What are the strongest programs at the University of Washington?

I'm considering the University of Washington but am not sure which programs they excel in. Do current or former students have recommendations on standout majors or departments? Also, how's the student culture and workload?

The University of Washington (UW) has a wide variety of high-quality academic programs which makes it difficult to single out a few. However, it's generally recognized for its strengths in Medicine, Engineering, Public Health, Computer Science, and Business.

In the field of Medicine, UW's School of Medicine consistently ranks highly in primary care, family medicine, and rural medicine. It's tremendously good for those interested in making a positive impact in underserved communities.

On the engineering front, UW boasts excellent programs across the board but is particularly well-known for its Computer Science and Bioengineering programs. The Paul G. Allen School of Computer Science & Engineering at UW always ranks in the top computer science programs nationally.

If you're more inclined towards business studies, the Michael G. Foster School of Business, especially its undergraduate programs in entrepreneurship and supply chain management, are considered among the best.

With regards to the student culture and workload, the University of Washington is a large, diverse institution with a good mix of social opportunities and academic rigor. The workload can be demanding, especially in majors where competition is stiff. That being said, there is also a thriving social scene with lots of clubs, sports, and events. The presence of Greek life is noticeable, but not overriding, so you won't feel left out if you decide not to join. As with any university, success at UW is often about finding the right balance and taking advantage of the resources available.