How to Apply
Note: The information listed on this page related to the Common App is only for first-year applicants. Transfer and other student types will have different instructions depending on the desired program.
We’re here to support you throughout the application process. If you have questions or need help along the way, contact us at uwbinfo@uw.edu or 425-352-5000. We look forward to helping you become part of the Husky family!
Application checklist
✓ Review our academic requirements
Confirm you meet UW Bothell’s academic requirements for admissions. You may also want to review our advanced coursework policies.
✓ Prepare your writing section essay
You will be required to submit a personal essay under the general Common App writing section. See the writing prompts below for more information.
✓ Prepare your activities and experience statements
You will be asked to describe the most significant activities you have participated in throughout high school. Find more about the activities prompt below.
✓ Prepare to submit your unofficial transcript
In order for your application to be considered complete, we must receive your most current unofficial transcript.
Navigate to “My Colleges” and find “Recommenders and FERPA” on the Common App. Invite your high school counselor who will complete the School Report and upload your transcript for you.
✓ Prepare to pay the application fee or request a fee waiver
The non-refundable online application fee is $70 for domestic students or $85 for international students. A need-based application fee waiver can also be requested.
✓ Fill out and submit your Common Application
You do not have to complete the Common App all at once. Start and save as you go. Just be sure to add UW Bothell and submit before the deadline!
Important deadlines
August 15
UW Bothell application opens. Apply on the Common Application.
October 1
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the Washington Application for State Financial Aid (WASFA) opens.
Complete the FAFSA or WASFA by February 1 to be considered for priority funding.
Dates and deadlines may change. Check the Financial Aid page for the most current information.
November 15
Applying by the non-binding early action deadline means you will receive your admission decision earlier and get priority housing.
January 15
Regular decision deadline. All applications must be completed by this date.
January – March
Admission decisions are released electronically and physically mailed.
May 1
Deadline to accept your admission by submitting your enrollment confirmation deposit as well as your financial aid award package.
June – August
Once you graduate, submit your official final high school transcripts which should state your graduation date.
If you’re taking college credits, submit your official final college transcripts as soon as they become available.
May – August
Complete the UWB101 course and new student Orientation.
Start your Application
- Create an account on Common App.
- Complete your general sections under the Common App tab.
- Use the College Search tab to add the University of Washington Bothell to your College List.
- Start the UW Bothell application from your My Colleges List. This will contain some additional information specific to UW Bothell’s application and allow you to submit your full Common App for consideration with UW Bothell.
Writing and activities sections
Did you know?
You can use our Writing & Communication Center even before you are a UW Bothell student! Our team works with students of all writing abilities and can help you craft a great personal statement.
Schedule an appointment with the WaCCThe written responses are our best means of getting to know you and your best means of creating a context for your academic performance and interests. When you write your essay, tell us about those aspects of your life that are not apparent from your academic record:
- A character-defining moment
- The cultural awareness you’ve developed
- A challenge faced
- A hardship overcome
Personal essay directions:
Choose one of the following prompts (limit: 250-650 words).
- Some students have a background, identity, interest or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.
- The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success. Recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback or failure. How did it affect you and what did you learn from the experience?
- Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome?
- Reflect on something that someone has done for you that has made you happy or thankful in a surprising way. How has this gratitude affected or motivated you?
- Discuss an accomplishment, event or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.
- Describe a topic, idea or concept you find so engaging that it makes you lose all track of time. Why does it captivate you? What or who do you turn to when you want to learn more?
- Share an essay on any topic of your choice. It can be one you’ve already written, one that responds to a different prompt or one of your own design.
Activities and experiences:
Identify and describe up to ten of the most significant activities you have participated in throughout high school. Your list should include activities, skills, achievements or qualities from any of the following categories:
- Leadership in or outside of school (athletics, student government, cultural clubs, band, scouting, community service, employment, etc.)
- Activities in which you have worked to better your school or community
- Exceptional achievement in an academic field or artistic pursuit
- Personal endeavors that enrich the mind (independent research, music, language/culture school, reading, personal business, writing, etc.)
- Family caregiving responsibilities or a high school job
Identify the category type for the activity (academic, art, athletics, etc.), provide details of the activity/experience and write a short description (limit: 150 characters).