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Key dates

Freshman applicants.

Autumn and Summer

  • September 2: application opens
  • November 15: application deadline
  • Choosing summer means you wish to begin regular enrollment in the summer and continue into autumn as a degree-seeking student. For more information contact your admissions counselor. To apply for summer quarter as a non-degree student, contact Summer Quarter.

Winter quarter

  • Winter quarter is not open to International freshman applicants. Most degree-seeking students apply for autumn quarter. If you wish to apply for winter quarter as a degree-seeking student please consult an admissions counselor.
  • More dates + deadlines

Application checklist

  • U.S. students application fee: $80
  • International students application fee: $90
  • The application fee is nonrefundable and must be submitted each time you apply to the UW.

You’ll need

Complete the application

  • The freshman application is available September 1 each year. The application includes self-reporting your academic history, two essays, demographic information and your intended first-choice and second-choice major. If you plan to apply to the Honors Program, you’ll find the Honors application within the general UW application.

Self-report your coursework and complete CADRs

  • All freshman applicants will self-report their coursework on the application. A minimum level of preparation in six subject areas must be met for admission. Learn more about satisfying CADRs.

Choose your program

  • If your first-choice major participates in Direct to Major or Direct to College admission, be sure to select it as your requested first choice to automatically be considered. Second-choice majors are not considered for direct admission programs.

Additional information about yourself or your circumstances

  • Maximum length: 200 words
    You are not required to write anything in this section, but you may include additional information here if something has particular significance to you. For example, you may use this space if:
    • You have experienced personal hardships in attaining your education
    • Your activities have been limited because of work or family obligations
    • You have experienced unusual limitations or opportunities unique to the schools you attended

International freshman students — English proficiency

  • International students must submit English proficiency test scores that meet the minimum requirement for admission. Learn more about English proficiency.

Send transcripts? U.S. schools and international schools that follow a U.S. style curriculum

  • Do not send high school or college transcripts unless you receive a request from the Office of Admissions. The application asks you to provide a detailed account of your academic coursework, and that’s all we need to review your application.

Schools outside the U.S. that follow a national/local curriculum

  • Regardless of whether you are applying as a U.S. or international student, if you have attended a school outside of the U.S. that follows a national compulsory curriculum, you are required to upload a scanned, unofficial copy of your transcript for grade levels 9 and higher as part of your application.
  • Do not mail high school transcripts or mid-year school reports to the Office of Admissions.

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 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 essay responses and academic history.

More information

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