Freshman Admission Requirements

Washington State University Vancouver strives to admit those applicants who are best prepared to benefit from and contribute to this world-class academic community. Admission specialists will review your application and supporting documentation carefully to assess your overall academic preparation.

Standard Criteria

In evaluating your application, the University will consider the following factors:

  • grade point average and standardized test scores;
  • the strength of your high school course work, including senior-year course work;
  • earned grades and improvement shown in academic performance; and
  • additional information provided in your personal statement responses.

What Matters Most?

Not all factors are weighted equally and no single factor will guarantee admission. However, you are most likely to be offered admission if you have done all of the following:

  • taken courses that meet or exceed high school core requirements;*
  • maintained a solid grade point average;
  • achieved an above average score on the SAT or ACT;
  • provided thoughtful and well-written responses to the personal statement questions; and

*You'll have an advantage if you've taken academically challenging coursework such as advanced placement (AP) courses, higher level courses, and so on.

It's important that you dedicate considerable attention to your admission application—particularly your personal statement questions. In these responses, you can highlight your interests and personal achievements so that we can consider the contributions you would make to the University community, as well as your potential to be successful in your academic pursuits here.