Apply to CWU

Admission Requirements

If you are still in high school or if you have a high school diploma and will have earned fewer than 40 college credits (27 semester credits) before enrolling at CWU, then you will apply as a freshman. Freshmen applicants must submit:

• Completed online application or paper application (online application is preferred)
• $50 check, money order or online payment to CWU (non-refundable)
• Official high school transcript
• Official transcripts of any college work (Running Start credits, IB, AP, etc.)
• Official ACT or SAT score report

Only send the application fee if you are sending your application through the mail. If you are applying online, you will receive alternate instructions on how to pay the application fee.

Initial admissions decisions will be based on the State of Washington Admissions Index. The Admissions Index is a probability of success indicator that takes into account high school GPA and standardized test scores. We have an Admissions Index calculator as well as a table of scores so you can estimate your Admissions Index. Admission to CWU requires an Admissions Index score of 28 or higher and scheduled completion of the core classes listed below.

Freshmen applicants must complete the following high school core classes:

• English (4 years). Including the study of English language, literature, and writing.
• Math (3 years). Including first-year algebra and two additional years of college preparatory mathematics such as geometry, advanced algebra, trigonometry, analytical geometry, calculus, and probability and statistics. (algebra and geometry taken prior to the ninth grade accepted).
• Science (2 years). Including a year each in two fields of college preparatory science such as biology, chemistry, physics, or earth and physical science. One must have a lab with it.
• Social Science (3 years).
• Foreign Language (2 years). Shall be two years of the same language.
• Fine, Visual, or Performing arts (1 year). Or one more year from the above academic courses.

• How have your past experiences influenced your academic record?
• What are you presently doing to ensure your academic success?
• What are your academic goals and how will CWU help you accomplish these goals?

Admission Deadlines

Visit our application page for current information.

Please apply early to ensure your best chance for admission, housing, financial aid, and acceptance into your academic major.

Admissions Review Process

All students who do not meet the initial admissions requirements will go through the Comprehensive Admissions Review process. Applicants may be asked to submit additional information for further review by the Admissions Review Committee. Additional time is required for processing, therefore, it will take longer to hear from the Office of admissions regarding status.

The application essay is required for transfer students with a cumulative GPA of less than 2.5. The essay is optional for transfer students with cumulative GPA(s) of 2.5 from all colleges attended.

College Credit Already Earned

Regardless of the number of college credits completed, students earning college credit in high school will be considered freshmen for admissions purposes as long as they do not take coursework after graduation from high school (excluding summer). Running Start students and others with college credit are eligible for all first-year scholarships, and must live on-campus for their first year. CWU accepts most college credit you might earn while in high school; this includes programs such as:

• Advanced Placement (AP)
• College in the High School
• College Level Examination Program (CLEP)
• CWU Cornerstone
• International Baccalaureate (IB)
• Running Start