Admitted First-Year Guide
Get Your Personalized Admitted Student Checklist
Keep track of the steps you've completed and what you still have to do.
Fall 2021 Scholarship Update
The Office of Admissions is working out the final details of the Fall 2021 scholarship process. Western’s new awarding guidelines will not rely on standardized test scores (e.g. ACT or SAT) as WWU is a test-optional institution—Western stands committed to adopting best-practices that reduce systemic barriers to students from underserved communities.
We anticipate notification of scholarship awards to take place before the end of January; we appreciate your patience as we launch a new structure and adopt a new approach to awarding and recognizing many deserving students.
Fall Due Dates
Confirm Your Enrollment
More Info
Once you finalize your decision to attend Western, a non-refundable $300 confirmation fee is required to secure your place in the incoming class. This one-time fee helps pay for new student orientation, advising, and academic support.
If you were admitted close to the confirmation deadline, you have three weeks from the date your offer letter was printed to confirm your enrollment.
Postpone Your Fee
If you have demonstrated significant financial need on your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), then you can postpone your fee until your first tuition bill. To request to have your fee postponed, email admissions@wwu.edu with an explanation of your circumstances, along with your name and Western ID number.
Declining Your Offer
If you do not intend to come to Western, please decline your offer so your enrollment space can be considered for another student.
Submit Your Financial Aid Application
More Info
Financial aid is available to help meet the costs of tuition, books, educational supplies, housing and meals, transportation, and personal expenses.
To be considered for financial aid, you must file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the Washington Application for State Financial Aid (WASFA) which become available each year on October 1. Your FAFSA or WASFA must be submitted by January 31 (Western’s priority filing date) to be considered for the most favorable financial aid. Washington state residents ineligible to complete the FAFSA due to immigration status may apply for state financial aid by completing the WASFA.
- File the FAFSA at fafsa.gov – Western’s FAFSA code is 003802
- File the WASFA at readysetgrad.org/wasfa
Apply to the Honors Program
More Info
Join the Honors Program to engage deeply with your faculty, your major, and your learning community. Honors partners with all academic majors at Western and will promote your curiosity and self-discovery.
Founded in 1962, the Honors Program is an increasingly diverse community of students and faculty here to support and enhance your university experience.
Claim Your Universal Account
More Info
Please claim your WWU Universal Computer Account as soon as possible. All you need to do is set a password.
If you have any questions about your account please visit the ATUS Help Desk website. For assistance, contact the ATUS Help Desk at (360) 650-3333 or helpdesk@wwu.edu.
Note: Official University correspondence will be sent to your WWU email address which is activated after you confirm your intent to enroll at Western. University assigned student email accounts are one of the official means of communication the university uses with all students. Students are responsible for all information sent to their university-assigned email account.
Submit a Housing Application
More Info
Living on campus is optional, yet the majority of new students choose this option. All students are eligible to live in university residences. Residence halls are more than just places to sleep. They provide instant community, make it easy to familiarize yourself with campus, and are within minutes of classes. If you’re interested in living on campus, you’ll need to apply for housing by the housing deadline.
Residential communities include quiet, substance-free, gender-inclusive, gender-neutral, Honors Program, international options, and more. Check out the University Residences site for complete information about Western's residence halls, roommate options and housing rates, or apply for housing now. If you have questions, contact University Residences at (360) 650-6565 or housing@wwu.edu.
If you’re interested in living off-campus, the Off Campus Living site is a great resource for you.
Sign Up for Advising & Orientation
More Info
Advising & Orientation supports your transition to campus with a campus orientation, academic advising, and class registration program.
Contact Academic Departments
More Info
If you believe you’re ready to declare a major at Western (e.g. if you have completed prerequisites for your intended academic program), you are encouraged to make contact with academic departments prior to course registration. Departmental advisors can provide information about major requirements and prerequisites and can grant permission to register for courses you may need. You must have a copy of your most recent transcript available whenever meeting with advisors.
Pay Your Housing Deposit (if you applied for campus housing)
More Info
Housing applicants who have confirmed admission will be prompted in to pay the $200 housing deposit in the MyHousing Portal. Do not pay your deposit until you receive notice of deposit due; early payments will be returned.
Check MyHousing for Your Roommate Assignment (if you applied for campus housing)
More Info
University Residences will post information about your room assignment in your MyHousing Portal. Be sure to touch base with your room/suite mates to get acquainted and discuss what each of you plans to bring for your room.
Submit Updated College Transcripts, and/or AP, IB or Cambridge International Test Scores
More Info
All college transcripts and test scores included with your application for admission will be processed in time for initial course registration.
If you earned any college credit after submitting your application for admission, you must request to have your official college transcripts, AP, IB and Cambridge exam results sent to the Office of Admissions as soon as they are available. If official final transcripts (with degree posted, if applicable) are not received by the deadline, a registration hold may be placed on your student account that prevents you from registering for courses in the future.
Submit Measles Documents
More Info
To ensure the health and safety of all students at Western, proof of measles (rubeola) immunity is required.
Please note that two doses of the MMR (measles-rubeola) vaccine are required and you must submit proof before you will be allowed to register for classes or live in Western's residence halls. Options for providing proof and additional information are available from the Student Health Center.
For questions, email student.health@wwu.edu or call (360) 650-4839 and leave a message (calls are returned daily on weekdays).
Complete the ALEKS Math Placement Assessment
More Info
While not everyone needs to complete this assessment, most first-year students and many transfer students do. Scores from the online ALEKS Math Placement Assessment (MPA) are needed to register for the majority of math courses at Western and serve as prerequisites for some courses in other departments, such as Astronomy, Chemistry, Computer Science, Decision Sciences, Economics, Environmental Science, Environmental Studies, Geology, Physics and Science Education. The assessment must be taken twice. We recommend you complete both assessments at least two weeks before you attend orientation. You must first claim your Universal Account in order to access the MPA.
Some students do not need to take the MPA. More information about the MPA, including exceptions, proctoring options and FAQs, can be found on the ALEKS website. You should thoroughly read the FAQs before seeking advising.
Submit Final High School Transcript
More Info
Submit your official final transcript (with your diploma posted) by the deadline. Official transcripts should be sent directly by your high school to admissions.documents@wwu.edu.
Attend Advising & Orientation; Register for Classes
More Info
Advising & Orientation (A&O) supports your transition to campus with a campus orientation, academic advising, and class registration program.
Spring Due Dates
Submit Your Financial Aid Application
More Info
Financial aid is available to help meet the costs of tuition, books, educational supplies, housing and meals, transportation, and personal expenses.
To be considered for financial aid, you must file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the Washington Application for State Financial Aid (WASFA) which become available each year on October 1. Your FAFSA or WASFA must be submitted by January 31 (Western’s priority filing date) to be considered for the most favorable financial aid. Washington state residents ineligible to complete the FAFSA due to immigration status may apply for state financial aid by completing the WASFA.
- File the FAFSA at fafsa.gov – Western’s FAFSA code is 003802
- File the WASFA at readysetgrad.org/wasfa
Confirm Your Enrollment
More Info
Once you finalize your decision to attend Western, a non-refundable $300 confirmation fee is required to secure your place in the incoming class. This one-time fee helps pay for new student orientation, advising, and academic support.
If you were admitted close to the confirmation deadline, you have three weeks from the date your offer letter was printed to confirm your enrollment.
Postpone Your Fee
If you have demonstrated significant financial need on your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), then you can postpone your fee until your first tuition bill. To request to have your fee postponed, email admissions@wwu.edu with an explanation of your circumstances, along with your name and Western ID number.
Declining Your Offer
If you do not intend to come to Western, please decline your offer so your enrollment space can be considered for another student.
Sign Up for Advising & Orientation
More Info
Advising & Orientation supports your transition to campus with a campus orientation, academic advising, and class registration program.
Claim Your Universal Account
More Info
Please claim your WWU Universal Computer Account as soon as possible. All you need to do is set a password.
If you have any questions about your account please visit the ATUS Help Desk website. For assistance, contact the ATUS Help Desk at (360) 650-3333 or helpdesk@wwu.edu.
Note: Official University correspondence will be sent to your WWU email address which is activated after you confirm your intent to enroll at Western. University assigned student email accounts are one of the official means of communication the university uses with all students. Students are responsible for all information sent to their university-assigned email account.
Complete the ALEKS Math Placement Assessment
More Info
While not everyone needs to complete this assessment, most first-year students and many transfer students do. Scores from the online ALEKS Math Placement Assessment (MPA) are needed to register for the majority of math courses at Western and serve as prerequisites for some courses in other departments, such as Astronomy, Chemistry, Computer Science, Decision Sciences, Economics, Environmental Science, Environmental Studies, Geology, Physics and Science Education. The assessment must be taken twice. We recommend you complete both assessments at least two weeks before you attend orientation. You must first claim your Universal Account in order to access the MPA.
Some students do not need to take the MPA. More information about the MPA, including exceptions, proctoring options and FAQs, can be found on the ALEKS website. You should thoroughly read the FAQs before seeking advising.
Submit Measles Documents
More Info
To ensure the health and safety of all students at Western, proof of measles (rubeola) immunity is required.
Please note that two doses of the MMR (measles-rubeola) vaccine are required and you must submit proof before you will be allowed to register for classes or live in Western's residence halls. Options for providing proof and additional information are available from the Student Health Center.
For questions, email student.health@wwu.edu or call (360) 650-4839 and leave a message (calls are returned daily on weekdays).
Contact Academic Departments
More Info
If you believe you’re ready to declare a major at Western (e.g. if you have completed prerequisites for your intended academic program), you are encouraged to make contact with academic departments prior to course registration. Departmental advisors can provide information about major requirements and prerequisites and can grant permission to register for courses you may need. You must have a copy of your most recent transcript available whenever meeting with advisors.
Submit a Housing Application
More Info
Living on campus is optional, yet the majority of new students choose this option. All students are eligible to live in university residences. Residence halls are more than just places to sleep. They provide instant community, make it easy to familiarize yourself with campus, and are within minutes of classes. If you’re interested in living on campus, you’ll need to apply for housing by the housing deadline.
Residential communities include quiet, substance-free, gender-inclusive, gender-neutral, Honors Program, international options, and more. Check out the University Residences site for complete information about Western's residence halls, roommate options and housing rates, or apply for housing now. If you have questions, contact University Residences at (360) 650-6565 or housing@wwu.edu.
If you’re interested in living off-campus, the Off Campus Living site is a great resource for you.
Pay Your Housing Deposit (if you applied for campus housing)
More Info
Housing applicants who have confirmed admission will be prompted in to pay the $200 housing deposit in the MyHousing Portal. Do not pay your deposit until you receive notice of deposit due; early payments will be returned.
Attend Advising & Orientation; Register for Classes
More Info
Advising & Orientation (A&O) supports your transition to campus with a campus orientation, academic advising, and class registration program.
Check MyHousing for Your Roommate Assignment (if you applied for campus housing)
More Info
University Residences will post information about your room assignment in your MyHousing Portal. Be sure to touch base with your room/suite mates to get acquainted and discuss what each of you plans to bring for your room.
Submit Updated College Transcripts, and/or AP, IB or Cambridge International Test Scores
More Info
All college transcripts and test scores included with your application for admission will be processed in time for initial course registration.
If you earned any college credit after submitting your application for admission, you must request to have your official college transcripts, AP, IB and Cambridge exam results sent to the Office of Admissions as soon as they are available. If official final transcripts (with degree posted, if applicable) are not received by the deadline, a registration hold may be placed on your student account that prevents you from registering for courses in the future.
Winter Due Dates
Confirm Your Enrollment
More Info
Once you finalize your decision to attend Western, a non-refundable $300 confirmation fee is required to secure your place in the incoming class. This one-time fee helps pay for new student orientation, advising, and academic support.
If you were admitted close to the confirmation deadline, you have three weeks from the date your offer letter was printed to confirm your enrollment.
Postpone Your Fee
If you have demonstrated significant financial need on your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), then you can postpone your fee until your first tuition bill. To request to have your fee postponed, email admissions@wwu.edu with an explanation of your circumstances, along with your name and Western ID number.
Declining Your Offer
If you do not intend to come to Western, please decline your offer so your enrollment space can be considered for another student.
Claim Your Universal Account
More Info
Please claim your WWU Universal Computer Account as soon as possible. All you need to do is set a password.
If you have any questions about your account please visit the ATUS Help Desk website. For assistance, contact the ATUS Help Desk at (360) 650-3333 or helpdesk@wwu.edu.
Note: Official University correspondence will be sent to your WWU email address which is activated after you confirm your intent to enroll at Western. University assigned student email accounts are one of the official means of communication the university uses with all students. Students are responsible for all information sent to their university-assigned email account.
Sign Up for Advising & Orientation
More Info
Advising & Orientation supports your transition to campus with a campus orientation, academic advising, and class registration program.
Submit Measles Documents
More Info
To ensure the health and safety of all students at Western, proof of measles (rubeola) immunity is required.
Please note that two doses of the MMR (measles-rubeola) vaccine are required and you must submit proof before you will be allowed to register for classes or live in Western's residence halls. Options for providing proof and additional information are available from the Student Health Center.
For questions, email student.health@wwu.edu or call (360) 650-4839 and leave a message (calls are returned daily on weekdays).
Contact Academic Departments
More Info
If you believe you’re ready to declare a major at Western (e.g. if you have completed prerequisites for your intended academic program), you are encouraged to make contact with academic departments prior to course registration. Departmental advisors can provide information about major requirements and prerequisites and can grant permission to register for courses you may need. You must have a copy of your most recent transcript available whenever meeting with advisors.
Complete the ALEKS Math Placement Assessment
More Info
While not everyone needs to complete this assessment, most first-year students and many transfer students do. Scores from the online ALEKS Math Placement Assessment (MPA) are needed to register for the majority of math courses at Western and serve as prerequisites for some courses in other departments, such as Astronomy, Chemistry, Computer Science, Decision Sciences, Economics, Environmental Science, Environmental Studies, Geology, Physics and Science Education. The assessment must be taken twice. We recommend you complete both assessments at least two weeks before you attend orientation. You must first claim your Universal Account in order to access the MPA.
Some students do not need to take the MPA. More information about the MPA, including exceptions, proctoring options and FAQs, can be found on the ALEKS website. You should thoroughly read the FAQs before seeking advising.
Submit a Housing Application
More Info
Living on campus is optional, yet the majority of new students choose this option. All students are eligible to live in university residences. Residence halls are more than just places to sleep. They provide instant community, make it easy to familiarize yourself with campus, and are within minutes of classes. If you’re interested in living on campus, you’ll need to apply for housing by the housing deadline.
Residential communities include quiet, substance-free, gender-inclusive, gender-neutral, Honors Program, international options, and more. Check out the University Residences site for complete information about Western's residence halls, roommate options and housing rates, or apply for housing now. If you have questions, contact University Residences at (360) 650-6565 or housing@wwu.edu.
If you’re interested in living off-campus, the Off Campus Living site is a great resource for you.
Pay Your Housing Deposit (if you applied for campus housing)
More Info
Housing applicants who have confirmed admission will be prompted in to pay the $200 housing deposit in the MyHousing Portal. Do not pay your deposit until you receive notice of deposit due; early payments will be returned.
Attend Advising & Orientation; Register for Classes
More Info
Advising & Orientation (A&O) supports your transition to campus with a campus orientation, academic advising, and class registration program.
Check MyHousing for Your Roommate Assignment (if you applied for campus housing)
More Info
University Residences will post information about your room assignment in your MyHousing Portal. Be sure to touch base with your room/suite mates to get acquainted and discuss what each of you plans to bring for your room.
Submit Updated College Transcripts, and/or AP, IB or Cambridge International Test Scores
More Info
All college transcripts and test scores included with your application for admission will be processed in time for initial course registration.
If you earned any college credit after submitting your application for admission, you must request to have your official college transcripts, AP, IB and Cambridge exam results sent to the Office of Admissions as soon as they are available. If official final transcripts (with degree posted, if applicable) are not received by the deadline, a registration hold may be placed on your student account that prevents you from registering for courses in the future.
Submit Your Financial Aid Application
More Info
Financial aid is available to help meet the costs of tuition, books, educational supplies, housing and meals, transportation, and personal expenses.
To be considered for financial aid, you must file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the Washington Application for State Financial Aid (WASFA) which become available each year on October 1. Your FAFSA or WASFA must be submitted by January 31 (Western’s priority filing date) to be considered for the most favorable financial aid. Washington state residents ineligible to complete the FAFSA due to immigration status may apply for state financial aid by completing the WASFA.
- File the FAFSA at fafsa.gov – Western’s FAFSA code is 003802
- File the WASFA at readysetgrad.org/wasfa
Prepare for Academic Success
Keep Up Your Good Work
Enrollment is contingent upon your continued academic success, including completion of any conditions specified in your offer of admission, satisfactory completion of all attempted coursework not currently on file, and receipt of official final transcripts.
Plan for Your Major
Because you may need permission to register for courses that require prerequisites, major or pre-major declaration, etc., you are encouraged to contact academic departments prior to course registration. You can view our Programs of Study, which include contact information for each academic department, at catalog.wwu.edu. We also encourage you to visit the Academic Advising Center as it includes information about the many academic resources available to Western students.
Transfer Equivalency Report
If you have earned credit through an official college transcript or test scores from AP, IB or Cambridge, you will receive instructions on how to obtain your official Transfer Equivalency Report (TER) via email after confirming your enrollment to Western, and prior to registration, when possible. The TER provides information about the number of credits that have been accepted in transfer and details the courses that transfer to Western as well as their Western course equivalent. If you are currently enrolled in courses, you should plan to send an updated official transcript to the Office of Admissions as soon as grades are posted.
Planning Your Finances
Residency Info
Check your residency status. Your residency status is noted in your acceptance letter. Becoming a Washington resident after enrollment is extremely difficult, so be sure this classification is correct. If you have questions, contact the Office of Admissions to request a reclassification questionnaire. Residency information is available at admissions.wwu.edu/residency.
Tuition and Fees
As you review estimated annual expenses, it may be helpful to know that payment for tuition, fees, housing, and meals is charged quarterly and due at the beginning of each quarter. Monthly payment plans are available as well. Also, remember that costs for transportation, books, supplies, and personal expenses are flexible and can be reduced depending on your lifestyle choices.
Scholarships
Your application for admission also serves as your application for most scholarships at Western. All scholarship offers for on-time first-year fall applicants will be sent out by the end of April.
We encourage you to seek external scholarship opportunities through your high school, community organizations, and local businesses. You can also look at online scholarship search sites such as:
- TheWashBoard.org (for Washington residents)
- CollegeBoard
- FastWeb
Student Employment
All students are invited to apply for campus jobs, where they are recognized as students first and employees second. Most campus jobs are conveniently located near classes and provide outstanding opportunities for professional development and a built-in network of support. If you need help finding work, Western’s Student Employment Center can help — it’s a free resource that connects students with on- and off-campus jobs and volunteer opportunities.
Keep Your Contact Information Up to Date
Please let us know about email or mailing address changes as soon as possible by emailing admissions.evaluators@wwu.edu. Be sure to include your full name and Western ID number.
Resources
You’ll find academic contacts in the programs of study available at admissions.wwu.edu/catalog. Here are a few other numbers that might come in handy as you’re getting to know Western. It’s okay to call!
Academic Advising Center
advising@wwu.edu
(360) 650-3850
Campus Operator
(360) 650-3000
Career Services Center
careers@wwu.edu
(360) 650-3240
Disability Access Center
disability.wwu.edu
(360) 650-3083 (voice)
(360) 255-7175 (VP)
Financial Aid Office
financialaid@wwu.edu
(360) 650-3470
New Student Services/Family Outreach
nssfo@wwu.edu
(360) 650-3846
Registrar's Office
registrar.office@wwu.edu
(360) 650-3430
Scholarship Center
scholarshipcenter@wwu.edu
(360) 650-3471
Student Employment
finaid.wwu.edu/studentjobs
(360) 650-3158
Veteran Services
veterans.affairs@wwu.edu
(360) 650-3324
Have a question?
You can find our contact information here, or feel free to submit this form, and we'll get back to you right away.