Hey there! I'm applying to UW soon and I was wondering how the acceptance rate varies depending on the major you apply for? I know it can be more competitive for certain majors, so I was just curious about the differences. Thanks!
Hey! You're right that the acceptance rate can vary by major at the University of Washington (UW). Some majors, particularly STEM-related majors like Computer Science and Engineering, tend to be more competitive than others due to a higher number of applicants and limited capacity in the departments.
At UW, some majors called "Capacity-Constrained Majors" have limited spots and require an additional application process after students are accepted into the university. For instance, Computer Science has a significantly lower acceptance rate (around 20-30%) compared to the overall university acceptance rate (around 48-52%). Similarly, the acceptance rate for some Engineering majors, such as Mechanical Engineering or Electrical Engineering, is also lower than the average rate.
On the other hand, less competitive majors or open majors, such as Humanities or Social Sciences, either have higher acceptance rates or don't require students to go through the same selective application process for the major.
It's essential to research each specific major's prerequisites and the department's application process at UW to understand the competitiveness and requirements better. Keep in mind that having a strong academic record, relevant extracurricular activities, and a well-crafted application that highlights your strengths in your chosen field can increase your chances of being accepted into your desired major.
CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.