What is University of Washington Admission Requirements: Today, we’re diving deep into the University of Washington admissions. Being in Washington state, I get a bazillion questions about how to get into this prestigious university. Guess what? There isn’t a secret sauce, but I’ll share all the key facts you need to know, plus some fun tidbits. Stick around till the end for stats on getting into popular majors like Computer Science, Engineering, and Business. Let’s get started!
Test-Optional Policy
The University of Washington truly is test-optional for the SAT and ACT. In the latest admissions cycle, only 50 students out of the entire applicant pool had their test scores reviewed. This was mainly for students whose GPA coursework was on the cusp. High scores could potentially tip the scales in their favor, but it’s a very small portion of the overall picture.
What’s Not Considered
Here are some things that University of Washington admissions does not consider:
- Letters of Recommendation: Not part of the application.
- Demonstrated Interest: They don’t care.
- Legacy Status: Nope.
- Interviews: Big nope.
- School Profiles: They don’t care what high school you came from.
- AP or IB Test Scores: Not considered for admissions.
- Common App Essay: They have their own essay as part of their application.
Application Volume and Competitiveness
With the University of Washington now on the Common Application, it has become more competitive. Last year saw a 20% increase in applications, and this year, a 10% increase is expected. Due to the high volume of applications, if you get waitlisted, appeals to get off the waitlist aren’t possible because they don’t have enough staff to handle over 2,000 appeals.
Academics: The Most Important Factor
Academics are the most crucial factor in University of Washington admissions. But it’s not just about having a high GPA (typically between 3.75 to 4.0). They look deeper into the coursework behind your GPA. The focus is on core academic requirements (CADR):
- 4 years of English
- 2 years of Foreign Language
- 3 years of Lab Science
They value rigorous coursework such as AP, IB, or Running Start classes in these core subjects. Taking more of these challenging classes and performing well in them is foundational for admissions.
Personal Achievements and Context
While academics are paramount, they also consider personal achievements and context:
- Essays: They look for cultural awareness and how you will contribute to the community.
- Activities: They consider your 10 listed activities but don’t give preference to volunteer hours over building an app, for example. It’s about being a well-rounded individual.
- Additional Comments: You can explain anything that might have impacted your academic performance or share unique circumstances.
Read More: How to Apply to University of New Hampshire Application Fee Waiver
GPA Unweighting and Holistic Review
The University of Washington unweights GPAs and examines grades across all classes, emphasizing core courses. They use a holistic review process to understand the full context of your application, including any limitations you faced at your high school.
Waitlist and Admission Pools
The waitlist process is strict due to high demand. For residents, only about 60 students got off the waitlist this year. Appeals are possible only after a final admissions decision is made. They consider three separate applicant pools: residents, nonresidents, and international students.
Fun Facts and Opportunities
- Over 1,000 Clubs and Organizations: Plenty of ways to get involved.
- Campus Facilities: 12-lane bowling alley, mall-like food courts, game area, bike shop.
- Living-Learning Communities: By floor in residence halls.
- Top Oceanography Program: Number one in the world.
- Protected Airspace: Enjoy unobstructed views of Mount Rainier.
- Large Campus: Same acreage as Disneyland, so you’ll get your steps in.
- Freshman Interest Groups (FIGs): Cohorts of 20 students in 2-3 classes for extra support.
Admission Rates by Major
Based on the latest statistics (to be updated in October):
- In-State:
- Computer Science: 20-25%
- Engineering: 30-35%
- Business: 30-50%
- Out-of-State:
- Computer Science: 3%
- Engineering: 20-25%
- Business: 30-50%
Scholarships
- Presidential Scholarship: $10,000 per year for in-state residents.
- Purple and Gold Scholarship: Courtesy discount of $3,000-$7,000 for out-of-state students, received by about 60% of students.
Conclusion
The University of Washington is highly competitive, with a strong emphasis on academics, especially in core subjects. While personal achievements are considered, the primary focus is on rigorous coursework and overall academic performance. Make sure to check out the CADR requirements and other resources linked below for more detailed information.