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Transfer and postbaccalaureate guidelines for special admission by appeal

The University’s admission policies 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.

NOTE: If you applied as a freshman (including Running Start students), please use the freshman appeal form found here.

Generally, applicants appeal if they have significant new academic and personal information or extraordinary circumstances that were not included in their original application. All eligible appeals will receive a review of updated information, transcripts and the appeal statement, in addition to a review of the original application.

Who can appeal?

Only applicants who were denied admission to the UW or those whose file was closed due to incomplete or missing information may appeal.

Denied applicants

Any applicant denied admission to the UW may appeal.

Incomplete application, file closed

Applicants whose files were closed because they did not submit missing items that were requested by the Office of Admissions can appeal to have their application re-opened. If your application is re-opened, it will be reviewed for an admission decision. Applicants will be required to provide missing items with the appeal form. Please visit the Missing Items Portal to see which items are required to complete your appeal.

Admitted to UW, denied to the major

Applicants wanting to appeal their departmental decision should work directly with the department.

What are my chances?

Keep in mind that your application was already carefully reviewed. Very few decisions are overturned on appeal.

What issues should my appeal address?

Your appeal may include new significant academic or personal information or extraordinary circumstances that were not included in the original application such as items from the list below:

  • Has your intended major changed? How does your new choice of major align with your career aspirations?
  • If your overall academic record is not as strong as it could be, why do you think your previous academic record is a poor predictor of your future academic performance? Please explain your academic record fully and tell us how you plan to be a successful student at the UW. Your explanation may include a discussion of circumstances and hardships or familial or cultural barriers that may have affected your academic record.
  • If you are inadmissible because you have not completed all of the college academic distribution requirements (CADR), why were you unable to satisfy these requirements? How do you plan to complete this coursework once you are enrolled at the UW?
  • Have you met with an academic adviser in your intended major? Do you have a clear understanding of the admission and graduation requirements for that major? Have you completed all the prerequisites for admission to the major?
  • If you have attended several institutions without graduating, please explain why graduation from the UW will now be possible.
  • Artwork, portfolios or writing samples will not be considered.

How do I appeal?

You, the applicant, must submit your appeal in writing, via the online form using your UW NetID.

  • Your appeal should be clear and concise in presenting your case for admission.
  • The body of your appeal should explain your reason for seeking reconsideration.
  • If you are a denied applicant, you will be required to upload an updated/current, college transcript which includes your most recently completed term and in-progress classes.
  • If your application was closed due to being incomplete, you will be required to provide missing items with the appeal form. Please visit the Missing Items Portal to see which items are required to complete your appeal.
  • The Office of Admissions does not interview appellants or consider in-person appeals. Meeting with admissions staff will not affect the outcome of an appeal.
  • Letters of recommendation are not considered as part of your admissions application or the appeal process.
  • Having trouble accessing the appeal submission form or the Missing Items Portal? Direct your questions to uwtransfer@uw.edu (transfer or postbac applicant) or intltr@uw.edu (international transfer or postbac applicant)

How and when will I be notified?

We are typically able to provide a decision within 2-4 weeks after your appeal has been received. Appeal decisions are sent via email.

Disability accommodation

To request disability accommodation in the appeal process, contact the Office of Admissions.