<p>For the longest time, I have wanted to leave the state for college. But I am seriously considering Computer Science as my major, and I know UW is an exceptional school for that. However, I know it's extremely difficult to get direct admit into this major as an incoming freshman and it's still very hard to get in during regular admission. With that said, is it easier for a girl to get in or would chances be about equal for a girl and guy? If I get direct admission to the CS major, I would probably really consider attending UW. </p>
<p>Basic stats:
GPA: 3.95 unweighted / 4.47 (approximately) weighted = 14 APs + mostly honors
SAT: 2280 (CR: 710, M: 770, W: 800)
SAT II: Math II 770, Chemistry 700 (not submitting subject tests if I don't have to)
Pretty average ECs (in CC standards) - varsity golf, math team, tutoring, non-profit organization for service, etc.
Awards: AP Scholar with Distinction, possible NMSF, Basuch & Lomb Science Award</p>
<p>Anyway, I know I am highly likely to be accepted to UW (sorry if that comes off as arrogant), but I don't know what my chances are for direct admit to CS. I've read the website and there are no additional documents required to apply. I saw that they emphasize math, science (physics), and English. I've excelled in math every year and received a 5 on the AP test for Calc AB. I will be taking Calc BC next year. As for science, I received the Basuch & Lomb Science Award at my school so my teachers must think I am "good" at science though I'm not too sure myself. I only got a 4 on the Physics B exam sophomore year. I will be taking AP Physics C next year. I consider myself to be pretty good at English (but only a 4 on the language exam). Is there really a way to better my chances? Any help/advice appreciated!
(Side note: Before anyone criticizes, I am in no way complaining about getting a 4 on either exam by stating "only". But I phrased it like that because I know applicants will be highly competitive getting into the CS major.)</p>
<p>I don’t think you should debate applying if that’s what you are asking.</p>
<p>Your grades are competitive, average is 3.8
SAT is competitive
Your coursework is competitive.
The other variable is your written portion of your regular application and your extracurricular activities. they are looking for people who bring various perspectives and skills and they don’t have to be CS skills. </p>
<p>UW says there is a 3 to 5% admit rate. About 120 are accepted, with 40 target for matriculation. I have not seen any information on whether they balance the genders or not. If you find out, let us know. </p>
<p>You might also like to browse the UW forum.</p>
<p>UW does not weigh sex, age, gender identity, sexual orientation, or race in their decisions, and nor do their individual departments. That’s unlawful discrimination in either direction in regards to your sex helping or hindering. That being said, people still seem to think that is a significant factor because our society is still archaically wired that way, but what I love about UW is that it genuinely does not practice decisions in this way. They will look at what your diversity can contribute, but it is all on you to convey it to them in your personal statements. Women tend to be in the minority in STEM programs, so you could spin this as a challenge based on the statistics, but you have to think about the overall interest of those applying; statistically, women are just not as interested, certainly NOT as capable or less competitive than men.</p>
<p>TL;DR</p>
<p>GO FOR IT. You are obviously more than capable, please don’t ever get hung up on being a woman. The only way women can break free from the “burden” of being a woman in male dominated programs is to stop embracing their sex as an intrinsic challenge. </p>
<p>2010 direct admit here – girls don’t have it easier when CSE admissions looks at direct admits (or upper division admissions). It’s been a topic of discussion with the department and students pretty much every quarter for the past few years.</p>
<p>Your stats make you a competitive direct admit applicant as it is, so write some really good personal statements and cross your fingers!</p>
<p>@speedsolver When you say personal statements, you’re talking about the Common App essay, right? Since UW doesn’t do supplements as far as I know. By “good personal statements”, do you mean something geared towards CS or just a good one in general regardless of what I write about?</p>
<p>@student197: No, just the general UW admissions essay. UW doesn’t use the Common App.</p>
<p>A good statement in general should be fine. However, if you can talk about your future plans in CS without taking away from your statement, that would work.</p>
<p>To get an idea of what’s in the required statement for upper division CSE admissions, go here and scroll down to the CSE section: <a href=“Undergraduate Admissions Application for Transfers and UW NON-DTC”>http://www.engr.washington.edu/uapp/essay_questions.phtml</a></p>
<p>you probably wont get it. girls arent wanted in computer science sorry</p>