Incoming Freshmen apply to the University of Washington and spend their first one to three years as pre-engineering majors. Students who indicate an interest in engineering on their UW application are placed into the College of Engineering and automatically assigned pre-engineering status. During the pre-engineering quarters, students take a series of prerequisite courses preparing them for application to majors.

While some students may already know what engineering major they want to pursue, most will spend a bit more time making the decision. We have several resources available to help you to explore and to make choices that will get you where you want to go. Check out Explore Engineering for more information.

Consider Living in the “Engineering Community”

A great way to get to know your peers is to live in the “Engineering Community,” several floors of McCarty Hall reserved for freshman and sophomore engineering students. Residents can go to classes and study together, buy books from each other, commiserate over tough courses, and find time to play games or work out at the IMA.

Resident Advisers, who are also engineering students, plan social activities such as trivia and movie nights, gallery or museum visits, pumpkin carving, outdoor trips, and community service opportunities. Programs sponsored by the College of Engineering expose residents to advising resources, career fair preparation, faculty lunches and dinners, and informal meetings with local business people.

Also in McCarty Hall:

• Ian's Domain, an Internet cafe with a big-screen TV
• Large residence hall rooms, complete with movable furniture
• Ethernet access in the rooms
• A lounge with ping-pong and pool table

To request to live in Engineering Community, submit your Housing Application by May 15. On your application, select "Engineering Community" in the Special Interest Community Preference area.

Engineering Scholarships

In addition to the general student scholarships and financial aid offered by the University of Washington, students intending to major in engineering are invited to apply for College of Engineering scholarships. See Engineering Scholarships for the common application form and additional details.

Direct Freshman Admission to Engineering

All engineering departments admit a small number of incoming freshman directly into the department. Students who indicate an engineering program as their intended area of study on their UW application are considered for direct admission.

STEM Bridge for Incoming Students

STEM Bridge is a four-week residential experience for incoming freshmen planning to major in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math. Usually held in the first part of August on the UW Seattle campus, students live in a UW residence hall. Learn more about the Bridge program.