Welcome to Whitman College, a leading liberal arts school located in Walla Walla Washington. Whitman is a place where academics are woven together with a famously supportive and charmingly quirky community spirit, earning them a spot as one of only 45 schools in the nation designated as a Colleges That Change Lives (CTCL) school. Students can choose from over 60 majors, combined programs, and concentrations, including highly-valued dual-degree programs in fields like engineering, forestry, and oceanography, allowing students to earn two degrees in just five years. This emphasis on innovation and critical thinking prepares students to shape an ever-changing world.
Contrary to popular belief students can ditch their umbrellas as Walla Walla is in a dryer part of Washington. It sits at the foot of the Blue Mountains and the smaller town charm promotes unrivaled community spirit and alumni loyalty. The student body proudly celebrates a crew of ducklings who live year-round in the campus duck pond and creeks with an annual campus-wide rubber duck hunt celebration. This is a perfect example of the institution’s close knit and lighthearted spirit. Whitman’s best-fit students, or “Whitties,” are hard-working community builders—smart, driven individuals from 80+ countries who are encouraged to bring their whole selves, unique expressions, and passion to campus to create a better world.
In our latest College Spotlight, we sat down with Makaya Kekoa Resner, Assistant Director of Admissions to learn what makes Whitman such an amazing place.
The Nest: Tell us a fun fact or about a tradition that is unique to your university.
Makaya: In addition to welcoming new students each year, we also welcome a new class of ducklings! They call our geothermal pond, Lakum Duckum, home all year round. You’ll often see them waddling around campus fountains, lawns and walkways—becoming one of our most beloved unofficial mascots.
Each spring, we celebrate their arrival with a campuswide rubber duck hunt where students can search for hidden toy ducks to win prizes. When you visit, be sure to keep an eye out for our cutest campus residents. Yielding for duck crossings is a real thing at Whitman!
The Nest: What is the most unique major you offer?
Makaya: At Whitman, we’re constantly developing new, innovative academic programs. Our interdisciplinary approach combines work from departments all across campus to prepare our students to shape our ever-changing world.
Students have more than 60+ majors, combined programs and concentrations to choose from.
Notable programs include our dual-degree programs—offering students three years of study at Whitman followed by two years at a partner institution to study engineering, forestry or oceanography. Through these programs, students earn two degrees in five years!
We have robust options for STEM students, including BBMB (Biochemistry, Biophysics & Molecular Biology), Neuroscience, Computer Science, Data Science, Engineering, Economics and several combined Environmental Studies, Mathematics and Astrophysics options.
Students interested in the social sciences can explore everything from Anthropology to Politics and Economics to Sociology and more. Those interested in the Arts and Humanities can continue to develop their skills by pairing their passions for art and photography with Environmental Science or combining the study of a language or culture with Religion or Rhetoric.
Learning and career preparation doesn’t just happen on campus. A unique to Whitman program includes our Whitman at the Penitentiary program, where our students travel across town to explore complex life questions while learning alongside incarcerated classmates at the Washington State Penitentiary. Our students are passionate about social justice which is why Whitman has curated the addition of Social Justice to our existing concentration options like Global Studies and Human-Centered Design.
The Nest: Who is the best-fit student for your university?
Makaya: Whitman students have a track record as hard-working community builders. They are smart and have drive—a desire to learn, think and be challenged to create a better world. The world needs Whitties! Our students bring their own unique characteristics, skills, expressions, cultures and customs that make our campus shine.
Whitties come from all over the world—80+ countries, 45+ U.S. states and 7 tribal nations. Many are the first in the family to attend a four-year institution. Each of them are encouraged to bring their whole selves and are celebrated in student-led clubs, affinity groups, community engagement opportunities and campus events.
The Nest: What application plans do you offer, and how should students determine which plan is best for them?
Makaya: Prospective students can apply to Whitman through the Common App and Coalition Application. All applicants who apply before Dec. 1 save money by having their application fee waived. We also offer other application fee waivers for students from low-income backgrounds and those participating in a college access program.
At Whitman, we know that cost is an important factor in the college search. Whitman now meets 100% of the demonstrated need for all students. High school seniors can get peace of mind by finding out how much money in scholarships and aid they will receive before they even apply for admission with our Early Financial Aid Guarantee. Yep, it’s guaranteed! We break it down as transparently as possible to help students make the best decision for themselves and their families. It’s the Whitman way!
Students who are excited and committed to attending Whitman should apply Early Decision (ED). ED applicants receive their admission status and financial aid offer months before Regular Decision applicants. Plus, they’ll be in a smaller applicant pool—meaning they’ll have better chances of admission.
Whitman offers two ED deadlines: November 15 and January 10.
Regular Decision applicants must complete all of their materials by January 15.
Transfer students should apply by Nov. 1 to start in the spring or March 1 to start in the fall.
Students who intend to apply for financial aid should submit all of their documents by the same application deadline.
For notification dates and information or to check out our mini-guides on navigating the application process, visit our website and contact our Office of Admission at admission@whitman.edu or call 509-527-5176.
The Nest: What is your best application advice for prospective students?
Makaya: At Whitman, we take a holistic approach when reviewing admission applications. We consider high school coursework, application essays, recommendation letters, involvement in school and community activities, work history, leadership positions and a variety of other factors. We let applicants decide for themselves whether they wish to submit ACT or SAT results. Our Admission team makes no assumptions about why a student elects to submit or not to submit their test scores.
Applicants should start their college applications early. There are small steps that can be taken along the way that will help them stay on top of their apps. And staying organized can help avoid feeling overwhelmed, so creating a system that helps them is key.
When drafting their personal essay, applicants should write, edit and share it with a trusted adult for feedback. There is no topic that guarantees admission so students should write about a topic they actually enjoy talking about. It will be easier to write and their passion will shine through. That’s ultimately what our Admission team looks for. Whitman is a small, tight-knit community. Every student has the potential and opportunity to make an impact on our campus and local community.
It can be stressful the first time a student is asked to express their passions and interests through an online application, which is then reviewed by essentially strangers. Please know that Admission teams truly want to get to know you and the passions you will bring to our campus. It’s a privilege to read student stories and be a part of this transitionary period, so any information shared helps us determine and better advocate for you during our admissions process.
Application/College insights from The Nest:
- Whitman is on the Common Application
- Early Decision: November 15, 2025Early Decision II: January 10, 2026Regular Decision: January 15, 2026
- Test-optional
- iPEDS 25th/75th percentiles:
- ACT: 29 – 33
- SAT: 1310 – 1480
- 88% Retention Rate!
Helping you soar sooner,
Carrie
