Pathways in detail Admission process Frequently asked questions
Pathways for Inclusive Excellence (PIE) provides underserved students from Washington state opportunities to pursue engineering and computer science in a supportive environment that is committed to their academic success.
The College of Engineering is committed to supporting students from all backgrounds interested in pursuing engineering and computer science. Students who select engineering or computer science as their first choice major on their UW freshman application and who would benefit from additional time and resources to ensure a strong STEM foundation are selected for PIE conditional admission. 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. Students who complete one of the pathways are guaranteed entry into a major as outlined in the chart below.
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 Startup
A one-year program aimed at providing students with a strong first-year foundation in the 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
An intensive, two-year program designed to holistically support students to strengthen academic preparation and develop professional skills. 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 commitment expected of each student.
| Engineering Dean's Scholars | STARS | Startup | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cohort size |
~50 | ~30 | ~35 |
| Majors |
Engineering (not computer engineering) | Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science | Computer Engineering Computer Science |
| Advising |
Quarterly advising appointments with OMAD adviser and dedicated engineering adviser | Dedicated STARS adviser Required appointments based on stage in program |
Quarterly advising appointments with dedicated CSE adviser |
| Community building |
Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Housing |
On-campus housing highly recommended in the first year. | ||
| Mentorship |
Peer Mentoring | Peer Mentoring Faculty Mentoring |
Peer Mentoring |
| Required courses |
Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Supplemental instruction |
Two classes per quarter for the first year | One to three classes per quarter for the first two years | Three classes over the first year |
| Summer component |
2023 information coming soon! | 2023 information coming soon! | 2023 information coming soon! |
| Residential dates for summer |
2023 dates coming soon! | 2023 dates coming soon! | 2023 dates coming soon! |
| Contact information |
spinkham@uw.edu Scott Pinkham, Assistant Director |
starsapp@uw.edu Carrie Mills, Operations Manager |
ikedal@cs.washington.edu Leslie Ikeda, Senior Startup Program Manager |
Admission process
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Early MarchThe UW Office of Admissions selects the PIE cohort and notifies students of their conditional admission status.
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Early MarchInformation sessions for PIE-A and PIE-E admits; check email for zoom link
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Mid MarchDeadline for PIE cohort admitted students to complete intake form.
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April 15
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Mid AprilAdmitted students are selected for either a. or b. below
- PIE-E admits: Engineering Dean’s Scholars or STARS
- PIE-A admits: Allen School Startup or STARS
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May 1Deadline to confirm intent to enroll and acceptance of program placement (national reply-by deadline)
Note: Any student not wishing to participate in the PIE program can still attend UW as a pre-major