In addition to the general application requirements, freshmen have additional requirements.
Most applicants for whom English is a not the first/native language must demonstrate English proficiency regardless of English language studies, academic history, residence in the United States or other English-speaking countries, or of immigration status.
Seattle University maintains the right to require English proficiency testing when deemed necessary. Following the submission of English proficiency score reports, requests for testing waivers will not be considered.
First-year applicants who have attended high school in the United States or Canada, or at American schools abroad, may have English proficiency testing waived if they have earned critical reading and writing scores of 450 or higher on the respective sections of the SAT or English sub-scores of 22 or higher on the American College Test (ACT). Please see our English Proficiency Admission Policy for further details.
Seattle University employs the highest sub-scores on both the ACT and SAT I when making admission and scholarship decisions, and in the advisement and course placement of first time freshmen. Since we use the highest separate scores from different test administrations (e.g. the highest critical reading, writing, and mathematics scores from the SAT; the highest English, mathematics, reading, and science reasoning sub-scores from the ACT) we strongly encourage students to provide Seattle University with all their results from all administrations of the ACT and or SAT.
Test scores must be received from first time freshman applicants no later than November 15 for those applying for early action, and no later than January 15 for those applying for regular admission consideration. Practically this means that students must take the ACT and or SAT in the spring of their junior year if applying for early action, and no later than November of the senior year for applicants applying for regular admission. Students who demonstrate interest early in the college search process by listing Seattle University when registering for the ACT or SAT will receive early notification about opportunities at Seattle University (for example, about scholarships, the honors programs, Seattle University representatives visits to their schools, opportunities for regional interviews). Those who submit scores early will distinguish themselves in the admission process. Therefore, it is a wise decision to identify Seattle University to receive all of your test scores.
Seattle University makes admission decisions based upon a holistic review of your materials and background. Primary consideration is given to course selection and performance.
Successful candidates complete the following minimal program in high school (each unit is equivalent to one academic year of study):
Seattle University offers the distinct advantage of considering freshman applicants for direct admission to specific majors. Accordingly, there are specific additional requirements for admission to certain majors.
* Applicants to the College of Science and Engineering must complete 4 units of college preparatory mathematics for admission to any of its specific majors. (Students may be considered for pre-science who have only completed 3 units).
** Applicants for engineering majors and diagnostic ultrasound must complete laboratory physics and chemistry to be considered for admission. Applicants to the nursing major must complete laboratory biology and chemistry to be considered for admission.
*** Applicants to the College of Nursing must complete a full year each of laboratory biology and laboratory chemistry, as well as three years of college preparatory mathematics (e.g. Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II) to be viable candidates. Running Start applicants should contact the Admissions Office (admissions@seattleu.edu/206-296-2000.)
The Matteo Ricci Humanities major is reserved for freshmen who are currently:
Please note that the Humanities in Teaching major is available to all applicants.
Have questions regarding advanced placement or international baccalaureate credit? Please see our policies section.
Seattle University is committed to thorough and holistic review of applicants.
Seattle University is introducing an Early Action freshman admissions option beginning with applicants for fall 2008 admission. Recognizing that many students have already determined where they will apply by the beginning of their senior year, we are now offering this option for those who have identified Seattle University as one of their top choices. Early Action enables students to apply for early admission and receive early notification.
This is a non-binding option and those accepted will still be free to apply to other universities and compare financial aid offers. Those accepted through Early Action will not be required to commit prior to the national candidates' Reply Date of May 1.
Early Action candidates must check the early action option on either the Common Application or Universal College Application and submit all required credentials (Seattle University Supplemental Application, transcript, essay, letters of recommendation, ACT or SAT scores) by November 15. Those applying for Early Action will be mailed admissions notification on December 23. Students applying via Early Action and not offered admission will be placed in consideration for regular admission.
Freshmen seeking regular admissions consideration for the fall quarter will be notified after February 1; most applicants will be notified during February and March.
Often, applicants receive requests for additional information, such as seventh semester high school grades, most recent ACT or SAT scores or results from the Test of English as a Foreign Language. These requests should be regarded as an opportunity for continued consideration for admission. Once the requested documents are received applicants are assured a decision by the end of March.
Seattle University Institutional Merit Scholarship determinations will be made and mailed to accepted Early Action applicants at the end of January; for Regular Decision applicants decisions are made and mailed the first week in March.
Full financial aid packages, reflecting both need-based and merit-based Seattle University institutional aid, are mailed to all accepted applicants by the end of March. This provides students, and their families time to consider whether to enroll by the National Candidates Reply Date of May 1.
