See what Students are Posting about University of Washington

Career Opportunities

Proximity to Seattle's tech industry is cited as a major advantage. Students frequently mention Amazon, Microsoft, and a range of startups as potential employers, along with opportunities for internships during the academic year.

Access to major tech recruiters and networking events is often a decisive factor for students comparing UW to other public or private universities.

Prestige Perception

Students view UW as highly respected, particularly for STEM fields. While it may not carry the same nationwide name recognition as Ivies or Berkeley, it is considered strong among employers and graduate programs, especially on the West Coast.

Comparisons often place UW slightly ahead of or on par with schools like UCSD, UIUC, and Purdue for tech career placement.

CS and STEM

UW's reputation for computer science, informatics, and engineering is a central driver for applicants. Students recognize the program's competitiveness and strong outcomes, particularly for those directly admitted to selective majors.

Many see UW as offering a clear pipeline into tech careers, particularly for in-state students with strong academic profiles.

Campus Life

UW's large campus and active student community are described as positive but overwhelming for some. Students highlight the beauty of the physical campus, the vibrancy of student life, and the opportunity to find niche communities within a large population.

Some note that navigating a big school environment requires extra initiative to seek out support, advising, and personal connections.

Waitlist Experiences

Posts reflect uncertainty and frustration with UW's waitlist process, particularly for high-demand majors. Some students manage multiple offers while hoping for admission off the UW waitlist, factoring financial aid and major competitiveness into their choices.

Seattle Location

Students appreciate the combination of city access and natural beauty that Seattle offers. The ability to enjoy outdoor activities while having a strong urban professional scene nearby is seen as a unique advantage compared to other large public universities.

Admissions Selectivity

Admission to UW's CS and engineering programs is described as highly competitive. Students discuss the challenges of gaining direct-to-major admission versus applying after enrollment, with many weighing backup plans if not admitted directly.

Some prospective students express concern about uncertainty in getting into their intended major after starting at UW.

In-State Value

Students highlight UW's significant affordability advantage for Washington residents. For in-state applicants, attending UW often means avoiding large amounts of student debt while accessing a top-tier STEM education.

Even for out-of-state students, some consider UW's tuition competitive relative to private universities with weaker CS or engineering programs.