QUESTIONS
- What makes a strong case for postbaccalaureate admission?
- How competitive is admission?
- What is the minimum GPA for admission?
- How do I know if nonmatriculated status would suffice?
- What transcripts do I need to submit?
- What are the application deadlines?
1. What makes a strong case for postbaccalaureate admission?
When we review an application, these are some of the questions we ask:
- Are you prepared for your intended major? Have you completed all of the prerequisites or recommended preparatory course work?
- If you are applying to a competitive major, will the department admit you directly?
- Do you show an aptitude for your intended major?
- Do you really need the second degree or postbaccalaureate status to achieve your goals? Will community college enrollment, Graduate Nonmatriculated (GNM) status, or undergraduate nonmatriculated status suffice?
- Why do you need to enroll at this particular time?
- Do you have a reasonable plan for your studies here?
More information: Statement of Purpose required of all postbaccalaureate applicants
2. How competitive is admission?
Contrary to popular guesswork, the best odds are for summer or autumn quarters rather than winter or spring. We have extremely limited space for postbaccalaureates in winter and spring. In a typical autumn quarter, by contrast, we might receive 250 applications and admit 80-100 students.
3. What is the minimum GPA for admission?
We have no established minimum GPA. In no quarter of the year do we admit by GPA alone. We conduct a comprehensive review of all postbaccalaureate applications, in which GPA is but one of many factors.
4. How do I know if nonmatriculated status would suffice?
If you need only a few courses, nonmatriculated enrollment at UW might serve you well. UW Extension can often accommodate students who want one or two daytime courses per quarter. You register on a space-available basis, meaning that you are allowed to enroll only if spaces exist after matriculated students have registered. You receive regular UW credit for your completed courses.
More information: Nonmatriculated Options
5. What transcripts do I need to submit?
You are required to submit transcripts from all four-year colleges and universities you have ever attended. Although we do not require transcripts from two-year schools, we strongly recommend that you have them sent, as you might wish to use the credits earned there. In addition, they might strengthen your case for admission. The same is true of any course work completed after earning your bachelor’s degree. By all means, send the transcripts if they help make your case. The transcripts must be official, sent in sealed envelopes.
More information: Send Transcripts
6.What are the application deadlines?
- Autumn quarter – February 15
- Winter quarter – September 15
- Spring quarter – December 15
- Summer quarter (degree status) – February 15