”
Jacqueline L., Anthropology major from Los Angeles
Admission Deadlines
We offer two Early Decision application deadlines. All application materials and financial aid forms must be received by these dates to qualify. Incomplete applications will be deferred to the Regular Decision deadline.
Nov 15
Early Decision I
Notification: Mid-December
Jan 10
Early Decision II
Notification: Early February
Jan 15
Regular Decision
Notification: Early March
Advice From Real Students
Choosing a college is a big decision. We get it. Hear from our students who’ve been there and why they chose to apply to Whitman Early Decision.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Early Decision
When you apply Early Decision, you are committed to enrolling at Whitman once admitted. That means withdrawing your applications from any other colleges as long as Whitman provides a financial aid package that makes attendance possible. We take this commitment seriously and we expect that you will too.
All students will receive their financial aid offer including a breakdown of what is being offered to you, including scholarships, grants, federal or state work study and loans. Request your Early Financial Aid Guarantee and go into Early Decision knowing the aid you’ll receive. Learn more about financial aid at Whitman.
Students living in the U.S.: You will receive your offer of financial aid with your admission decision packet, so it’s important you complete your FAFSA and CSS Profile by the application deadline if you are applying for need-based aid.
International students: You will receive your offer of financial aid with your admission decision email, so it’s important you submit the Whitman International Student Financial Aid Application (WISFAA) through your application portal when you apply to Whitman.
Whitman accepts applications from international students with a strong interest in Early Decision. Worth noting: While we attempt to make final admission decisions for international students who apply Early Decision, it is possible that your application will be deferred to Regular Decision for consideration with the entire international applicant pool. If you have questions, please contact us at international@whitman.edu or call 509-527-5176.
We look for the same things whether you apply Early Decision or Regular Decision—academics, curiosity, strong writing and potential to make a positive impact in the Whitman and Walla Walla communities.
However, Early Decision applicants are admitted at higher rates than Regular Decision applicants. Why? Because early applicants stand out in every way: your decision to make Whitman your first choice and the extra care and attention we see in your application makes all the difference.
Whitman College waives our $60 application fee for all applications submitted before Dec. 1.
We also waive the application fee for first-generation college students, students from Eastern Washington and any students who have a financial hardship who apply after Dec. 1. For more information about fee waivers, call the Office at Admission at 509-527-5176 or send an email to admission@whitman.edu.
On your Common App or Coalition App, select either Early Decision I or Early Decision II on the Whitman College-specific section. You’ll also need to electronically sign the Early Decision Agreement Form and provide email addresses for a parent/guardian and your school counselor, each of whom will need to electronically sign the agreement as well. You also have the option to print the form, sign it and send it to: Admission Office, 345 Boyer Ave., Walla Walla, WA 99362.
We’re here to help!
Contact the Office of Admission at 509-527-5176 or admission@whitman.edu.