College Academic Distribution Requirements (CADRS)

Hey future Huskies, let's talk college academic distribution requirements, also known as CADRS. CADRS are minimum course requirements that you'll need to complete to be admissible to the University of Washington Tacoma. Most applicants will have met these requirements through high school coursework in grades 9through 12. Are you a running start student? If so, just remember that as we go through these requirements, one year equals one course at the community college.

So let's start off with English. Four years of English are required. Three of those years must include English Composition, or literature classes. Classes that won't meet this requirement include newspaper staff, yearbook, English skills, or developmental reading.

Next up is math, we'll need to see three years, one year of algebra one, one year of geometry, and one year of algebra two. We can also accept Integrated Math one, two and three. Courses that exceed Algebra Two, including precalculus, or calculus. Also count. Courses that don't count include bridge to college math, logic, or statistics.

Now on to science, we need to see three years with at least two years being a lab science. One year must be a lab science in biology, chemistry, or physics, one year must be an algebra based science course such as Chem or physics. One additional science credit does not need to be lab based. Courses identified by your school district as laboratory science may apply toward the additional year of lab science. These include astronomy, environmental science, geological science, genetics or marine science.

For world language, we need to see two years of study in a single language. For example, one year of Spanish one and one year of Spanish two. Did you take world language in eighth grade? If so, your eighth grade language course will satisfy one year of this requirement if your second year is completed in high school.

Now when it comes to social science, we'll need to see three years on your transcript. This includes history, anthropology, contemporary world problems, economics, geography, government or political science, psychology or sociology. Courses that won't meet this requirement include religion courses, consumer economics, student government, or community service.

We do have a senior year math based quantitative course requirement, we need to see one year if you're completing Algebra Two, an algebra based science course or a course like statistics or applied math, all in your senior year, you'll meet this requirement.

Be sure to complete one-half year of a fine visual or performing arts class. This could include art band, ceramics, choir or dance, drawing, graphic arts, paint, and many more. Courses that are not accepted include architecture, Color Guard, creative writing, drafting, drill team, fashion designer, foreign language, interior design, sewing, speech, web design, graphics, woodworking or yearbook.

Last but certainly not least, an academic elective. Academic electives include any of the subject areas we just covered. One additional half year in one of those areas will meet the academic elective requirement.

And that's it. Those are our college academic distribution requirements for admission to UW Tacoma. Remember, you've got a whole team of admissions advisors here to help you. If you still have questions, connect with us via live chat on our website, send an email to UWTinfo@uw.edu or make an appointment with us on our Meet Your Advisor page. Thanks.