Important Freshman application information
Academic preparation and achievement are some of the most important factors when it comes to reviewing your application, but we want to know more. What should we know about you that isn’t reflected in your grades and coursework? Where are you headed? What do you care about? We are excited to learn what you will bring to the UW community.
How to apply
See our step-by-step instructions on how to apply.
What you need to know:
| Quarter of application | Quarter begins | Application opens | Application deadline | Notification period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Winter* | Early January | August 1 | September 1 | November + December |
| Autumn | Late September | September 1 | November 15 | March 1-15 |
| Spring | Late March | N/A for freshmen | N/A for freshmen | N/A for freshmen |
| Summer** | Mid-June | September 1 | November 15 | March 1-15 |
Admission decisions are made only after all freshman applications have been reviewed. The UW does not participate in early decision or early action admission.
*Winter quarter is not open to international freshman applicants. For more information and to access the application, please contact your admissions counselor.
**Most degree-seeking students apply for autumn quarter. If you wish to apply for summer quarter as a degree-seeking student please consult an admissions counselor. To apply for summer quarter as a non-degree student, contact Summer Quarter.
We’re looking for students who will not only benefit from the academic and cultural opportunities available at the UW, but for students who will also contribute to our energy and diversity of experience. The entire application, including the essays and extracurricular activities, is important in the individualized review. We encourage you to use the application to share who you are and what is important to you. Learn more about holistic review.
At the UW, you are more than test scores and a GPA, but we know that you’re curious about the numbers anyway.
All freshman applicants must complete a minimum level of preparation in six subject areas. This requirement ensures that students entering the UW have an appreciation for the liberal arts and are adequately prepared to succeed in college. Learn more about satisfying CADRs.
| Subject | Credits required |
|---|---|
| English | 4 |
| Mathematics | 3 |
| Social sciences/social studies | 3 |
| World languages | 2 |
| Science (including 2 credits of lab science) | 3 |
| Senior year Math-based quantitative course | 1 |
| Fine, visual or performing arts | .5 |
| Academic elective | .5 |
International students are required to submit an official TOEFL or IELTS score that meets the UW’s minimum English proficiency requirement.
We get asked about which path is best…a lot. Should you take Advanced Placement (AP) courses? How about International Baccalaureate (IB) or A Level and AS Level exams?
The UW encourages and applauds participation in any of these programs. They are challenging and demanding, and we believe they provide excellent preparation for university study. Find details and useful links below.
Your admission to a major at the UW depends on the major you are interested in and your application type. Learn more about admission to majors
Homeschool students bring unique qualities to our campus, and we welcome your interest in the UW. Homeschool applicants are assessed in the same context as other freshman in the UW’s holistic review process.
We welcome applications from homeschool students. Please review our guidelines so you’re ready to go.
Not sure if you’re a freshman or a transfer student? Let us help.
College Academic Distribution Requirements (CADRs)
All freshman applicants are required to meet minimum academic distribution requirements as set by the Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC) and the faculty of the UW. Learn more about freshman CADRs.
Transcripts
Do not send transcripts until you receive a request from the Office of Admissions. The application asks you to provide a detailed account of your academic coursework, and that’s all we need to review your application.
Applicants who are admitted and who confirm their intention to enroll at the UW will be required to send final transcripts. At that time, we will verify that all admission requirements have been satisfied. The offer of admission may be withdrawn if important discrepancies are discovered.
Final college transcripts are also required for applicants who attended college.
We appreciate the time and effort that you put into your application to the UW. We want to make what comes next as clear and efficient as possible. Just wondering when you’ll get your decision? See this notification schedule.