Washington Public Four-Year College & Universities COVID-19 FAQ

Students should continue to seek challenges in current academic studies. Research tells us that students who engage in advanced and rigorous coursework in high school enroll, continue and graduate from college at higher rates.

Districts and schools should continue to emphasize the role and value of learning by providing students with learning opportunities that allow for meaningful student engagement with content through different modes and feedback to align with learning outcomes and student needs.

Important to a successful transition from K-12 to postsecondary pathways is support for students’ self-determination of their college and career path. Teachers, counselors, schools, families and students should honor students’ recognition of their own learning and readiness and preparation for college coursework. Students should be confident in seeking college placement exams to access readiness for the next step in their education. We strongly encourage families and teachers to assist students in understanding their readiness for next-level coursework and support students for future success.

Yes. To learn more contact the Office of Admission for the college or university you are interested in.

It is important to note that for many of the institutions these are “priority” deadlines. Priority deadlines are dates set by colleges and universities by which applications are given the most consideration must be received. Priority deadlines precede regular decision deadlines. 

We would encourage districts and schools to continue to encourage students who have applied or are considering applying to enroll in one of our nationally recognized public four-year institutions.

Washington’s public four-year college and universities and community are open and excited to welcome Washington students pursuing dynamic educational opportunities. Our institutions are engaging communities dedicated to quality education. We understand we will need to be flexible and balance health and safety; we are working to implement a balance that meets these needs while continuing our commitment to a dynamic and meaningful education.

All of Washington’s public four-year college and universities are integrating flexibility into admissions processes to ease, to the extent possible, the disruption for spring 2021 applicants. We recognize that while students must satisfy high school graduation requirements and meet minimum college admission requirements for freshman, our institutions will not disadvantage spring 2021 applicants due to the pandemic’s effects on education delivery.

In addition, the Washington Student Achievement Council revised the Minimum Admission Standards for public four-year college and universities. In response to the COVID-19 public health emergency, the Admission Standards policy was revised on March 31, 2020 to allow for institutional flexibility for admissions.

Students who complete high school coursework and receive a “pass” in lieu of a letter grade will not be negatively affected in the admission process at Washington’s public four-year colleges and universities. This includes 8th-12th grade students taking high school coursework during this term at a high school in the state of Washington.

Washington’s public four-year institutions do not re-calculate pass/no pass scores into numeric grade equivalents.

If your school is able, please designate a change to Pass from a ranked grade and add a notation regarding COVID-19 on the transcript so Admissions is aware when reviewing final transcripts.

Universities, colleges, community and technical colleges, districts, schools, students and families should consider, discuss, and plan for long-term impacts when deciding between grading options for college credit-bearing courses.

When considering pass/no pass as an alternative to ranked grades for college credit-bearing courses, we urge students to consider the long-term impacts to their education and career goals including, but not limited to, preparation for majors (e.g. nursing, engineering, and other STEM fields); prerequisite requirements; admission and transfer to out-of-state institutions and graduate and professional schools.

Alignment with Washington and national higher education requirements, NCAA and NAIA requirements, transfer, military enlistment and veteran benefits is critical for students’ long-term success.

Washington’s public four-year college and universities are integrating flexibility into admissions processes to ease, to the extent possible, the disruption for fall 2020, winter 2020 and spring 2021 applicants. We recognize that while students must satisfy high school graduation requirements and meet minimum college admission requirements for freshman, our institutions will not disadvantage 2021 spring 2021 applicants due to the pandemic’s effects on education delivery.

We recognize the local determination of K-12 grading policies. During this time and our approach to admissions before the pandemic, is to consider multiple measures in the admissions process. GPA is one criteria. Institutions also look at the courses students have taken and their performance over four-years of high school.

We recognize that COVID-19 will have an indelible impact on our personal and professional memories and be in its own category and part of our shared history. Differences among districts existed before the pandemic and like then and now we are prepared to review the range of policies so as not to advantage or disadvantage students for spring 2021 admissions.

We would encourage students to reach out to us to discuss their applications further. A list of admissions contacts can be found here.

No, institutions will not convert a “Pass” or calculate it in the cumulative GPA.

Institutions are engaging with students primarily through virtual opportunities. Some limited in-person campus tours and admission information sessions are being offered. To learn more about your intended institution, please contact the Office of Admissions for your intended college or university.

At this time, Advising & Orientation will be facilitated in a remote environment. Decisions regarding sessions beyond will be determined later.

Information regarding spring 2021 instruction for each institution can be found here.

Washington’s public four-year institutions continue to collaborate across their sectors and in partnership with Washington’s community and technical colleges. Our goal is to communicate the most recent policies and practices to ensure that students are successful in attaining their education and career goals.

Together we:

• Moved all activities related to transfer admitted student programs, transfer advising and campus visitations to a virtual experience/ platform.

• Integrated flexibility into the transfer process to ease, to the extent possible, the disruption for Washington’s community and technical college students. 

Yes. To learn more contact the Office of Admission for the college or university you are interested or if you have questions or concerns regarding the listed deadlines.

It is important to note that for many of the institutions these are “priority” deadlines. Priority deadlines are dates set by colleges and universities by which applications are given the most consideration must be received. Priority deadlines precede regular decision deadlines. 

We would encourage transfer institutions to encourage students who have applied or are considering applying to enroll in one of our nationally recognized public four-year institutions.

Washington’s public four-year college and universities and community are open and excited to welcome Washington students pursuing dynamic educational opportunities. Our institutions are engaging communities dedicated to quality education. We understand we will need to be flexible and balance health and safety; we are working to implement a balance that meets these needs while continuing our commitment to a dynamic and meaningful education.

We do not anticipate any delay in providing transfer admission decisions.

We recognize that students attending a public four-year institution as well as a community and technical college are experiencing a transition to remote learning. We know that the commitment to quality education across two- and four-year colleges continues even as we have transitioned to remote learning during this pandemic.

We continue to integrate flexibility into the transfer process to ease, to the extent possible, the disruption for Washington’s community and technical college students. This includes changes in modality of lab science or studio courses due to COVID-19 and a student’s transfer of these credits to a Washington public four-year college or university. To determine how credits will transfer we encourage students to consult with the appropriate department for the major they intend to transfer. A list of contacts to identify the appropriate department can be found here.

In addition, institutions are working with faculty and staff to provide support for students when they arrive on our campus to meet students where they are in their learning and assist students in meeting the outcomes required of their subsequent courses.

Students should consider, discuss, and plan for long-term impacts when deciding between grading options for college credit-bearing courses. When considering pass/no pass as an alternative to ranked grades for college credit courses, we urge students to consider the long-term impacts to their education and career goals including, but not limited to, preparation for majors (e.g. nursing, engineering, and other STEM fields); prerequisite requirements; admission and transfer to out-of-state institutions and to graduate and professional schools.

Each campus sets its own selection requirements, which may include an expectation of letter grades in major preparatory coursework. While all campuses have been encouraged to be as flexible as possible, you will need to check with each campus individually for guidance on whether completing remaining major pre-requisites for a Pass or Credit grade will impact a decision. For institutional contact information click here.

Institutions are engaging with students primarily through virtual opportunities. Some limited in-person campus tours and admission information sessions are being offered. To learn more about your intended institution, please contact the Office of Admissions for your intended college or university.

At this time, Advising & Orientation will be facilitated in a remote environment. Decisions regarding sessions beyond will be determined later.

Information regarding spring 2021 instruction for each institution can be found here

Yes. High school and transfer students should still apply for financial aid for spring 2021. It is not too late. The first step is to complete the FAFSA or WASFA. To learn more, go here.

There are several financial aid resources for high school and transfer students. First to apply for financial aid students should complete the FAFSA or WASFA. In addition, the Washington Student Achievement Council has identified other resources to help you apply for financial aid. To learn more, go here.

Washington’s public four-year college and universities understand that families’ financial circumstances may have changed or may change in the coming months. If that’s your situation, please visit the campus financial aid office website. Campus financial aid websites also have contact information, including the best way to reach the financial aid office during remote operations for further assistance.

To learn more about financial aid and your intended institution, please contact the Office of Financial Aid for your intended college or university and college and university Office of Financial Aid websites are listed below.

• Central Washington University: http://www.cwu.edu/financial-aid/involuntary-loss-income
• Eastern Washington University: https://www.ewu.edu/apply/financial-aid-scholarships-office/
• The Evergreen State College: https://www.evergreen.edu/financialaid
• University of Washington: https://www.washington.edu/financialaid/
• Washington State University: https://financialaid.wsu.edu/
• Western Washington University: http://www.finaid.wwu.edu/

Students should continue to seek challenges in current academic studies. Research tells us that students who engage in advanced and rigorous coursework in high school enroll, continue and graduate from college at higher rates.

Districts and schools should continue to emphasize the role and value of learning by providing students with learning opportunities that allow for meaningful student engagement with content through different modes and feedback to align with learning outcomes and student needs.

Important to a successful transition from K-12 to postsecondary pathways is support for students’ self-determination of their college and career path. Teachers, counselors, schools, families and students should honor students’ recognition of their own learning and readiness and preparation for college coursework. Students should be confident in seeking college placement exams to access readiness for the next step in their education. We strongly encourage families and teachers to assist students in understanding their readiness for next-level coursework and support students for future success.

All of Washington’s public four-year college and universities are integrating flexibility into admissions processes to ease, to the extent possible, the disruption of COVID-19 for fall 2021 applicants. We recognize that while students must satisfy high school graduation requirements and meet minimum college admission requirements for freshman, our institutions will not disadvantage 2021 fall applicants due to the pandemic’s effects on education delivery.

In addition, the Washington Student Achievement Council revised the Minimum Admission Standards for public four-year college and universities. In response to the COVID-19 public health emergency, the Admission Standards policy was revised on April 27, 2020 to allow for institutional flexibility for fall 2021 admissions.

The deadlines for Washington’s public four-year college or universities for fall 2021 are identified below.

It is important to note that for many of the institutions these are “priority” deadlines.  Priority deadlines are dates set by colleges and universities by which applications are given the most consideration must be received. Priority deadlines precede regular decision deadlines.  

However, most of Washington’s public four-year college and universities continue to accept applications for fall 2021 beyond these initial deadlines.

We would encourage transfer institutions to encourage students who have applied or are considering applying to enroll in one of our nationally recognized public four-year institutions.

Washington’s public four-year college and universities and community are open and excited to welcome Washington students pursuing dynamic educational opportunities. Our institutions are engaging communities dedicated to quality education. We understand we will need to be flexible and balance health and safety; we are working to implement a balance that meets these needs while continuing our commitment to a dynamic and meaningful education.

To learn more contact the Office of Admission for the college or university you are interested or if you have questions or concerns regarding the listed deadlines.

Admission Deadlines and Applications Links

Washington’s public four-year college and universities recognize the challenges that students are facing due to the COVID-19 pandemic and, in response, are temporarily suspending the standardized test requirement for students applying for fall 2021 freshman admission. Not submitting an SAT or ACT will not disadvantage an applicant in the review process.

In addition, the Washington Student Achievement Council revised the Minimum Admission Standards for public four-year college and universities. In response to the COVID-19 public health emergency, the Admission Standards policy was revised on April 27, 2020 to allow for institutional flexibility for academic years 2020-21 and 2021-22.

Washington’s public four-year college and universities are integrating flexibility into admissions processes to ease, to the extent possible, the disruption for fall 2021 applicants. We recognize that while students must satisfy high school graduation requirements and meet minimum college admission requirements for freshman, our institutions will not disadvantage 2021 fall applicants due to the pandemic’s effects on education delivery.

We recognize the local determination of K-12 grading policies. During this time and our approach to admissions before the pandemic, is to consider multiple measures in the admissions process. GPA is one criteria. Institutions also look at the courses students have taken and their performance over four-years of high school.

We recognize that COVID-19 will have an indelible impact on our personal and professional memories and be in its own category and part of our shared history. Differences among districts existed before the pandemic and like then and now we are prepared to review the range of policies so as not to advantage or disadvantage students for fall 2021 admissions.

We would also encourage districts and schools to continue to encourage students who have applied or are considering applying to enroll in one of our nationally recognized public four-year institutions. Washington’s public four-year college and universities and community are open and excited to welcome Washington students pursuing dynamic educational opportunities. Our institutions are engaging communities dedicated to quality education. We understand we will need to be flexible and balance health and safety; we are working to implement a balance that meets these needs while continuing our commitment to a dynamic and meaningful education.

We would encourage students to reach out to us to discuss their applications further. A list of admissions contacts can be found here.

Students who complete high school coursework in spring, summer or fall 2020 and receive a “pass” in lieu of a letter grade will not be negatively affected in the admission process at Washington’s public four-year colleges and universities. This includes 8th-12th grade students taking high school coursework during this term at a high school in the state of Washington.

Washington’s public four-year do not re-calculate pass/no pass scores into numeric grade equivalents.

If your school is able, please designate a change to Pass from a ranked grade and add a notation regarding COVID-19 on the transcript so Admissions is aware when reviewing final transcripts.

Universities, colleges, community and technical colleges, districts, schools, students and families should consider, discuss, and plan for long-term impacts when deciding between grading options for college credit-bearing courses.

When considering pass/no pass as an alternative to ranked grades for college credit-bearing courses, we urge students to consider the long-term impacts for their education and career goals including, but not limited to, preparation for majors (e.g. nursing, engineering, and other STEM fields); prerequisite requirements; admission and transfer to out-of-state institutions and graduate and professional schools.

Alignment with Washington and national higher education requirements, NCAA and NAIA requirements, transfer, military enlistment and veteran benefits is critical for students’ long-term success.

No, institutions will not convert a “Pass” or calculate it in the cumulative GPA.

Answer: All of Washington’s public four-year college and universities are integrating flexibility into admissions processes to ease, to the extent possible, the disruption of COVID-19 for fall 2021 applicants. We recognize that students must meet institution and program admission requirements for graduate and professional programs, our institutions will not disadvantage 2021 fall applicants due to the pandemic’s effects on education delivery.

In addition, the Washington Student Achievement Council revised the Graduate Admission Standards Policy for public four-year college and universities. In response to the COVID-19 public health emergency, the Graduate Admission Standards Policy (Policy 3.4) was revised on November 23, 2020 to allow for institutional flexibility for fall 2021 graduate and professional program admissions.

Institutions are engaging with students primarily through virtual opportunities. Some limited in-person campus tours and admission information sessions are being offered. To learn more about your intended institution, please contact the Office of Admissions for your intended college or university.

The flexibility provided through the Washington Minimum Admission Standards is not intended as a permanent admissions policy shift but is rather a temporary accommodation driven by the current extraordinary circumstances. Further updates will be considered for future cohorts as needed.

Admissions, Financial Aid and Dual Credit Contacts

Transfer Student Contacts