Congratulations on knowing what you want to study! If you are interested in Aquatic Sciences, including Marine Biology or Freshwater Ecology, we offer some advice for steps you can take towards your future goal.
Recommended courses in middle and high school |
Take as much math, science and writing as you can, while keeping your grades high. Writing is very important in science. A strong background in math and science will better prepare you for college, and it is likely you will have more fun when you arrive. We recommend students take AP and Honors courses if they are offered by their school. To learn more about how the UW uses AP scores, click here. |
|---|---|
Courses requirements for UW admission |
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. |
Volunteering and internships |
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. Summer camps and programs are a good idea. Ask about scholarships if program attendance is a financial hardship for your family. Here are a few programs in the Seattle area:
If you cannot find an opportunity that is directly in the area that you are interested in, try to find something that uses similar skills (for example, landlocked students who want to study marine biology could volunteer in stream restoration). The American Fisheries Society offers an internship/scholarship program for high school juniors and seniors called the Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program *Listings on this page are not endorsements of specific programs listed. Please exercise due diligence. |
Plan for a strong admission package |
Cultivate teachers and supervisors who could serve as references for scholarships and other opportunities. Be a good employee, even if you are volunteering. |
Next steps |
When it’s time to apply to the UW (you should start planning in the summer after your junior year in high school), you should review our Prepare-Visit-Apply webpage for prospective freshmen. |