Freshman and running start
Admission requirements and how to apply
You're considered a freshman for admission purposes if:
- You're applying to WSU for the academic year immediately after graduating from high school (Running Start students are considered freshmen for admission purposes).
- You haven't attended college since high school graduation and are under 25.
If you'll be 25 years or older on your first day of classes at WSU and have less than a full year of college work to transfer, you should apply as an adult student.
Admission Requirements
The state of Washington maintains a set of academic core requirements (the College Academic Distribution Requirements, or CADRs) that all students have to meet to qualify for college admission.
You'll need to complete prerequisite courses in six academic areas to be eligible for admission. (One credit = one full-year course).
English
4 credits, including at least three credits of composition and literature
Mathematics
3 credits, including algebra I, geometry, and algebra II, or completion of integrated mathematics through level III; a fourth credit of math is recommended.
SENIOR YEAR MATH-BASED QUANTITATIVE COURSE
Beginning with fall 2012 admissions, a math-based quantitative course will be required in the senior year. A variety of courses can meet the requirement:
- One of the three required math courses listed above;
- A math-based quantitative course like statistics, applied math, or appropriate career and technical courses; or
- An algebra-based science course (which may also count toward the science requirement).
If your school district counts a course as quantitative, WSU will as well. The senior-year math requirement doesn't mandate a fourth credit or require a higher level of math; the intent is for seniors to actively prepare for college-level work by taking a meaningful math course.
Note: Completion of higher-level math (e.g., pre-calculus, math analysis, or calculus) prior to the senior year exempts students from the senior-year quantitative course requirement.
Science
2 credits of laboratory science, including one credit of algebra-based science (typically chemistry or physics, though school districts may designate other courses)
World language
2 credits of a single world language, Native American language, or American Sign Language
Social science
3 credits
Arts
1 credit in fine, visual, or performing arts or an additional credit of the courses listed above
More information on courses that meet admission requirements is available from the Washington Higher Education Coordinating Board.
How to apply
The admission process involves three basic steps: submitting applications, sending transcripts and test scores, and writing a personal statement.
1. Fill out the application (and do it early!)
Admission to WSU is offered on a first-come, first-served basis. All materials must be postmarked by the priority application date of January 31.
Applications:
To make sure you receive the highest possible amount of financial help,
submit the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) by February 15.
Note: If you choose to attend a different semester than the one indicated on your application, you'll need to re-apply.
2. Provide your transcripts and test scores.
- Have your high school send your official transcripts to WSU.
- If you have college credit through Running Start or a similar program, ask the college to send a transcript to WSU.
- Have your SAT or ACT scores sent to WSU.
Transcripts and test scores must be sent directly from the college or testing agency to WSU.
Mailing address:
Washington State University Office of Admissions 370 Lighty Student Services Bldg. PO Box 641067 Pullman, WA 99164-1067
3. Write your personal statement.
Is it mandatory? No. Could it make the difference in being admitted? Possibly.
The personal statement gives you a chance to tell us more about yourself — your experiences, personal qualities, and abilities — than a standard application can do. Answering the questions thoughtfully and presenting yourself clearly in writing helps you prove that you have the skills you'll need to use in college classes (and you'll need a personal statement essay for the scholarship application anyway). We recommend that you give yourself the chance.
You can submit the personal statement along with your admission application or do it separately at www.wsu.edu/statement.
Application deadlines
Fall semester
January 31
- Priority date for fall semester admission applications
- Scholarship application deadline
February 15
- Submit the FAFSA by this date for priority financial aid consideration
Spring semester
November 15
- Priority application date for spring semester
See the full list of important dates and deadlines to find out when to apply for financial aid (fill out that FAFSA!), visit campus, apply for housing, make your tuition deposit, etc. Oh yeah, and when do classes start?
Note: This is a guide to the admission process, not a statement of policy. See the WSU General Catalog for official requirements and regulations.