Revised Minimum College Admission Standards and College Academic Distribution Requirements (CADR)

(formerly High School Core Course Requirements)

During the 2008-09 school year, high school students should begin to work on meeting the revised CADR if they plan to attend a university in Washington. 

In 2007, the Higher Education Coordinating Board revised the state’s minimum college admission standards for students entering the state’s public baccalaureate institutions (4-year colleges) as freshmen.

The Board revised the standards to help ensure that students entering Washington’s public four-year schools have an appreciation for the liberal arts, and are adequately prepared to succeed in college. 

The revised standards require all freshman applicants, including Running Start students, to complete a minimum level of preparation in six subject areas known as College Academic Distribution Requirements (CADR).

While the revised standards will not be implemented by the public four-year institutions until 2012, 9th grade high school students in the 2008-09 school year should begin taking courses that meet the revised standards if they intend to seek regular admission to any of the following public institutions: 

• University of Washington
• Washington State University
• Central Washington University
• Eastern Washington University
• Western Washington University
• The Evergreen State College.

Also, 11th grade students in 2008-09, if they have not already, should begin taking the laboratory science courses that will be required for admission to a public four-year school beginning in 2010.

High school students are strongly encouraged to exceed minimum requirements whenever possible to further enhance their potential for admission and success. It also is recommended that prospective students consult their high school counselors and college admissions offices for additional information regarding minimum college admission standards.

The link below provides a brief explanation of the revised standards, including the CADR, and explains how they affect high schools students beginning in 2008-09. Please see:

Minimum College Academic Distribution Requirements

An Overview for Students and Parents

For more information:

E-mail: Ricardo Sanchez

Phone: 360.753.7833