Prepare for Informatics

Note: If you are transferring from another school, please also look at the Transfer Students page.

General Suggestions for All Prospective Students

  • To prepare for the technical strand, take courses that develop strong analytical, qualitative, and quantitative reasoning skills.

  • To prepare for the human-centered strand, take courses in the social science fields, especially ones that develop written and oral communication skills.

  • The Informatics program does not have a math course as a prerequisite. However, we encourage students to develop mathematical and analytical skills. This will help with the computational reasoning and algorithmic thinking required in later in the program. (Most of our majors have at minimum an applied calculus course.)

  • Engage in opportunities to develop technical skills and knowledge (e.g., as a hobby, participation in organizations, part-time jobs, etc.).

  • Attend an Informatics information session or Web chat. View schedule.

  • Attend an Informatics Capstone Presentation event. This annual public event takes place in late spring quarter and showcases the Capstone projects of our senior Informatics majors.

  • Get an insider’s view! Talk to current Informatics majors by contacting IUGA, the Informatics Undergraduate Association.

  • Talk to your adviser, whether at UW, community college, or high school.

  • Email an Informatics adviser at informatics@washington.edu.

Suggestions for Freshman Direct Admission Program (FDAP) Applicants

  • Apply to UW Office of Undergraduate Admissions in a timely fashion. Indicate your interest in the Informatics program when applying to the UW.

  • Freshman applicants who indicate interest in the Informatics major will be automatically considered for the Informatics Freshman Direct Admission Program (FDAP). Freshmen applicants will be considered for FDAP participation based on an evaluation of various qualitative and quantitative factors, including high school GPA, SAT scores, personal statement, and any additional information provided in their application file.

  • Students selected for FDAP will be awarded Informatics major status upon admission the UW and will be involved in the academic and social life of the Information School, participating in courses, activities, and research opportunities as appropriate for each year within the major, including their freshmen and sophomore years. For more information on the FDAP, please visit the Informatics Web site.

  • FDAP planning guide: [Download PDF]

Suggestions for Prospective Honors Program Students