Applications for admission to the University of Mary Washington are now open for the incoming class of fall 2024 and transfer students. Students can choose to complete UMW’s application directly on the website with no fee or submit the Common App.
“One of our best tips is to start early! Apply before your senior year ramps up. You don’t want to miss senior year activities because you are working on applications,” says UMW Director of First-Year Admission Sarah Lindberg. “Know the short list of schools you are applying to, and write your essay outside of the application so you can easily edit and save it.”
Common App essay questions include several options, giving students a prompt to discuss an accomplishment, reflect on their thinking, recount lessons learned or define what captivates them. Each is an opportunity for students to share their experience and goals. In addition, students who complete a “Taking Flight” interview as part of their application process will also be considered for a $1,000-$2,000 scholarship.
All UMW applicants are automatically considered for merit awards based on the information included in their application. Merit scholarships are awarded at the point of admission, and students receive notice within their official offer letter and packet. These awards range from full-rides for first-year students through Washington Scholarships for in-state students and Alvey Scholars for out-of-state students to subject-specific scholarships and merit awards.
UMW also offers scholarships to students applying with optional test scores, up to $10,000 to those who demonstrate collegiate academic merit. An additional $4,000 annual award will be applied to all non-Virginia residents, including international students, while they reside on campus. Students may also apply without test scores to be considered for curriculum-based scholarships for the strength of their high school’s educational program and their performance within those classes. These Talon Scholarships range from $1,500 to $5,000 for Virginia residents and from $5,000 to $9,000 for out-of-state students who plan to live on campus. For more information, visit UMW’s first-year scholarships checklist page.
Transfer students are given automatic consideration for UMW’s Transfer Merit Scholarships, ranging from $1,000 to $4,000 for in-state students, and up to $8,000 for out-of-state students. For more information, visit the transfer scholarships page.
Students and their families will want to note several key dates and details for their applications. The filing date for early decision (binding) is Nov. 1, with early action applications due Nov. 15. The regular decision filing date is Feb. 1 for first-year students. Transfer students should apply by Oct. 15 for spring enrollment, March 1 for summer and April 1 for fall. The FAFSA code is 002746 for UMW, and those submitting optional test scores will need the SAT Code Number: 5398 and/or ACT Code Number: 4414.
Future Eagles will also want to mark their calendars for upcoming events, including the last Summer Enhanced Visit on Thursday, Aug. 10, and fall Open Houses on Saturdays, Sept. 23, Oct. 21 and Nov. 11. Students who visit campus will receive a Common App fee waiver.
