How to Apply
Ready to become a Webbie? Start here for deadlines, requirements, and everything you need to know about applying to Webb.
Application Process
Webb’s admissions process is holistic. That means every part of your application is reviewed in context—from your academic preparation and test scores to your activities, recommendations, essays, and potential to contribute to the Webb community.
We are looking for students who are ready for a focused, rigorous engineering education and excited to join a close-knit campus built around collaboration, curiosity, and purpose.
Early Decision
Early Decision is for students who know Webb is their first choice. Submit your application by October 16 and all required materials within one week. Finalists are invited for an overnight campus visit, interview, and assessments.
Regular Decision
Regular Decision applications are due January 16, with materials due within two weeks. Finalists are typically invited to campus in March, and final admissions decisions are released by April 1.
Applying From a Unique Situation?
Transfer Applicants
If you have earned your high school diploma and taken courses at a college or university, you are considered a transfer applicant. Transfer students apply through the Common Application for Transfer.
Please note that all students accepted to Webb begin as first-semester freshmen, regardless of previous college credits, AP scores, or academic background. Transfer applicants should have completed coursework in Calculus I and Physics.
Non-US Citizen Applicants
Non-US citizens follow the same admissions requirements as other applicants, with additional testing requirements in some cases. Students who completed their studies outside the United States in a region where English is not the primary language must certify English proficiency.
Homeschool Applicants
Homeschooled applicants follow the same admissions requirements as other students, with a few additional materials. Webb asks for a supplement that gives the Admissions Committee a clearer picture of your homeschool environment and curriculum.
Homeschooled applicants are also required to complete Physics and Chemistry with a lab and may submit AP, IB, SAT, or ACT scores to provide additional academic context.
Timeline
August 1
The Common Application opens. Begin your application, review Webb’s member questions, and start gathering required materials.
October 16
Early Decision applications are due. Required materials must be submitted within one week of the deadline.
January 16
Regular Decision applications are due. Required materials must be submitted within two weeks of the deadline.
April 1
Regular Decision applications are due. Required materials must be submitted within two weeks of the deadline.
Requirements
Materials
To complete your application, submit the Common Application and all required supporting materials by the appropriate deadline. Webb will contact applicants about missing materials.
Common Application
All applicants submit the Common Application, including Webb-specific questions. Webb also includes an optional essay: “Why Webb or Why Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering?”
Your application should help the Admissions Committee understand your academic preparation, your interests, your activities, and the ways you may contribute to the Webb community.
Application Fee or Waiver
Webb requires a $70 non-refundable application fee or an approved fee waiver. Students may request a fee waiver through the Common Application under the “Profile” tab.
Fee waivers are typically available to students who meet certain indicators of economic need, including eligibility for SAT/ACT fee waivers, free or reduced-price lunch, public assistance, or federal, state, or local programs supporting students from low-income families.
Official Transcript
Applicants must submit an official high school transcript. Transfer applicants must submit both high school and college transcripts.
Transcripts should be sent directly from the school through the Common Application or another approved platform, such as Naviance, Scoir, or Parchment, or mailed to Webb’s Office of Admissions and Student Affairs.
SAT or ACT Scores
Webb requires applicants to submit SAT or ACT scores. Students may self-report scores through the application, email a screenshot of scores to admissions@webb.edu, or send official reports through College Board or ACT.
Webb recommends reporting all available scores so the strongest results can be reviewed. Webb’s SAT code is 2970 and ACT code is 2987.
Recommendations
Applicants must submit letters of recommendation as part of the application process. For transfer applicants, Webb asks for two letters, preferably including one from a math or science teacher or professor.
Recommendations should help Webb understand your academic strengths, character, work ethic, curiosity, and readiness for a rigorous engineering environment.
Additional Materials
Some applicants may need to submit additional materials, including proof of citizenship or permanent residency if selected as finalists, English proficiency scores for certain non-U.S. citizens, or homeschool supplements.
Applicants seeking financial aid beyond Webb’s full-tuition scholarship should also complete the FAFSA by the required deadline.
Additional Requirements
Academic Preparedness
Webb’s curriculum is rigorous and highly focused. Strong applicants should be prepared for advanced work in math, science, and engineering, including calculus and physics.
Physical Requirements
Webb’s program goes well beyond the classroom. Every student completes winter work periods in a shipyard and serves at sea as a cadet aboard a working vessel. These experiences, along with ship visits, labs, and hands-on engineering work, involve physical demands such as climbing ladders, moving through confined spaces, and working in industrial and shipboard environments. Applicants should be able to pass a U.S. Coast Guard physical and should review the physical and participation requirements connected to the program before applying.
Mandatory Overnight Visit
Finalists are invited to campus for an overnight visit. During the visit, students interview with Webb leadership and faculty and complete short assessments designed to help Webb understand fit and readiness.
Review Process
Webb reviews each application holistically and within context. The Admissions Committee considers academic preparation, standardized testing, recommendations, activities, essays, leadership, service, and fit with Webb’s mission and community.
Because Webb enrolls a small class each year, the process is highly selective. The goal is to build a class of students who will thrive at Webb and contribute meaningfully to one another’s education.
Final Assessment
Finalists are invited to campus for interviews and assessments. These may include an interview with the President and a faculty member, a short math assessment, and a writing prompt or other evaluation.
Admissions Committee
- President Mark Martecchini;
- Director of Admissions;
- faculty representatives;
- admissions and student affairs representatives;
- additional committee members as designated by Webb.
After Acceptance
If you are accepted to Webb, you will receive information about enrollment, financial aid, orientation, and next steps. Webb’s team will help guide you through the process so you can prepare for your first semester with confidence.
Enrollment Deposit
Accepted students submit an Enrollment Form and a $1,000 Enrollment Deposit. Accepted students who qualify for financial need may have a reduced enrollment deposit.
Mandatory Orientation
New students participate in mandatory orientation before the start of the academic year. Orientation helps you meet classmates, learn campus expectations, and begin your transition into Webb life.
Other Policies
Deferred and Waitlisted Applicant
Students who are not accepted during Early Decision may be deferred to the Regular Decision round. Because Webb’s class size is small, not all qualified applicants can be admitted in the first round.
Students may also be placed on a waitlist depending on the size and composition of the incoming class. Webb will communicate directly with deferred or waitlisted students about next steps
Right to Change Information
Admissions policies, deadlines, requirements, and procedures may change. Applicants should use the current Webb website and communications from the Office of Admissions as the most up-to-date source of information.
Students are responsible for reviewing their application status and responding promptly to requests for missing materials.
Admissions Policy Statement
Webb Institute reviews applicants holistically and seeks students who will thrive in a rigorous academic program and contribute to a close, collaborative community.
Webb values academic excellence, curiosity, integrity, leadership, service, and the potential to make an impact in the maritime industry and beyond.
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs
All students accepted to Webb begin as first-semester freshmen, regardless of transfer credits, AP scores, or previous coursework. Prior academic work may still provide helpful context in the admissions review.
