AN OVERVIEW OF

WASHINGTON BACCALAUREATES

Kara Lindberg Assistant Director, Enrollment Management Washington State University

Choosing a College

University of Washington Campus

Location, Size, Environment –

VISIT!

Academic Programs & Resources

Involvement and Extracurricular

Activities

Cost of Attendance

Consider Financial Aid &

Scholarships

Public vs. Private

Facts and Figures

Private Colleges of Washington

Seattle University

School of Visual Concepts

University of Puget Sound

Walla Walla University

Whitman College

Whitworth University

Antioch University

Argosy University

The Art Institute of Seattle

Bastyr University

City University of Seattle

Cornish College of the Arts

DeVry University

Gonzaga University

Heritage University

Northwest University

Pacific Lutheran University

Seattle Pacific University

DigiPen Institute of Technology

St. Martin’s University

Four-Year Institutions

Central Washington

University

Eastern Washington

University

The Evergreen State

College

Western Washington

University

University of

Washington –

Seattle, Bothell and

Tacoma

Washington State

University – Pullman,

Tri-Cities and

Vancouver.

Common Admissions Factors

Cumulative GPACourse curriculum, grade trends & senior year

Washington CADRs*English (4 years)

Math (3 years)**Students are required to complete senior year math-based quantitative course

Social Sciences (3 years)

Laboratory Science (2 years)**Including one credit of algebra-based science (WWU requires either physics or

chemistry)

Foreign Language (2 years)

Fine Arts (1 year)*UW & WWU specify that ½ credit must be in fine, visual or performing

arts, the other half may be in the arts or academic elective

SAT or ACT Test Scores

Supplemental Material

Running Start = Freshman** Speak to a College Admissions Counselor for further clarification regarding their

school’s requirements and exceptions.

Haskell Plaza - WWU Campus

Application Type Binding Can Apply early to

other Colleges

Can Apply under

Regular Admissions

Early Decision*Can hear of decision early

YES NO YES

Early Action*Can hear of decision early

NO YES YES

Rolling Admissions NO YES YES

Priority Date NO YES YES

Application Terminology

How Important?

Eligibility vs. Competitiveness

What the school needs to see

Demonstrating that you’re ready

to benefit from what the school

has to offer

What the school wants to see

Demonstrating that you’re

deserving of one of a limited

number of spaces

Note: These are used not only for

admissions but for honors

programs and scholarships

“Eligibility” is: “Competitiveness” is:

Tips to Increasing Competitiveness

Take challenging courses that meet or exceed

high school requirements

Prepare for and achieve an above average

score on the SAT or ACT (take them twice)

Provide thoughtful, well-written responses for

essays

Meaningful community service

Extra curricular activities

Demonstrate sustained involvement

Follow instructions & proofread everything

Convey your potential contributions

Make direct contact with the university

Bryan Tower, WSU Campus

Putting College Within Your Reach

1. FAFSA - Free Application for Federal Student Aid

www.fafsa.ed.gov

Be aware of school deadlines

2. Grants, Work Study, Loans

3. University and Community Scholarships(academic, athletic, service and merit, need based)

4. Financial Aid Calculator On-line

Juniors and Seniors - FAFSA4caster.ed.gov

5. Attend a local Financial Aid Night “It’s Your Future

Fair”

Planning Timeline

Freshman Year Select meaningful courses (CADRs)

Develop good study habits

Find out what resources your school offers

Utilize online resources: Ready-Set-Grad

College will look at all your grades, including Freshman year

– it matters!

It’s not early to begin participating in extra curricular

activities

Sophomore Year Check with your counselors about your progress

Ensure your classes are helping you get into college

Each grade counts

Take PSAT

The Planning Timeline

Junior Year Take the ACT or SAT test

Make a list of college entrance requirements

Attend college fairs, connect with school counselors

Request information from colleges

Work on your resume (where are the holes)

Start visiting colleges

Senior Year Review plans with your counselor

Re-take any exams if necessary

Begin drafting admissions essays

Request Letters of Recommendation, if necessary)

Submit your admissions applications

Submit FAFSA and Scholarship Applications

The Role of Admissions

Support students and families in

their college search

Knowledge and advising of first

year/transfer admissions

Connectors to other resources on

campus

Find the right fit

Family Educational Rights and

Privacy Act (FERPA) Stephenson - WSU Campus

Thank You!

Kara LindbergAssistant Director, Enrollment Management

Washington State University

(360) 204-6961 | klindberg@wsu.edu