International Students
College Academic Distribution Requirements (CADR)
All applicants must complete a minimum level of preparation in six subject areas. This requirement ensures that students entering the University have an appreciation for the liberal arts and are adequately prepared to succeed in college.
| Subject | Credits Required |
|---|---|
| Composition/Literature | 4 |
| Mathematics | 3 |
| Social Sciences/Social Studies | 3 |
| World Languages | 2 |
| Lab Science | 2 |
| Senior Year Math-Based Quantitative Course | 1 |
| Fine, Visual, or Performing Arts | 0.5 |
| Academic Elective | 0.5 |
Academic Performance
All international student applications are reviewed to determine which students meet minimum admission requirements and have the strongest overall academic background. In selecting students for admission, the University considers the overall academic record, the rigor of a student’s curriculum, the education system where the student has studied, test scores, personal achievements, educational goals, academic preparation, special talents, and a student’s personal background as seen through the personal statement.
An applicant’s overall academic performance is a major factor in the admissions decision. We do not consider applicants with grades below a C average (2.0 on a 4.0 scale). Although a C average is the minimum requirement for admission consideration, a much stronger academic record will be required to be competitive.
English Proficiency Requirement
International students must submit English proficiency test scores that meet the minimum requirement for admission at the Seattle campus of the University of Washington. Exams must be taken on or before the published deadline. Official TOEFL or IELTS scores must be sent directly to the UW from the testing agency.
The most competitive applicants will demonstrate a higher level of English proficiency and have test scores that exempt them from enrolling in the UW's Academic English Program (92 TOEFL iBT, 580 paper-based TOEFL, or 7.0 IELTS).
Previous ESL coursework or English composition courses, even when taken in the United States,will not satisfy the English proficiency admission requirement.
An associate degree from a community college does not exempt applicants from submitting English proficiency exam scores. All applicants must submit official TOEFL or IELTS scores to be eligible for admission consideration.
International students currently enrolled in U.S. or Canadian schools must also submit official TOEFL or IELTS exam scores.
Applicants who have not met the minimum English proficiency requirement by the application deadline or who have not taken one of the English proficiency exams by the deadline will not be considered for admission.
The Seattle campus of the University of Washington does not offer conditional admission to students who have not yet met the minimum English proficiency requirement.
Exception: International students whose primary and secondary education took place in Australia, Canada (English-speaking provinces), Great Britain, Ireland, New Zealand, or the U.S. are exempt from this requirement. Students born in one of these countries yet educated elsewhere are still required to satisfy the English proficiency requirement.
SAT or ACT Scores as an Alternative to English Proficiency: The UW will consider the English proficiency requirement satisfied if you have achieved academic success in high school level English writing or literature courses where English is the primary language of instruction and you have attained a minimum SAT Critical Reading score of 550 or an ACT English score of 22. Official test scores must be sent directly from the College Board or ACT to satisfy this requirement.
Deadlines
Freshman applicants for 2017 must submit English proficiency test scores from any exam taken on or before December 31, 2016.
Transfer and postbaccalaureate applicants for 2017 must submit English proficiency test scores from any exam taken on or before February 15, 2017.
Minimum Test Score for Admission
For an application to be considered and reviewed, students must submit one of the following English proficiency test scores:
| Test Title | Minimum Score Before Admission |
|---|---|
| TOEFL Internet-based | 76 |
| TOEFL paper-based | 540 |
| International English Language Testing System (IELTS) | 6.0 |
The most competitive applicants will demonstrate a higher level of English proficiency and have test scores that exempt them from enrolling in the UW's Academic English Program (92 TOEFL iBT, 580 paper-based TOEFL, or 7.0 IELTS).
Optional test scores for international students
The SAT and ACT exams are not required for international students. If you have taken either exam, however, we encourage you to submit scores as additional evidence of your academic performance. If you are from a native English-speaking country, you are strongly encouraged to submit SAT or ACT scores since English proficiency scores are not required for you. SAT or ACT scores can have a positive impact on the review of your application.
