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Transfer application

Follow this checklist to make sure you have everything you need to submit a complete application for transfer admission.

  1. Review major requirements
  2. Personal statement
  3. Send transcripts
  4. Application fee
  5. Sending test scores
  6. Students impacted by disasters and emergencies
  7. Apply

Are you interested in applying as a transfer applicant for spring quarter? Be sure to review these guidelines.

Make sure you also know what’s not considered.

1. Review major requirements

The process of applying to a major can be complex. Some UW programs require that you enroll at the UW before applying to the major, while others require a separate application in addition to the UW application. Use the MyMajor tool to determine what your major requires.

2. Personal statement

Your personal statement 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. Learn more about format, required and optional elements and tips for writing your personal statement.

3. Send transcripts

A high school transcript (if less than 40 quarter credits of transferable coursework) and official college transcripts are required components of your application file. Learn more about sending your transcripts, including what makes them official.

4. Application fee

U.S. transfer students

The application fee is nonrefundable, and must be submitted each time you apply. It cannot be transferred to another quarter, to another campus of the UW or to another student.

  • Application fee: $80
  • Fee waivers are available for U.S. applicants (including undocumented students) with confirmed financial hardship. 

Learn more about the application fee and applying for a fee waiver.

International transfer students

The application fee is nonrefundable, and must be submitted each time you apply. It cannot be transferred to another quarter, to another campus of the UW or to another student.

  • Application fee: $90
  • Fee waivers are not granted to international applicants.

Learn more about the application fee.

5. Sending test scores

U.S. transfer students — SAT/ACT

The UW no longer requires SAT or ACT scores (read the June 11, 2020 announcement for more information) for transfer applicants. Students who have taken the exams are welcome to send their scores, however, there is absolutely no advantage or disadvantage in doing so. Learn more about test scores and how to request them.

International transfer students — English proficiency

International students must submit English proficiency test scores that meet the minimum requirement for admission to the Seattle campus of the UW. SAT and ACT exams are not required for international students. Learn more about English proficiency.

6. Students impacted by disasters and emergencies

Natural disasters and emergency situations, including international conflicts, have impacted the lives of many students and their families. While entirely optional, applicants for undergraduate admission may share information regarding how any of these events have affected you or your family circumstances in the application for admission. Additionally, you may request assistance from an admissions counselor in this form.

We welcome applications from prospective undergraduate applicants displaced from their universities by the conflict in Gaza. Students should have been previously studying in Gaza, but may living elsewhere. You are encouraged to use this form. 

7. Apply

The online autumn application is open.

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

Things we do not consider

No interviews/demonstrated interest

The UW does not conduct formal interviews or consider demonstrated interest in the admission decision.

No letters of recommendation

We ask that you not to send letters of recommendation or other supplemental materials such as drawings, CDs, DVDs, books or other portfolio type items. We will learn everything we need to know about you through your application and essay responses.