At Whittier College, a First-Year Student is someone who is a high school senior or who has graduated from high school but has not enrolled in a 2-year or 4-year institution of higher education.
High school students who took dual enrollment courses at their local community college are considered first-year students.
Students who should not apply as First-Year students:
- Students who meet the above criteria but hold a foreign passport or are currently studying out of the country should apply as International Students.
- Students who have received a high school diploma or equivalent and have previously enrolled at a 2-year or 4-year institution of higher education should apply as a Transfer Student
Apply with Instant Decision
Applying via Instant Decision allows you to skip the Common Application and apply with a virtual interview with an admission counselor, no letters of recommendation or personal statement required. Whittier also does not charge a fee to apply and we are test-blind.
You will receive an admission decision at the conclusion of the interview and, if applicable, a preliminary scholarship award.
To Apply via Instant Decision
- Book an appointment with a counselor using the link below.
- Submit a copy of your high school transcript and either a graded essay or personal statement.
Common Application
Whittier College participates in the Common Application. There is no application fee and we are test-blind.
To Apply via Common App
Be sure to submit the following items:
- A completed Common Application
- Secondary School Report from your college/guidance counselor
- Two Letters of Recommendation
- The first letter must come from a teacher who taught you in a STEM, Language Arts, or Social Sciences class.
- The second letter of recommendation may come from a teacher in any area of study or a counselor, coach, clergy, or employer/supervisor.
- Official high school transcripts reflecting coursework through the junior year for Early Action applications, and through the fall semester of senior year for the Regular Decision applications.
You may submit any additional information you believe will help support your application for admission.
