University of Washington reports record freshman applications

College application season is wrapping up and the numbers don’t lie. It’s becoming harder to get into local universities.

The University of Washington said it received a record number of applications for its freshman class, up 16 percent from last year.

“Around the country and around the world, there’s a lot of interest in the University of Washington,” confirmed Paul Seegert, Director of Admissions for the Seattle campus.

He says the biggest increase (19 percent) has come from out-of-state students. Budget cuts in the UC system drove a huge jump in California applicants, up 31 percent.

“That’s where it’s more competitive. Washington residents only compete with other Washington residents,” explained Seegert. “It’s gotten a lot more competitive for the non-residents.”

The UW reserves two-thirds of available freshman slots for in-state residents.

Seegert said the path to that fat acceptance letter is no secret.

“It really is academics and the courses that students are taking. That’s really what students should be focusing on.”

But the competition to get noticed has never been higher.

UW freshman Angela summed it up. “Nowadays it’s not just about having a 4.0, only. It’s about how do you stand out, what makes you unique, how do you contribute to the school?”

Angela, 19, graduated from Shorewood High School in Shoreline.

She says she pushed herself academically with an eye toward college admissions departments. Even though she dislikes English, as a high schooler, “I took AP English, because I knew that [at UW] they like the challenge.”

And that’s similar to the advice professionals give.

Anne Wager is an independent educational consultant. She’s part of a growing field of counselors ready to help young people and their parents decode the daunting process of choosing and applying to universities.

“What the colleges want to hear is what makes that student unique and special,” Wager said.

“It’s always interesting when [students] are writing their essays. What they think they need to say,” she recalled. “In fact, the most interesting essays can be about some of the most basic topics that really draw out who that student is.”

Wager recommends kids think about challenging themselves with course selection early, starting their freshman year of high school. She also believes, no matter your area of interest, everyone can benefit from taking a computer programming class.

When she tours colleges all over the world, these days Wager observes one clear trend: Seattle is a hot undergrad destination.

Internship opportunities at some of the region’s heavy hitters play a big role.

“They see companies like Amazon and Microsoft hiring everybody from anthropologists to programmers,” she explained. “They want to be in this area.”

That makes it more important than ever for local students to apply to a range of schools.

“They key is to have a lot of balance on your list. Have some schools in that stretch category, some in the middle, and some more solid that you absolutely love,” advised Wager.

UW freshman Angela was excited to be accepted to her top choice. She is the first person in her family to go to college. She remembered the moment she got her acceptance letter in the mail.

“I was in complete shock. My mom was so happy. It was amazing for all of us.”

The UW’s application deadline was December 1. Like admissions departments all over the country, Seegert’s team is now busy considering the fate of 36,528 future undergraduates.

He promises those hopeful students will get their decisions starting March 15.

“It’s a long wait for students, but at least they know when the decision is coming,” he said.

Angela has some advice for anyone anxiously waiting by their mailbox.

“Don’t stress because I definitely did that,” she said. “If you don’t end up here, you might end up somewhere else that might be better for you. No one knows the future.”

The competition is fierce all over the state. Western Washington University told KIRO Radio its applications are up 11 percent already over last year. The school’s deadline is January 31.

Washington State University is also still accepting applications, but the spokesperson said the number of prospective students and families visiting campus is at an all-time high.