UW Bothell STARS Program

At a glance

  • What STARS is: University of Washington Bothell’s State Academic Rising Scholars (STARS) program is a small, supportive community that helps first-year UW Bothell students prepare for technology majors. As a scholar, you get a community from the start, support and mentorship from dedicated STARS faculty and staff, career exploration, and a one-week Summer Bridge before fall quarter.
  • Who it’s for: First-year UW Bothell students who are ready to invest in their academic and professional growth. Successful STARS scholars are driven and curious, committed to learning, open to support, and focused on building career readiness. See eligibility requirements here.
  • How you get in: There is no separate application; list a technology major on your Common App. If selected, you’ll get an invitation with your admission decision in your Applicant Status Portal. Confirm by the priority deadline, May 1.

Our mission

The University of Washington Bothell State Academic Rising Scholars (STARS) program seeks to increase diversity and access for pre-major students interested in applying to and graduating with technology degrees, contributing to a more inclusive and representative workforce.

Your STARS journey

  1. Apply: Submit your UW Bothell application and select a tech major of interest.
  2. Invitation: Receive STARS invite with admissions decision.
  3. Confirm: Accept your invitation to STARS by May 1 (priority deadline) or May 17 (regular).
  4. STARS Welcome: Meet your cohort for the first time on June 17.
  5. Summer A&O: Required Advising & Orientation sessions.
  6. Summer Bridge Week: A one-week immersive program from August 16 – 21.
  7. Year One: Strengths-based skill building, complete prerequisites, STARS Seminar, career readiness, and wrap around support in courses through advising, tutoring, and peer mentors.
  8. Year Two: Continue to take prerequisites, project-based STARS seminars, career prep, and apply into major.
  9. Transition into your major: You’ll graduate from the program and continue into your major.

Key program features


We’ve partnered with STEM faculty to support your success in courses required for your major. Redesigned courses, like the two-quarter stretch Calculus I sequence and quarterly STARS Seminars, give you extra time to master core material and build a strong foundation for future courses in computer science and engineering.

Some STARS courses include:

(*courses that scholars are required to take in their first year)

Join a close-knit cohort of about 35 scholars who share your passion for technology and engineering, forming a core support network that collaborates, learns, and grows together from day one. Beyond your cohort, you’ll join a broader STARS community of faculty, staff, and industry partners.

Community building experiences include:

  • Connecting early through the Summer Bridge program
  • Taking classes together throughout the year
  • Having the option to live on campus in the dedicated STARS wing (apply for housing here)
  • Monthly community socials to interact with all cohorts and the campus community

This built-in support system helps you build relationships, confidence, and a strong sense of belonging.

In partnership with Career Services, scholars will engage in programs designed to prepare them for their lifelong career management.

Experiences include:

  • Spring Tech Trek: Visit and learn about career opportunities at local tech companies while growing your network.
  • Career fairs: Explore job opportunities and meet potential employers on campus.
  • Career workshops: Learn how to stand out as a competitive applicant while receiving application, interview and job search strategy support.
  • Alumni and industry partner networking

We’re committed to providing high-touch, personalized support in and out of the classroom. As a STARS scholar, you’ll have access to:

  • A dedicated director and advisor
  • Peer facilitators, peer coaches, and tutors
  • Opportunities to connect with faculty and industry mentors
  • A full support team for guidance throughout your journey

We’ll help you explore your purpose, set goals, prepare for your career, and build a supportive, inclusive community that promotes diversity, equity, inclusion, justice, well-being, belonging, and persistence.

Summer Bridge Week is a one-week (August 16-21) immersive summer residential experience that helps you transition to college with confidence.

You’ll get to know campus life, build your support network, and connect with key resources, so you’re ready to succeed before the academic year begins. Learn more about Summer Bridge week!

Am I eligible?

You are eligible if you:

  • Are a first-year student admitted to UW Bothell
  • Are a Washington resident
  • Have fewer than 45 transferable college credits
  • Need to take Calculus I in college
  • Have a strong interest in technology or engineering majors
  • Can attend Summer Bridge and school-year programming

A quick note on eligibility: Open to all students, the STARS Program is committed to broadening and enhancing access for all students, including women, people of color, first-gen, or low-income who wish to pursue careers in technology and engineering.

Admissions (step-by-step)

  1. No separate application: Just list a technology major (see list below) on your Common App. If you’re a Washington State resident, you’ll automatically be considered for STARS.
  2. The review: We will review your application materials to ensure you meet the program requirements and demonstrate a strong interest in pursuing tech & engineering.
  3. Keep an eye on your portal: If you’re selected, your STARS invitation will show up alongside your UW Bothell admission decision in your Applicant Status Portal.
  4. Confirm your spot: Say “YES” to STARS by May 1 (priority deadline) or May 17 (final deadline).

Current supported majors:

  • Applied Computing
  • Business: Management Information Systems (MIS)
  • Computer Engineering
  • Computer Science
  • Data Visualization
  • Electrical Engineering
  • Mathematics
  • Mechanical Engineering

A quick note on competitive majors: Computer Science and Computer Engineering are competitive to enter. STARS students begin as pre-majors and receive personalized, holistic support to help them prepare a strong application.

Housing & living

Spend your first year living at the Residential Village at UW Bothell within the STARS wing in Summit Hall (a little more than half of our scholars choose to do so every year) and experience independent living while making new friends and building connections that last throughout the school year.

If you decide to live on-campus:

  • Apply to Summit Hall within your housing application. Applications and further information about on-campus living are located on the Residential Village website.
  • Choose to room with another STARS scholar (leave your roommate question blank; we’ll assign one later) or friends you know.
  • We’ll work with the housing managers to assign you and your roommate(s) to the STARS wing.

Please note that STARS is unable to provide your housing costs at this time.

Costs & funding

Being a STARS scholar does not add any additional costs. STARS seminar courses are part of your full-time credit load, and events like Summer Bridge, community socials, and Tech Trek are fully covered by STARS.

  • Summer Bridge: All costs, including meals and housing, are covered except for parking.
  • Program fees: All courses fit into the full-time credit load of 12–18 credits. There are no additional fees for being in the program.
  • Housing: Housing is the only cost we are unable to support at this time.
  • Financial aid: Admitted students who submit a FAFSA and are invited to join the STARS Program will automatically be considered for the BETS Scholarship. No separate application is required at this time. Learn more about the BETS Scholarship here.

Student stories

Read how current and former STARS scholars built skills and explored careers during their time in this special program.

“My overall experience has been very positive and helpful. I think there have been many opportunities I’ve gotten in the STARS program, and the community that STARS have built has been one of my favorite things. The community building and the cohort experience with having others you know in courses and on campus helps you build a closer bond and relationship with those around you. One piece of advice I have for students is to talk to your advisor and go out of your way to meet with them. I regret not doing that in the beginning because I didn’t know what my course schedule would look like, what to plan for classes, and many other things.”

— Maanya Sood (she/her), STARS Program Assistant and 2024 Scholar

“My experience so far in the program has been a very positive experience. The first time I met with the cohort, everyone was super nice to me and contributed a lot to the current positive environment we have now at STARS. Being involved with STARS, especially being a program assistant and working with the program, doing events, and building projects has helped me build connections with my peers. It also helped me build my skills for the future. One piece of advice for students is to check Discord often because there’s a lot of events and information being posted which is important to check.”

— Jenn Nguyen (she/her), STARS Program Assistant and 2024 Scholar

STARS in the News

STEM students shine in new STARS program

During the STARS program’s first year, students in this cohort community completed prerequisite courses and explored career possibilities.

Read more about this STARS cohort

$1.7m for new computer science program

Washington’s 2023–25 budgets include $1.7 million for UW Bothell’s School of STEM to create a computer science program for underrepresented students.

Read more about how this funding will support STEM students

Contact us

Still have questions? Use our FAQ page to find what you’re looking for or get in touch with us.

Email: uwbstars@uw.edu
Call or text: 206-850-5916

UW Bothell STARS Office Hours is an informal meeting to go over any questions you might have about the program.

schedule an appointment
meet the stars team