Apply

The application process

Applying for graduate school can seem daunting. Where do you start? What can you expect? How does the process work? Each program is a little bit different. To assist, the UW Graduate School has a page to help you understand the basics of applying for a program at the University of Washington.

How to apply

Students apply directly to the graduate program as part of the UW Graduate School application process which sets minimum admissions standards. Each of the following programs outlines its admission requirements, dates of entry, required materials, and application deadlines which are often extended:

Taking the GRE or GMAT

Only some graduate programs require scores from the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT). Keep in mind that the GRE or GMAT is only one component of your application. If scores are required, the program will list that in its admission requirements.

Graduate nonmatriculated student admissions

If you have earned a bachelor’s degree and wish to take graduate-level classes without enrolling in a graduate degree program, you can apply as a graduate nonmatriculated student (GNM).

While you do not need GNM status to register for a graduate-level class, you must have it if you plan at some point in the future to apply the credits to a graduate degree. A minimum GPA of 3.0 in the last 90 quarter (60 semester) graded credits is required for admission in GNM status. Programs may have additional requirements.

  • If you are later admitted to the Graduate School, you may petition to apply a maximum of 12 applicable GNM credits toward a master’s degree. Admission into the GNM status does not guarantee admission into the Graduate School if you later decide to pursue a degree.
  • Not all academic programs accept students with GNM status. GNM students are not eligible for financial aid because most financial aid is governed by federal regulations that require students to be enrolled in a degree program. Contact a graduate program advisor for more information.

Disability support

The University of Washington Bothell is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education, and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodations in the application process, please contact Disability Resources for Students at 425.352.5307 or 425.352.5426 (Voice and Relay), 425.352.5114 (FAX) or uwbdrc@uw.edu