Admissions

Freshman

Freshman & Running Start

Admission requirements and how to apply

You're considered a freshman for admission purposes if:

  • You're applying to WSU for the academic year immediately after graduating from high school (Running Start students are considered freshmen for admission purposes).
  • You haven't attended college since high school graduation and are under 25.

If you'll be 25 years or older on your first day of classes at WSU and have less than a full year of college work to transfer, you should apply as an adult student.

Admission Requirements

The state of Washington maintains a set of academic core requirements (the College Academic Distribution Requirements, or CADRs) that all students have to meet to qualify for college admission.

High school core requirements

More information on courses that meet admission requirements is available from the Washington Student Achievement Council.

How to apply

The admission process involves three basic steps: submitting applications, sending transcripts and test scores, and writing a personal statement.

1. Fill out the application (and do it early!)

Admission to WSU is offered on a first-come, first-served basis. All materials must be postmarked by the priority application date of January 31.

Applications:

To make sure you receive the highest possible amount of financial help, submit the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) by February 15.

Note: If you choose to attend a different semester than the one indicated on your application, you'll need to re-apply.

2. Provide your transcripts and test scores.

  • Have your high school send your official transcripts to WSU.
  • If you have college credit through Running Start or a similar program, ask the college to send a transcript to WSU.
  • Have your SAT or ACT scores sent to WSU.

Transcripts and test scores must be sent directly from the college or testing agency to WSU.

Mailing address:

Washington State University
Office of Admissions
370 Lighty Student Services Bldg.
PO Box 641067
Pullman, WA 99164-1067

3. Write your personal statement.

Is it mandatory? No. Could it make the difference in being admitted? Possibly.

The personal statement gives you a chance to tell us more about yourself — your experiences, personal qualities, and abilities — than a standard application can do. Answering the questions thoughtfully and presenting yourself clearly in writing helps you prove that you have the skills you'll need to use in college classes (and you'll need a personal statement essay for the scholarship application anyway). We recommend that you give yourself the chance.

You can submit the personal statement along with your admission application or do it separately at www.wsu.edu/statement.


Note: This is a guide to the admission process, not a statement of policy. See the WSU General Catalog for official requirements and regulations.