Alright, so I've been spending my junior year coding and working on CS projects and I've fallen in love with it! I've set my sights on University of Washington. Can anyone provide me with information on the acceptance rate of their computer science program?
The University of Washington's Allen School of Computer Science & Engineering is a top-ranked program known for its strong curriculum and research opportunities. Unsurprisingly, getting into this program is competitive.
Both in-state and out-of-state students apply for direct admission into the computer science program, but the acceptance rate varies drastically depending on where you're applying from. Per the latest information, the direct admission acceptance rate for Washington residents is around 25%, but just 2% for residents of other states.
On the bright side, not all computer science majors are admitted directly out of high school. Many are admitted in their sophomore or junior years after having completed prerequisites at the University of Washington. The acceptance rate for this pathway is much higher, typically between 25-35%.
Remember, while acceptance rates are useful in getting a sense of the program’s selectivity, they do not provide a complete picture. Your personal credentials are much more important for determining your chances than the school's overall acceptance rate. In particular, the strength of your GPA, SAT/ACT scores (if submitted), essays, and extracurricular activities, specifically those related to your interest in computer science, are all crucial.
If you want tips on how to maximize your chances of acceptance, check out this blog post from CollegeVine, which breaks down how to tackle UW's school-specific essays: https://blog.collegevine.com/how-to-write-the-university-of-washington-essays/
Alternatively, you might consider participating in a summer program related to computer science. CollegeVine's blog has a list of reputable ones for high schoolers: https://blog.collegevine.com/high-school-computer-science-summer-programs/. Admissions officers love to see that you're taking initiative and pursuing your interests outside of the classroom!
Best of luck!
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