CADR- College Academic Distribution Requirements

College Academic Distribution Requirements (CADR) and Admission Standards

The Washington Student Achievement Council establishes minimum admission standards for four-year institutions in Washington state. These standards may differ from high school graduation requirements that are determined by the State Board of Education. College Academic Distribution Requirements (CADR) reflect the minimum number of credits required in six subject areas that students must earn to be eligible for routine admission consideration by the four-year public baccalaureate institutions. Meeting the minimum college admission standards does not guarantee admission. Students are encouraged to go beyond meeting minimum college admission standards to improve their chances for gaining entry to a public baccalaureate institution. 

College Academic Distribution Requirements (CADR) Coursework

English- 4 credits

This includes 3 credits of college preparatory composition or literature. One credit may be satisfied by courses in drama, literature, public speaking, debate, journalistic writing, business English, English as a Second Language, or learning support English. Not accepted: Remedial or applied courses, acting, basic English skills, developmental reading, library, newspaper staff, vocabulary, yearbook or annual. 

Mathematics- 3 credits

Algebra 1, Geometry, and Algebra II. Note: Successful completion of math through Pre-Calculus meets the requirement for 3 credits of math and the senior year quantitative math requirement (below). 

Senior Year Math-Based Quantitative Course

During the senior year of high school, students must earn credit in a math-based quantitative course. This requirement may be met through enrollment in one of the three required math courses listed above; or by completing a math-based quantitative course like statistics, applied math, or appropriate career and technical courses, or by completing an algebra-based science course taken during the senior year that would satisfy this requirement and part of the science requirement below. Note: The senior-year math requirement does not mean a 4th credit of math is required, nor does it require a higher level of math; the intent is for seniors to take meaningful math. Exception: Completion of higher-level math prior to the senior year exempts students from the senior-year quantitative course requirement (Pre-Calculus and beyond). 

Science- 3 credits

3 credits of science including two years of laboratory science are required for admission to public baccalaureate institutions. One credit must be in an algebra-based science course as determined by the school district. One credit must be in biology, chemistry, or physics (this course may also meet the algebra-based requirement). The principles of technology courses taught in Washington State high schools may apply toward the laboratory science requirement. Note: Most colleges and universities specify that one credit must be an algebra-based chemistry or physics course. 

World Languages- 2 credits

2 credits must be3 earned in the same World Language, Native American language, or American Sign Language. Schools may award credit based on a district approved competency assessment consistent with the State Board of Education policy, the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) Proficiency Guidelines, or the Washington State Seal of Biliteracy (RCW28A.300.575)

Social Science- 3 credits

3 credits of history or other social science (Examples: world history, US history, anthropology, contemporary world 
problems, economics, geography, government, political science, psychology, or sociology.) 

Arts- 1 credit

1 credit of art is required – or one credit beyond the minimum in any other CADR subject area. Acceptable course work in the fine, visual, or performing arts includes art appreciation, band, ceramics, choir, dance, dramatic performance and production, drawing, fiber arts, graphic arts, metal design, music appreciation, music theory, orchestra, painting, photography, print making, or sculpture. Note: The University of Washington and
Western Washington University specify that one-half credit of this requirement must be in the fine, visual, or performing arts. The other half may be in the arts or in an academic elective. Some out of state schools may require full credit of art in the same genre.

Standardized Entrance Testing

Most Washington colleges no longer require high school seniors to take standardized tests like the SAT or ACT. Check with each college directly for the latest admissions information. Test registration is online, by mail or phone. Registration information is available in the College and Career Center. The Snohomish School District will be offering the ACT (American College Test) free of charge for all high school juniors. The test will be administered during the school day on campus. This is an amazing opportunity for students to take a college entrance exam at no cost to families and for our school district to collect data that will help improve student learning. As a district, offering the ACT for free, reflects our commitment to eliminating barriers to career and college readiness. It is recommended that students take either the ACT or SAT in the spring of their junior year and then, if necessary, again in the fall of their senior year. Juniors may take the Preliminary-SAT (PSAT) in October as practice for the SAT and to qualify for highly competitive National Merit Scholarships. Sophomores with high academic ability may take the PSAT, however, they will need to take it again during their junior year if they wish to compete for National Merit Scholarships.

To learn more about the ACT, please visit www.act.org.

To learn more about the PSAT and SAT, please visit www.collegeboard.org. College Board has a complete list of universities that require SAT for admissions. 

Prospective College-Bound Athletes

Potential athletes at NCAA Division 1 or 2 levels must complete a rigorous course of study beginning in 9th grade. Athletes must also meet or exceed college entrance requirements. For more information, visit NCAA Eligibility Center website www.web3.ncaa.org/ecwr3/ and click on the register button. Glacier Peak approved core courses 
can be found on our NCAA webpage.

Preparation for Community College or Technical/Vocational Schools

Whatever you’re interested in doing, whether transferring to a university, training for a career or getting the basics, Washington state community and technical colleges have classes, programs and majors for you. 

Washington offers broad access to students through its 34 community and technical colleges, whose open admissions policies are designed to eliminate barriers between students and post-secondary education. However, some admission standards do apply. Get more information from the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges. 

Students considering a community college or technical/vocational school should take challenging courses throughout high school to be   adequately prepared for college level coursework. Unprepared students may need to pay full tuition for remedial classes at the community college, which will not count toward degree programs or transfer credits to a four-year university. Unprepared students attending technical colleges may need to pay full tuition for prerequisite classes for their desired program. As a result, it may cost students more money and take them longer to acquire degrees or certificates. 

Financial Aid

State and Federal student aid is available by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the 
Washington Application of State Financial Aid (WASFA). The application opens October 1 each year. Federal Aid is awarded in the form of grants, work study, unsubsidized/subsidized student loans and parent loans. State Financial Aid is awarded in the form of the Washington College Grant, College Bound Scholarship, State Work Study, Passport
to Careers and the Opportunity Grant. Each institution has FASFA deadlines and is recommended you complete the FAFSA as soon as it opens in October of your senior year.

The FAFSA website is www.studentaid.gov. In addition to the FAFSA more than 400 colleges, universities, 
professional schools and scholarship programs use the CSS Profile (College Scholarship Service Profile). This is an online application for non-federal student financial aid. Check the College Board’s website for a list of schools and institutions that require the CSS Profile application. 

Glacier Peak’s College and Career Center (in the library) has further information regarding financial aid and college 
scholarships. 

Scholarships

College, universities, businesses, organization, etc. offer scholarships to high school students. The College and Career Center posts scholarship opportunities on their webpage.

Local Scholarship Program

The Snohomish Education Foundation manages multiple scholarships for Snohomish School District students. Applications are available in February of each year.

General Scholarships

A variety of businesses and organizations offer scholarships to students. Check with your employer/parents’ employer, clubs, or organizations you or they belong to. Thewashboard.org will connect you with scholarships just
for Washington residents. National scholarship search engines such as goingmerry.com, bigfuture.com, fastweb.com 
and scholarship.com can help you find scholarships offered across the nation. 

Institutional Scholarships

Most institutions (colleges, universities, tech schools) offer scholarships for their students. Once you apply to a
college you can start applying for their scholarships. Check their website and Financial Aid office for opportunities.