University of Washington Seattle

Office of Admissions

• Freshman
• Transfer
• International
  • 1. Take Standardized Tests
  • 2. Explore Majors
  • 3. Gather Required Documents
  • 4. Keep Deadlines in Mind
  • 5. Apply For Admission
  • 6. Apply for Honors
  • 7. Send Transcripts
  • 8. The Review Process
  • 9. The Admission Decision
    • Guidelines for Special Admission and Appeal
• Postbacs

The Admission Review Process

The University of Washington accepts international student applications for either summer or autumn quarters. Admission to the University of Washington is competitive for international degree-seeking students. This means there are many more applicants who meet all of the minimum admission requirements than the space we have available. Students who have not met all of the minimum admission requirements by the published application deadline will not be considered for admission. In recent years, the UW has been able to offer admission to only half of the international students who have applied for admission.

All international students for a given year are reviewed to determine which applicants meet minimum requirements and have the strongest overall academic background. The admission requirements and standards are exactly the same for both summer and autumn quarters. The University offers admission to those applicants who will most benefit from and contribute to the University’s educational resources.

In selecting students, the University does not make its admission decisions solely on the basis of a student’s academic record. Although overall grades are a very important part of our admission review, we also consider the rigor of a student’s curriculum, the education system a student has been enrolled in, test scores, activities and accomplishments, educational goals, academic preparation, special talents, and a student’s personal background as seen through the personal statement. Admission will be offered to as many highly qualified students as space allows.