Transferring To The University Of Washington: My Story

The University of Washington welcomes transfer students as an important part of its community. The application process for transfer students is holistic, taking into account more than just test scores and GPAs. The University of Washington encourages applicants to demonstrate good preparation for their intended major, and to submit a comprehensive personal statement outlining their academic and personal history. Additionally, applicants must submit official transcripts and meet specific application deadlines. International transfer students are required to submit English proficiency test scores. The University of Washington offers a range of resources to support prospective transfer students, including Transfer Thursdays, where students can get familiar with the campus and learn about the admission process, financial aid, and housing.

Application deadlines

The University of Washington's application deadlines vary depending on the quarter for which you are applying.

The autumn application deadline for transfer students is February 15. The application opens on December 15. The notification period for autumn applications is in May and June.

The application deadline for summer and autumn quarters is February 15. The application opens on December 15. The admission decision notification period for summer and autumn quarters is between May 1 and June 30.

The winter quarter is open to US transfer applicants only, with applications accepted between November 1 and December 15.

The spring quarter is not open for general admission. It is only open to applicants to specific departments in engineering and computer science.

Most degree-seeking students apply for the autumn quarter. If you wish to apply for the summer quarter as a degree-seeking student, you should consult an admissions counsellor. To apply for the summer quarter as a non-degree student, contact Summer Quarter.

Application requirements

The University of Washington (UW) has a holistic review process for transfer students, looking beyond test scores and GPAs. However, there are still several requirements and recommendations for prospective transfer students to note.

Deadlines

The University of Washington offers fall, winter, spring, and summer transfer options. The application deadlines for each quarter are as follows:

• Fall: February 15
• Spring: December 15 (only for specific departments in engineering and computer science)
• Winter: September 1 (not open to international students)

Application Fee

There is a non-refundable application fee of $80 for U.S. transfer students and $90 for international transfer students. Fee waivers are available for U.S. applicants with confirmed financial hardship, but not for international applicants.

Academic Requirements

While there is no minimum SAT or ACT score requirement, applicants must have a minimum GPA of 2.5. For reference, between 2020 and 2022, the mid-50% GPA for admitted transfer students was 3.24-3.85.

Transfer applicants must also have completed at least 40 quarter credit hours. If you have fewer than 40 credits, you must have completed the College Academic Distribution Requirements (CADRs) in the following subjects:

• Social Sciences/Social Studies
• Senior year Math-Based Quantitative Course
• Fine, Visual or Performing Arts

Additionally, international students must submit English proficiency test scores (TOEFL or IELTS) that meet the minimum requirement for admission to the Seattle campus.

Personal Statement

All applicants must submit a personal statement with their application. This should be a comprehensive narrative essay outlining significant aspects of your academic and personal history, particularly those that provide context for your educational choices and achievements. The suggested length is 750-1000 words.

Major Requirements

Some UW programs require that you enroll at the university before applying to the major, while others require a separate application. Use the MyMajor tool to determine what your intended major requires.

Transcripts

A high school transcript (if you have less than 40 quarter credits of transferable coursework) and official college transcripts are required.

Personal statement

To be admitted as a transfer student to the University of Washington (UW), you must submit a personal statement as part of your application. This should be a comprehensive narrative essay outlining significant aspects of your academic and personal history, particularly those that provide context for your academic achievements and educational choices. Quality of writing and depth of content are important factors that contribute to a meaningful and relevant personal statement.

Academic History

Describe your college career to date, including your performance, educational path, and choices. Explain any situations that have significantly impacted your academic progress or curricular choices, such as multiple transfers, significant breaks in your education, or changes in career paths. Be sure to address why you wish to leave your most recent college or program of study.

Major & Career Goals

Discuss your intended major and career aspirations, and explain how they align. Outline the prerequisite courses you plan to complete before transferring and the reasons behind your choice of major. If you are undecided about your major, explain your thought process and the steps you are taking to explore different options. Additionally, elaborate on the type of career you are most likely to pursue after completing your education.

UW as a Choice

Explain how the University of Washington will help you attain your academic, career, and personal goals. If your first-choice major is highly competitive, you may also discuss a second-choice major and how it aligns with your goals.

Cultural Understanding

Describe the community or cultural group you belong to and how it has influenced your individual world. This could include your cultural group, extended family, religious group, neighbourhood, school, sports team, or club. Explain how your unique background and experiences will contribute to the diversity of the University of Washington.

Optional) Educational Challenges/Personal Hardships

If applicable, describe any personal challenges or hardships you have faced in pursuing your education. This could include serious illness, disability, being the first generation in your family to attend college, significant financial hardship, or balancing work, family, and school responsibilities.

Optional) Community or Volunteer Service

Discuss your community or volunteer service involvement, highlighting any leadership roles, awards, or increased levels of responsibility you have taken on.

Optional) Experiential Learning

Describe your participation in research, artistic endeavours, or work (paid or volunteer) and how these experiences have contributed to your academic, career, or personal goals.

Remember, your personal statement should be between 750 and 1000 words. Focus on providing meaningful and relevant information, and ensure your writing is clear, concise, and free of grammatical and punctuation errors. Good luck with your application!

Academic performance

The University of Washington's admissions process is holistic, taking into account more than just test scores and GPAs. However, academic performance is still a crucial factor in the admissions decision.

The University of Washington (UW) has a competitive transfer acceptance rate of around 46% to 48% in recent years. The average successful transfer applicant has earned stellar grades in their first year of college, with a minimum GPA of 2.5 and an average GPA ranging from 3.24 to 3.85. For non-residents, a GPA of 3.75 or higher is preferred.

To be considered for transfer, students should be in the process of completing at least 40 quarter credit hours. If you have fewer than 40 credits, you must have completed the College Academic Distribution Requirements (CADRs), which include coursework in social sciences/social studies, senior-year math-based quantitative courses, fine/visual/performing arts, and English proficiency for international students.

In addition to GPAs and completed credits, UW also considers your academic history, educational path, and choices. They may also take into account any significant positive or negative impacts on your academic progress, such as educational challenges or personal hardships.

When applying, you will need to submit official transcripts from your previous institutions, including high school and college transcripts if you have less than 40 transferable college quarter credits.

It is important to note that UW prioritizes Washington residents and students from WA-based community colleges. The acceptance rate for applicants from WA community colleges between 2020 and 2022 was 69%, while the rate for all other four- and two-year institutions combined was 24%.

Therefore, to maximize your chances of transferring to UW, focus on maintaining a high GPA, especially if you are an out-of-state applicant. Ensure you have completed the necessary prerequisite courses and credit hours, and be prepared to submit all required transcripts. Additionally, consider the optional elements of the application, where you can highlight any educational challenges or personal hardships you have overcome, as well as your community service and experiential learning contributions.

Major requirements

The University of Washington (UW) has a competitive transfer application process, with a 46.1% acceptance rate for the fall of 2022. The key to a successful transfer application is to plan, complete the required coursework, and pay close attention to the deadlines. Here are some detailed instructions and requirements for transfer students:

When applying to the University of Washington as a transfer student, it is important to carefully review the major requirements for your intended program. The process of applying to a major can be complex, and the requirements vary across different majors. Here are some key points to consider:

• Enrollment and Application: Some UW programs require you to enroll at the university before applying to your major, while others require a separate application in addition to the UW application. Utilize the MyMajor tool to determine the specific requirements for your chosen major. This tool will help you understand the unique application and enrollment process for your desired program.
• Course Requirements: Ensure that you have completed the stated course requirements for your intended major. This step is crucial, as it demonstrates your preparation and readiness for the program. Pay close attention to prerequisite courses and their timing, as some may only be offered during certain quarters. Being proactive about taking these prerequisite courses will ensure you meet the application deadlines.
• Compare Required Courses: UW provides resources to help you compare the required courses for each major. By exploring the UW Engineering website, you can access information on degrees offered, research opportunities, and required courses for each engineering major. This allows you to make an informed decision and ensure that you meet the academic expectations of your chosen field.
• Advising and Support: UW encourages prospective transfer students to seek advising and support. The university hosts events like Transfer Thursday, where you can learn about the admission process, financial aid, and housing. Additionally, consider visiting the advising office for your major to get your questions answered and ensure you are on the right track. Meeting with your current college adviser can also help you create a comprehensive transfer plan that aligns with your intended major at UW.
• Personal Statement: As part of your transfer application, you will need to submit a personal statement. This should be a comprehensive narrative essay outlining significant aspects of your academic and personal history. In your essay, address your intended major, career aspirations, and the specific reasons for choosing UW. Explain how the university will help you attain your academic, career, and personal goals. Additionally, if you have any unique circumstances or challenges that have impacted your academic journey, be sure to include them in your essay.
• International Transfer Students: If you are an international transfer student, there are specific requirements you need to meet. English proficiency test scores that meet the minimum requirement for admission to the Seattle campus are mandatory. Additionally, international students must submit official college transcripts and final high school transcripts if they have less than 40 quarter credits.

Remember, the transfer application process at UW can be competitive, so it is essential to thoroughly research and understand the requirements for your intended major. By planning ahead, completing the necessary coursework, and seeking support, you can increase your chances of a successful transfer to the University of Washington.

Frequently asked questions