I am a sophomore at a community college in Illinois studying mechanical engineering and I really want to go to UW. My GPA is a 3.46 and I will have 111 (74 semester credits converted to quarter credits) transferable credits by the end of my spring semester. I have not retaken any classes and I have not received less than a B in any classes. I have been taking difficult engineering related classes (finished calculus series, differential equations, physics of mechanics, electricity, magnetism, and thermodynamics and a few engineering classes. I am a member of the honor’s society and Phi Theta Kappa at my college and I work 20 hours a week. I am also an Asian, male if that helps.
I heard UW is very hard to transfer to and I’m just feeling very antsy about getting accepted since I won’t find out until June/July. Any and all feedback is greatly appreciated! Thanks!
Hi Rushinator,
Unfortunately you are right, it is pretty competitive to be admitted to UW as an out-of-state transfer student. The acceptance rate generally hovers around 15%, with average GPAs at 3.7+. Most spots in the transfer class are reserved for Washington community college students who have completed 90 credits of coursework (entering as a junior). If you can present a really compelling need to be in Seattle, that could help.
I don’t think it will be impossible, but if you are really serious about UW you may consider enrolling at a community college in Washington. If that is your most recent college of attendance, you will be grouped as a Washington community college student and your chances to be admitted will move closer to 50%. You might see what happens this admissions cycle but if it doesn’t work out, consider taking a leave from Illinois and enrolling in WA CC classes (online even) for 10-15 credits and then re-apply.