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Comparable Schools'
Academics Grades:
Quick StatsStudent-Faculty Ratio
11:1
Average Course Load
3-4 courses
Faculty with Terminal Degree
89 %
College Prowler Take
At UW, it’s difficult to predict whether a student will shine or burn when exposed to the collegiate academic spotlight. Thanks to the size of the University, students have an expansive selection of courses and professors each quarter, and an equally impressive breadth and depth of ripe resources. And, also, because of the size of the University, the quality of classes and the teaching styles of professors range widely. Some teachers boast of rave student reviews, and others stay too preoccupied with research, tenure, or recognition to show passion in the classroom. Because so many professors call UW home, it’s impossible to predict how impressed or disappointed a student will be in his or her classes and with his or her teachers. And because so many students call UW home, professors don’t usually cater to stragglers—most often, a student sinking in an intro-level class won’t get help unless he or she asks. Intro-level classes are the universal initial hurdles of the race. Some find the academic isolation kind of cozy, a veritable security blanket from the ever-looming threat of participation, while others feel lost at sea in the vastness of the lecture hall. However, class size shrinks with time, and eventually, upperclassmen-level courses recall the intimacy of high school. In addition, attending a large research University has perks for independently motivated students. Super-sized academia doesn’t have to intimidate—plenty of UW kids ask questions, go to office hours, and make friends with professors. A motivated, proactive learner can always find his or her own niche in which to flourish. Students Speak Out
Love your school more than free food? Hate your school more than term papers?
Somewhere in between? Show the world what YOU think of YOUR school:
Anonymous says:  |
The teachers (professors and TAs)...
The teachers (professors and TAs) that I’ve encountered have all been very friendly and helpful. |
Anonymous says: |
The teachers were all pretty good....
The teachers were all pretty good. They’re all very willing to help the students grasp the concepts being taught, and they want to see the students succeed. UW has interesting classes, but that’s just dependent on what each individual likes. Once you’re clear of general education requirements, you can take classes that are interesting to you. I was really expecting so much more out of the UW, but I was disappointed in the teaching structure of the classes. It’s not necessarily that the classes are too large, but the professors with the most experience in the subject matter are the least involved in the education process in most classes. Also, classes vary from quarter to quarter and professor to professor. Some of the classes are interesting, but several of the professors are so difficult to understand that you spend more time trying to know what they are saying than what they are actually trying to teach you. |
Anonymous says: |
I’ve found UW to have a wide...
I’ve found UW to have a wide variety of teachers. They vary in methods and approach; overall, however, the quality of the teaching staff, I feel, is extremely competent. Mostly after approaching them I’ve found the staff to be friendly and open, and I would stress the importance of getting to know your teachers. |
Anonymous says: |
I think the level of interest in a...
I think the level of interest in a class is almost directly related to who the teacher or professor is. I’ve taken classes where the course content could have been far more interesting and engaging had the instructor been able to make it so and been able to keep my attention. Especially in long lectures, make sure you get into a class you are willing to sit through. |
Anonymous says: |
The professors and instructors are...
The professors and instructors are quite amazing. Many people shy away from the UW because of class size, which can get as large as 700 students. However, in certain classes such as math, chemistry, and psychology, the huge lectures are Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, and on Tuesday and Thursday, we have what is called a quiz section, where the students are broken into smaller groups to meet with a TA, so that a more intimate conversation can occur. |
FactsMost Popular Majors
- Social sciences - 19 %
- Business/marketing - 11 %
- Biological/life sciences - 10 %
- Engineering - 9 %
- Communications/journalism - 6 %
Degrees Awarded
- Bachelor's
- Doctorate
- First professional
- First professional certificate
- Master's
- Post-master's certificate
Special Degree Options
- Cooperative education program
- Distance learning
- Double major
- English as a Second Language (ESL)
- Exchange student program (domestic)
- Friday Harbor Labs
- Honors Program
- Independent study
- Internships
- Student-designed major
- Study abroad
- Teacher certification program
Class Sizes
- 20 to 49 students - 48 %
- 50 or more students - 17 %
- Fewer than 20 students - 35 %
Undergraduate Schools
- Architecture
- Arts and Sciences
- Business
- Engineering
- Forest Resources
- Nursing
- Ocean and Fishery Sciences
- Public Health and Community Medicine
- Reserve Officers Training Corps Programs
- Social Work
Graduation Rates
- 4-Year - 51 %
- 5-Year - 76 %
- 6-Year - 77 %
Best Places to Study
- The Quad on a nice day
- Odegaard, Allen, or Suzzalo—specifically, the Suzzalo Reading Room.
AP Test Score Requirements
Possible credit for scores of 3, 4, or 5
IB Test Score Requirements
Possible credit for scores of 5 or higher
Did You Know?Best Places to Study:
Odegaard, Allen, or Suzzalo—specifically, the Suzzalo Reading Room. The Quad on a nice day.
Most Recent Contributing Author
Name: Emily Sugiyama
Hometown: Seattle, WA
Major: English/Women's Studies There's a strong likelihood that Emily will be teaching ESL in Korea next year. Contributing Author Internship
College Prowler is actively seeking talented students to be "Contributing Authors," and assist with updating
the College Prowler guide to their school. This is a great opportunity for a student to gain internship experience, be a part of a nationally
recognized company, gain tremendous exposure, utilize new media techniques, and share advice with high school students about what life is
really like at your college. Read more about the internship.
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