The University of Washington Office of Admissions first-year page shows that applications for fall 2027 entry are due November 15, 2026, with decisions released March 1 through 15, 2027; the university does not offer Early Decision or Early Action. The only required essay is the Common App personal essay, and the university accepts no letters of recommendation and conducts no interviews. The deadline falls two weeks before the University of California deadline of November 30, so Irvine seniors applying to both should finalize the personal essay first.
Who Is Affected by the University of Washington First-Year Deadline
Seniors planning to enter in fall 2027 who have the University of Washington on their college list. The admissions pages list these requirements:
| Item | University of Washington requirement |
|---|---|
| Platform and fee | Common App only; $85 for U.S. students, fee waivers available; $95 for international students, no waivers |
| Essay | One Common App personal essay, 250 to 650 words, any of the seven prompts, no preference |
| Optional writing | Common App “Challenges and Circumstances” up to 250 words; “Additional Information” up to 300 words |
| Grades | Self-report all courses and grades in STARS after submitting the application; no changes after submission; no transcripts unless requested |
| Standardized tests | Most applicants do not need to submit the SAT or ACT; the score deadline is December 31 |
| Not considered | Recommendation letters, interviews, demonstrated interest, portfolio-type materials |
Students seeking direct admission to computer science, computer engineering, the College of Engineering, or the Foster School of Business must list that major as their first choice; the second-choice major is not used for direct-to-major placement.
What University of Washington Applicants Should Do Now
Make one personal essay serve both lists. The University of Washington reads a single personal essay and requires it to be the applicant’s original work; any review by a parent, teacher, or AI tool must be used responsibly. The seven prompts are explained in Common App 2026-27 Essay Prompts, and students who want draft-by-draft revision can learn about the EDUBUS College Essay Bootcamp.
Check the self-reported record carefully. Students at Irvine Unified School District (IUSD) high schools should enter each course in STARS from an unofficial transcript, using the same email as on the Common App. For planning alongside the University of California filing period, see UC Application Deadline Is November 30 and the University Admissions Planning service.
Sources
- University of Washington Office of Admissions: First-year (accessed October 13, 2026)
- University of Washington Office of Admissions: How to apply (accessed October 13, 2026)
- University of Washington Office of Admissions: First-year writing section (accessed October 13, 2026)
- University of Washington Office of Admissions: Dates and deadlines (accessed October 13, 2026)
- UC Admissions: Dates & deadlines (accessed October 13, 2026)
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