Informatics is a highly competitive major and we want to offer students interested in the field the opportunity to be part of the Information School community from their first day as a Husky. Direct Admission gives high school students with a strong interest in studying Informatics the chance to apply to the iSchool while filling out their UW application. By simply selecting “Informatics” as your first-choice major on your UW application, you will automatically be considered for Direct Admission.

Application Deadline

December 1 is the application deadline for freshman to the UW — this includes Running Start students. Check UW Office of Admissions’ website for details. Note that for Direct Admission, we only consider applicants for autumn admission.

Preparation

The best high school preparation for pursuing Informatics is to take advanced high school classes (Honors, AP, IB, etc.) in English, math and science. It is not a requirement to have had computer programming courses in high school, or computer-related work experience, to gain admission to our program.

Additionally, we value students with a diverse array of abilities and interests. Being involved in sports, school, cultural or community groups can be an asset to your application.

How to Be Considered for Freshman Direct Admission

The only application you need to fill out to be considered for Freshman Direct Admission to the Informatics program is the application to the University of Washington. See the UW Admissions website for more information about general admission requirements and how to apply to the UW.

When you are ready to apply to the UW, start the application process by checking out the Office of Admissions’ Freshman Checklist. Be sure to choose “Informatics” as your first choice major to be automatically be considered by the Information School.