How to Apply

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How to apply

Start your Application

1. Create an account on the Common App website.
2. Complete your general Common App sections under the Common App tab.
3. Use the College Search tab to add the University of Washington Bothell to your College List.
4. Start the UW Bothell application from your My Colleges List. This will contain some additional information specfic to UW Bothell's application and allow you to submit your full Common App for consideration with UW Bothell.

Note: The first-year application is only for freshman applicants (including Running Start students). If you are a transfer student, you can find information about your application here.

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Writing and activities sections

Personal essay and diversity question

The written responses are our best means of getting to know you and your best means of creating a context for your academic performance. When you write your essays, tell us about those aspects of your life that are not apparent from your academic record:

1. A character-defining moment
2. The cultural awareness you've developed
3. A challenge faced
4. A personal 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.

Diversity question directions: Respond to the following prompt (limit: 300 words).

• Our families and communities often define us and our individual worlds. Community might refer to your cultural group, extended family, religious group, neighborhood or school, sports team or club, co-workers, etc. Describe the world you come from and how you, as a product of it, might add to the diversity of the University of Washington.

Did you know?
You can also utilize our Writing & Communication Center even before you are a UW Bothell student. They work with students of all writing abilities, and will help you craft a great personal statement. Schedule an appointment with the Writing & Communication Center here.

Activities/experience

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 a category type for the activity (academic, art, athletics, etc.), provide details of the activity/experience, and write a short description (limit: 150 characters).

Note: The Activities/Experience and Personal Essay sections of the Common App are only for first-year applicants. Transfer students will have different Personal Statement prompts depending on the desired program.