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Minimum College Admission Standards (CADR’s)

4 years of English
3 years of Math (through Algebra 2)
Senior year Math-Based Quantitative Course (math, stats, algebra-based science, AP Computer Science, Bridge to College Math, qualifying Career and Tech Ed Math course)

If you have completed math beyond Algebra 2 (Stats, Precalculus, etc.), you have met all CADR math requirements.

3 years of Social Studies
3 years of Science

2 credits must be laboratory science.
1 credit must be earned in an Algebra-based science course. WWU (and some others) specifies that applicants meet this requirement with either Chemistry or Physics.
1 credit must be earned in Biology, Chemistry or Physics.

2 years of World Language (same language)
1 year of Fine, Visual or Performing Arts (or 1 credit beyond minimum in any other CADR subject area)

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Finding the right fit (4-year college)

The college must fit the student, not the other way around.

“Fit” should consider the academic record and academic needs and interests of a given student. It should begin with self reflection:�

“Why do I want to go to college?”

Consider goals, strengths, areas for growth, and reasons for going to college. Be realistic.

Take advantage of the assessments available in SchooLinks (High School and Beyond Plan) under ‘Explore’--->’Assessments.’

Criteria for what type of college that will best meet student needs may look very different from that of friends & classmates.

The goal of this process is to discover a range of institutions where a student will feel happy, fulfilled, intellectually challenged & supported, and falls within the budget.

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Building a College List

Budget/financial
Location

Urban
Suburban
Small town
Rural

Weather
Institution size
Classroom environment

Small class size vs large lecture/ auditorium
Hands-on vs traditional approach

Special area of study
Social life and campus culture

School spirit
Greek organizations
Intramural sports
Music/art scene
Religious/worship opportunities

On-/off-campus housing
Intercollegiate athletics
Student body/diversity
Study abroad opportunities
Disability and mental health services

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College Selectivity and the College List

Dream (1-2)	<10% chance of admission: (Ivy Leagues, Stanford, Rice, MIT, CalTech, Duke, UCLA, UC Berkeley, etc.)
Reach (2-3)	<20% chance of admission: Colleges that a student would love to attend, but statistically there’s not a great likelihood to be accepted. A student’s academic qualifications are below the average accepted student but the student may have other qualifications that make them stand out. �Be okay with the outcome either way.
Target/Match (2-3)	20-65% chance of admission: Colleges that are a good match for the student. A student’s profile aligns with students who are typically accepted, and that they would like to attend these colleges. �These colleges should have the most “check boxes” filled for the student as an individual. This is not a guaranteed acceptance but a student can apply with confidence and the understanding that they have a great shot.
Safety (2-3)	65% chance of admission up to guaranteed admission: A safety school is one in which a student’s academic credentials exceed those of the average accepted student. There is a high probability that a student will be admitted to these schools OR a GUARANTEE they will be admitted (WWU, CWU, EWU, WSU, UWT & Evergreen State College) if they have a 3.0 GPA and the CADR’s met. Students do not need to load up on these “just in case” – they should select only schools they would happily attend.

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Community/Technical Colleges

Why a Community/2-year or Technical College?

Specific area of interest that doesn’t require 4-year degree

Event Planning, Ultrasound Tech, IT Professional, etc.�

More AFFORDABLE

3 quarters (1 school year) tuition alone:

Cascadia = $5091 (plus fees) for 2026-27
UW Seattle = $13,406 for 2026-27�

Academic Flexibility

Great for those who struggled in HS or aren’t sure yet of their path. Or for those who didn’t get into their top choice 4-year school and want to try transfer route.�

Transition to 4 Year College

Among transfer students, highest admission priority is given to those who have earned an AA degree and have 90 transferrable credits in preparation for an academic major. However, you can transfer as a “transfer student” with as few as 40 transferable college credits.

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Apprenticeships

Most often Affiliated with a Community College.
Education requirement minimum of GED or HS diploma.
Earn money while you learn your job.
Training and supervision by skilled journeyman worker.
What career sectors? Aerospace, Medical, Software and Technology, Construction and other trades.
Typically takes 2 to 4 years to complete.
Often earn a slightly higher wage at graduation than a University graduate.
Learn more at https://www.lni.wa.gov/licensing-permits/apprenticeship/become-an-apprentice

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Military Career

Branches: Army, Navy, Air Force, Space Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, National Guard.
Enlist – 4 years average commitment, depending on several factors
Military Academies (Congressional Nomination required from U.S. Representative or a U.S. Senator from your state of residence-and any member of congress for USMMA):

The United States Military Academy (West Point) (nomination req’d.)
The United States Naval Academy (nomination req’d.)
The United States Coast Guard Academy (no nomination req’d.)
The United States Merchant Marine Academy (nomination req’d.)
The United States Air Force Academy (nomination req’d.)

ROTC (Reserve Officer Training Corps)—Program offered at many colleges and universities for students to participate in military training to become commissioned officers while simultaneously pursuing their college degree. There is a large scholarship associated with ROTC. Upon completion, students have a service obligation to the military for a specific period (typically 4-6 years).
Stop by and speak with Mr. Dawson if you’re interested in a military career.
Serving in the military is not for everyone, but the perfect fit for some.

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Next Steps

If 4-year college bound—you are no longer required to submit SAT or ACT scores to in state 4-year colleges/universities. However, make sure to check school websites for specific details on their test policy, especially if applying for scholarships or schools out of state.

Ivy Leavue schools and a few others are reinstating their SAT/ACT requirement
Fairtest.org is a great site to check which colleges are test optional

If you want to remove transcripted grades from high school classes taken during middle school, you have until end of 11^th grade to request to have them removed from your transcript. Stop by counseling office to pick up the required form.
GAP Program—Guaranteed admission to WWU, WSU, EWU, CWU, UWT and Evergreen if you have a 3.0 and above and meet the CADR’s. Still need to apply to a given school to be accepted.
Learn about Colleges

Attend College Fairs/Nights in the fall—Even if just virtual
Meet with College Rep.’s here at BHS in the fall
Visit schools (this summer?)
College Vine and Niche are helpful sites, as is SchooLinks College Search
Check out the applications (school websites & Common App)

Begin Search for Scholarships

Washboard.org
Scholarship Foundation of Northshore-applications available in late October 2026
College websites
District Scholarship list-available on our website
Bold.org along with Microsoft Co-Pilot and other AI Platforms are also helpful for scholarship searches

Financial Aid Night – October 2026

FAFSA for 2026-27 academic year will open in October 2026 (likely October 1)

Utilize the Counseling Office and our Counseling Office website

We are here to help you! Our website and the counselors are a great resource, use them!

CHECK YOUR APPS.NSD.ORG EMAIL!!

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