UMW’s Admissions Application opened Aug. 1.

Applications for admission to the University of Mary Washington are now open for the incoming class of fall 2024 and transfer students. Students can choose to complete UMW’s application directly on the website with no fee or submit the Common App.

“One of our best tips is to start early! Apply before your senior year ramps up. You don’t want to miss senior year activities because you are working on applications,” says UMW Director of First-Year Admission Sarah Lindberg. “Know the short list of schools you are applying to, and write your essay outside of the application so you can easily edit and save it.”

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 captivates them. Each is an opportunity for students 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. Read more.

University of Mary Washington is offering three ways to visit campus this summer.

High school students and their families can get an early start on their college search with enhanced summer visits at the University of Mary Washington. Prospective students also can interview for a “Taking Flight” scholarship opportunity starting July 1.

This summer, UMW is offering three types of college campus visit experiences. Tours and info sessions are offered weekdays at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.; weekend tours are available on Saturdays at 9:30 and 11 a.m.; and summer enhanced visits are offered on July 11 and 20, and Aug. 10. The summer enhanced visit offers a more hands-on and specialized tour experience allowing students and their families to hear from academic leaders from the Colleges of Arts and Sciences, Business, and Education.

Summer college campus tours at UMW are designed to fit all schedules. Prospective students can sign up for preferred dates on the “Visit UMW” webpage.

For those who prefer a virtual option to get to know UMW, online interviews can provide the first opportunity for students to share what matters to them and get ahead on their application for admission. Plus, students who complete an application and an interview between July 1 and Feb. 1 are automatically considered for a “Taking Flight” scholarship ranging from $1,000 to $2,000. Read more.

SCHEV’s Senior Associate for Assessment Policy and Analysis Jodi Fisler tells the group, “Civic engagement is complex. There are so many dimensions to it, and moving pieces.” (Sam Cahill photo)

University of Mary Washington has a long commitment to community and civic engagement, encouraging students to get involved in the broader community through service, volunteerism, community-engaged classes, and civic learning. In fact, civic engagement is a leading goal in UMW’s strategic vision and a realization of the public purpose on our mission. A statewide conversation brought these topics to the forefront on June 5, 2023, as the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) hosted the “Day of Dialogue” at Mary Washington.

“We appreciate the work that each and every one of you do,” said UMW President Troy D. Paino. “Civic learning and student engagement are where our schools live their public purpose, while offering our students a chance to explore what gives their lives meaning and purpose.”

The annual event, just in its second year, brought together some 75 higher education leaders to share ideas.  The goal was to explore best practices for community and civic engagement, including ways to foster respectful dialogue on campus. Participants also explored issues related to evaluating civic engagement and strategies for engaging students in this important work. Read more.