First-Year Students

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

  1. Book an appointment with a counselor using the link below.
  2. Submit a copy of your high school transcript and either a graded essay or personal statement.
Book an Appointment

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:

  1. A completed Common Application
  2. Secondary School Report from your college/guidance counselor
  3. 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.
  4. 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.

Apply via Common App

Spring Regular Decision

  • Application deadline: October 15
  • FAFSA deadline: November 15
  • Decisions sent: Rolling
  • Enrollment deadline: November 15

Fall Early Action

  • Application deadline: November 15
  • FAFSA and Cal Grant (CA applicants) deadline: April 1
  • Decisions sent: Rolling
  • Enrollment deadline: June 1

Fall Regular Decision & Instant Decision

  • Application Deadline: Rolling
  • FAFSA and Cal Grant (CA applicants) deadline: April 1
  • Decisions sent: Rolling
  • Enrollment deadline: June 1

Students are encouraged to apply early to ensure consideration for the fullest range of scholarship opportunities. Whittier College will continue to accept first-year applications beyond the stated deadlines.

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Policies

As of the 2024-2025 admission cycle, Whittier College is a test-blind school with a holistic admission process that considers all aspects of an applicant’s life and experiences. The college does not consider SAT or ACT test scores in admissions decisions. This change aligns with policies at many schools nationwide and underscores Whittier’s commitment to inclusive excellence.

Application Process

The undergraduate application to Whittier College no longer requires applicants to disclose their criminal history. The admission committee will make all decisions on candidates for admission without knowledge of criminal history.

Enrollment Process

With submission of an enrollment deposit, students will be required to answer the following questions:

  • Have you ever been adjudicated guilty or convicted of a misdemeanor, felony, or other crime?
  • Do you have criminal charges pending against you or are you currently under investigation or indictment?

Depositing students who check “Yes” to either question will be sent a request to provide context and background information regarding their history. This information is not an automatic disqualification of enrollment and will be reviewed by a special committee within two weeks of receiving the information. 

Committee Review Process

The review committee, consisting of Whittier College admissions officers and staff, will review the student’s response, conduct an individualized assessment, and determine whether the criminal background information justifies a revocation of the university’s offer of admission. This committee will make the final decision about enrollment and will notify the candidate.

Questions?

For questions about this process, please contact Director of Admission, Anna-Marie Fahmy at 562.907.4229 or afahmy@whittier.edu.

Clery Act

We value the safety of all members of the Whittier community. The Whittier College Annual Security and Fire Safety Report can be viewed online. This report provides crime statistics for the prior three years, policy statements regarding various safety and security measures, campus crime prevention program descriptions, and procedures to be followed in the investigation and adjudication of reportable crimes. A paper copy of the document is available at the Department of Campus Safety or by calling 562.907.4211