W
Private 4 Year

Willamette University Admission Requirements

Salem, Oregon

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Your chances of getting into Willamette University

Admission Rate & Difficulty

Percent Admitted 

80.6%
Admission Difficulty for Willamette University
Measure Difficulty
Admission Standards Unavailable 
Applicant Competition Very Low 

Acceptance Rate

The acceptance rate at Willamette University is 80.6%.  Its admission rate is the 9th lowest in Oregon.

Admission Selectivity

How hard is it to get into Willamette University and can you get accepted?

Willamette University is an easy school to get into and you have a very good chance of acceptance if you meet the admission criteria. Last year, 3,219 out of the 3,994 who applied were admitted.

Willamette University typically accepts and attracts "A-" average high school students with an average GPA around 3.97. Most incoming freshmen graduate in the top quarter of their high school class. 16% of those admitted chose to enroll in the school.

Can you get into Willamette University?

81% are accepted, can you get in? Use the admission calculator to see if you have the grades and test scores needed to get in. See your admission chances based on your extracurriculars, intended major, background, and more.

Calculate your admission chances
Calculate your admission chances

Admission Requirements in Brief

To have the best chance of getting into to Willamette University you should:

  • Have a high school GPA of 3.97 or better
  • Earn A- grades in high school
  • Graduate in the top 25% of your high school class

Willamette University GPA

GPA Requirements & Average GPA

Avg. High School GPA 

3.97

Typical High School Grades 

A-

What GPA do you need to get into Willamette University?

GPA Requirements

The GPA requirements for getting into Willamette University are to have around a 3.97 high school GPA. You are required to have exceptionally good grades and you should be graduating near the top of your class.

If your high school grades are above the average 3.97 GPA, you have a very good chance of being admitted as Willamette University accepts 81% of applicants.

Average GPA

The average unweighted GPA at Willamette University is 3.97 on the 4.0 scale. 76% of students who get in have perfect 4.0 GPA's in high school. To achieve the average GPA for admission, you need to earn A- letter grades and regularly score around 90-92 percent on tests and assignments in high school.  The school ranks #2 in Oregon for highest average GPA.

Importance of GPA

Since Willamette University is a test optional college, extra focus will be placed on your GPA when the school considers your application. As a result, it is very important that you meet the GPA requirements.

See additional colleges accepting applicants in the 4.0 GPA range.

Competitiveness by GPA Ranges

The table below outlines the number of admitted freshmen by GPA range as well as how competitive your GPA will be as compared with other applicants.

High School GPA's for admitted Willamette University students
High School GPA Freshmen Within Range Competitiveness 
4.0 76.0% Avg +
3.75 to 3.99 15.0% Avg -
3.50 to 3.74 8.0% Reach
3.25 to 3.49 0% Reach
3.00 to 3.24 1.0% Low
2.50 to 2.99 0% Low
2.00 to 2.49 0% Low
1.00 to 1.99 0% Low
less than 1.00 0% Low

 What do these chances mean?

GPA Data Source, Peterson's Data 2022

Calculate My Chances 

Willamette University SAT Scores

Testing Requirements

Submission of SAT or ACT scores is not required for admission to Willamette University. If you optionally submit test scores, they will be considered with your application, but they are not mandatory. .

SAT Requirements & Average SAT Score

SAT Range 

Not Reported

Applicants Submitting SAT 

-
SAT Scores for Willamette University
SAT Test 25th Percentile Score
Reading 25th Percentile N/A
Math 25th Percentile N/A
Composite 25th Percentile N/A
SAT Scores for Willamette University
SAT Test 75th Percentile Score
Reading 75th Percentile N/A
Math 75th Percentile N/A
Composite 75th Percentile N/A
Average SAT Score N/A
Data Sources, IPEDS for Fall 2022 starting class

Willamette University ACT Scores

ACT Requirements & Average ACT Score

ACT Range 

Not Reported

Applicants Submitting ACT 

-
ACT Scores for Willamette University
ACT Test 25th Percentile Score
Reading 25th Percentile N/A
Math 25th Percentile N/A
Composite 25th Percentile N/A
ACT Scores for Willamette University
ACT Test 75th Percentile Score
Reading 75th Percentile N/A
Math 75th Percentile N/A
Composite 75th Percentile N/A
Average ACT Score N/A
Data Sources, IPEDS for Fall 2022 starting class

High School Class Rank

70% of Willamette University freshman are in the top twenty five percent of their high school graduating class and 31% are in the top ten percent.

High School Class Rank for admitted Willamette University students
High School Class Rank Freshmen Within Range
Top 10% of class 31%
Top 25% of class 70%
Top 50% of class 95%
Data Source, Peterson's Data

Applying

Admission Statistics

Admission and enrollment rates by gender are detailed the the table below.

Willamette University admission statistics
Women Men Total
Applied 2,394 1,600 3,994
Accepted 1,964 1,255 3,219
Acceptance Rate 82% 78% 81%
Enrolled 315 209 524
Percent of Admitted Who Enrolled (Admission Yield) 16% 17% 16%
Data Sources, IPEDS for Fall 2022 starting class

Fall 2024 Application Deadline

Applications Due

Jan 15, 2025

Days left to Apply

55

Applicants have 55 days left until the Fall 2024 term applications are due on Jan 15, 2025.

Application Fee

The cost for prospective students to apply to Willamette University is $0. The school is free to apply to.

Application Requirements

What are the requirements for admission to Willamette University and what student information is used for admission decisions?

Willamette University Application Requirements
Test Scores Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional)
High School GPA Required to be considered for admission
High School Class Rank Not required for admission, but considered if submitted
Completion of College Preparatory Program Required to be considered for admission
Recommendations Required to be considered for admission
Demonstration of Competencies Not considered for admission, even if submitted

Credits Accepted

High School Credits Accepted at Willamette University
AP Credit Yes
Dual Credit No
Credit for Life Experiences No

Other Colleges to Apply To 

Students applying to Willamette University often consider these colleges

Primary data source, U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=210401 IPEDS survey data for Willamette University.

Last updated February 24, 2024