First-Year Student Admissions
Start Your Future as a Wildcat
At CWU, we are here for your future.
Start your undergraduate application today. Keep reading to learn about our admission criteria and the steps to apply.
Start Your ApplicationSteps to Apply
Step 1: Submit your application
Our application is completely online. You can apply through our application portal or use Common App. Already started? Pick up where you left off or check the status through your Applicant Portal.
Step 2: Pay the application fee
The $60 fee is non-refundable. If this creates a hardship, there are opportunities for a fee waiver in the application.
Step 3: Submit your high school or college transcripts
To complete your admission process, submit your official high school or college transcripts. To ensure that your transcript is considered official, please have it sent directly from your institution. Learn more about official and unofficial transcripts.
If you are in the middle of the quarter—don't worry! We accept in-progress transcripts as well. Please send your final, official transcript upon graduating.
Admission Requirements
The admission requirements depend on your cumulative high school GPA and the completion of core classes.
- 2.75 or higher: You qualify for Guaranteed Admission. This means you're automatically accepted to CWU once your application is complete and CADRs are met. No personal statement or essay is required.
- 2.50 - 2.75: Alongside your application and CADRs, we may ask you to complete a Personal Statement.
- 2.00 - 2.49: Alongside your application, CADRs, and a Personal Statement, we will review your application, taking all aspects of your academic experience into consideration.
We want to meet you where you’re at, so your path to admission will look different depending on your academic history. If you are a non-traditional student, find more information and support to help you on your journey.
Priority Application Dates
CWU welcomes students all year round so you can begin your future when you’re ready. Applications are accepted after the application priority date on a space available basis. We are accepting applications for Winter 2026 and Spring 2026 as well.
| Start Quarter | Priority Application Date |
|---|---|
| Fall Quarter 2026 | January 31st, 2026 |
| Winter Quarter 2027 | November 1st, 2026 |
| Spring Quarter 2027 | February 1st, 2027 |
| Summer Quarter 2027 | May 31st, 2027 |
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