Do you have to have taken computer science courses in high school to be DAed into CSE at UW?

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of Washington
1

I have a junior who have never taken any computer science class so far in high school. Is it possible for him to apply DA to the CSE? He has good grades and Sat score. Thanks!

2

This is just my subjective impression from other kids that I knew who got DA’ed for CS. First of all, the student should have a solid GPA and rigorous courses in Math and Physics. Then, the student should demonstrate his/her passion for technology in some credible way. A good grade in computer class with a good essay explaining all his/her passion for technology could help. I think this link provides great pointers: https://www.reddit.com/r/udub/wiki/cse-faq

3

Thanks @PentaDad

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By the way, I would also strongly encourage your Junior student to make an appointment with the CSE undergrad adviser (just google it!). If your student has concrete plans for CS, then they would provide good pointers about how to be better prepared for UW and also for the CSE program.

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Thanks again @PentaDad !

6

@PentaDad is right on the money. Per CSE Department website, “The best high school preparation for pursuing computer science and computer engineering in college is to take advanced high school classes (Honors, AP, IB, etc.) in English, math, and science. Students we admit through DA have usually taken calculus. In science, physics is the preferred high school laboratory science course. It is not necessary to have had computer programming courses in high school, or computer-related work experience, to gain admission to our program.”