The University of Washington (UW) requires a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 for an application to be considered for a holistic admissions review, specifically for its Bothell campus. This threshold is the baseline for eligibility, not a guarantee of acceptance.
Understanding UW's Minimum GPA Requirement
While 2.0 is the absolute minimum GPA required for an application to even receive a review at UW Bothell, it is crucial to understand that acceptance is highly competitive, and admitted students typically have significantly higher GPAs.
Key Admission Factors
UW campuses, including Bothell, employ a holistic review process for admissions. This means that while academic performance, including GPA, is a primary factor, it's not the only one. Other elements considered include:
- Completion of College Academic Distribution Requirements (CADRs): These are specific high school courses that prepare students for university-level work. Meeting these requirements is mandatory.
- Rigor of Coursework: The difficulty of classes taken (e.g., AP, IB, Honors) and performance in them.
- Essays and Personal Statements: Opportunities to showcase personality, experiences, and aspirations.
- Extracurricular Activities: Involvement in clubs, sports, community service, and leadership roles.
- Life Experiences: Unique circumstances or challenges overcome by the applicant.
The Difference Between Minimum and Accepted GPA
It is important to distinguish between the minimum GPA for application review and the average GPA of admitted students.
| Requirement Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Minimum for Review | A cumulative GPA of 2.0 is the lowest an applicant can have to ensure their application proceeds to the holistic review process for first-year admission at UW Bothell. Applications below this threshold may not be considered. |
| Typical Accepted GPA | Due to the competitive nature of admissions across all UW campuses, including Bothell, the average GPA of admitted students is considerably higher than the 2.0 minimum. Successful applicants often present GPAs well above 3.0, demonstrating strong academic preparedness and potential. |
Meeting the 2.0 minimum GPA means your application will be evaluated, but a higher GPA, coupled with strong performance in rigorous coursework and compelling personal attributes, significantly enhances an applicant's chances of admission.
For detailed admission requirements for UW Bothell, you can refer to their official admissions page: Admissions Requirements - UW Bothell.
