Hello Everyone, I am currently a HS junior in need of some help and validation. My current dilemma is about college, I want to know your opinions on my chances of getting into UW CS with the following stats -
GPA: 3.88
EC Activities: Guitar in a band, drawing webtoons, making yt videos about ai and gaming, and reading ai papers. I currently spear head one npo, and another ai company with my friends for ai solutions.
Awards and Honors: AIME Qualification, Won a 10k kaggle comp (3rd), USACO Gold
Test Score: SAT 1560, ACT 36
Can a good essay and ECs compensate for a below average gpa for what im applying for?
A 3.88 isnât bad - but it depends on your rigor. They accepted 25% in state, 2% OOS.
Your test score will likely not be seen. From UW:
In fact, when reading your application, the reviewers will not see your test scores, if provided. However, test scores that fall above our middle 50% (see the freshman profile for more information) may be considered for a handful of students who may not otherwise be admitted.
There are many great CS schools - so if UW doesnât happen - not the end of the world - you can do just as well from many places.
I would say that my peers who are applying to UW CS have like a 3.93 - 4.0 range for GPA, but most of them didnât spend much time on ECs (like art or yt or companies) nor awards (like one award).
Since I am still a junior, I have some time left to bump up my GPA. Right now, if all goes to plan, my GPA could be saved to at least a 3.90 (if I get a B or two this year). But still, I am quite worried since I would rather stay close to my parents than go to somewhere like a UC.
You are right in that nothing I do really provides me with assurance. But, there can be some estimation with the stuff I am doing. So what do you guys think? Just passing it with the norm or people who get admitted into UW?
Also my school would prolly have a similar amount of rigor. Like most of the people take atleast 10 (not everyone, just higher achieving students who probably apply to uw)
Like I said - you seem competitive - but youâre a year away and Iâm not UW.
The school doesnât seem the issue but CS is very difficult but in state helps a lot.
If youâve done what you can, then cross your fingers and if you want to stay in range geographically, WWU, WSU and Oregon State are all fine choices.
If youâre willing to travel a bit, you can add the Az schools, Utah, and CU Boulder and still be not too far.
My two cents. I have two kids at UW and they have friends that got into CS, but not many. And those students were known as the brightest kids in the high school. Maybe âhighest performersâ is the better way to say it now, but you know the students. I have a feeling your SAT may save you (Iâd expect it gets looked at b/c you should at least be âon the bubbleâ). Put the effort into getting as close to straight Aâs your junior year as possible - if UW remains a top priority. Also take very strong course rigor senior year. They wonât likely see those senior grades, but theyâll see the classes you choose.
Of course there are other good options out there, but I also understand why this would be the #1 priority. A top regional university w/ an excellent CS program at a very competitive in-state price, and convenient location! Finish strong and you should have a great chance.
Iâm no expert, but as a WA resident whoâs seen many people apply to UW for CS, I think you have maybe a 50/50 chance right now, if you keep your grades. Also going off of how you said in a comment youâre in state and will have 17 APâs by the end of junior year. You clearly have great odds but its just such a competitive CS school. Your GPA isnât bad, at least in my opinion. Good luck!