ADMISSIONS INFORMATION

Information

Office of Admissions
Washington Adventist University
7600 Flower Avenue
Takoma Park, MD 20912-7796

301-891-4000
enroll@wau.edu

ADMISSIONS PHILOSOPHY

At Washington Adventist University, we care about each student.  Accordingly, our Admissions Committee carefully reads each application. We do not have simple or formulaic ideas about the profile of an admitted student; rather we believe that there are many indicators of your potential for success-academically, professionally and as a positive contributor to our community of students and global society.

For regular admission it is expected that our students have a 2.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale.  Students may submit ACT or SAT scores for scholarship consideration.

Application Deadlines

Washington Adventist University’s application deadlines are as follows:

Fall Semester

• Priority deadline: January 15 (nonbinding early action)
• Regular deadline: March 1
• Final deposit deadline: August 1 - Rolling admissions

Spring Semester

• Priority deadline: November 1
• Final deposit deadline: December 1 

ADMISSION OF FRESHMEN STUDENTS

For regular admission, prospective students with no prior college experience must submit a full application packet, as outlined in the Application Procedure for All Applicants section below.

Subjects Required for Admission

Applicants to freshman standing (less than 30 college level credits) must have completed an adequate pattern of high school subjects:

• 4 units/credits of English and literature 
  OR 3 units/credits of English and 1 unit of speech
• 2 units/credits of mathematics
• 2 units/credits of laboratory sciences
• 1 unit/credit of American history
• 1 unit/credit of world history
• 4 units/credits of academic course electives from English, mathematics, science, history, religion, foreign languages or computer science

Regular Acceptance

Applicants for regular admission as freshmen must satisfy one of the following three conditions at the time of enrollment:

1. Graduate from an accredited secondary school, a Distance Education Training Council (DETC) approved program or accredited distance education high school program such as Griggs International Academy, with a grade-point average (GPA) of at least 2.00 on a 4.0 scale.  SAT and ACT scores are optional.  If SAT and ACT scores are submitted, scholarships will be determined based on one of the following scores: Minimum ACT verbal score of 17 or SAT composite score of 800 (verbal and math).
2. Pass the General Education Development (GED) test with at least a score of 410 on each of the four subject exams or equivalent scores on other GED versions.
3. Students who have not graduated from or completed an accredited home-school program (as outlined in #1 above) must submit the following documents in addition to the complete application packet:
   1. GED test scores with at least a score of 410 on each of the four subject exams or equivalent scores on other GED versions.
   2. SAT and ACT scores are optional. If SAT and ACT scores are submitted scholarships will be determined based on one of the following scores: Minimum ACT verbal score of 17 or SAT composite score of 800 (verbal and math).

WAU Rising Scholars Program

Applicants with a cumulative high school GPA between 2.0 and 2.49 will be regularly accepted but will be required to participate in the WAU Rising Scholars Program, which is a semester-long, academic coaching resource that provides the tools and support to help them succeed in college and persist towards graduation.

The following stipulations apply:

• Must enroll in a prescribed curriculum that includes Math, English, FYE, Study Skills, Communications and Critical Thinking.
• Will be limited to 15 credits during the first semester.
• Must attend an on-boarding session for the program as well as new student orientation activities.
• Must meet with the designated staff in the Betty Howard Center for Student Success as required throughout the semester.
• Must become an active, engaged learner and develop life coping skills that will contribute to enhanced personal development.

ADMISSION OF TRANSFER STUDENTS 

All prospective transfer students must submit a complete application packet as outlined below that includes a transcript from an institutionally accredited (formerly known as regionally accredited) college or university.

Regular Acceptance

Students with the equivalent of 30 semester hours or more and evidence of a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or above may be accepted with regular status without restrictions.  In addition, an interview may be required.  Some professional programs may have higher admission requirements, so it is recommended that students check the specific academic discipline.

Students transferring with fewer than 30 credit hours will be considered based on transfer credit, combined with high school records.  An interview may be required.  For more information on acceptance of transfer credit, see TRANSFER CREDIT AND ARTICULATION AGREEMENT/MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING (MOU) POLICIES .

To ensure writing competency and enhance opportunities for successful completion of coursework, WAU may require transfer students who have not completed ENGL 101  with a “C” grade or better to complete the first-year English placement test.

Depending on a student’s written language proficiency in English, ENGL 101A  may be required for as long as the Department of English and Modern Languages deems necessary.

Exceptions must be petitioned to and approved by both the director of Composition and the Academic Appeals and Academic Integrity Committee.

ADMISSION OF INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

International students must follow the steps listed below in order to get accepted at Washington Adventist University.  This information also applies to students transferring from Student and Exchange Visitor (SEVIS) Program institutions as approved by the Department of Homeland Security. 

For more information: enroll@wau.edu or 301-891-4000.

1. Apply online
   Go to www.wau.edu/admissions-aid and click on International Applications.
2. Submit transcripts
   ​Non U.S. transcripts must be translated and evaluated through either of the following companies:
   • World Education Services (select course-by-course WES ICAP option) | www.wes.org
   • ACEI-Global Evaluation Comprehensive Report.  If this option is chosen WAU will also require your Official Transcripts (in a sealed envelope) to be mailed directly from your home institution to Washington Adventist University. 
     Attn: Admissions Office.  7600 Flower Ave. Takoma Park, MD 20912 USA | https://acei-global.org/international-credential-evaluation-for-wau-2/
3. Submit language test score
   ​Students whose first language is not English must provide either an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score, Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), or Duolingo scores for Admissions to review.
   • A minimum score of 90 on the TOEFL; or
   • A minimum score of 6.5 on the IELTS; or
   • A minimum score of 115 on the Duolingo English Test 
     International students whose first language is English will be required to take the English Placement Test unless they have attended a U.S. college and earned a passing grade of “C” or higher in college-level English, or have a composite score of 800 (verbal and math) as a result of taking the SAT exam.
4. Provide a letter of recommendation/character
   The letter can be from an employer, teacher, member of the clergy, coach, mentor or other individual who knows the applicant as a student or employee.
   Note: After the Admissions review, students will receive an email with instructions on their next step.
5. Financial documents to obtain initial I-20
   Based on who is taking the financial responsibility to cover the cost of the student attending Washington Adventist University, the following must be provided:
   • Financial proof required from a non-U.S. sponsor (Sponsor is a parent or other family member who is not a U.S. citizen).
     - Copy of bank statement reflecting last three to six months of activity
     - Letter from bank branch manager confirming good standing and active account
     - Letter from the non-U.S. sponsor assuming financial responsibility with the amount that he/she will be contributing toward cost of attendance per year
   • Financial proof required from a U.S. sponsor (Sponsor is a U.S. citizen.)
     - Copy of bank statement reflecting last three to six months of activity.
     - Letter from bank branch manager confirming good standing and active account
     - Letter from the sponsor assuming financial responsibility with the amount that he/she will be contributing toward cost of attendance per year
     - Completion of I-134 USCIS form
   • Financial proof required from a prospective student (Candidate who is eligible to attend WAU).
     - Copy of bank statement reflecting last three to six months of activity.
     - Letter from bank branch manager confirming good standing and active account
     - Letter from the student assuming financial responsibility with the amount that he/she will be contributing toward cost of attendance per year.
     After the Admissions and Financial Aid team reviews all financial documents, the Designated School Official (DSO) will release the student’s I-20 and Official Letter of Acceptance by mail.  These documents will not be released to a family member or third party.
     Note: During review, WAU will seek opportunities for potential scholarships based on talent, leadership, and academics or due to any Memorandum of Understanding with a student’s government, school, college, or employer.
6. Consulate visit - Obtaining an F1 visa
   Once the Official Letter of Acceptance and initial I-20 are received, international students must visit their consulate to obtain an F1 student visa.  WAU recommends students schedule their consulate appointment during the process of admission, since it may take a while to obtain an appointment.
7. Confirmation/escrow deposit before registration
   After obtaining an F1 Visa an escrow deposit of $2,000 must be submitted either by PayPal or by personal check or money order, mailed directly to WAU Accounting Department, 7600 Flower Ave, Takoma Park, MD, 20912.  Escrow deposit is returned back to the student only after completing the course of study.
8. Office of International Student Services
   After escrow is paid and before travel arrangements are made to arrive on the WAU campus, please contact the Office of International Students Services.  They will guide you and assist you in your next steps.

INFORMATION | internat@wau.edu

ADMISSION OF ESL STUDENTS | English as a Second Language

Students whose native language is other than English and have not yet completed four years in an educational institution in which English is the language of instruction need to submit examination results for the TOEFL (PB for paper-based or CB for computer-based) or the IELTS.

The following scores will be used to determine admission status:

*Internet-based English Test

ADMISSION A: Enrollment in Advanced ESL Reading and Writing and Advanced ESL Grammar, in addition to regular college classes.

RESTRICTED ADMISSION B: Enrollment in Intermediate ESL Reading and Writing and Intermediate ESL Grammar in addition to INTD 126 College Study Skills  and one other 100-level course.

OPTIONAL: Submit a short writing sample (approximately one to two pages) describing past education experiences, career goals and any additional information that would be useful in considering the application.  The information provided will be used in conjunction with GPA and test scores.  This may be a requirement for some students.

ADMISSION OF SPECIAL GROUPS OF STUDENTS

Early Enrollment: Part-time Students

A secondary school student with an overall 3.0 GPA (based on a 4.0 scale) may enroll in college courses for credit as a pre-freshman.

Early Enrollment: Full-time Students

A student presenting an official transcript indicating completion of 18 units of secondary school work with a minimum GPA of 3.50 and ACT/SAT scores above the 75th percentile may be admitted for full-time studies upon presentation of appropriate recommendations from the secondary school last attended.

Former Students

Former students, who have had an absence from the university of more than a year, need to complete an application for readmission (commitment fee will be required) and submit official transcripts from any schools attended since last enrolled at WAU.  A cumulative grade point average of 2.0 and good citizenship standing are required for readmission with no restrictions.  For more information regarding leave of absence see withdrawals section of GRADES AND ACADEMIC REPORTS .

Students who meet the criteria will complete an application to update their information.  Former students will be required to fulfill the degree requirements of the current Academic Catalog year of reapplication.  Any petitions for a reinstatement of a former Academic Bulletin or Catalog year must be submitted to the Office of the Registrar.

See VETERANS AFFAIRS  section for details regarding re-admittance of former WAU students who left the university to join the military.

Nondegree-seeking (Special) Students

Students wishing to pursue individual courses for personal growth, certification or to supplement a program that they are taking elsewhere with transfer credit from WAU need not meet the admission requirements above but should request a special student application form from the Office of the Registrar.

Special status is granted on a semester-by-semester basis; therefore, a new application must be filed each term.  Courses taken while in special status will not necessarily be considered as qualifiers for admission.  If someone is in special on-degree status they must apply to the university if they wish to pursue a degree. 

Note: Nursing (NURS) courses cannot be taken as a nondegree student.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE FOR ALL APPLICANTS

All applicants must submit a complete application packet as outlined below.

A complete application includes:

• Application fee (nonrefundable)
• Completed application form
• Official transcript (one of the following):
  1. Final official high school transcript (see Special Notes About Transcripts below - not necessary if student has earned more than 30 college credits).  High school seniors with partial transcripts showing six or more semesters may be accepted subject to receiving their final official transcript.  Official final transcripts must be on file in the Admissions office prior to registration.  If the final official transcript has not been received before the beginning of the second semester of a student’s enrollment there will be a hold placed on their account preventing registration until the final official transcript has been received.
  2. Official transcripts from all accredited colleges and universities attended. (See Special Notes About Transcripts, below.)  Official transcripts from foreign institutions must be accompanied by one of the following evaluations:
• World Education Services (select course-by-course WES ICAP option) | www.wes.org
• ACEI-Global Evaluation Comprehensive Report. If this option is chosen WAU will also require your Official Transcripts (in a sealed envelope) to be mailed directly from your home institution to Washington Adventist University.
  Attn: Admissions Office. 7600 Flower Ave. Takoma Park, MD 20912 USA | https://acei-global.org/international-credential-evaluation-for-wau-2/

For more information on acceptance of transfer credit, see TRANSFER CREDIT AND ARTICULATION AGREEMENT/MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING (MOU) POLICIES .

• Test scores (ACT/SAT) are optional for all first-year students applying to WAU, regardless of level
• One written recommendation (optional): One recommendation regarding academic ability from the principal, dean of students, teacher or guidance counselor at the last school attended.  Applicants out of school for more than four years and unable to locate former teachers or counselors may submit a recommendation from any other adult familiar with the applicant’s ability or potential.
  One recommendation from an adult, preferably an employer or supervisor, capable of providing a character reference. Schoolmates or relatives do not qualify as references.
• Summary of educational background if educated outside of the United States.
• Commitment Fee (Deposit) - $300 nonrefundable fee
• ESCROW Fee - $2,000 for ALL international degree sekking students

Special Notes About Transcripts

Final official high school transcripts are official transcripts that include the graduation date, school seal and signature of the registrar.

Official high school and college/university transcripts are defined as being produced and sealed in an envelope by the issuing school.  If the seal of the envelope is broken before reaching the Admissions Office it is no longer considered to be official.

Once transcripts have been submitted, they become property of Washington Adventist University and cannot be returned to the student or be released to a third party.

Partial transcripts or grade reports are sometimes accepted on a temporary basis when official transcripts are not readily available.  A stop registration code is entered in the computer, which prevents registration until the final official transcripts are received.  To avoid delay at registration, all official and final transcripts should be submitted to the Admissions office at least 30 days prior to registration.

The Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended December 19, 1990, requires institutions to document the student’s ability to benefit from the programs that the university provides prior to admission.  This documentation determines the student’s eligibility to receive financial aid and the institution’s eligibility to participate in most programs funded by the HEA.

Documentation includes a high school diploma or recognized equivalent.  If a student does not have a high school diploma, he or she must pass an independently administered test approved by the Secretary of Education. WAU prefers the high school diploma.

Submitting Application Documents

EXPRESS PROCESS: Submit all of the above items at the same time in one envelope.  Request that the transcripts be mailed to you, but do not open the envelopes or they will not be accepted as official.  To ensure the confidentiality of the recommendations, persons providing references should enclose them in sealed envelopes and sign their name across the sealed flap.

Mail completed application to:

Office of Admissions
Washington Adventist University
7600 Flower Avenue
Takoma Park, MD 20912-7796

OWNERSHIP OF DOCUMENTS: The application form and any materials submitted to Washington Adventist University become property of the university.

ACCURACY OF INFORMATION: All information within an application to the university must be accurate, complete and honestly presented.  Any information submitted on behalf of the applicant, such as letters of recommendation and transcripts, must be authentic.  Providing inaccurate or misleading information, or omitting information on the application, may be cause for the rescission of any offer of admission or for disciplinary action, dismissal or revocation of degree if discovered at a later date.

DENIAL: An applicant may be denied admission when evidence displays that he or she:

• is not qualified or is underprepared to pursue a college degree.
• engages in behavior contrary to the codes of the university.
• has submitted fraudulent information or documents.
• displays unstable emotional health.

Dual Enrollment Program

A secondary school student enrolled at a participating academy or high school may participate in the Dual Enrollment program.  Participating institutions must read the Dual Enrollment Agreement and agree to its terms and conditions.  This document defines the qualifications, rules, and regulations regarding the dual enrollment program offered at Washington Adventist University.

ESL Program

As part of the university’s mission to offer affordable, quality, higher education, we offer the English Second Language (ESL) program.  This program aims to help students improve their English language abilities and to equip them with English proficiency at an academic level.

This is a non-degree, non-credit bearing program that is designed to improve English-language all the way to an academic level. No financial aid is available for this program.

Alumni Tuition Discount

Alumni who completed a bachelor’s degree and wish to continue their education qualify for a preferred rate in the School of Graduate and Professional Studies (SGPS) programs.