Transfer students

You do not need to complete an AS or AA degree to be eligible to apply to the UW, but most transfer students admitted to the UW have completed 90 credits before transfer.

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 required and must be completed before enrolling at the UW. To be competitive, applicants should try to challenge themselves by exceeding the minimum requirements. The UW also examines whether transfer students have taken additional courses that have prepared them for the departmental courses. The more courses you have completed, the better prepared you will appear.

All prospective transfer students should save copies of the syllabi for all of the courses that you take. This will facilitate evaluation of your courses, if needed.

Two tools are particularly helpful when you are choosing courses at a community college:

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

If there is no equivalency table for your institution, you will need to take similar classes to that described for Washington Community College students: a year of Introductory Biology with Lab, a year of General Chemistry, Math through at least Pre-calculus (there is a strong preference for two quarters or semesters of calculus), and English Composition. We also suggest Introductory Oceanography, a quarter of Organic Chemistry, and two quarters/semesters of Physics.

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.

Transfer Information Session

These sessions provide admissions information and opportunities to learn about financial aid, housing and other UW resources.

Please email safs@uw.edu and schedule an appointment with the undergraduate adviser before your visit to campus. This appointment can occur on the same day as the Transfer Information Session described above.
It is particularly helpful if you email unofficial copies of your transcripts so that the adviser has an opportunity to review your options before you meet.

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.

Transfer students are admitted to the UW for summer, autumn and winter quarters. It’s important to get your materials in by the deadline. We encourage you to apply when you have completed your chemistry and biology series, as well as math through pre-calculus (preferably through 2 quarters of calculus).

Admission to the University of Washington is competitive. Applicants are evaluated on their completion of high school subject requirements and their academic performance at the community college level. Transfer students are also required to submit test scores and a personal statement.

UW Admissions evaluates students on their experiences and grades as well as their declared interest in a major. For more information about this comprehensive review, click here.

Letters of recommendation are not required or expected although they are considered and can be helpful in compelling or unusual circumstances. Click here for some tips!

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.)

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’ll be able to sign up for an Advising and Registration session. As soon as you know that date, email safs@uw.edu and the adviser will set aside time on that date to meet with you as well.

If you were denied because you have not completed your courses on the Transfer Planning worksheet required for admission, take the courses. Find a volunteer opportunity. Include letters of recommendation in your next application. Rewrite your personal statement and ask someone to review it.
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.