Pathways in detail Admission process
Pathways for Inclusive Excellence (PIE) provides specialized curriculum and individualized support for talented students who need additional STEM and college preparation before they begin their engineering or computer science career.
At the College of Engineering, we believe that building a workforce with diverse perspectives promotes engineering excellence and innovation for our common good. Some students have highly sought-after skills such as multilingualism, multicultural perspectives, and unique work and life experience yet have limited access to STEM education.
PIE is for students who might benefit from additional time and resources to ensure a strong STEM foundation.
PIE programs will set students up for success by offering holistic programming and support starting the summer after high school and through the first or second year at UW. Your University of Washington admission letter will state that you have been selected for the conditional admission cohort and you will receive further information about next steps.
Pathways
Engineering Dean’s Scholars
A one-year program aimed at providing students with a strong first-year foundation in the College of Engineering and the UW. For students who select an engineering major (not including computer engineering) as their first choice on their UW freshman application.
Allen School Scholars Program
A one-year program aimed at providing students with a strong first-year foundation in the Paul G. Allen School of Computer Science & Engineering (Allen School) and the UW. For students who select computer science or computer engineering as their first choice major on their UW freshman application.
STARS
A two-year program designed to holistically support students to strengthen academic preparation and develop professional skills while they work through their STEM pre-requisite courses. For students who select engineering or computer science as their first choice major on their UW freshman application.
Pathways in detail
All of the PIE programs provide students with a supportive environment that is committed to their success, but they differ slightly in the support offered and time commitment expected of each student.
| Engineering Dean's Scholars | Allen School Scholars Program | STARS | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cohort size |
~50 | ~60 | ~30 |
| Majors |
Engineering (not computer engineering) | Computer Engineering, Computer Science |
Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science |
| Advising |
Quarterly advising appointments with OMAD adviser and dedicated engineering adviser | Required quarterly advising appointments with dedicated Allen School adviser | Dedicated STARS adviser Required appointments based on stage in program |
| Community building |
Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Housing |
On-campus housing is strongly encouraged for the first year. | On-campus housing is strongly encouraged for the first year. | On-campus housing is highly recommended for the first year. |
| Mentorship |
Peer Mentoring | Peer Mentoring | Peer Mentoring Faculty Mentoring |
| Required courses |
Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Supplemental instruction |
Two classes per quarter for the first year | Three classes over the first year | One to three classes per quarter for the first two years |
| Summer component |
Those admitted into PIE will be given an algebra assessment in early May. Based on their results, some students will be asked to participate in a four-week virtual summer course from July 24 to August 18 with a launch meeting on July 21. This is a low-intensity course over four weeks. Class time will be a maximum of four hours per week. PIE students not requested to participate are welcome to join. |
||
| Required on-campus summer transition |
Two-week bridge program prior to the start of classes. Students will get to know staff, build community, get familiar with the campus and available resources, get math and science refreshers, and build new skills. |
Four-week bridge course that prepares students to transition to the UW by combining computer science content, college readiness skills, community building, and on-campus housing. |
Two-week bridge program prior to the start of classes. Students will get to know staff, build community, get familiar with the campus and available resources, get math and science refreshers, and build new skills. |
| On-campus dates for summer |
September 10 to September 26, 2023 | August 22 to September 15, 2023 | September 10 to September 26, 2023 |
| Contact information |
Shanai Lechtenberg, Senior Director, Student Academic Services lechts@uw.edu or Jacque Hernandez, Senior Academic Adviser jacqueh2@uw.edu |
Leslie Ikeda, Senior Program Manager, Allen Scholars, |
Ali Cho, STARS Interim Director, alicho21@uw.edu |
Admission process
Early March
COHORT SELECTION
The UW Office of Admissions selects the PIE cohort and notifies students of their conditional admission status.
Early March
INFO SESSIONS
Information sessions for PIE-A and PIE-E admits. A Zoom link will be sent in an email.
Sunday, March 12 at 11:59 p.m. PT
INTAKE FORM
Deadline for PIE cohort admitted students to complete intake form.
Mid April
MATCHING
Students are matched with one of the two options for their admission type: a) PIE-E admits: Engineering Dean’s Scholars or STARS b) PIE-A admits: Allen School Scholars Program or STARS
May 1
DECISION DAY
May 1 is the national college decision day deadline. By this deadline, confirm intent to enroll and accept a program match.
Note: Any student not wishing to participate in the PIE program can still attend UW as a pre-major.