College Academic Distribution Requirements (CADRs)
The state of Washington maintains a set of academic core requirements called the College Academic Distribution Requirements (CADR) that all students have to meet to qualify for college admission. You can find more information on courses that meet admission requirements below and through the Washington Student Achievement Council.
| Subject | Credits Required |
|---|---|
| English | 4 |
| Mathematics | 3 |
| Senior Year Math-Based Quantitative Course | 1 |
| Science | 3 |
| Social Sciences | 3 |
| World Languages | 2 |
| Art | 1 |
English
Requirement
4 credits of English are required. 3 credits of college preparatory coursework and 1 English elective course.
Courses not listed below will undergo individual evaluation based on school-provided course descriptions.
- CADR-Qualifying Examples (College Prep):
- Composition, Creative Writing, English 9–12, Literature
- CADR-Qualifying Examples (Elective):
- AP Research, AP Seminar, Business English, Debate, ESL Courses (1 year), Public Speaking, Skills Center English, Speech and/or Communications
- Non-CADR-Qualifying Examples:
- Basic English Skills, Developmental Reading, ELL Courses, Extracurricular Activities or Clubs, Library, Remedial or Applied Courses
Mathematics
Requirement
3 credits of Math, including Algebra II (or higher) proficiency.
Courses not listed below will undergo individual evaluation based on school-provided course descriptions.
- CADR-Qualifying Examples:
- Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II; Integrated Math I–III; Math I–III; Trigonometry, Pre-Calculus, and Calculus; MYP 5; Running Start Math (prerequisite: Algebra II)
- Non-CADR-Qualifying Examples:
- Applied Math, Bridge to College Math, Computer Science, Finance, Financial Algebra, Math in Society (high school level), Modeling Math
Senior Year Math-Based Quantitative Course
Requirement
1 credit in quantitative course taken in senior year with the intent that students take meaningful math during their senior year. Math taken before senior year surpassing Algebra II may fulfill the senior year Math-based quantitative course requirement.
Courses not listed below will undergo individual evaluation based on school-provided course descriptions.
- CADR-Qualifying Examples:
- Algebra-Based Science Courses, AP Computer Science Course A, AP Computer Science Principles, Bridge to College Math, Math-Based Career and Technical Courses, Math Beyond Algebra II, Statistics
- Non-CADR-Qualifying Examples:
- Environmental Science, Human Anatomy, Sports Medicine
Science
Requirement
3 credits of Science, earned in the categories below. (2 of the 3 credits must be lab-based). Some courses may fulfill multiple credit categories below. Example: Chemistry may fulfill both a lab-based credit and an Algebra-based credit. In this case, students may use electives to reach the 3 credit minimum.
- 1 credit in Biology, Chemistry, or Physics
- 1 credit in an Algebra-Based Science, and
- 1 credit in any additional Science
Courses not listed below will undergo individual evaluation based on school-provided course descriptions.
- Lab-Based Examples (2 Credits):
- Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Physical Science, Physics
- Algebra-Based Examples (1 Credit):
- Chemistry, Physics, Science Courses that incorporate knowledge of Algebra
- Elective Examples:
- Astronomy, Anatomy, Biological Structures, Botany, Geology, Human Physiology, Marine Biology, Oceanography, Zoology
Social Sciences
Requirement
3 credits of Social Sciences.
Courses not listed below will undergo individual evaluation based on school-provided course descriptions.
- CADR-Qualifying Examples:
- Civics, Geography, History, Political Science, Psychology, Sociology
- Non-CADR-Qualifying Examples:
- Community Service Hours or Classes, Consumer Economics, Courses in Religion, Student Government
World Languages
Requirement
2 credits of the same World Language or an approved language assessment.
Courses not listed below will undergo individual evaluation based on school-provided course descriptions.
- CADR-Qualifying Examples:
- American Sign Language (ASL), Native American Languages, Non-English First-Languages, World Languages
- Non-CADR-Qualifying Examples:
- Computer Languages, Forms of Sign Language other than American Sign Language (ASL)
Art
Requirement
1 credit in Fine, Visual, or Performing Arts or 1 credit beyond the minimum in any other CADR subject area.
Courses not listed below will undergo individual evaluation based on school-provided course descriptions.
- CADR-Qualifying Examples:
- Art Appreciation, Band, Fine Art, Theater
- Non-CADR-Qualifying Examples:
- Creative Writing, Interior Design, Web Design or Graphics, Yearbook