UW News

January 21, 2015

UW receives record number of freshman applications for 2015

UW News

A record 36,528 freshman applications – an increase of 5,000, or 16 percent, over last year – were submitted to the University of Washington for the 2015 academic year, according to figures released by the UW’s admissions office.  Increases occurred among all categories: 12 percent from Washington residents, 19 percent from other parts of the U.S., and 18 percent from international applicants. Approximately two-thirds of available slots in the freshman class are reserved for state residents.

“This surge of applications for the freshman 2015 class is a reflection of the University’s desirability among students here in Washington state and around the world,” said UW Provost Ana Mari Cauce. “They know that they will get a world-class education here at one of our nation’s best public research universities, and an exceptional Husky student experience. The opportunities they will encounter here are endless. We’re very gratified by these numbers.”

Growth was generally up in all demographics and regions. The majority of the increases, came from Washington (12 percent), California (30 percent), and China (17 percent).  There were also significant increases in applications from Massachusetts (29 percent), Illinois (27 percent), Texas (25 percent), Minnesota (24 percent) and New York (23 percent).

Internationally, the largest increases in applications came from India (63 percent), United Arab Emirates (54 percent), Saudi Arabia (48 percent) and Singapore (46 percent).

“The good news for Washington residents is that they do not compete with nonresidents in the admissions process,” said UW admissions director Paul Seegert. “In fact, although residents comprise only one-third of the applications, about two-thirds of the enrollment space is reserved for them.”

The UW has a pooling freshman admissions process. Decisions are not made until all applications are reviewed. Decisions will be mailed beginning March 15.

Application data for UW Bothell and UW Tacoma are not yet available because the applications are still being accepted at both campuses.