College & University Partners

Guaranteed Admission Program (GAP) Universities and Colleges

The Guaranteed Admission Program (GAP) is a State program which ensures TPS students who qualify will receive guaranteed admission at Central Washington University (CWU), Eastern Washington University (EWU), Evergreen State College, Washington State University (WSU) and Western Washington Univeristy (WWU).

Central Washington University (CWU)

Eastern Washington University (EWU)

Evergreen State College (Evergreen)

Washington State University (WSU)

Western Washington University (WWU)

Qualifying for GAP Schools

To qualify for the GAP program with CWU, EWU, Evergreen, WSU and WWU, seniors must meet or be on track to complete the following criteria:

Have a minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher
Be on track to complete the College Academic Distribution Requirements (CADRs)
- English - 4 yrs
- Math - 3 yrs
  - Algebra II
  - Geometry
  - Algebra
- Social Sciences - 3 yrs
- Lab Science - 3 yrs
- World Language - 2 yrs
- Fine, Visual or Performing Art - 0.5 yrs
- Academic Elective - 0.5 yrs
- Sr. Year, Math-Based Quantitative Course - 1 yr
  - Intermediate algebra (or higher), stats, chemistry or physics

Qualified students will receive an admission letter from college staff notifying them of their acceptance and next steps. Next steps will include:

Review required courses, maintain GPA, and stay on track to meet college admissions eligibility requirements
Research college(s) Programs of Study and financial cost, then determine whether your High School & Beyond Plan goals can be met before making a decision to accept an offer and apply
Fill out the “Common App” College Application Program
Send an unofficial transcript
File the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)* Opening in a new window or the Washington Application for State Financial Aid (WASFA)Opening in a new window

*Completing the FAFSA/WASFA is strongly encouraged, but not a requirement for college admissions.

Snapshot of Guaranteed Admissions Program Required Courses

(Refer to CADRs Requirements for more specific qualifying courses)

4 credits of English
3 credits of Math (plus 1 credit of Senior Math-Based Quantitative Course)
3 credits of Science (Social Studies)
3 credits of Social Science
**2 credits of World Language
**1 credit of Fine Art

**Waivers acceptable in place of requirements

For more information: Guaranteed Admissions Program (GAP)

Admission Partner Universities and Colleges

In addition to GAP schools, TPS partners with the following secondary institutions to guarantee admission for qualifying seniors who meet their criteria.

Free Online Tutoring

Pacific Lutheran University (PLU)

Snapshot of PLU Automatic Admission Partnership. To qualify for PLU’s Automatic Admission Partnership, students must meet the following criteria:

Have a minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.3
Complete 2nd Year Algebra or agreed upon equivalent
Meet high school graduation requirements

Snapshot of PLU’s Required Courses

(Refer to high school graduation requirements for more specific qualifying courses)

4 credits of English
3 credits of Math (including Algebra II)
3 credits of Science
3 credits of Social Science (Social Studies)
**2 credits of World Language
**1 credit of Fine Art

**Waivers acceptable in place of requirements

Qualifying students will receive an automatic admission offer, then complete next steps, including:

An Acceptance Form (letter of interest)
A FAFSA or WASFA* for full financial aid consideration

*Completing the FAFSA/WASFA is strongly encouraged, but not a requirement for college admissions.

For more information about criteria and timeline: PLU Automatic Admission Partnership

University of Washington Tacoma (UWT)

Snapshot of UWT’s Automatic Admission Partnership. To qualify for UWT’s Pathways to Promise Automatic Admission Partnership, students must meet the following criteria:

2.7 cumulative high school GPA
Completion of all College Academic Distribution Requirements (CADRs)
- English - 4 yrs
- Math - 3 yrs
  - Algebra II
  - Geometry
  - Algebra
- Social Sciences - 3 yrs
- Lab Science - 3 yrs
- World Language - 2 yrs
- Fine, Visual or Performing Art - 0.5 yrs
- Academic Elective - 0.5 yrs
- Sr. Year, Math-Based Quantitative Course - 1 yr
  - Intermediate algebra (or higher), stats, chemistry, or physics
A well-written personal statement and activities log

For more information about criteria and timeline: Pathways to Promise

Tacoma Community College (TCC)

Tacoma Community College

All TPS graduating seniors who apply to TCC are guaranteed admission. TCC offers one-on-one help to navigate the entry process.

Ways to apply to TCC:

Visit the TCC Admissions webpage to get a feel for their admission process.
Reach out to the TCC Outreach team at outreach@tacomacc.edu or call 253-566-6042.
Visit the TCC Welcome Center (Building 8), open Monday-Friday, until 5 p.m.

ASK A QUESTION AND CONNECT TO TCC

Other scholarships/grants

University of Puget Sound (UPS)

University of Puget Sound (UPS)

University of Puget Sound is committed to providing a financial aid package that meets the full demonstrated financial need of up to 20 Tacoma Public Schools (TPS) graduates.

To qualify, students must:

Apply to University of Puget Sound.
Have been enrolled for three years and will graduate from Henry Foss High School; Lincoln High School; Mount Tahoma High School; Tacoma School of the Arts (SOTA); Science and Math Institute (SAMI); School of Industrial Design, Engineering, and Art (IDEA); Stadium High School; or Silas High School.
Be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or qualify under the REAL Hope Act (SB 6523).
File the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or, if applying under the REAL Hope Act (SB 6523), the Washington Application for State Financial Aid (WASFA) in order to demonstrate financial need.

LEARN MORE ABOUT TPS COMMITMENT

Talk with your future school

One of the best sources of information is the college you plan to attend. Don't be afraid to contact the admissions office or financial aid office to learn more about the school and find the best fit for you!