As favorite fall traditions of homecomings and festivals fill up calendars for high school seniors, there are a few important dates to save and steps to take to complete college applications. For those seniors looking to get a head start on their search, October is the perfect time to apply early.
Starting Oct. 1, UMW reviews early applications and begins awarding decisions, which may be available at upcoming regional receptions or fall open houses for students who register in advance.
Sign up for a regional reception for high school seniors.
UMW experts in admissions share their tips, from building a list of colleges to checking off first-choice schools and getting top consideration for scholarships. Check out their ideas for getting started this fall:
Senior Admissions Counselor Carson Berrier talks about building a list of colleges to apply to using the acronym LACE (location, academics, cost and experience) to kick-start the process. The L is for location, from in-state and out-of-state options to the size of the campus and the size of the city. Academics comes next, from specific majors to general education requirements and the flexibility of the liberal arts and sciences to explore subjects. Cost is the next consideration. UMW offers a net price calculator, so families can get a gauge of costs, with scholarships and financial aid, including a Tuition Promise for Pell-eligible students. The E is for experience, from extracurriculars and athletics to clubs and the community. “What you’ll do beyond the classroom is really important,” says Berrier.
Add the University of Mary Washington to your Common Application List.
Admissions Events Manager Heather Guhl shares an open invite to visit campus. Weekday tours are offered at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., with Saturday tours at 9:30 or 11 a.m. Two upcoming Open Houses extend the experience on Saturday, Oct. 19 and Nov. 9. Students can talk to faculty, hear from current students, attend a break-out session, sample the food and top it off with a tour. “Experience the tree-lined brick pathways on campus and the historic downtown area, and meet UMW students,” says Guhl.
Admissions Counselor Emmanuel Aghayere breaks down the differences in filing dates. Early decision is a binding agreement to the school where you apply. These early decision applications are reviewed in October and November at UMW, so you’ll know early if you are in. The decision is done! Early action is a non-binding agreement that allows you to apply early and apply to multiple schools. For UMW, applications are due Nov. 15 for early action and honors program consideration. Regular decision offers you the most time to complete your application, and the filing date is Feb. 1, but it offers applicants the shortest timeline to make their decision.
Learn more online in the Early Decision FAQ.
Assistant Director of Admissions Joanna Caples shares how the personal statement is a student’s time to shine. “Tell us about you as a person, not just what you think an admissions counselor wants to hear,” she notes. “Number one, write about something that you love. If you are excited about it and passionate about it, that excitement is going to come off the page … Number two, have someone else read it. That extra set of eyes is going to catch typos and make sure it flows.”
Get more tips from the experts on writing your college essay.
Admissions Counselor Maggie Pearsall talks about how to build an extracurricular list. That’s all of the clubs, groups and organizations outside of the classrooms. Students can include sports teams, honor societies, jobs and employment, family responsibilities, entrepreneurial activities and social media engagement, if it stands out. “Anything that is not you physically sitting in the classroom can be included on your extracurricular list – it’s what you do with your time,” says Pearsall.
Students looking to maximize their time this fall can apply early to boost consideration for special programs and scholarship opportunities. Complete the application online at umw.edu/apply.
UMW shares an admissions tip each Tuesday @marywashadmissions on Instagram.
Looking for more tips to complete your application to Mary Washington? Get the go-to guide, as experts peel back the layers in the college application process and answer your frequently asked questions.
Do you know a high school senior who would thrive at Mary Washington? During Virginia College Application Week (Oct. 21-25, 2024), share a code to waive the $50 application fee on the Common Application. Visit “Apply to UMW” and use code VCAW.
