UW Comp Sci backup plan

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of Washington
1

So unfortunately I was not accepted direct admit for CS, most likely because I didn’t even mention CS in my essay (yeah I know I’m dumb).

My dilemma now is that I really want to study computer science, but as we all know the Comp Sci major at UW is hardly guaranteed, even for students with great GPAs (I heard two 4.0s got rejected last year). Does anyone know what students choose as a backup plan if they can’t get in the major but are still determined to get a job in compsci? Transfer? Apply for a CS Masters degree?

On the other hand, I was accepted to UCLA Computer Science. I’ve got one day left to choose which school to attend. I would much rather go to the UW, as it would save me money, allow me to stay with many close friends of mine, and I like Seattle so much more than LA. Is it worth the risk of not getting that Computer Science degree though? I’d like to think that I have a good chance of getting into the major. I kept a 4.0 easily in high school with 14 AP classes (I’ve scored all 5s on the 9 AP tests I’ve taken so far), and my test scores have been pretty good (36 ACT, 2340 SAT), but then again, there are students with almost perfect or perfect GPAs who don’t make it in.

Does anyone have any suggestions or comments on what I should do next? Got one more day left to make this decision, and knowing that there are backup opportunities at the UW would probably tip the scales for good.

2

UW is certainly risky, I applied for CS with a near perfect GPA and still got rejected. Now I am trying to get in there, but also considering alternative majors.

I would go for UCLA. You worked hard your 4 years and got an amazing acceptance offer directly into CS. Take it and make the most out of it and have fun. At UW, it will be all torturous study if you are serious about CS.

3

direct CS at UCLA is crazy

4

Direct admit is only 200 people and they look for some diversity of students and interests. You have as good a shot as anyone to transfer in and better than most for your academics and instate status. Related degree programs may aso be just as good for the local industry. UCLA is great but if you don’t prefer it the extra money is pretty steep.

UW Computing Related majors
http://www.cs.washington.edu/prospective_students/undergrad/academics/related_majors

5

Your ACT, SAT and GPA show that you can succeed at the highest level in all of your classes in all subject areas. I would not worry too much about getting into CS once you have completed the prerequisites. You’ll be one of the top applicants when you apply.