Student Application

Here's a link to the application

Applications  for the 2025 class are now closed. Applications for the 2026 class will open in November.

Note that to assess current fitness you need to hike Mount Si carrying a 30-lb backpack and to keep track of how long it takes you to arrive at the meadow at the base of the Haystack. Time yourself from the trailhead to the meadow.

How to apply

Our application is a Google Form, which you can find embedded below. If the embedded form gives you trouble for whatever reason, you can also find it at this link: https://forms.gle/cG4XVQuU7rkgmWnV8

Applications will be open from November 1-30, 2024. 

The cost of the class, if accepted, is $755. 

We value a community with diverse experiences and backgrounds. There will be four Access Scholarships available to help aid with the cost of the class, which you'll have the ability to self-select for on the application. 

Before applying, consider carefully:

• All students must be or become members of the WAC (How to Join) if they are accepted into the class. Inactive WAC members will need to renew.

• Students must be at least 18 years of age at the start of the class. 

• Incomplete applications will not be accepted.

• All applicants will be interviewed in December and notified of their application status by mid-January. If accepted into the class, you will need to pay tuition within 10 days.

• Refunds are only given if we can fill your spot before class begins.

• Class runs for 16 weeks and represents a significant time commitment. Make sure you can attend all 15 classroom lectures and 10 weekend trips on the schedule, including the backup weekends. Attendance is mandatory.

  • To keep all the students on the same content, we strictly enforce mandatory attendance. If you can't make the class, be an adult and let the instructors know. The inability to make a class can result in forfeiting the right to graduate the class. The cost of the class will be donated to the club if an accepted student pays but cannot finish the class.

• Sourcing required gear is your responsibility. Purchasing costs can be substantial, often more than class tuition.

  • The Gear List details all gear you will need for each field trip.

  • Once class begins, we will set up gear nights with local retailers where you can get discounts as students. You may also benefit from waiting to buy or borrow gear until you clarify your exact needs with the help of class instructors.

• Climbing comes with risks. To be considered for the class, you are required to fill out the liability waivers. You must also have health insurance throughout the class to cover any injuries.

Application instructions:

1. Submit the application.

   • • Note that to assess current fitness you need to hike Mount Si carrying a 30-lb backpack and to keep track of how long it takes you to arrive at the meadow at the base of the Haystack. Time yourself from the trailhead to the meadow. You will need a Discover Pass for parking. Directions and trail description are at: http://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/mount-si. The application will require you to enter in your time, a recent date hiked (within the last four months), and trail conditions.

2. We will contact you via email to schedule an interview.

   • You should expect to hear from us no later than December 10th to schedule an interview. If you haven't heard from us, please reach out to wac-basic-chairs@googlegroups.com

3. The class is selected in January, and all applicants will be notified accordingly. Those who are accepted will be sent payment instructions for the class fee and a request to sign the class waiver.

Thanks for applying!