How to get into Washington College
How to get into Washington College: a small Eastern Shore liberal arts college with strong creative writing and environmental science programs
56.9%
Acceptance rate
$55,326
In-state cost
What makes Washington College admissions different
Washington College in Chestertown, Maryland, is one of the oldest colleges in the country (founded 1782, named with George Washington's permission). With around 900 students and an acceptance rate near 57%, it offers small classes, the Sophie Kerr Prize (the largest undergraduate literary prize in the US — typically $70,000+ to one senior), and a Chesapeake Bay-focused environmental science program.
What an actually competitive application looks like
- 1.
Apply through the Common App by Early Decision (November 15), Early Action (December 1), or Regular Decision (February 15). ED is binding and offers the strongest acceptance bump.
- 2.
Submit the Washington College supplement. The 'why Washington' essay reads better when grounded in something specific — the Sophie Kerr tradition, Chesapeake Bay research, the Honors program.
- 3.
Washington College is test-optional. Submit scores only if they strengthen your application.
- 4.
Apply for the George Washington Book Prize Scholarship, the Hodson Scholarship, and other competitive merit awards. The Hodson is the top award and requires a separate application step.
- 5.
Creative writing and English applicants: the Sophie Kerr Prize is the program's defining feature. Read about it before writing your supplement.
- 6.
Environmental science applicants: the Center for Environment and Society and the Chesapeake Semester are differentiators worth referencing.
Common mistakes that hurt applicants here
- ✕
Missing the competitive scholarship deadline. The Hodson and other top awards have their own application timelines.
- ✕
Treating ED as cosmetic. The binding ED bump at a small liberal arts college matters meaningfully.
- ✕
Writing a generic 'why small college' essay. Washington College has specific traditions (Sophie Kerr, Chesapeake Bay, George Washington Book Prize) — name them.
- ✕
Skipping the CSS Profile. Washington College uses it for need-based institutional aid.
The specifics for Washington College
Application deadlines
- Early Decision INovember 15, 2025Binding
- Early ActionDecember 1, 2025
- Regular DecisionFebruary 15, 2026
What makes this admissions process distinctive
Sophie Kerr Prize
The largest undergraduate literary prize in the United States, typically awarded to one graduating senior in literary endeavor. Awarded annually since 1968.
Chesapeake Bay-focused environmental science
The Center for Environment and Society and the Chesapeake Semester give environmental science majors direct fieldwork on the Bay.
Notable scholarships at Washington College
Hodson Scholarship
Top competitive merit award requiring separate application materials.
What graduates actually do
Washington College in Chestertown, Maryland, founded in 1782 with George Washington's patronage, is one of the oldest colleges in the country. Its alumni include a Pulitzer Prize-winning poet and notable journalists; the Sophie Kerr Prize is the largest undergraduate literary prize in the U.S. Alumni cluster in DC/Baltimore-area government, journalism, and finance, with strong placement into law and graduate school.
Notable alumni
- Robert Heinlein — Science fiction author (attended)
- James Bordley III — Physician/medical historian
- Daniel Wolf — Photographer/art collector
Transfer pathway
Washington College accepts transfers for both fall and spring semesters. Articulation agreements exist with Maryland community colleges, particularly Chesapeake College and Anne Arundel Community College. Up to 60 credits transfer from two-year institutions. Minimum 2.5 GPA. Transfer students are eligible for merit aid; the Phi Theta Kappa transfer scholarship provides additional support.
Articulation partners
Chesapeake College · Anne Arundel Community College · Cecil College · Howard Community College
Specifics verified 2026-05-18 from the school's own admissions page + Common App. Always confirm current-year details directly on the school site before applying.
If you're on the bubble
Washington College is a target for applicants in the 3.3+ GPA range who want a small liberal arts college with traditional New England feel on the Eastern Shore. ED1 is the highest-leverage move for borderline candidates. Most admitted students receive substantial merit aid.
Next steps
Last updated: November 2025. Acceptance rate and cost data refreshed nightly from college reporting.