skip navigation

Guidelines for Special Admission and Appeal

The University’s admission policies must comply with Washington State regulations and faculty-authorized requirements. It is the responsibility of the Office of Admissions to apply these standards consistently and fairly. The faculty recognizes, however, that exceptions should be granted occasionally for students in unusual situations.

Who can petition?

Any denied applicant may appeal. Generally, applicants petition if they believe their academic or personal circumstances could not be considered adequately through the standard admission review process or that an error occurred in the application review.

How do I petition?

You, the applicant, must submit your appeal in writing, preferably typed and no longer than three pages. You may send it by postal mail, or fax; or deliver it in person.

  • A petition sent by postal mail or fax should bear your signature.
  • We do not interview petitioners, but you may speak with an admissions counselor if you have questions.
  • The committee does not review artwork or writing samples.
The body of your appeal should explain your reason for seeking reconsideration. Your petition should be clear and concise in presenting your case for admission. Keep in mind that we already thoroughly reviewed your entire file and expected you to present everything of significance in the initial application. If you believe we missed something of importance, you may direct our attention to it again.

Where do I send my petition?

Send the petition with the words “Attn: AC Petition” in the lower left corner of the envelope or “Letter of Petition” as the title in a fax. List the following information for identification: your name, address, quarter and year of application, and type of application (for example – international freshman, international transfer, or international postbaccalaureate).

Mail written petition letters to:

University of Washington
Office of Admissions
1410 NE Campus Parkway
Box 355852
Seattle, WA 98195-5852
USA
Attn: AC Petition

Fax: 206.685.3655
In person: 1410 NE Campus Parkway, Room 320. Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Letters of Recommendation

You may send letters of recommendation. If they are to be sent separately from your petition, please list them in your appeal. We will delay a review for a short time if supporting documents are in transit.

What factors are considered?

You can include any information you think is important, but usually petitions address relevant items from the list below:

  • Why do you think you are an excellent candidate for the University of Washington Seattle?
  • Why do you believe you need to be at the University of Washington Seattle? Why at this time?
  • If your overall academic record is not as strong as it could be, why do you think it is a poor predictor of your future performance? Explain your academic record fully and tell us how you plan to be a successful student at the UW. Your explanation might include (but is not limited to) a discussion of circumstances and hardships, such as personal or family illness, factors related to a disability, or familial or cultural barriers that may have affected your academic performance and record.
  • If you are inadmissible because you have not completed all core subject requirements (as explained in your denial letter), why were you unable to satisfy these requirements? How do you plan to complete this course work once enrolled at the UW?
It is particularly important for transfer applicants to address these additional questions:
  • Do you have a clear understanding of the admission and graduation requirements of your intended major? Have you completed all of the prerequisites for admission to that major?
  • If you have attended several institutions without graduating, please explain why you now expect to be able to complete your degree at the UW.
  • Do you have support from your intended major department at the UW? If so, see if the department can provide a recommendation.
  • If your previous academic record is weak, can you provide evidence of academic ability in recent course work? For instance, do you have 30-45 credits of recent work demonstrating strong potential?

How and when will I be notified?

The review committee meets each quarter during the academic year. You will be notified by postal mail of the committee’s decision promptly after your petition has been reviewed. An applicant who is accepted by the committee will be expected to comply with all requirements stipulated at the time of admission.

Petitions are reviewed according to the following schedule:

Application Review Schedule - Autumn Quarter
Application Type Dates of Review
Freshmen February 1 – May 31
Most decisions are made in May.
Transfer & Postbaccalaureates May 1 – August 1
Most decisions are made in July.

Application Review Schedule - Summer Quarter
Application Type Dates of Review
Freshmen
(degree status)		 December 1 – May 31
Most decisions are made in May.
Transfer & Postbaccalaureates
(degree status)		 December 1 – May 31
Most decisions are made in May.

To request disability accommodation in the appeal process, contact the Office of Admissions
Voice: 206.543.9686
Washington State Relay Service TDD: 800.833.6388

Translate This Page:

UW Tracking