Here are some tips to ensure your application is competitive: 

  • Take rigorous courses in high school, especially in math and English.
  • Continue math all four years of high school if possible.
  • Keep your grades up through senior year—your final year matters.

If you don’t meet the standard admission requirements, you still have options. Washington’s public universities offer alternative admissions pathways that consider your unique experiences and potential.

Admission Requirements

Students enrolling in a Washington public university must at least meet the following two admission requirements.

  • Maintain a GPA of 2.0 or higher.
  • Complete the right coursework (CADRs)

Students can meet coursework requirements through high school coursework or college coursework. These requirements include:

Courses
Credits Required
English
4 years
Math
3 years
Social Sciences
3 years
Science
3 years
World Language
2 years
Fine, Visual or Performing Art
1 year
Senior Year, Math-Based Quantitative Course
1 year

Important Dates

Central Washington University
Priority Admissions: January 31
Regular Admissions: Open Until Full
FAFSA Priority: January 31
College Choice Day: May 1
Eastern Washington University
Priority Admissions: February 1
Regular Admissions: September 1
FAFSA Priority: February 1
College Choice Day: May 1
The Evergreen State College
Priority Admissions: December 1
Regular Admissions: September 1
FAFSA Priority: February 1
College Choice Day: May 1
University of Washington Bothell
Priority Admissions: November 15
Regular Admissions: January 15
FAFSA Priority: February 28
College Choice Day: May 1
University of Washington – Seattle campus
Priority Admissions: November 15
Regular Admissions: November 15
FAFSA Priority: February 28
College Choice Day: May 1
University of Washington Tacoma
Priority Admissions: January 15
Regular Admissions: May 31
FAFSA Priority: February 28
College Choice Day: May 1
Washington State University – all campuses
Priority Admissions: March 31
Regular Admissions: N/A
FAFSA Priority: March 31
College Choice Day: May 1
Western Washington University
Priority Admissions: November 1
Regular Admissions: January 31
FAFSA Priority: January 31
College Choice Day: May 1

Admissions Overview

All of Washington’s public four-year institutions use a holistic admissions process. For specific details, please see the admissions page for each university. Letters of reference are not required.