My Chances For Getting into UW [3.88 GPA, 1560 SAT, 36 ACT, computer science]

Colleges & Universities University of Washington
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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?

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Are you a Washington State resident ? Big difference between OOS and in state.

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Yes, so I may have a better chance.

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A 3.88 isn’t 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 doesn’t happen - not the end of the world - you can do just as well from many places.

Best of luck.

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5

Your 3.88 will
also depend on where that puts you in your high school. You are on the right track and just do your best to keep your grades up.

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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 didn’t 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.

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Why worry about what you can’t control ? There are other schools (non UCs that are very good and budget friendly).

Be the best you and what is meant to be will happen.

Nothing you do can provide any assurance so don’t worry ….

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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?

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I think you have a good chance. Your GPA is borderline and might trigger them to review your test score, which is excellent.

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I don’t know any thing about your academics - as you didn’t list rigor, rank etc. You only listed a GPA.

So there’s no way to chance you.

At this point, you’re a junior. Only UW can chance you.

And you are a year away.

So it would be unfair to chance you - but for UW, you’d be in assuming you have rigor, etc. For CS, can’t tell.

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My school doesn’t do ranking so nobody knows lol.

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I did 15 aps and 17 ap tests by the end of junior year

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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)

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Like I said - you seem competitive - but you’re a year away and I’m not UW.

The school doesn’t seem the issue but CS is very difficult but in state helps a lot.

If you’ve 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 you’re willing to travel a bit, you can add the Az schools, Utah, and CU Boulder and still be not too far.

Good luck.

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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 “highest performers” is the better way to say it now, but you know the students. I have a feeling your SAT may save you (I’d expect it gets looked at b/c you should at least be ‘on the bubble’). Put the effort into getting as close to straight A’s your junior year as possible - if UW remains a top priority. Also take very strong course rigor senior year. They won’t likely see those senior grades, but they’ll 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.

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I’m no expert, but as a WA resident who’s 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 you’re in state and will have 17 AP’s by the end of junior year. You clearly have great odds but its just such a competitive CS school. Your GPA isn’t bad, at least in my opinion. Good luck!

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