What Are Four-Year Institutions Looking For

A recent article in the Seattle Times indicated that University of Washington, along with many other public universities across the nation, is abandoning the Admission index in the acceptance process. This trend is indicative of the more holistic approach colleges are taking to admit a more diverse and well-rounded student body.

The Admission index was a number assigned to each freshman applicant based on SAT or ACT test scores and GPA, under the new system, potential UW students will be assessed on many factors including cultural awareness, overcoming personal obstacles, academic distinctions, community service, etc…

What does this mean for Community College Transfer Students?

Last year, transfer students faced major changes in UW Admissions, when the Direct Transfer Agreement came to an end. Although community college graduates are no longer automatically granted admission to the school, the comprehensive review that has been enacted is similar in its holistic approach to the changes for freshman. Beyond the completion of core requirement courses and transfer GPA of 2.50 or better, the following list of assessment criteria will give you a good idea of what the UW, and other universities around the country, are looking for in transfer applicants:

• Academic achievement
• Well-defined academic Goals
• Preparedness for major
• Plan to complete Bachelor’s degree in a timely manner
• Completion of a foreign language through 103 levels, when required
• Availability of your major at other institutions
• Academic, artistic awards and achievements
• Community service, work experience, and /or research experience
• Cultural awareness
• Overcoming adversity, disability and/or economic disadvantage

Sources: “Grades only part of the picture for new UW admission plan.”
Seattle Times, October 6,2005.
University of Washington on Admissions: http://admit.washington.edu