Information for High School Students Considering CSE

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Welcome high school students! This page is intended for high school students who are considering a college major in Computer Science or Computer Engineering. Computer Science and Computer Engineering are dynamic and exciting fields. They’re where the action is – where the smartest young men and women are choosing to study and to work. The University of Washington's Department of Computer Science & Engineering is ranked among the top ten in the nation – along with Stanford, MIT, Berkeley, Carnegie Mellon, Cornell, Princeton, Texas, Illinois and Wisconsin. Every year, students admitted to these and other fine colleges choose to attend the University of Washington instead. When they look closely, they find that UW CSE offers an unbeatable combination: outstanding students, small classes, and a world-class faculty committed to providing a very special undergraduate experience in which research and education are seamlessly intertwined and students are brought to the forefront of the field as partners in discovery. You do not need to leave the Pacific Northwest to obtain one of the finest educations in the nation. The best high school preparation for success in Computer Science and Computer Engineering -- whether at UW or elsewhere -- is to take advanced classes (Honors, AP, IB, etc.) in English, Math and Science. It is not necessary to have had computer programming courses in high school, or computer-related work experience, in order to gain admission to our program. Advanced Placement (AP) Test Credit for those who do pursue CS in High School University of Washington students with AP scores of 4 or 5 on the Computer Science A Exam may receive credit for CSE 142. Students with AP scores of 3, or 4 on the Computer Science AB Exam may also receive credit for CSE 142. If a student receives a 5 on the Computer Science AB exam they receive credit for CSE 142 (4 cr) and 143 (5 cr). Choosing a major Most UW students choose their major after completing prerequisite courses. See our degree requirements page for CSE's prerequisites. We also admit up to 20% of each incoming class directly out of high school through our Direct Admission (DA) program. Freshman applicants to the University of Washington who list Computer Science or Computer Engineering as their intended major will automatically be considered for our Direct Admission Program. If you have already taken many advanced courses, you may want to consider the Direct Admission option. Advantages include: Inclusion in all departmental student events and activities. The ability to spread CSE course work over all four years An opportunity to get involved in research and internships earlier Access to departmental labs and facilities Connection to a group of students with similar interests More information about Direct Admission can be found in our FAQ (linked on the left-hand side of this page). To learn more about CSE, view our Capstone Design Course videos, read our Information for Prospective Students, and attend one of our Information Sessions. These and other helpful links are included to the left. Summer Programs While the CSE department does not currently offer any programs for high school or middle school students during the summer, we have included a link to local summer programs that you might find helpful. We did not compile this list nor do we specifically endorse any of these programs, but most of these are fairly well known. As with any summer program, we encourage you to check references. Summer Programs.

	Computer Science & Engineering University of Washington Box 352350 Seattle, WA  98195-2350 (206) 543-1695 voice, (206) 543-2969 FAX [comments to ugrad-advisor]