Academic preparation and achievement are some of the most important factors when it comes to holistic review, but we want to know more. What should we know about you that isn’t reflected in your grades and test scores? Where are you headed? What do you care about? We are excited to learn what you will bring to the UW community.

Hear it from our admissions counselors

Key dates & deadlines

Quarter of application Quarter begins Application opens Application deadline Notification period
Winter 2020* Early January August 1 September 1 November + December
Autumn 2019 Late September September 1 November 15 March 1-15
Spring 2019 Late March N/A for freshmen N/A for freshmen N/A for freshmen
Summer 2019** 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.

**Choosing summer means you wish to begin regular enrollment in the summer and continue into autumn as a degree-seeking student. For more information contact your Admissions Counselor. To apply for summer quarter as a non-degree student, contact Summer Quarter.

How to apply

The UW is a member of the Coalition for College, a diverse group of colleges and universities committed to making college a reality for all high school students. Learn more about the free college planning tools that help students learn about, prepare for, and apply to college. Also, see our step-by-step instructions on how to apply.

Holistic review

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.

Freshmen by the numbers

At the UW, you are more than test scores and a GPA, but we know that you’re curious about the numbers anyway.

College Academic Distribution Requirements (CADRs)

All freshman and transfer 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
Lab science 2
Senior year Math-based quantitative course 1
Fine, visual or performing arts .5
Academic elective .5

English proficiency (international students only)

International students are required to submit an official TOEFL or IELTS score that meets the UW’s minimum English proficiency requirement.

Exams for credit

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? Learn more about exams for credit.

Admission to majors

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 policies

We welcome applications from homeschool students. Please review our guidelines so you’re ready to go.

I applied. Now what?

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.