Admissions Overview

What happens to your application once you send it in?

At Washington’s public four-year colleges and universities, your application will go through a few review steps.

• Phase 1: Admissions Index
  In phase 1, applications receive an Admissions Index (AI) score. This gives colleges a quick way to compare you to other students. Reviewers will also make sure you meet the school’s minimum admissions index score requirements. For the University of Washington and Washington State University, the minimum score is 28. At The Evergreen State College, Western Washington University, Central Washington University and Eastern Washington University, the minimum score is 13.
  
  Washington’s Admission Index gives students points based on their grade point average (GPA) and SAT I® or ACT® test scores. Grade point averages are calculated on a 4.0 scale and count three times as much as test scores. No extra points are given for honors, AP®, IB® or other college credit classes.
  
  If you have a high admissions index score (usually above 75) and meet all other course requirements, you will probably get into your college of choice without more review. Applications with lower scores will move on to phase 2 of the process, Freshman Review.
  
  The Admissions Index chart referenced below shows you what test scores and GPA you need to have the best chance of going to Washington’s four-year public colleges. Don’t be too upset if your AI score is not where you want it to be. This chart is just an estimate of your odds. Talk to your school counselor, GEAR UP staff, teachers and others about the standards at your college of choice.
  
  Finally, out-of-state and private colleges and universities may have a similar two-step process. However, their standards for grades, test scores and required high school classes may be different. Check with your school counselor or the admissions office at your school of choice for details.

• Phase 2: Freshman Review
  In phase 2, Freshman Review, admissions officers try to learn more about you. They want to know what you can offer the school, why you chose to apply, and whether you and the school are a good fit. Colleges might ask for a personal statement, interview, portfolio or letter of recommendation.
  
  Admissions staff will consider everything including your grades, test scores, personal background, special talents, involvement in activities and more. If you’ve earned decent grades, done OK on the SAT I® or ACT®, and been involved in activities, you’ll have a good chance of getting in. If you haven’t done those things, you might have a tougher time.
  
  Colleges know that some students don’t get good grades as freshmen or sophomores and sometimes students don’t do well on tests. Freshman Review is your chance to talk about any problems you faced and how you handled things. Colleges want to see that you’ve turned (or are turning) things around.