Transfer Admissions and Preparation
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 answering “yes” to question #4.) 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 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 at the community college level. Transfer students are also required to submit test scores and a personal statement. Non-traditionally-aged and Students of Color are especially encouraged to apply.
For prospective transfer students, it is vital that you consider your choice of major and note that choice both on the application and in the personal statement. 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. The university will be looking for students who have a sense of the direction they might be headed, career-wise.
Also, the UW will be considering whether a prospective student could access the type of experience an applicant wants at another institution. Applicants to the School of Aquatic & Fishery Sciences have an advantage here, since there are no other programs covering this same content at any other public institution in the state of Washington, and very few nationally.
Also, the UW is interested in admitting students who will come in, take the classes they need and graduate. For this reason, please read carefully the section below on course preparation.
What courses should I take at the community college? Should I get an Associate’s Degree?
The UW is beginning to consider how well-prepared prospective students are for their major when they decide whether or not to admit a student. It is most important for you to complete the suggested courses outlined on the Transfer Planning Worksheet.
Of course we would encourage you to work toward an associates degree at the community college, but the UW no longer prefers that you complete an A.S. before you apply for admission. You may apply at any point, as long as you’ve completed the courses on the worksheet above.
The most important tool for transfer students coming from Washington State Community Colleges is the Course Equivalency Guide, which should be used to plan courses before transfer. Additionally, students may find WaCAS (Washington Course Applicability System) helpful. Both may be found at:
http://admit.washington.edu/BeforeYouApply/Transfer/Plan/EquivalencyGuide
Students transferring from other institutions may contact SAFS Student Services to receive assistance regarding pre-transfer coursework.
What should I do when I find out I’ve been admitted to the UW?
When you find out you’ve been admitted to the UW, 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 help save you spots in required courses your first quarter. Also, try to sign up for a Transfer Student Advising and Registration session. If you participate in this program, New Student Programs will make every effort to schedule your advising appointment with Lin.
What should I do if I’m not admitted?
Don’t give up hope. If you haven’t completed your courses on the “Transfer Planning Worksheet,” do that. Find a volunteer opportunity. Have a couple of letters of recommendation sent to Admissions next time around. Rewrite your personal statement with another set of eyes helping you out. Contact safs@u.washington.edu for more ideas.
