University of Washington Honors College

Has anyone here been accepted to or currently attending the UW Honors College? Can you share your experience about the program? Also, how does the application process and selection work?

The University of Washington Honors College is a unique program that offers undergraduate students an interdisciplinary approach to their education. Students enrolled in the Honors College at UW get the opportunity to work closely with faculty members, engage in smaller class settings, and collaborate with their Honors College peers. Some of the benefits also include priority registration for classes and enhanced access to research and internship opportunities.

As for the application process, you'll first need to apply to the University of Washington itself. Then, you'll have the option to apply to the UW Honors Program, which is a separate application. The Honors Program usually focuses on your high school GPA, the rigor of the courses you've taken, your extracurricular activities, and unique qualities that demonstrate your desire and ability to engage in interdisciplinary learning. You can read up on how to tackle the Honors-specific supplemental essay(s) on CollegeVine's blog: https://blog.collegevine.com/how-to-write-the-university-of-washington-essays/.

Do be aware that while UW as a whole is test-optional, the Honors Program goes a step further and is test-blind, which means your test scores won't be considered even if you send them. If you have a strong test score and were hoping that would increase your chances of acceptance, you'll want to ensure your strengths come across fully in other areas of your application. Additionally, the Honors Program does not accept supplementary materials such as letters of recommendation or resumes - make sure you don't send them, as they will be disregarded, and submitting them may make you come across as inattentive.

Selection for the UW Honors Program is competitive, with approximately 250 students being admitted each year. The program takes a holistic approach when evaluating applicants, which means they consider all aspects of a candidate's strengths and potential. So, make sure that you're putting your best foot forward with each component of your application.

Overall, if you're looking for a well-rounded and interdisciplinary education while studying at the University of Washington, the Honors College can be a great option. It offers a range of benefits and an engaging community that fosters growth and personal development in its students. Best of luck!