Transfer Application Details
We hope you will consider becoming part of our intellectual community and our next Transfer student cohort! If you have any questions about transferring to Whitman, please contact transferapply@whitman.edu.
Transfer Application Deadlines
| Admission and Financial Aid Deadlines | Fall Transfers | Spring Transfers |
|---|---|---|
| Transfer Common Application | March 1 | November 1 |
|
Financial Aid Documents FAFSA and CSS Profile |
March 1 | November 1 |
|
Whitman International Student Financial Aid Application (WISFAA) |
March 1 | November 1 |
| Admission and Financial Aid Notification Date | Early April | Late November |
| Reply and Enrollment Deposit Date | May 20 | December 10 |
In order to completely review your application materials and release a prompt decision, we recommend that you apply by the posted deadline for the semester you intend to start at Whitman. We will continue to accept applications and financial aid materials past the posted deadlines until June 15.
Transfer Application Checklist
Are you ready to apply? Here's the information we need to receive to make a decision about your application:
- The Common Application for Transfer Students - available online.
- Transcripts from all of the colleges and universities you have attended. Official college transcripts are required at the time of enrollment and are encouraged while applying.
- A final transcript from the high school you graduated from. GED certificates are also accepted.
- An Academic Evaluation. Request one letter of recommendation from a recent teacher or professor through the Common App. You may send up to two additional letters (optional). Recommenders from academic backgrounds are preferred but we understand that may not be possible for all applicants. Reach out to transferapply@whitman.edu with any questions.
All application materials can be uploaded to your Transfer Common App account, your Whitman Applicant Portal, emailed to application@whitman.edu, or sent via mail to:
Whitman College Office of Admission
345 Boyer Avenue
Walla Walla, WA 9936-2046
Optional Information
- Your SAT or ACT Scores Report. Whitman is test-optional, meaning that you are not required to submit ACT or SAT scores as part of the admission process. Most Transfer applicants choose not to submit test scores, however, you are welcome to submit ACT or SAT results as an additional measure of your academic preparedness if you would like. You can self-report your scores on the Common App.
- Your AP or IB Exam Scores. Similarly to standardized exams, Whitman is test-optional and you are not required to submit any prior AP or IB exam scores for admission. Official exam scores are required by the Registrar if you enroll and want them considered as transferable credits.
Transfer Credit Guidelines
Whitman College allows the maximum of 70 advanced standing credits to be transferred from other accredited institutions. This includes credits allowed on the basis of scores earned on the Advanced Placement Test (AP), higher-level courses for the International Baccalaureate (IB), Running Start or dual-enrollment courses, or certain military service. Credits earned exclusively from most two-year colleges are limited to 62 semester credits applicable toward a bachelor's degree.
Washington State Direct Transfer Agreement
With the completion of the Direct Transfer Agreement Associate Degree from a Washington state community or technical college, admitted students could transfer to Whitman College with upwards of 90 credits and arrive at a junior class standing.
Consult our Transfer Credit policy page for more information. If you have questions about transfer credits, refer to the Transfer Guide or contact the Whitman Registrar at registrar@whitman.edu with a copy of your transcript(s).
Transfer Application Frequently Asked Questions
Our Registrar Office and Academic departments have updated Whitman’s transfer credit policies so they are more flexible to different types of courses offered at other institutions. In general, we accept transfer credits for courses that are also taught at Whitman, or are similar to courses taught at Whitman, and if you earned a C- or 1.7 grade and above. Check out the Transfer Guide to look up your current/prior institution and see if we’ve accepted courses from there in the past. This isn’t a complete list of possible transferable courses, but if Whitman offers a course like yours then it’s likely that your credits transfer. You can also check out our Course Catalog and see what is offered at Whitman.
Our Registrar Office is happy to conduct a preliminary transfer credit evaluation for prospective/admitted/enrolled transfer students. This can help give students a good picture of what credits may transfer to Whitman. If you are interested in a credit evaluation, reach out to our Transfer Credit Evaluator at transfercredit@whitman.edu.
The College Report is a form required for transfer applicants. This form is for the Registrar or similar official at a student’s current or most recent institution to verify a student’s recent grades and enrollment. Reach out to your current/prior institution’s Registrar Office for a copy. It is also good to save it to your computer for easy access.
The Academic Evaluation is essentially a letter of recommendation. The Transfer Common App sends a secure upload link to the email the student lists and the recommendation writer can complete the form and upload a letter. We prefer recs from an academic background, like professors or instructors, but will also accept one from an academic advisor (i.e. TRIO). Some transfer applicants have been out of school for many years and don’t have easy access to someone from their prior institution, so with approval from the Admissions Office, these students can request a rec letter from a supervisor or someone equivalent.
We accept unofficial copies of your college transcript(s) while you’re applying (i.e. unofficial pdfs, screenshots). Enrolled Transfer students will be asked to submit an official transcript to the Registrar Office as part of their orientation checklist. High school transcripts should be official and include final grades and a graduation date.
- Unofficial transcripts can be included with your Transfer Common Application, uploaded to your materials checklist through your applicant portal, or sent directly to application@whitman.edu.
- A copy of your official transcript should be sent directly from the school to our office.
- We do accept GED Certificates in place of a high school transcript.
Yes, admitted transfer students can defer for one semester or a full academic year. First they must accept their offer through their admit letter or through their applicant portal and submit an enrollment deposit. Enrolled students will have the option to complete the Gap Year Request form on their portal checklist.
Yes, there is a transfer community on campus and you’ll have the opportunity to meet other transfer students during New Student Orientation week. Transfer students are encouraged to engage with the campus community by joining student clubs, participating in student government, playing sports, volunteering, etc. Transfer students also have access to all of the student services offered to non-transfer students, including the Academic Resource Center, mental health counseling and the Career & Community Engagement Center.
They must apply as a first-year student. Any college credits earned prior to high school graduation are considered Dual Enrollment credits. The Transfer Credits webpage provides more information about Whitman’s approach to Running Start credits.