UW Seattle admits approximately 52% of applicants overall, but CS is one of the most selective programs in the country. The average admitted student has an unweighted GPA around 3.8. Direct CS admission from high school is extremely rare.
University of Washington Seattle is a top-25 public university with particularly strong programs in computer science, medicine, and the natural sciences. The overall 52% acceptance rate is moderately accessible, but hides the extreme selectivity of the Paul G. Allen School of Computer Science, which is one of the most competitive CS programs in the country at any university.
College of Arts and Sciences (non-CS): More accessible. 3.5-3.7+ unweighted typical for competitive programs within A&S.
Paul G. Allen School of Computer Science: Direct freshman admission is extremely competitive. Admitted students typically have near-perfect academic records with strong CS project experience. Many UW students apply through the general college and then compete for internal CS admission, which requires a 3.2+ UW GPA in required courses.
College of Engineering: Competitive. 3.7-3.9+ unweighted. Direct engineering admission requires strong AP math and science performance.
Foster School of Business: Competitive. Direct freshman admission limited; most students apply for internal transfer sophomore year with 3.3+ UW GPA required.
Below 3.5 at UW makes competitive program admission significantly harder. General Arts and Sciences admission is still possible at the 3.3-3.5 range. For CS specifically, the GPA floor is near 4.0 for direct high school admission.
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