I'm an out-of-state high school junior and I've been considering applying to the University of Washington Seattle. I've heard rumors that it's more difficult for out-of-state students to get in. Does anyone have any info on the out-of-state acceptance rate or personal experiences they can share?
Indeed, the University of Washington Seattle does have a lower acceptance rate for out-of-state applicants than for in-state applicants. While the exact numbers vary from year to year, the overall acceptance rate for the University of Washington Seattle is around 48-53%. According to the University's website, the overall 3-year average admit rate for Washington residents is 54%, and the rate for out-of-state students is 46%.
This difference is primarily because UW Seattle has a commitment to serve the residents of Washington State. They aim to maintain a certain percentage of in-state students in their incoming class, which leads to greater competition for out-of-state applicants. However, there is still a sizable out-of-state population on campus, and many out-of-state students find success in their applications.
To improve your chances of admission as an out-of-state applicant, make sure to emphasize your strong academic background, extracurricular involvement, and any unique experiences that set you apart. Your application essays should also be well-written and convey how you would contribute to the campus community.
Finally, remember that applying is always worth a shot, even if the acceptance rate is lower for out-of-state students. Don't be deterred by these numbers, as many students in your situation successfully gain admission to UW Seattle. Good luck!
CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.