<p>Washington state universities all use an admissions index (AI) to help with determining entrance. This is a combination of standardised testing and unweighted GPA.</p>
<p>The UW generally auto admits anyone with an AI of 70 or over. Not a rule but a guideline. For anyone below that, they get a more extensive review. Personal statements are read twice and bear fair weight anymore. The UW admits alot more in-staters than out, cuz guess what it's a state university. </p>
<p>Note: This is appearently the last year the UW will use the states AI and will use it's own AI formula starting in 06. In 2008, Washington colleges will most likely require all sections of the WASL passed (for Washingtonians) and four years of math.</p>
<p>My daughter has an AI between 76 and 77, based on a chart I found on the web, but her app is being sent to review. Are you sure about that AI cutoff?</p>
<p>No, I am not sure about the AI cut off. 70 is a number that I have heard alot before, from past students, online, and published in the Universities paper, but thats not to say it no longer completely accurate.</p>
<p>Secondly, the UW messages seem to be a little inconsistant, so I wouldn't live or die by them.</p>
<p>Never mind. found it. She's around 67, so that fits. Seems ridiculous that a higher gpa taking easier courses at an easier school would make her an automatic admit.</p>
<p>Yeah, I agree it's not very fair, and that's why UW is changing their admissions in the next few years. Starting c/o 2008, I think they'll have a lot more stricter admission policies and requirements. </p>
<p>Thanks, dopke. I'll read thru that info. Unfortunately, my d doesn't want to go to UW. We live very close and her father is a professor there. But I am not sure i am willing to pay the price at some of the schools she is considering-especially since her work habits leave something to be desired...
Do you know anything about western?</p>
<p>Heh, a lot of people consider Western as the place where kids go if they don't get into UW. I don't know a lot about Western, but it is pretty easy to get into.</p>
<p>OK, that's what i figured- although we know a few kids there who don't fit that description. Probably be cheaper if we moved elsewhere for 4 years and let her have the house than send her where she wants to go. Do you know how UW is for communications? i know there is a dept, but i don't know how good.</p>
<p>Nice to see another parent on this board. I have been hanging around for a few weeks keeping tabs on things as my d waits for a decision from the U.W. First, the AI thing is out of wack. GPA counts for 3 parts and SAT 1. GPAs are inconsistent across schools at best. As for Western. My d has also applied there. I have heard its reputation is on the rise. It is clearly the second most difficult school for admission in the state (publics). The campus and surrounding area are superb, and the academic programs are strong as well. University of British Columbia is worth taking a look at as well.</p>
<p>Yeah western seems by most standards pretty decent. It has a much smaller population (10k), is in a city of around 70k and focus's primarily on Undergrads. I applied there and got in almost immediately, however my first choice is still probably the U, although WWU is certainly decent enough and may very well be better for some.</p>
<p>Entrance for WWU is less competetive than the UW ofcourse but its harder than probably the rest of the state schools.</p>
<p>Also, yes if you look at my original post it had the link to the 2005 AI tables that cap at 99.</p>
<p>Hi mmboys- glad to add to the parental contingent! Thanks for the info, frop. We have yet to visit WWU, though I am aware of the basic stats. DD would be in the top 25% re SATs, and I'm not sure that would be the best choice for her. She probably needs a little more competition to encourage her to work. It's just so hard to get a feel for some of the unmeasurables. I thought WWU was a good size, and a nice distance from home. DD is really set on an East coast school. We won't be eligible for aid, and the true costs are just starting to be really daunting. She also applied to UOregon since it has a good journalism dept, and this is one of her interests. So, we'll see. Does anyone have any anecdotal comparisons of these three schools (UW. WWU, and U O)? I know the stats- i'm looking more for the general tone of the campuses- ie how hard to kids work or party?, is the town hip or boring, etc?</p>
<p>Well, I would say we are in a similar situation. Your d pretty well matches the profile of my d! In any case I think U.O. and Western are fine alternatives to the U. Oregon, has a full range of doctoral programs and so on. Really, I think the UWs reputation is largely the result of its graduate programs and medical research. I don't see that many advantages in undergraduate opportunities. Oregon and Western are similar in size and in the nature of their surrounding communities. I know a fair number of parents whose kids chose Western over the U even when they were accepted to both, so I don't think your d will be mentally bored at Western. Concerning parties and so on; I just don't believe there is much of a difference. As I have always told my kids (you too I am sure); if you want trouble you will find it anywhere; if you want to avoid trouble you can no matter the pressures. The UW has been in the news a lot about the drinking on Greek row. I think Bellingham has a nice combination of everything. Haven't been to Eugene so I don't have a clue. Good luck.</p>
<p>UO is located in a suberb type setting. There's a central bus station so commuting around town is fairly simple, and since the city isn't large like Seattle, it makes it easy to explore without feeling lost... Or scared for that matter. It's definitely more of a traditional college town.</p>
<p>Thanks, mmboys. I agree with your assessment re the UW's reputation. It is the med school and some of the science departments and business grad school that are notable. I'm not sure that English or journalism would be superior at UW compared to the other two. Good luck to you, too. My d has a couple more essays to write and then, quite frankly, I will be happy not to think about this for a few months!</p>
<p>I am a parent with a D looking back east at some expensive privates and comparably priced public schools. In fact, I just got back from a Boston College reception for EA students--sounds like a great school with lots of student bonding, challenging classes, opportunities to do something in the community etc. My problem is that I have had 2 go thru the UW that had very similar experiences as what BC touts...at 1/3 the price. I don't know if my kids just lucked out (I've heard too much about what a factory these big state U's are!) or if it really isn't necessary to spend over $40K a year for a good education. I didn't know as much or think so much about where #'s 1 and 2 went....maybe ignorance IS bliss!</p>
<p>Caseyatbat, would you mind listing what your first two pursued as majors? </p>
<p>I do wish I had stuck with my initial stance that my d would have to pick a public school. This whole search process took on a life of its own- largely because of me, ironically. When all her friends seemed to be looking all over the place, exclusively at private schools, I helped her to do that, too. Almost all the schools my daughter is considering are in the 40k+ range. Personally, I am SURE it is not worth it- that never was an issue with me. But I guess i feel some guilt in denying her opportunities everyone else seems to have-especially when the powers that be claim we can afford it. </p>
<p>I don't feel like i can turn around now and say my d can't consider the majority of the schools she has applied to. But i have grave concerns about her ability to graduate in four years from some of these places. I can jump up and down and tell her that she HAS to graduate in 4 years, but what am i going to do if she doesn't?</p>