Freshman Admissions
All students who would like to study Aquatic and Fishery Sciences at the University of Washington, must be admitted to the UW. UW admissions information and forms are at:
Should I declare my major on the admissions application?
All students who apply to the University of Washington are eligible to declare Aquatic and Fishery Sciences as their intended major right on the admissions application. Students do this by entering “AFS” as the “Major Code” on the application (question # 3-b) and by stating in question #4 that you’d like to declare at this time. By doing so, you will be able to access all of the services in the department immediately and will have direct access to the Undergraduate Adviser, Lin Murdock.
What factors are considered by UW Admissions?
Admission to the University of Washington is very competitive, which means that there are more applicants than the university can accommodate. Applicants are evaluated on their completion of high school subject requirements and their academic performance as measured by high school GPA and test scores, a personal statement, and by other factors noted with the University application. Students are encouraged to declare Aquatic and Fishery Sciences (AFS) as their major on the admissions application, if they are fairly sure it is the major in which they are interested. Non-traditionally-aged and Students of Color are especially encouraged to apply. All students should take special care in writing their personal statements and should work with a guidance counselor or respected teacher for assistance.
Beginning Winter 2005, UW Admissions will begin to evaluate students not only on their experiences, grades, etc., but also by looking at which majors the student is interested in, matching those students to the academic programs at the UW which have the space to accommodate those students. So, the university will be looking for students who have a sense of the direction they might be headed, career-wise. This doesn’t mean that students should choose a major they’re not interested in just to get in, but if a student knows s/he is interested in Aquatic & Fishery Sciences, it may help to state that on the application.
What courses/activities should I do in high school to prepare?
Students are strongly encouraged to have completed in high school pre-calculus and at least one unit each of biological and physical science in addition to the UW core admissions requirements. Also, students who have taken chemistry in high school tend to do better in college-level chemistry. Students are also encouraged to do volunteer work in the field. Also, seek out opportunities to do as much writing as you can. Students entering the sciences don’t usually realize how much writing will be involved in both college and their future careers.
What should I do when I found out I’ve been admitted to the UW?
When you learn you’ve been admitted, please email the SAFS Undergraduate Adviser, Lin Murdock, at safs@u.washington.edu, letting her know which quarter you’ve been admitted for. This will allow her to be in touch with you about good course choices for your first quarter. Also, you should sign up for Freshman Advising and Registration, which most often occurs in Summer. If there is one focused on biology and the environment, try to sign up for that one if it fits in your schedule.
What should I do if I’m not admitted?
Don’t despair if you are not admitted as a freshman. About 40% of Aquatic & Fishery Sciences undergraduates enter as transfer students. Please see the section under Transfer Students for more information.
