Freshman FAQs

You should apply as a freshman if any of the following statements describe you:

• You plan to enter UW Tacoma immediately after graduating from high school.
• You are in the Running Start program and you plan to enter UW Tacoma right after graduating (regardless of how many college credits you have earned or will earn).
• You have never attended college since leaving high school (regardless of your age or whether you ever graduated).

Running Start students should use the freshman application. If you are admitted, college credit will be awarded for those college-level courses that have been successfully completed and meet UW transfer credit equivalencies. Running Start students still need to meet high school core requirements and submit SAT or ACT scores.

The application priority deadline for freshman admission is January 15. Applicants who submit completed applications by January 15 will receive priority consideration for scholarships. Applications will continue to be accepted after January 15 and will be considered on a space-available basis.

Students must arrange to have scores sent directly from the testing agency. Arranging to have scores sent directly from the testing agency will speed up the processing of your application. Learn more about submitting your SAT or ACT scores.

When students submit scores from more than one sitting of the same test (for example, March and October SAT) or scores from the SAT and ACT, the highest combined score from a single test date will be used. The best mathematics score from one test date will not be combined with the best verbal score from another test date.

Applicants will be evaluated on a number of factors, including: grades and test scores; rigor of curriculum; activities and accomplishments; educational goals; diverse life experiences; and first-generation status. The factors are not of equal weight and no single factor will be sufficient to confer admission.

The university will offer admission to applicants who will most benefit from and contribute to the university's educational community. In selecting the freshman class, the university does not make admission decisions solely on the basis of past academic accomplishments. The intention is to enroll a freshman class that, as a whole, represents the diversity of our community.

No, we do not use your intended major (or lack thereof) in the admissions process. We ask the question only to be able to provide you information on the program you are interested in and academic guidance. You are not locked in to the major you select on your application and, in fact, are not required to select a major until the beginning of the junior year, so you have a lot of flexibility to explore majors.

Typically, a score of 3 or 4 (for AP courses) and 5 or higher (for IB courses) is required to earn credit.

• List of AP credit given and how to submit scores
• List of IB credit given and how to submit scores

Study of a foreign (or world) language must be completed before you can earn your degree. This can be satisfied by completion of either:

• Two years of the same language in high school
• 10 credits of the same language in college

It is strongly recommended that students complete this requirement in high school. UW Tacoma currently offers language classes only in Spanish and Chinese.

UW Tacoma's Office of Student Financial Aid will strive to ensure that students receive aid commensurate with their need no matter when they apply. But the earlier you apply, the more aid options will be available.

UW Tacoma offers student housing at the Court 17 Apartments. There are also a variety of housing options within a short distance from campus. More information on housing.

Yes. An official home-school transcript is required for all home-schooled coursework. See the freshmen admission requirements and homeschool policy for details.

Your admission to UW Tacoma is ONLY available for the quarter you were offered. Please see the Office of Admission about your options to attend in the future and decline your offer of admission.