Applications for admission to the University of Mary Washington are now open for the incoming class of fall 2025 and transfer students. Students can apply to UMW via the Common Application or apply directly to UMW online. Completing the application early gives students the greatest opportunity to earn scholarships, know their admission decision before the spring semester and maximize their senior-year timeline.
“Check it off early, so there’s more time to visit campus, plan your undergraduate experience and make Mary Washington your college home,” said Dean of Admissions and Associate Vice President Melissa Yakabouski.
Nearly 60% of incoming first-year students for fall 2024 applied via early action or early decision to UMW. With the Common Application, it’s even easier to add the University of Mary Washington to a college list early and complete the process.
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 matters to them. Each is an opportunity 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. Registration for the “Taking Flight” interviews is open now and fills up quickly.
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 in-state Washington Scholarships and out-of-state Alvey Scholarships – to subject-specific scholarships and merit awards.
Students may also be eligible for UMW’s Tuition Promise, which closes the gap in any remaining tuition costs for Pell-eligible students. Students and families in Virginia with an adjusted gross income of $100,000 or less are encouraged to start the application process for both UMW and the FAFSA, when it’s available this fall, to determine if they qualify. Pell-eligible students will be considered for direct financial assistance toward their tuition as well as immediate, responsive assistance for short-term emergencies. In order to be considered for the Tuition Promise, Virginia residents are encouraged to apply by the early action deadline of Nov. 15 but should apply no later than UMW’s regular admission priority filing date of Feb. 1 for first-year students or April 1 for transfer students.
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 (non-binding) 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 003746 for UMW, and those submitting optional test scores will need the SAT Code Number: 5398 and/or ACT Code Number: 4414.
There’s still time for a summer visit to campus too, with UMW’s Enhanced Summer Visit on Thursday, Aug. 8. Daily information sessions and tours are available weekdays with Saturday campus tour options.
