The University of Washington has a long-standing dedication to top-quality education, providing students with the most relevant skills and knowledge for successful careers. If you want to pursue an education with this prestigious public institution to achieve your career goals, you may be wondering about the University of Washington’s acceptance rate.
Through his article, you will discover the University of Washington’s top academic programs. We’ll provide tips for gaining admission into the school, plus all of the University of Washington admission requirements so that you can get a better idea of whether the school is a good fit for you.
Is the University of Washington Easy to Get Into?
No, getting into the University of Washington is not easy since its acceptance rate is just 53 percent. If you can meet all of the admission requirements and apply within the deadline, you will have a chance of being among the accepted students.
What Is the University of Washington’s Acceptance Rate?
The acceptance rate of the University of Washington is 53 percent, meaning that just over half of all applicants are accepted into the school.
What Is the University of Washington’s Transfer Acceptance Rate?
The University of Washington’s transfer acceptance rate is 48 percent for US applicants. Of 3,852 US transfer applicants who used transfer credits for the 2019-2020 school year, 1,847 were accepted. The University of Washington’s transfer acceptance rate for all students is 45 percent.
What Is the University of Washington’s Early Decision Acceptance Rate
The University of Washington does not participate in early action admission or early decision. As such, you will have to wait for the standard admission enrollment process to end to know whether you’ll be admitted or not.
University of Washington Admissions: An Overview
- Number of Applicants at the University of Washington per Year: 48,840
- University of Washington Acceptance Rate: 53%
Academic achievement and application preparation are the key factors that can work for or against your admissions decision. In addition, the admissions committee will want to know your career and academic aspirations as well as what makes you interested in the University of Washington. That’s where the essays come in.
The application process starts with completing the online application form, which requires your academic history, your first and second choices for a major, some demographic information, and two essays. You’ll then pay the application fee of $80 if you are a US student or $90 if you are an international student. The high number of applicants makes the admissions process competitive, but with a solid application, you have a good chance of being accepted.
Who Gets Into the University of Washington?
Students who meet the admission requirements and the application deadline can get into the University of Washington. Those who are high academic achievers have the best odds of acceptance. The school admits students with different backgrounds and ethnicities from all over the world. See the top three ethnicities enrolled at UW below.
University of Washington Enrollment by Ethnicity
- White – 39.7%
- Asian – 22.1%
- Hispanic/Latino – 8.4%
University of Washington Acceptance Rate by Major
While UW offers a broad range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees, its most popular majors are in the health professions, engineering, computer science, management, marketing, and business. Let’s look at the acceptance rate of these majors below.
Acceptance Rate by Major at the University of Washington
University of Washington Application Deadline: When Is the University of Washington’s Application Due?
The University of Washington application deadline is November 15 for the summer and autumn quarters. On September 1, the UW section of the Coalition Application opens and students can start the application process.
University of Washington Application Deadlines
- Early Decision Deadline: Not applicable
- Early Action Deadline: Not applicable
- Application Fee: $80 for US residents and $90 for non-US residents
- Common App: Not applicable
What Are the Major Reasons to Go to the University of Washington?
Your choice of higher education institution will help determine the trajectory of your career. Some of the top reasons to consider the University of Washington include its long-standing reputation, its vibrant student life, and its educational resources. We take a closer look at each of these below.
Distinguished Reputation
UW is a top-ranking accredited institution that offers in-demand educational programs and competitive admissions. Graduates are highly skilled and knowledgeable in their areas of study and have an excellent chance of landing jobs in competitive fields. The school is ranked the seventh-best global university by US News & World Report, and employers recognize a UW education as being top-notch.
Vibrant Student Life
If you are looking for a school with a beautiful campus and a community that makes a difference, then UW is one to consider. With more than 950-plus student organizations, the University of Washington offers something for everyone. There are also student government groups, fraternities and sororities, international student organizations, and other groups to join.
Plenty of Resources
The University of Washington has invested in a wide variety of academic resources for its students, including a modern library, easily accessible online resources, guest speakers, and experienced instructors. Many of the instructors not only teach at the school but also provide tutoring for students who want or need additional help.
Tips for Applying to the University of Washington
With its prestigious reputation, the University of Washington attracts applicants from all over the world. Its competitive admissions rate requires prospective students to put quite a bit of planning and thought to fulfill the application criteria. The following tips can help increase your chances of being accepted into UW.
Secure a High GPA
UW places an emphasis on academic excellence. If you want to be among the successful applicants, aim to have at least a 3.7 GPA. If your high school GPA is lower, consider getting an associate degree from a community college or another school before applying to the University of Washington. Focus on securing a good GPA in your two-year program.
Write Captivating Essays
The UW admissions office will factor your application essays into its decision to accept you into the school or not. Therefore, ensure that your essays are truthful and engaging and flow well from start to finish. Use the introduction to capture the reader’s attention and make sure that the essay is well structured with no grammatical errors to enhance your application profile.
Meet the Deadline
Make sure that you have completed and submitted your online application on time, including all of the required documents. This is November 15 for the summer and autumn quarters. The date students can start applying is September 1.
University of Washington Admissions Requirements: First-Year Applicant Checklist
First-year students who want to attend the University of Washington must meet certain basic requirements. This includes completing the online application and paying the application fee, providing evidence of a strong academic background, and submitting well-written essays. International students must also provide proof of English language proficiency through a TOEFL test or similar examinations.
- Complete the online application
- Pay the application fee
- Submit high school transcripts or the equivalent
- Have a minimum GPA of 3.7
- Submit two essays
- Provide letters of recommendation
- Provide proof of English proficiency (international students)
University of Washington SAT Requirements
Below, we show you the SAT scores required to get accepted into the University of Washington. A 25th percentile figure shows that 25 percent of students scored at or below that number, while a 75th percentile figure tells us that 25 percent scored above that number.
- Students Submitting SAT Scores: 81%
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing: N/A
- SAT Math: N/A
University of Washington ACT Requirements
The University of Washington no longer requires ACT scores for admission consideration. Some students who believe their test scores will play a major role in the admission process still submit their ACT scores.
Acing Your University of Washington Application: What Is the Best Way to Prepare for the SAT and ACT?
Familiarize Yourself With the Test Format
Taking the SAT or ACT exam can be stressful, so you’ll want to eliminate any unnecessary surprises when you sit for the exam. Familiarize yourself with all of the details involved, such as the time allocated, the number and types of questions for each section, and common test topics. Knowing what to expect can help build your confidence and reduce opportunities for stressful surprises.
Focus on Your Math Skills
The SAT exam is more math-oriented than the ACT. Because of this, it’s a good idea to give particular attention to mathematical concepts and even memorize the basic formulas to improve your chances of getting an excellent score. Look through SAT practice exams and prepare accordingly.
Do Practice Tests
Speaking of practice, doing practice SAT exams can help ensure that you receive an excellent score on the official exam. Practicing can help you hone your knowledge and boost your confidence. Make sure that you incorporate any time limits. If you are still struggling after a couple of practice exams, consider getting help from an SAT tutor.
University of Washington GPA Requirements: What GPA Do I Need to Get In?
You’ll probably need a GPA of at least 3.7 to get into the University of Washington. The school doesn’t have an official minimum GPA requirement, but it does note on its website that the average GPA is between 3.73 and 3.96 on a 4.0 scale for an incoming UW average freshman. Schools like UW want to see that students are willing to apply themselves, and grades are a reflection of this. A high GPA will also increase your admissions chances. If you have questions about admission and your GPA you can also contact the university directly.
University of Washington Tuition: How Much Does it Cost to Attend the University of Washington?
The tuition cost of attending the University of Washington is $12,076 per year for in-state students and $39,906 for out-of-state students, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. There are other costs to consider, too, depending on your circumstances. For example, students living with relatives can expect to spend less on room and board than students living on campus. Books and supplies will cost about $900 per year.
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Common Majors at the University of Washington
Every university has majors that are particularly popular with students. This applies both to undergraduate and graduate students. Below we take a look at the three most popular and career-focused majors at the University of Washington and some of the best jobs that graduates in these fields can pursue.
Research and Experimental Psychology
Psychology involves the study of the brain, mind, and behavior with an aim of promoting healthy individuals and a healthy society. The psychology major offers a broad curriculum with applied fieldwork and research.
Students pursuing UW’s Bachelor of Arts in Psychology are equipped with scientific skills that help them address issues in the psychology field. This includes getting insights into human behavior and the functioning of the brain, enhancing social equality, and optimizing human potential.
The Bachelor of Science degree delves deeper into scientific research and data analysis and offers areas of specialization. Graduates can work in diverse fields such as public policy, law, medicine, research and science, education, and human and health services.
Best Jobs for Research and Experimental Psychology Graduates
- Clinical research coordinator
- Psychologist research assistant
- Behavioral health counselor
Speech Communication and Rhetoric
Undergraduate students pursuing speech communication majors focus on four main areas, namely communication inquiry, theory and concepts, communication literacy, and community engagement. Students learn to respect diversity, think critically, and communicate effectively while developing the skills necessary for lifelong learning.
Best Jobs for Speech Communication and Rhetoric Graduates
- Sales development representative
- Account coordinator
- Administrative assistant
Computer Science
The University of Washington’s computer science major is designed for students who have an interest in software applications and computer systems. It also offers a double major option for undergraduate students in a UW arts and science program. Successful graduates work for international organizations such as Amazon, Apple, Google, and others.
Best Jobs for Computer Science Graduates
- Software engineer
- Software developer
- Backend developer
University of Washington Attendance Outcomes
If you are considering the University of Washington for an undergraduate or graduate program, it’s important to know the school’s attendance outcomes. The following two tables show the most common jobs as well as the highest-paying jobs for University of Washington graduates who can access careers with salaries above the national average. We’ve also included the median salary of each job and the job outlook.
Most Common Jobs for People Who Attended the University of Washington
| Position | Median Salary | Job Outlook |
|---|---|---|
| Architects, except landscape and naval | $80,180 | 3% |
| Postsecondary teachers | $79,640 | 12% |
| Physicians | $208,000 | 3% |
| Other physical scientists | $79,760 | 6% |
| Other managers | $98,980 | 8% |
University of Washington Alumni Highest-Paying Jobs
| Position | Median Salary | Job Outlook |
|---|---|---|
| Securities, commodities, and financial services sales agents |
$62,910 | 4% |
| Surgeons | $208,000 | 3% |
| Physicians | $208,000 | 3% |
| Advertising sales agents | $52,340 | 3% |
| Chief executives and legislators | $98,980 | 8% |
Should I Apply to the University of Washington?
Yes, you should apply to the University of Washington if you are interested in the school and have a high GPA of at least 3.7. If you have taken the SAT and earned a good score, you also have a good chance of being accepted.
With tuition at about $12,000 a year for in-state students and $40,000 for out-of-state students, getting an education at this highly ranked school is relatively affordable. You can also look into scholarships and other financial aid opportunities to ensure that you are able to afford your college education.
University of Washington Acceptance Rate FAQ
Yes, it is hard to get accepted into the University of Washington. Just over half of all students who apply are accepted, or 53 percent. Those with strong academic achievements, indicated by a good GPA and optional SAT scores, have a better chance of gaining admittance and pursuing their desired career path.
Yes, the University of Washington is a prestigious school. UW is a dream university for many students. It holds a ranking of the seventh best global university by US News & World Report, giving it a place among the best universities in the world. Graduates have secured employment with global organizations such as Google, Apple, and Amazon.
Yes, a 3.5 GPA might help you get into the University of Washington. If you have other evidence of your academic achievements, such as a high SAT score or academic awards, be sure to include it in your application to improve your odds of acceptance. Make sure that your essays are clear and impactful too.
Some of the common majors that the University of Washington is known for include research, psychology, engineering, computer science, and speech communication. Coding bootcamps are also something that UW is known for and are designed to suit the modern needs of programmers and computer science professionals that have ambitious career plans.
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