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U.S. College Road Trip! Episode 3 - Willamette University

drewkari97

Updated: Jan 19

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Willamette University: The Oldest, Boldest, and Definitely Not "William-ette"


For those new to the Pacific Northwest, it’s pronounced “Willamette, damn it!” Now that we’ve got that straight, let me tell you why this little gem in Salem, Oregon, is worth a closer look—and why it holds a special place in my heart. It’s my alma mater and where I met my husband, back before flip phones were cutting-edge tech.




Why Willamette Deserves a Spot on Your List


1. The OG of Western Colleges: Founded in 1842, Willamette isn’t just old—it’s historic. As the oldest university west of the Mississippi, it’s been inspiring creativity and innovation since Oregon was just a frontier. Basically, it’s the George Washington of Western higher education, minus the powdered wigs.


2. Big Ideas, Small School Vibes: With a cozy undergrad enrollment of 1,302, you’ll never feel like just a number. Professors will actually know your name, and you can skip the Hunger Games-style fight for a seat in the library during finals.


3. Bearcats are World Travelers: More than half of Willamette students study abroad in 40+ countries. Whether you’re perfecting your Spanish in Madrid or trying every croissant in Paris (for research, of course), you’ll get a global perspective without needing to hitchhike.


4. Service with a Side of Learning: At Willamette, community service isn’t just encouraged—it’s woven into the curriculum. You can base your papers and projects on real-world service experiences. Translation: you’re not just hitting the books, you’re making a difference.


5. East Meets West: Willamette’s partnership with Tokyo International University of America brings cross-cultural exchange right to campus. It’s like having a global study-abroad program in your backyard—minus the jet lag.


6. Drama Kings and Queens Welcome: If you’ve got a flair for the dramatic (or musical), you’ll feel right at home. With 20+ music ensembles, performing arts clubs, main stage plays, and a dance concert every year, the spotlight’s always on at Willamette. Who knows? You might just discover your inner Lin-Manuel Miranda.


Famous Bearcats: Willamette has produced some big names, like U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski, Olympic runner Nick Symmonds, and Senators Mark Hatfield and Bob Packwood. Not bad for a small liberal arts school, right?


By the Numbers: Willamette offers 48 bachelor’s degrees, has an acceptance rate of 80% (so the odds are in your favor), and boasts SAT scores ranging from 1100-1330 for admitted students. Translation: You don’t need to be a rocket scientist, but you should probably bring your A-game.


Here’s the link for admissions to learn more. https://willamette.edu/admission/index.html Go Bearcats!


Feeling like the admissions process is a maze designed by a cruel genius? We’re here to help. Book an appointment with one of our counselors, and we’ll make sure your application shines like a main stage spotlight. Check out our website and schedule an appointment with a counselor to see exactly how we can help you find your best fit school and make your application the strongest it can be.


Willamette Alum? Any insight into your experiences would be amazing. At Next Level College Application we do not have an agenda other than helping our clients find the schools that are the best fit for them.


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