<p>I am interested in getting into UW Honors as a freshman. So, I was wondering if those of you who got admitted into UW Honors could post some info about yourself to give the rest of us an idea of what it takes to get in, since the website itself doesn’t give much info about the admissions process to Honors. I am aware you must first be accepted by regular admissions; what I am specifically asking for is:</p>
<li><p>Essay (because apparently the essay takes precedence over academic record) - What did you write for your essay, and why do you think it impressed admissions officers?</p></li>
<li><p>Recommendation - I know you need 1 recommendation. How much weight it carries for Honors I am not sure of, but perhaps you all could tell us a little about how good the recommendation was?</p></li>
<li><p>Stats - Academic: GPA, SAT/ACT scores, class courses, class rank; Extracurricular involvement and awards, etc.</p></li>
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<p>I am mostly interested in the essay, since it seems like the most decisive factor (correct me if I am wrong though).</p>
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<li><p>The essay prompt I wrote on was "What's the best mistake your or anyone else has ever made?" I wrote about how my sister accidentally forgot to sign up for classes one quarter at college, ended up being put in a Chinese class, and loved it so much that she switched her major and studied abroad in China. In a way I was surprised I got in because this was my least favorite college app essay. It felt like I stressed my sister's accomplishments more than my own, but I did have a very strong conclusion in which I philosophized on taking risks and trying things that you don't expect to enjoy. From that, the best tip I'd give you is that conclusions kick major butt. Let your intro and body discuss the story and narrative aspect of your topic, but once you get to your conclusion, pour out your soul.</p></li>
<li><p>Mine wasn't outstanding but it was pretty good. I asked my English teacher to do it and she put some nice specific things in there about my involvement with the newspaper and international club. I'd say this is important but unless you have one from the governor or someone similarly prestigious, I doubt you will stand out much. The adcoms realize that most recs don't stand out so I don't think they place much emphasis on them.</p></li>
<li><p>3.965 UW, 1410 CR/M SAT, online AP classes, 2/160, some study abroad stuff and several band and debate awards.</p></li>
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<li><p>"Imagine that you could invite an unlikely duo or trio of historical, literary, or other fictional figures for a gathering at a coffeehouse. Explain whom you invited, why you brought them together, and what conversations might ensue from the meeting." That was my essay prompt. I chose to talk about Winston from 1984 and Holden Caulfield from The Catcher in the Rye. They met up at a coffeehouse in New York City. It was weird because I didn't think it really said anything, yet apparently, the Honors Program loved it because they sent me my acceptance letter right away (If you want to see the essay, PM me.) My other essays from the regular UW application were, in my opinion, much better (the Honors Program looks at those, right?)</p></li>
<li><p>My recommendation was good, but it wasn't extra special. If I got in, I really doubt it was because of my recommendation. </p></li>
<li><p>Stats and whatnot here: <a href="http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/1060092282-post23.html%5B/url%5D">http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/1060092282-post23.html</a></p></li>
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<li><p>I forget what the prompts are, but I remember writing about me doing Kendo. Basically you dont want to write a cookie cutter essay, just be yourself.</p></li>
<li><p>My teacher knew some of the people in the honors admissions committee and she knew "exactly what they're looking for." I guess it helped... i did get a 1 year scholarship there.</p></li>
<li><p>3.944 uw gpa, 1370 sat (570 R, 800 math... i kno, so asian :() 22/350ish, 9 ap classes tho</p></li>
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