Direct Admit for Computer Science?

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of Washington
1

<p>I'm a Chinese, female, living in California, and looking for computer science as a major.</p>

<p>ACT scores:
34-English
36-Math
29-English/Writing
35-Science
33-Highest Composite
34-Superscoring</p>

<p>Weighted GPA : 4.45
UW: 3.75
School Ranking: 26/735 (top 5 %)</p>

<p>AP Biology
AP Chemistry -5
AP Statistics
AP Calculus BC -5
AP Physics B -4
AP Psychology
AP World History - 3
AP Chinese - 5</p>

<p>SAT Chinese - 800
SAT Math2 - 800
SAT Physics - 760
SAT Chemistry - 750</p>

<p>Honors Chemistry
Honors English
Honors Pre-calculus </p>

<p>College Classes:
Computer Information Systems
Java Programming 1
Microeconomics
Photography1
Intermediate Photography
Finite Mathematics</p>

<p>4 years of Science
4 years of Math
4 years of English
3.5 years of Social Studies
1 years fine arts (band)
3 years of Foreign Language</p>

<p>Extra-curricular Activities
150 hours in Hospital
100 hours in Red Cross
180 hours in a research internship at University of California Santa Cruz
4 years of Symphony
Tutoring at high school after school
Tutoring at a local tutoring center as a job
4 years of badminton</p>

<p>Essays:
How and why I choose CS as a major
My student exchange trip to Japan</p>

<p>What are my chances of getting in for Direct Admit in computers science?</p>

2

<p>I think your chances are very good. You might want to retake the SAT physics test, since the CSE department cares about physics a lot. </p>

<p>speedsolver might have more insight for you. (She’s also a DA.)</p>

3

<p>Thanx, aopsgirl, I really want to get into Direct Admit in UW.</p>

4

<p>UW doesn’t look at Subject tests. I’m also trying to get DA into CS, and also got a 34 on the ACT. Good luck, maybe we’ll run into each other.</p>

5

<p>@somewhatoriginal, maybe we’ll run into each other. do you know if they look at ap test scores then?</p>

6

<p>Wow I also got a 34 on my ACT and DAing this year. Maybe I’ll be seeing you two…</p>

7

<p>I don’t think they look at AP scores for admission, but I’m not sure.</p>

8

<p>You’re right; I forgot that UW doesn’t look at subject tests or AP tests.</p>

9

<p>They’ll look mainly at any grades you have in math/science. So your calculus grades (not ap scores), and any physics, chemistry, and bio you took. Particularly physics. You have a good chance, but it can be rather arbitrary as only around 30 are admitted each year.</p>

10

<p>They actually accept closer to 60-70, but typically only 30 commit.
Source: DA 2010, have worked with advisers on DA visit day</p>

11

<p>Also, yes they’ll mainly look at Math and science grades, but if your English grades are good that will DEFINITELY help. Doing well in English is specifically mentioned on the DA info website</p>

<p>“In particular, we look for students who excel in math and the sciences (especially physics) and also in English and other writing/communications courses.”</p>

<p>The is growing emphasis on trying to get well rounded engineers with good communication skills - which is particularly important in industry.</p>

<p>You probably won’t get in on English alone, but it can definitely help if you are in a group with people with lower grades.</p>

<p>Source: DA 2010, internship where communication was valued</p>

12

<p>DA here as well - </p>

<p>Your stats look fine. The only thing I’d be worried about is the unweighted GPA. UW looks at the unweighted GPA, but they’ll also see that you’ve taken a bunch of rigorous courses, which will help you. What we don’t see now is basically your statements (and how it compares to other people’s). Good luck!</p>

<p>Along with mlidge (ayooooo sup!), I want to emphasize that being a computer engineer isn’t all maths/sciences/computer science stuff. Communication is key. It is key when you interview (you won’t just be handed a job because you’re in CSE). It is key in meetings (conveying YOUR ideas, disagreeing with others’ ideas). It is key when you chat with your team and your manager (they’ll use that as part of the rehiring decision when you intern, too!).</p>

13

<p>@speedsolver & mlidge
I am glad to hear that I at least have a chance in DA.</p>

<p>I am wondering what other schools did you two get into other than UW, if you don’t mind telling me. I just want to know where I stand compare to other school.</p>

<p>Also, are there research/ internship opportunities offer for freshman or sophomores in college?</p>