Whitman College Class of 2018 Sets New Record for Applications

Whitman College has received 3,791 applications for the class of 2018, a record number and a 38% increase on last year’s application numbers. With a total of 1,442 first years admitted to date, the class of 2018 admission rate is also the most selective in Whitman College history, at 39.5%. A total of 118 Early Decision students were admitted in winter 2013, and an additional 1,300 offers of admission were mailed to Regular Decision applicants in late March this year.

“We are thrilled to see such strong interest in Whitman, and the admission and financial aid staff are gratified that our efforts in outreach and recruitment led to tremendous growth in applications,” said Dean of Admission & Financial Aid Tony Cabasco. “It was a privilege to read the applications submitted by students from around the country and the world. Our staff enjoyed reading about their stories, the activities and causes to which they are committed and the challenges that they’ve overcome.”

The admitted class of 2018 comes from across the United States and the world:

• Students hail from 44 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Saipan in the Northern Marianas and 30 nations.
• The most represented states are Washington (379), California (364), Oregon (151), Colorado (57), Minnesota (43), Idaho (34), Hawaii (28), Massachusetts (27), Texas (26), and New York (23).
• 25% of admitted students are students of color.
• 25 students are first-generation students who will be the first in their family to go to college.
• 85 students are dual citizens.
• Students came from 740 high schools around the world, with senior classes that ranged from 1 to 1,750.
• 72 international students were admitted. The most represented countries were China (29), South Korea (8), Canada (4), India (3), Ghana (2) and Mexico (2), with 25 other countries represented.

Class of 2018 students are “difference makers” in their high schools and communities, bringing with them an impressive list of accomplishments and a passion for learning. The medians of the admitted students include a 3.88 GPA (on an unweighted 4.0 scale) and test scores of 680 SAT Reading, 670 SAT Math, 680 SAT Writing, and a 31 ACT composite.

“The large increase in applications and the increased selectivity made it difficult for our admission officers during the selection process,” Cabasco said. “The admission staff focused on academic achievement, the potential to contribute to and engage with the Whitman community as well as finding students who were the best match for Whitman.”

For Whitman’s admission officers, the work is not done until after May 1, the date by which national candidates must inform colleges of their plans. This fall, Whitman expects to welcome 395 first years and 20 transfer students to campus.

“I am so proud of the work our admission team put in to recruit and evaluate such an accomplished and diverse group of students,” Director of Admission Adam Miller said. “There were a lot of long days on the road this fall and late nights reading applications this spring, but that pales in comparison to the impact these students will have on the Whitman community.”

Admitted students and their families will have a chance to visit the campus on Apr. 19. In addition, Whitman plans to welcome hundreds of students who will arrange individual visits during the month of April. Receptions for admitted students will be held in Seattle, Portland, and the San Francisco Bay Area.