How to Apply

Start your Common Application and add Seattle University to your “My Colleges” page.

You’ll use your application to tell us a little more about yourself and your experiences inside and outside the classroom.  

Start Your Application

First-Year Application Deadlines 

Early Action: November 15

Regular Decision: January 15 

Timeline & Deadlines

See admissions requirements for the major you’re considering. Admissions requirements include things like course prerequisites in high school, GPA and English language proficiency.

Search Majors  

Discover all the majors you could take at Seattle University, and find the one you’re most interested in.

Explore Undergraduate Programs

Check out required application materials and make a plan. A complete application includes the following:

• Common Application with completed essays and short answers
• Official high school transcripts
• One teacher recommendation
• One counselor recommendation or school report
• Nonrefundable $60 application fee (waivers available)
• Students who have earned college credit must also submit official college transcripts
• Optional: ACT or SAT reports
  • Self-reported scores via the Common Application or scores listed on high school transcripts are accepted.
  • Please note: If you choose to submit test scores, the writing sections of either test are not required.
  • Learn more about applying test-optional to Seattle University.

Learn more about applying as a homeschool applicant, Running Start applicant or undocumented applicant.

Essay Questions

In addition to your Personal Essay on the Common Application, all applicants are asked to complete one short answer essay and have the option to respond to a question about inclusion and belonging. Some programs—like Nursing—have additional essay requirements.

Short Answer & Essay Questions

Common Application Short Essay: Located in one of the world's top cities for technology and innovation and deeply rooted in 500 years of Jesuit tradition, a Seattle University education is innovative, global and holistic. We encourage students to challenge preconceived notions, reflect before they react and strive for the greater good. What is it that drew you to apply to Seattle University? Where do you hope a Seattle University education will take you?

Belonging and Inclusion Short Essay (Optional): At Seattle University we are inspired by the diversity of our campus community and are committed to a culture where equity, inclusion and belonging are hallmarks of who we are. Tell us about an experience you have had involving equity, inclusion or belonging—whether through celebration, inspiration, challenge or adversity—and why it was meaningful to you and how it would demonstrate your unique ability to contribute to the university.

Essay for Nursing Applicants: The nursing program is a competitive program that admits students directly to the four-year nursing cohort. The College of Nursing’s mission is to educate and inspire leaders to transform health care for a just and humane world. Why are you applying to the nursing program at Seattle University and what aspects of the profession uniquely excite you? Please limit your response to 250 words or less.

You did it! Way to go! We’ll review each part of your application carefully, thoughtfully and holistically. We can’t wait to learn more about your goals and how a Seattle University education can support your vision. 

Admissions Decisions Response Timeline 

• Students who apply by the Early Action deadline will receive an admissions decision through their Redhawk Admissions Portal in mid-December. 
• Regular Decision applicants will hear back by mid-March. 
• Students who complete their application after January 15 will be considered on a space-available basis. 

Check Your Status & Stay in Touch 

When you submit your Common Application to Seattle University, you’ll receive a follow up email to access the Redhawk Admissions Portal.  

Your Redhawk Admissions Portal is your one-stop shop to check your application status, review any missing materials and see important updates regarding the admissions process. 

During our review process, we’ll reach out if we need more information—or if we would like to invite you to apply for the University Honors program.  

Be sure to check the portal regularly for updates.

The nonrefundable $60 fee can be waived for the following students: 

• Students who have a sibling, parent or grandparent who graduated from Seattle University
• Students who attend or graduated from a Jesuit or Catholic high school
• Students who qualify for a  SAT or ACT fee waiver
• Students who attend Seattle University's Summer Preview event
• Students who participate in the Rainier Scholars program
• Students who qualify for a hardship fee waiver via the Common Application 

Eligible students will select their appropriate fee waiver in the Common Application. 

Add Seattle University to your schools in the Common Application. When you reach SU’s school-specific portion of the application, you may elect to not report your scores. Adjustments can be made to your test-optional decision until your Common Application is submitted. After you have submitted you cannot change your test-optional status.

Admissions employs a holistic review process using transcripts, coursework, grade trend, recommendation letters and other application materials not including SAT or ACT test scores.

If admitted to the university, you will be admitted directly to the program for which you are applying, a pre-advising program or a different major that aligns better with your high school coursework.

No. If you feel that your academics are well-represented without standardized test scores, we will employ a holistic review process using the other elements of your application. 

If you apply test-optional, consideration for scholarships and financial aid will remain the same as it will for those applicants applying with standardized test scores. 

Test scores must be received no later than November 15 for those applying for Early Action and no later than January 15 for those applying for Regular Decision admission consideration.

We will provisionally accept self-reported scores from the Common Application to complete applications, but you are required to send official scores if they choose to attend SU.