Procedures & Requirements

Each year about 95 students are offered admission to Williamson. Admission is open to all qualifying young men, but special consideration is given to those who come from economically disadvantaged families who otherwise would not be able to further their education.

Applying for admission may begin as early as the summer between the junior and senior year of high school , but in any case should be completed no later than the end of February preceding the fall semester for which the applicant seeks entrance. To be considered, candidates must submit a completed, current application (which may be obtained by completing an application request). Notification of acceptance is given by the end of April. Admission is based on the following criteria:

1.  General Requirements

Candidates must be able-bodied, single males, in good health, and must not have reached their 20th birthday prior to the first day of June of the year they wish to enter the School. Preference is given to natural-born United States citizens. The School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, or ethnic background.

2.  Education

A high school diploma or its equivalent is required; an average of “C” or higher is generally necessary. Candidates must provide their high school transcripts. Courses taken should include mathematics, science, and English.

3.  Family Economic Condition

Preference is given to young men who would not otherwise be able to pursue post-secondary education due to their family’s economic circumstances.

*Financially Deserving:
The figures below are guidelines for admission; they are not absolutes. They reflect a taxable (not gross or net) income that is 250% of the 2008-2009 Federal Poverty Level, as published by the Federal Register on January 23, 2008.

Family Size	Taxable Income
2	$35,000
3	$44,000
4	$53,000
5	$62,000
6	$71,000
7	$80,000
8	$89,000
9 +	Add $9,000 per additional member

4.  Personal Interview and Testing

Prior to acceptance at Williamson, each candidate is interviewed by a faculty member or administrator.  The ASVAB, a standardized test to measure aptitude in areas such as verbal reasoning, numerical comprehension, and/or mechanical ability is also given. The Selection Committee, which includes the Director of Enrollments, Dean of Education, the President, the Athletic Director, and faculty representatives, evaluates interview performance, test scores, and application materials in order to make the final selections, which are presented to the Board of Trustees for approval.

5.  References

Three letters of character reference may be supplied from someone other than a family member, such as a pastor, guidance counselor, teacher, scout master, or employer.

When filling out the application, candidates rate the trade programs according to their first, second, and third choices; the first choice is granted whenever possible. To obtain an application, contact the Director of Enrollments:

Mr. Jason C. Merillat
Director of Enrollments
The Williamson Free School of Mechanical Trades
106 South New Middletown Road
Media, PA 19063
Phone: (610) 566-1776
Fax: (610) 566-6502
E-Mail: jmerillat@williamson.edu