UW Computer Engineer - My Chances?

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of Washington
1

<p>I really want to get into Direct Admit into the University of Washington's Computer Engineering program! But I'm not completely sure if I'll make it.
So, my chances?</p>

<p>GPA Unweighted: 3.76
IB: IB Diploma Candidate (FULL IB schedule. 11 IB classes in Junior and Senior year)
& I always received an A in IB Math and A- in IB Phsyics but I'm not very good at History or English, I'm really focused on Math and Physics.</p>

<p>SAT math: 700 & 750
SAT writing: 610 & 660
SAT reading: 570 & 590
Extracurricular: I have A TON of extracurriculars</p>

<p>What are my chances?
Especially, I want feedback from those who were accepted!</p>

2

<p>I was a DA 2010. Your math and science grades look good, but I’d be a bit worried about English/social sciences (especially English) depending on how low they are. Your SAT reading is pretty low. There is a common misconception that for science and engineering those don’t matter as much, but there is an actually an emphasis on getting well-rounded engineers who can communicate well.
From the DA info website:
“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>Based on your math/science alone, you’d probably have a decent chance. You may still have a decent chance. But for such competitive admissions, lower or poor English grades could make the difference.</p>

<p>Of course, I know DAs whose communication skills are only average (don’t know their grades or scores though), but it’s still something that could affect your application</p>

<p>IB will definitely looks good too.</p>

3

<p>I always receive B+/A- 's for my English grade.</p>

<p>Is that generally pretty low/average?</p>

4

<p>EDIT: DON’T FREAK OUT I’VE HORRIBLY MISLED YOU WITH MY FIRST COMMENT</p>

<p>Oh B+/A-? Don’t worry about English at all then. I was getting the impression it was a lot worse than that.</p>

<p>That gives you much better chances in my opinion. SAT might be at bit low, but IB math and physics is definitely good.</p>

<p>EDIT: WHAT AM I SAYING
Geeze it’s been a long quarter and apparently I can’t do math anymore.</p>

<p>Your SAT is fine. I’d say you have a decent to good chance. Unfortunately, it’s a numbers game. A good personal statement helps a lot too.</p>

5

<p>Haha Thank you so much!</p>

<p>I wasn’t sure if I was on the WAY down low. It’s good to know I’m at least average. Thank you! This was really helpful :)</p>

6

<p>If you’re getting A- in English, that’s above average. </p>

<p>Think of it this way. There’s typically like 1000 people who are in the initial pool. This is everyone, including people who have absolutely no shot.
They narrow it down to around 150 ish. These have good overall grades in the areas I mentioned, and seem like they are good overall candidates and would be successful. This is the point where the higher grades in English start to help more and more - it can potentially set you apart from the group where everyone has super high math and science grades. This is where essays and personal statements really really count too. They’re trying to determine the people they think will be most successful on limited data.
They offer 70ish people and typically 30ish accept. </p>

<p>B+/A- shows strength in English and communication, especially if they were IB. I’d say it can only help you.</p>

7

<p>You have a pretty decent chance. But, I’d recommend a back up plan just in case. Getting into any engineering department is never 100%. I’ve know someone with a 4.0gpa not get into the department due to a really bad personal statement.</p>