<p>I want to get an idea what my chances are into getting in the CS program at UW Bothell. I've finished taking pre-reqs @ cascadia and my gpa (overall) is 3.2. I've done SAT's (score: 1610). Since I know they look at math & programming the most: </p>
<p>3.1 - statistics
2.6 - calc 1
3.3 - calc 2
3.3 - cs 161
2.6 - cs 162</p>
<p>They're not the best of grades, I took other courses as well so I had to split my time up, but I would like to know what I'm up against. I want to apply for the spring quarter there.</p>
<p>The odds are greatly stacked against you imo. The 3.3 and 2.6 in the two introductory programming courses will be the most damaging factors. I’d say that you should retake CSS 162 and bump it up to at least a 3.3. You should talk with the CSS advisor.</p>
<p>Do you think that they also look at the classes taken in a particular quarter? Because when I took cs 161 & 162 my schedule was filled up and I also had work outside of class. I understood the material clearly (I just don’t want to retake classes).</p>
<p>Anyone can say that they understood the material and give reasons for why their grades didn’t reflect it, but at the end of the day if they decide that your grades in the prerequisites that they’re looking for are too low, it won’t matter. Similarly to you, when I took CSE 143 at the Seattle campus, I didn’t feel that my final grade reflected my actual ability and knowledge. I’m sure that all of these admission committees for competitive majors look at our transcripts and essays holistically, but no explanations can save us if our grades are way too low for them. If we were on the edge then it might work. I think you should really talk with the CSS advisor though to get a well informed opinion on your chances, though I’m certain the 2.6 in CSS 162 will be brought up as a major point of concern (especially as the other prerequisite grades aren’t impressive either). I really hope you’ll be able to get in though!</p>
<p>That sounds like the best thing to do. This quarter I’m retaking Calc 2 (along with a few misc. classes) just to improve the calc grade so, the final grade will be higher than the 3.3, cs 162 was full by the time I registered to retake. On their grading scale 2.6-3.1 is considered a B grade.</p>
<p>I don’t want to rain on your parade but I have to agree with the other posts. Your odds of getting in with a 3.2 are not great. It’s a highly competitive program and anything under a 3.5 is a stretch. However; with that said, it is not an impossibility either. There are a few things you can do to tilt the odds in your favor. </p>
<p>1) Complete your associate degree. Having your 2 year DTA degree will greatly increase the odds of being accepted. It is also a chance to bring up your GPA if you haven’t finished it yet. Additionally, it shows evidence that you are driven to complete your intended program. Do that before you apply! </p>
<p>2) Your essay can make or break your application. It some ways it may be even more important than your GPA. Write it. Re-write it. Then write it again. After that, give it to 4 or 5 people you respect and ask them for HONEST and BRUTAL feedback. Take the feedback to heart and then go back and re-write it again! This is your singular chance to make an impression on the admissions committee and, if done well, can overcome a GPA that might be slightly below the other accepted applicants.</p>
<p>3) Talk to the admissions advisers and ask them for their input on your situation. They might offer some additional strategy that you haven’t thought of yet.</p>
<p>Don’t be discouraged and don’t give up. However, it never hurts to have a plan B. CWU and WWU have well respected CS programs. Seattle University has a highly ranked program, as well. UWB is not the only option. </p>
<p>Good luck to you! May the application gods be smiling upon you!</p>