So, what type of student are you?

First-year and Running Start

You should apply as a first-year student if:

  • You're in high school, even if you’ve earned some college credit or are enrolled in Running Start
  • You have graduated or earned your GED, and haven’t enrolled in any college coursework after graduation

If you enrolled in college coursework after graduating from high school or completing your GED, you will need to apply as a transfer student. If you require a student visa to study in the United States, you should apply as an international student.

January 1

Spring Quarter

January 31

Fall Quarter (Regular Decision)

September 15

Winter Quarter

November 1

Fall Quarter (Early Action)

Transfer

Western welcomes transfer students from all types of colleges and universities. You are a transfer student if you attempted college credit after graduating from high school or after earning your GED. 

If you completed all of your college credits while also fulfilling high school requirements, such as through the Running Start program, you are considered a first-year student for admissions purposes and will need to meet requirements for first-year student admission, even if you earned an associate degree while in high school. Students who continue to earn college credits after high school graduation (excluding credit earned during the summer after high school graduation) are considered transfer students.

If you require a student visa to study in the United States, you should apply as an international student.

January 1

Spring Quarter

March 1

Summer and Fall Quarters

September 15

Winter Quarter

International

You are considered an international student if you require a student visa to study in the United States. If you are a U.S. citizen, U.S. permanent resident, political asylee/refugee or hold dual citizenship with the U.S. and another country you should apply for admission as either a first-yeartransfer, or post-baccalaureate student.

January 1

Spring Quarter

January 31

Fall Quarter (Regular Decision)

September 15

Winter Quarter

November 1

Fall Quarter (Early Action)


Note: First-year students are not eligible to begin summer quarter.

January 1

Spring Quarter

March 1

Summer and Fall Quarters

September 15

Winter Quarter


Due to the intensive academic nature of summer quarter and limited course options, summer quarter entry is strongly discouraged for new international students. Students should contact International Student and Scholar Services to receive advisement prior to applying for summer quarter.

Post-Baccalaureate

Students who have earned a bachelor’s degree and wish to pursue a second degree, obtain teacher certification, or meet other academic goals should apply as a post-baccalaureate applicant. Post-baccalaureate applicants interested in pursuing teaching certification must simultaneously apply to Woodring College of Education.

For graduate studies, please visit the Graduate School website.

January 1

Spring Quarter

March 1

Fall and Summer Quarters

September 15

Winter Quarter

Returning Student

February 15

Spring Quarter

May 1

Summer and Fall Quarters

November 5

Winter Quarter

  • You plan to enroll as a non-matriculated (not formally admitted) student on a space available basis.
  • You only plan to register for Summer Session.
  • You are applying to transfer into one of Western’s location programs.
  • You have withdrawn during the first two weeks of the quarter and plan to return the next quarter.
  • You have been academically dismissed; contact the Academic Advising and Student Achievement Center.  

Location Programs

Students who are interested in attending a location program supported by Outreach and Continuing Education will submit an application for admission. To apply for a Western-supported location program, applicants will need to select their intended program and location and complete program application requirements on the application for admission. 

Contact your intended program to learn more about specific program offerings and requirements.

January 1

Spring Quarter

March 1

Summer and Fall Quarters

September 15

Winter Quarter

As part of Western's commitment to maintaining a healthy and safe living, learning and working environment, we want to make you aware of our Annual Security & Fire Safety Report. This report is developed in compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act) and provides reported crime statistics for the previous three calendar years. The report also includes institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. To request a paper copy of this report, please contact the Vice President of Enrollment and Student Services Office: (360) 650-3839 or vpsa.office@wwu.edu.