Understanding How Colleges Review Applications Ben Siegel Admissions

Understanding How Colleges Review Applications Ben Siegel Admissions Advisor University of Washington Bothell

Common Admissions Factors • Washington CADRs § English (4 years) § Math (3 years) § Senior Year Math-Based Quantitative course (1 year) § Social Sciences (3 years) § Lab Science (2 years) § World Language (2 years) § Fine Arts (0. 5 year) • Cumulative GPA • SAT or ACT Test Scores • Personal Statement • Running Start = Freshman Western Washington University

Additional Factors § Activity Log § Short Response Essays § Additional Comments § Grade Trend § Challenging Coursework § Letters of Recommendation § Interviews Seattle University

Eligibility vs. Competitiveness “Eligibility” is: • What the school needs to see • Demonstrating that you’re ready to benefit from what the school has to offer “Competitiveness” is: • What the school wants to see • Demonstrating that you’re deserving of one of a limited number of spaces • Note: These are used not only for admissions but for honors programs and scholarships

Strengthening Your Application § Grade Trend § Take courses that meet or exceed HS requirements § Personal Statement § Focus on YOUR Story. § SHOW, don’t tell. § REFLECT on your experiences § Use the Additional Comments Section § Convey your potential contributions § Demonstrate Interest § Take the SAT/ACT more than once UW Bothell

Application Platforms

The Application Timeline § Who reads applications? § When can you expect to hear back? § Early Action, Early Decision, Rolling Admissions, Regular Decision Applications Open Sept 1 Application Deadlines Nov 1 Feb 1 Decisions Confirmation Deadline Released March 15 May 1

Honors Colleges

Interviews § Who will interview you? § Admissions Counselors § Students § Alumni § When and where will interviews happen? § Opportunity to engage in a conversation

Questions? Ben Siegel bsiegel 8@uw. edu (425) 352 -3221