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Admission

Pathways for Inclusive Excellence

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.

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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

Group shot of Engineering Dean’s Scholars students

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.

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Group shot of Allen School Startup students

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.

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Group shot of STARS students

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.

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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		   Required on-campus in Maple Hall (UW residence hall) for the first two years.  
 
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		 4 week summer transition program (must live on-campus) 8 week math intensive (online)
2 week transition program (must live on-campus)		 4 week summer transition program (must live on-campus)
 
Residential dates for summer		 August 22, 2022–September 16, 2022 September 11, 2022–September 27, 2022 August 23, 2022–September 16, 2022
 
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

  • Early March
    The UW Office of Admissions selects the PIE cohort and notifies students of their conditional admission status.
  • March 8
    7-8 pm Information session for PIE-E admits; check email for zoom link
  • March 9
    7-8 pm Information session for PIE-A admits; check email for zoom link
  • March 18
    Deadline for PIE cohort admitted students to complete intake form.
  • March 26
    UW Admitted Student Preview Day
  • Mid April
    Admitted students are selected for either a. or b. below
    1. PIE-E admits: Engineering Dean’s Scholars or STARS
    2. PIE-A admits: Allen School Startup or STARS
  • May 1
    Deadline 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