Freshman

All applicants to UW must meet a minimum level of preparation in six subject areas known as the College Academic Distribution Requirements (CDAR). These subject areas are admission requirements and must be completed before enrolling at the UW. To be competitive, applicants should try to challenge themselves by exceeding the minimum requirements.

Use two tools for choosing courses:

1. The transfer planning worksheet outlines preferred courses for admission to the UW. It is not a prerequisite list; rather, it is a list of suggested courses that will facilitate your studies once you are on campus.
2. The course equivalency tables outline how courses in each Washington State Community College will transfer into the UW.

Try to finish a series (Chemistry, Biology, Calculus, Physics) wherever you begin the series. If you cannot complete Physics or Calculus before starting at the UW, it is advisable to take those series at the UW.

Experience as an intern or volunteer will significantly strengthen your application. You will also learn more about yourself, your working style and your interests, which can help you write your admissions essay and refine your career goals.

If you cannot find a volunteer opportunity that is in the area you’re interested in, find opportunities that use similar skills (for example, landlocked students who want to study marine biology could volunteer in stream restoration).

Once you have an idea of when you would like to visit, email safs@uw.edu and let us know the following about yourself:

• Are you a prospective freshman or transfer?
• Do you live locally or out of state?
• What you would like to achieve during your visit?
• What are the ideal dates and times you would like to visit (give us a range)?

We will work with you to develop a suitable schedule. Your visit may include time with the SAFS Undergraduate Adviser.

Prospective students are welcome to check the course schedule to identify any classes they would like to attend. Faculty welcome visitors, but we request that you email the faculty instructor before your visit to ensure that the visit will not occur during an exam, or that your attendance will not disrupt the scheduled activities. Check the course website to see the scheduled lecture for the day of your visit.

The UW offers campus tours almost every weekday and most Saturdays. There are also virtual tours offered online.

Freshman Information Session

If you are entering UW as a freshman, try to attend a UW Admissions Freshman Information Session.

All students who would like to study Aquatic and Fishery Sciences must be admitted to the University of Washington. Click here for information on that process.

Incoming students are admitted to the UW during summer, autumn and winter quarters, although most are admitted in autumn quarter. It is important to get your materials in by the deadline.

Admission to the UW is competitive and applicants are evaluated on a number of factors. These include grade point average, test scores and academic preparation as well as personal achievements and characteristics. For more information about this comprehensive review, click here.

The UW has two different types of honors programs:

1. UW College Honors (both general education AND departmental requirements are completed with honors courses). Students may apply as freshmen by the December 1st deadline to be considered for this program.
2. Departmental honors (comprising standard general education requirements and departmental honors requirements). You may apply later for this program. Students who have accumulated AP or transfer credit should consider applying for departmental honors. Please contact SAFS adviser for more information about this option.

If you are a very strong student, we encourage you to apply for University Honors during the freshman admissions process. You can also apply to University Honors again at the end of your freshman year if your UW grades meet the criteria for the program.

No. UW Admissions will no longer accept letters of recommendation for freshman applicants.

Make sure you are a good employee, even if you are volunteering.

Let your referee know you would like to request a reference while you are still working with them, so they can take notes about your work.

Give your referee a copy of your resume, information about how long they have known you, a project you worked on, something you are proud of, and qualities you would like them to highlight.

Choosing an AFS major early will

1. quickly connect you with the departmental adviser who will help you develop a plan of study
2. place you on the departmental email list, which notifies you about interesting events and courses.
3. make you eligible for SAFS scholarships for incoming students

The School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences has scholarships for incoming and continuing AFS undergraduates.

When you find out you have been admitted to the UW, please email the SAFS Undergraduate Adviser at safs@u.washington.edu. Let us know which quarter you have been admitted. Return your confirmation deposit.

TIP: Be sure to read all letters and materials carefully. It is easy to miss a vital step in this process.

Once you confirm, you will be able to sign up for an Advising and Registration session (orientation.) When given the option, please try to register for an environmentally-oriented A&R session if it is scheduled, but any session is fine. (July is optimal for A&S, if possible.)

There are a number of reasons why applicants are not selected for admission in a competitive selection process. Denied applicants may prepare and apply for a future quarter, consider an admission petition, or choose to attend a community college and apply later for transfer admission. Contact Admissions and/or safs@uw.edu for assistance.