If you’re reading this, you’re likely wondering if your child has a shot at getting into the University of Washington. You’ve come to the right place! We’re going to answer all your questions and more. But first let’s discuss what the University of Washington has to offer. 

About the University of Washington

At the University of Washington, your child will not want for scenic views. The University of Washington is lined with Yoshino cherry trees that glow purple in the spring. It’s perched between Lake Washington and Puget Sound, with views of snowcapped Mount Rainier. And it’s  a large school, with around 36,000 undergraduates. US News & World Report ranks it #16  in public schools in the country and #42 overall. 74% of students at the University of Washington are from within the state, but if your child is applying from out of state and eventually matriculates, they’ll be in good company: Bruce Lee attended the University of Washington after growing up in California. 

The University of Washington’s acceptance rate hovers around 40% from year to year, meaning it’s a competitive school. That means getting in will require strategic planning (and the help of Ivy Coach’s college admissions experts certainly wouldn’t hurt!). 

University of Washington Admissions Requirements

Obviously, GPA, standardized testing scores, and extracurricular achievements are the key components of a successful application to the University of Washington and to any school. That being said, what do these components actually look like for Irvine admits? Without further ado, let’s dive in!

What Kind of GPA Is Necessary To Get Into the University of Washington?

The following is the GPA breakdown of the members of the University of Washington Class of 2028:

GPA	Percentage of University of Washington’s Class of 2028
4.0	18.26%
3.75-3.99	56.6%
3.5-3.74	17.61%
3.25-3.49	5.65%
3.0-3.24	1.56%
2.5-2.99	0.31%
2.0-2.49	0.01%
1.0-1.99	0%%

These numbers tell a clear story, but it’s important to keep in mind that college admissions is not just a numbers game. The University of Washington has a holistic admissions process, meaning that GPA is one factor among many that admissions officers weigh.

What Kind of SAT or ACT Scores Are Needed To Get Into the University of Washington?

While the University of Washington is a test-optional school, we at Ivy Coach believe that test-optional policies are nothing more than a happy-go-lucky fable. 

For Washington’s Class of 2028, the average SAT score was a 1410 and the average ACT score was a 30. These are some pretty decent scores!

What Classes Do Students Need to Take to Get Into the University of Washington?

While the University of Washington does not explicitly state any minimum high school course preparation for applicants, we at Ivy Coach know that highly selective colleges like Washington want to see students excelling in each core subject (English, history, math, science, and foreign language) all four years of high school. In fact, they expect to see five years for foreign language since most students begin their first level of foreign language in eighth grade.

What Kinds of Extracurriculars Does the University of Washington Like To See?

We’re going to clear up a common misunderstanding: highly selective colleges are not looking for well-rounded students. They’re looking for a well-rounded student body comprised of students who are each singularly talented. 

In terms of extracurriculars, that means the University of Washington is looking for depth over breadth. If you’re a member of the debate team, the robotics team, the field hockey team, and the drama department…well, then, you’re merely a member of those groups. You don’t stand out in any of these pursuits. The University of Washington would much rather accept a nationally ranked debate champ than a kid who spent an hour or two on debate a week because he spent the rest forgetting Shakespeare lines and fumbling the ball in football practice. 

University of Washington Application Requirements

The University of Washington accepts the Common App.  They do not accept letters of recommendation. Finally, they ask students to respond to the following prompt in 650 words: “Tell a story from your life, describing an experience that either demonstrates your character or helped to shape it.”

Does the University of Washington Require An Interview? 

The University of Washington does not require an interview, and, in fact, they don’t even offer one!

What Are the University of Washington’s Application Deadlines? 

Applications to the University of Washington are due Nov. 15, on the earlier side (most schools are in January) so make sure to plan ahead. 

How Ivy Coach Helps Students Get Into the University of Washington 

If you’re interested in discerning if your child has a shot of getting into the University of Washington, we recommend setting up Ivy Coach’s Strategy Session. Not only will you find out if your child has a chance of getting into the University of Washington, but you’ll receive a game plan of how your child can optimize their admission to the best school possible.