Minimum Admission Requirements for freshmen at Washington public four-year colleges and universities

The Higher Education Coordinating Board is required by state law to establish minimum admission requirements for freshmen at Washington's public four-year universities and college.

Revised Minimum Admission Standards -
Policy Changes and Implementation Timeline

In May 2007, the Higher Education Coordinating Board adopted new minimum admission standards for entering freshmen students. The standards, including revised College Academic Distribution Requirements (CADRs), will be fully implemented by baccalaureate institutions beginning with the 2012 summer academic term. 

In revising the standards and CADRs, the Board intends to help ensure that students admitted to our four-year institutions are academically prepared to enter college and to earn their degrees.  The changes to the minimum admission standards are intended to encourage students to enroll in challenging coursework throughout their high school careers.

At the same time, educators as well as students and parents, should understand the following:

• The revised admission standards represent the minimum level of preparation required for a student to be considered for admission to one of the state’s public baccalaureate institutions. 

• Meeting state minimum admission standards does not guarantee admission to a public baccalaureate institution. 

• Institutions retain the option of setting higher standards.

Click on the following link for policies approved by the Board regarding minimum admission to public four-year institutions - Minimum admission policies approved by HECB (May 2007)

For more information see: Minimum admission policy changes and impacts for K-12 and higher education, or contact:

Ricardo Sanchez - Phone: 360-783-7833

Randy Spaulding - Phone: 360-753-7823