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πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ University of Washington Β· Admissions

University of Washington Admissions Guide for International Students 2026

What admissions officers at University of Washington actually look for, who gets in, and how international applicants should approach the application.

UW uses a November 15 priority application deadline for freshman admission with decisions released in March. Average admitted student SAT scores range from 1300-1490 and ACT from 28-33.

Application strategy

UW uses a November 15 priority application deadline for freshman admission with decisions released in March. Average admitted student SAT scores range from 1300-1490 and ACT from 28-33. Students apply via the Coalition Application or UW direct application. International applicants need TOEFL 92-plus (100-plus recommended for competitive programs). UW uses holistic review considering academics, personal essays, and extracurriculars without interviews. The Allen School of Computer Science requires a separate competitive direct admission process with acceptance rates around 25 percent for direct-to-major applicants. Foster School of Business direct admission is similarly competitive at roughly 30 percent. Students not admitted directly can apply as sophomores through internal competitive processes. International students on F-1 visas qualify for 12 months OPT plus 24-month STEM extension (36 months total) for qualifying programs. Washington state residents receive significant tuition advantages making early residency establishment valuable for families planning ahead.

Who fits

  • Aspiring Big Tech engineers seeking direct proximity to Microsoft, Amazon, and Google offices
  • Pre-med students targeting primary care or family medicine with access to the UW Medicine network
  • Washington state residents accessing world-class education at in-state tuition rates
  • Research-oriented students wanting to work alongside faculty at the top federally-funded public research university
  • Business students seeking MBA or undergraduate pathways into Pacific Northwest corporate leadership

Who should think twice

  • Students who need small class sizes and close faculty mentorship from day one of their undergraduate experience
  • Out-of-state students on tight budgets without significant financial aid or scholarship offers
  • Those who strongly prefer sunny warm climates and find prolonged overcast weather demotivating
  • Students who want guaranteed admission to their chosen major upon university acceptance without secondary competitive processes
  • Those seeking a tight-knit small-campus community where everyone knows each other

Other sections

Cost & Aid β†’Programs β†’Campus Life β†’

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