First-Year Requirements

Are you a first-year student?

You’re considered a first-year student for admission purposes if you’re applying to WSU for the academic year immediately after graduating from high school. This includes high school seniors who participated in Running Start or College in the High School.

You’re also considered a first-year student if you haven’t attended college since high school graduation. Your age also affects how you apply, so if you’re 25 or older, check out the adult application process below.

The state of Washington maintains the College Academic Distribution Requirements (CADRs) that all first-year students have to meet to qualify for college admission. More information on CADRs is available from the Washington Student Achievement Council.

How to apply as a first-year student

1. FILL OUT THE FIRST-YEAR STUDENT APPLICATION
The priority application date for fall semester is March 31 and November 15 for spring semester, but we accept applications throughout the year. To be considered for merit-based awards you must have a completed application by the priority application date.

2. APPLY FOR FINANCIAL AID
To make sure you receive the highest possible amount of financial help, file the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) or WASFA (Washington Application for State Financial Aid for HB 1079 students only) by January 31.

3. PROVIDE YOUR UNOFFICIAL TRANSCRIPTS, TEST SCORES, RESUMES, AND MORE.
Your next step depends on your education background.
Note: WSU no longer using SAT and ACT in admissions process.

FIRST-YEAR STUDENT CATEGORIES

STILL IN HIGH SCHOOL AT TIME OF APPLICATION
If you are still in high school at the time of application, please do the following in addition to filling out the admission application:

• • Send your high school transcript to WSU by uploading the transcript when filling out the admission application, by using the document uploader in your myWSU account, by using an accepted documentation service such as Parchment, National Student Clearinghouse, Scribbles, or eScrip-Safe, or by mailing or faxing it to us. We do not accept transcripts via email.
  • If you earned college credit, ask the college(s) to send official transcripts to WSU.

Are you currently a local sophomore or junior high school student interested in our Running Start program? 

HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATE
Whether you’re applying for the semester directly after your high school graduation or have been out of high school for awhile, here’s what you need to do:

• • Ask your high school to send your official transcripts to WSU. If you have earned a GED, have the testing agency send us your official GED transcript instead.
  • If you have earned college credit, ask the college to send those official transcripts to WSU as well.

HOME SCHOOL GRADUATE
Did you complete some or all of your schooling at home? You’re welcome at WSU Tri-Cities.

• • Have your official transcripts from all high schools and colleges attended sent to our office.

And send one of the following two items:

• • An academic resume that provides documentation of all subjects studied and textbooks used, including the signature of the parent or guardian; responsible for the student’s curriculum, OR
  • An official transcript from the GED exam, if taken.

STUDENTS OVER 25
You’re considered an adult student for admission purposes if you’ll be 25 years or older on your first day of classes at WSU and have completed less than one year’s worth of transferable college work.

If you’re considered a first-year student, please include the following materials:

• • Have your high school send us an official transcript with graduation date. If you have a GED, have the testing agency send us your official GED transcript instead.
  • If you have completed some college courses, also have the college (or colleges) you attended send us your official transcripts.

In addition to your application and transcripts, please also send:

• • A resume covering the last five years; and.
  • A brief essay (no more than one page) addressing why you want to attend WSU Tri-Cities.

Get Credit for AP, IB, and Running Start

WSU awards credit for Advanced Placement (AP) and  International Baccalaureate (IB) exams, as well as for Running Start and similar college-in-the-high-school programs.