University of Washington

https://www.quora.com/What-is-your-review-of-University-of-Washington

• There are many positive reviews written about it.

https://www.quora.com/What-are-the-downsides-of-attending-the-University-of-Washington

• Someone else mentioned that it is difficult to take higher level courses from a different major and claimed that other universities like MIT or CalTech or the “Ivies” would provide more “freedom”. That is simply not true. All high level classes have prerequisites, most of which are essential to a well-designed curriculum that builds upon previously learned knowledge. As someone who has taught both lower and upper level classes in engineering, I can say that this is essential. Those who have attempted to skip these prerequisites generally do not perform well because they have gaps in their learning. This is the same in all universities. This is not about “trust” in the undergraduates, but about an effective learning structure and ensuring that the limited resources of the UW are used efficiently for those who can benefit the most.

• Research focus - which can be good for graduate students, but not so much for undergraduates since teaching can take a lower priority for some faculty members. All faculty (except Research Assistant Professors) are required to teach some classes, whether they want to or not. My suggestion is to get advice from Rate a Professor and your peers to figure out whose classes you should take.

• Generally speaking, you have to survive your first 2 years at UW before you can select a major. Unlike many schools, most majors are competitive. So even if you get into UW, it doesn’t mean you would get into the major of your choice. There are two levels of selection. For example, Computer Science & Engineering is a highly competitive major. However, at many schools, once the university accepts you, you are welcome to choose whatever major you want. That is not the case at UW.

  • It’s similar to the entrance exam system at the University of Tokyo (Todai) in Japan.
  • Well, I’ve seen reviews saying that’s not true as well.