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Frequently Asked Questions

Transfer Students Most FAQs

Q: What advising resources are available to prospective transfer students?

A: Advising for prospective transfer students is available in 301 Loew Hall (206-543-1770) or by email at engradv@engr.washington.edu. Additional advising is also available through the Undergraduate Advising Office in the Gateway Center -- Room 171 Mary Gates Hall (206-543-2550) or by email at advice@u.washington.edu. Each engineering department also has an academic adviser and resources for undergraduates.

Prospective students are highly encouraged to make an appointment prior to visiting the UW. The UW also offers campus tours, Transfer Thursday info. sessions and advising, as well as "A Day with a Dawg Program". See campus visits.

Q: How can I find out if the courses I took at a Washington State Community College will transfer over to the University of Washington?

A: Information on transfer credits from various community colleges in the State of Washington can be found at the following website: http://www.washington.edu/students/uga/tr/planning/ccequivguide/. You can also contact an admissions counselor in the Undergraduate Admissions Office who can assist you with transfer credit questions.

Q: What scholarship opportunities are available to me as a transfer student?

A: The College of Engineering offers a limited number of scholarships for pre-engineering students. The applications are made available in January of each year and the deadline to apply is April 1 of that year for the upcoming academic year. To obtain an application, call 206/543-1770 or stop by 301 Loew Hall. Additional information can be found on the engineering scholarship website.

The UW Undergraduate Scholarship Office also has scholarship opportunities for undergraduate students. They can be reached by phone at 206/685-2483 or via email at scholarq@u.washington.edu.

Q: How do I discover what engineering major is right for me?

A: The Engineering Advising & Student Center conducts regularly scheduled information sessions about engineering as well as "What do engineers do?" workshops. Check out the Upcoming Workshop Schedule.

Q: If I have met all pre-requisites to apply to the College of Engineering at the same time as I make application to the University of Washington, do I need to make application to both the UW and to the College of Engineering?

A: Yes. Transfer students who have met all pre-requisites when applying to the UW will need to fill out an application to the UW as well as to the College of Engineering. Admission to one does not imply admission to the other. Note: There are different application deadlines for the UW and the College of Engineering as well as different applications.

If you have not met all pre-requisites before applying, or are transferring to the UW during a quarter that the engineering department(s) do not accept students, you would apply to the University of Washington and finish up your pre-requisite courses and then apply to the department(s) of your choice.

Q: What are the University of Washington application deadlines?

A: University of Washington Application Deadlines

Q: What are the application deadlines to apply to the various engineering departments?

A: The deadline for submitting applications to departments for Autumn Quarter admissions is July 1. For Spring Quarter admissions, the deadline for submitting applications is February 1. If you are interested in applying to Paper Science & Engineering during Winter Quarter, see an advisor.

NOTE: ALL departments admit students Autumn Quarter. The following departments DO NOT admit students Spring Quarter: Aeronautics and Astronautics, Civil & Environmental, Chemical, and Mechanical Engineering. No departments admit Summer Quarter.

Q: When I am ready to apply to engineering, is it okay to apply to more than one department?

A: Most definitely. It will not hurt you in any way to apply to more than one department at a time. However, if you are accepted to more than one department, you will have to decide if you would like to major in one engineering department only or if you have chosen to double major or receive a minor in engineering. Materials Science is the only department that has a minor degree in engineering. If you have any questions regarding double majoring or obtaining a minor in engineering, see an adviser.

Q:What criteria do departments use for admissions?

A: Departments consider a variety of factors in the admissions process, including prerequisite grade point average (GPA), cumulative GPA, work experience, activities, and life experiences. Students also submit a personal statement that is considered in the admissions process. The prerequisite GPA is calculated from the specific prerequisite courses for each department (see prerequisite requirements). Admission is competitive for every department in the College of Engineering. For additional information regarding engineering admissions criteria and competitiveness, click here.

Q: What kind of grades does a student need to have to get into engineering?

A: While departments vary in levels of competitiveness, most are looking for students with GPA's of 2.8 (B-) and above. Some departments are considerably more competitive. Students with GPA's below 2.5 are much less likely to gain admission to an engineering department. Please see an adviser to discuss GPA competitiveness. For additional information regarding engineering admissions criteria and competitiveness, click here.

Q: How much does overall GPA affect students' chances relative to grades in pre-requisites?

A: Grades in the pre-requisite courses tend to weigh more heavily in the decision making process than cumulative grades. The main reason is that the pre-requisite classes tend to be more similar to departmental courses, and thus can give a better indication of how the student may perform once admitted into a department.

Q: What if I am not admitted into the department I want?

A: Students are encouraged to talk with an adviser regarding options if not admitted to an engineering department. Students can strengthen an application by taking additional pre-engineering classes and reapply for the next admissions cycle. Sometimes another engineering department will offer them admission. Other UW majors, such as Mathematics, Physics, Building Construction, and Chemistry may also be possibilities. Finally, there are other schools in Washington which offer accredited engineering programs, including Washington State University, Seattle University, Seattle Pacific University and Gonzaga University.

Q: Once admitted to an engineering department, what courses will I take?

A: Once admitted to a department, the first year of an engineering departmental program consists largely of the core courses for the engineering program to which you have been accepted. The core courses are required of all students in the program. They cover the fundamental topics of the engineering discipline.

During your final year of an engineering departmental program, you will have the opportunity to take technical electives within your program. The technical electives allow you to take more advanced courses in subject areas of your interest. During your last two years of the program, you will also complete any remaining requirements in areas such as math, writing, Visual, Literary, & Performing Arts and Individuals & Societies.

Q: If I am interested in getting involved in a student organization/society, how do I go about doing that?

A: There are a number of departmental student societies as well as College of Engineering student societies. Visit the Student Society List on the web and contact the individual(s) listed under the society of interest.

Q: Are there tutoring centers available for students?

A: Yes. There are a number of tutoring centers: See the following website for details.

If the above tutoring centers do not fit your needs, check out the Workshops/Study Centers link or check with your instructor, teaching assistant, department, or an adviser to find out what other options are available to you.

Q: What are the various Engineering Programs and Services available to me?

A: Engineering Advising and Diversity Center is comprised of the following student programs: Engineering Advising, Engineering Co-op Program, Minority Scholars Engineering Program, and Women in Science and Engineering. For additional student programs, visit the following website.

Q: What percentage of engineering graduates have jobs related to their majors within six months of graduation? Does this vary depending on the kind of engineering?

A: Most departments have had a difficult time collecting this data once students have left campus. However, in general most engineering students are able to find work in their major. To improve students' chances for employment, we encourage students to take advantage of our Co-op office (paid internships) and Center for Career Services, while they are in school.

Q: How do the different undergraduate (not graduate) programs rank?

A: In general, the College of Engineering has typically ranked in the top 20 of the US News rankings.

For additional answers to frequently asked questions, please see the UW Transfer Student Frequently Asked Questions.

Engineering Advising & Diversity Center, 301 Loew Hall, 206-543-1770, eadc@u.washington.edu