How hard is it to get into UW Seattle?
With a 43% acceptance rate, University of Washington is selective — attainable for solid, well-prepared applicants. It enrolls roughly 35,000 undergraduates (urban setting) in Seattle, WA. Solid grades, a sensible test plan, and thoughtful essays go a long way here.
What it takes to get in
- SAT: admitted students land around 1240–1450 (middle 50%). Aim for the upper end to be competitive.
- ACT: the middle 50% is about 27–33.
- GPA: admitted students average around 3.8. Rigor (APs/IB/honors) matters as much as the number.
- Testing policy: Test-optional. Confirm on the school's site, since policies shift each cycle.
- Essays: at UW Seattle's selectivity, the application essays are often what separates similar applicants. Make them specific and authentically yours.
Cost
Published tuition is about $41,900 out-of-state ($12,600 in-state) per year before aid. Many students pay less after financial aid — check the school's net price calculator.
Notable programs
Computer Science · Engineering · Business (Foster) · Public Health
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- What is University of Washington's acceptance rate?
- University of Washington's acceptance rate is 43%, which makes it selective — attainable for solid, well-prepared applicants.
- What SAT or ACT score do you need for UW Seattle?
- Admitted students typically score about 1240–1450 on the SAT (middle 50%) and about 27–33 on the ACT. Scores at or above this range strengthen your application, but they are one factor among many.
- Is UW Seattle test-optional?
- University of Washington's current testing policy is: Test-optional. Always confirm on the school's admissions site, as policies change by cycle.
Sources & official links
- UW Seattle official website
- UW Seattle on College Scorecard (U.S. Department of Education)
- Admissions figures compiled from the Common Data Set and IPEDS.
Figures are the most recent available from Common Data Set, IPEDS, and public reports, and are approximate. Always confirm details on University of Washington’s official admissions site.