What is an admissions index?

The admissions index number estimates the "probability of success" as public four-year colleges and universities review freshmen student applications.  The index combines a student's grade point average with his or her standardized pre-college test scores (ACT or SAT).

Since fall 1990, Washington public colleges and universities have determined students' eligibility for regular admission as freshmen by using both a student's high school grade point average and a pre-college admission test score. Grades and test scores are combined to produce an admissions index number for each freshman applicant.

Students admitted to the University of Washington or to Washington State University must have, as a minimum, combinations of high school grade point average and test scores that will yield an admission index number of 28. The number 28 indicates the applicant has an 80 percent probability of achieving a "C" average or better during his or her freshman year in college.

Students admitted to Central Washington University, Eastern Washington University, Western Washington University and The Evergreen State College must have combinations of high school grade point averages and test scores that will produce an admissions index number of at least 13. The number 13 indicates that the applicant has a 65 percent probability of achieving a "C" or better during his or her freshman year in college.

What's an average student's admission index?

While it's difficult to define an "average" student, the admission index process might look something like this for an "average" student:

A student applies to a public four-year college or university in Washington. The student's GPA is 2.75 (with 4.0 being the highest possibility); his SAT score is 1,000. Using a formula, the college or university would assign this student's admission index number as 19.This means this student has at least a 65 percent chance of earning a "C" average at the end of his first year of college at a comprehensive school because the admission index is at least 13. But this same student most likely would not be admitted to one of the state's research universities, which require an admission index of at least 28.

A different student with a 3.25 GPA applies to a public four-year college or university in Washington. Her SAT score is 1,000. Using a formula, the college or university would assign this student's admission index number as 41. This means this student has at least an 80 percent chance of earning a "C" average at the end of her first year of college at a research university because the admission index is at least 28.

Who would earn an admission index of 45?

A student with this admission index number could fit in a wide range of possibilities. A student could earn a perfect score of 1600 on an SAT test while earning a GPA of 2.77. Or, on the opposite spectrum, a student could earn only a 400 on the SAT but earn a 3.92 GPA and still get an admission index number of 45. In the middle would be a student who earned a 1,000 on the SAT and earned a GPA of 3.33.

Who would earn an admission index of 60?

A student with a GPA of 4.0 could earn a 660 on the SAT and get an admission index of 60. Another student could earn a perfect 1600 on the SAT but earn a GPA of 3.10. In the middle would be a student who earned a 1,000 on the SAT and earned a GPA of 3.68.

Who would earn an admission index of 75?

A student carrying a GPA of 4.0 could earn a 1020 on the SAT and get an admission index of 75. A different student could earn a perfect 1600 on the SAT but earn a GPA of 3.44 and still get an admission index of 75. A student in the middle could earn a 1,300 on the SAT while carrying a GPA of 3.75 and still get an admission index of 75.

Where can I find the AI table?

Admissions Tables for Freshman Applicants -- Fall 2005

One-page Admissions Index Summary for Freshman Applicants - Fall 2005

How important is the AI?

The admissions index is only one factor colleges use in considering an applicant. Other factors are also important, including the rigor of the high school courses taken, extracurricular activities, teacher recommendations, life experiences, interviews, essays, and other factors. College admission officers make every effort to evaluate each applicant as an individual.

For more information, contact:
Patricia Shorb
Phone: 360.753.7824