The Academy for Young Scholars at the University of Washington

Michelle Lee

The Academy for Young Scholars is a program designed by the Robinson Center for Young Scholars at the University of Washington for highly motivated and academically excellent students to enter the University of Washington after completing their sophomore year in high school. Every year, thirty-five students are carefully selected to be admitted to this early university entrance program.

The staff of the Robinson Center has created the Academy Bridge Program to guide Academy student through the transition from 10th grade to the University. The Bridge Program introduces the students to university-level work and the expectations at the University. It consists of three components-an orientation at Camp Indianola, the lecture course and discussion sections in September, and a Fall Quarter Seminar/Writing Link. There is also a summer Chemistry course for interested students designed for Academy students-this class is highly recommended for admitted Academy students.

Academy Admission is extremely competitive. Selections are based on ACT/SAT with Writing scores, high school transcripts, required essays, and teacher recommendations. Every applicant is required to take the SAT or ACT exam with Writing and should register in the fall of their 10th grade year. Statistically, the average GPA of the 2013 incoming Academy class had an average ACT composite score of 32 (full score of 36), average SAT score of 2020 (full score of 2400), and average high school GPA of 3.95 (full score of 4.00).

Prospective Academy students must complete the standard University of Washington Application for Freshman Admission. The UW Freshman Application includes a writing section of three parts-the Personal Statement, a Short Response piece, and the Journal of Activities & Achievements. Once admitted to the program, the Academy students are full-time students at the University of Washington and have complete access to all the resources at the University, including the faculty and staff at the Robinson Center for Young Scholars.

For more information about the Academy for Young Scholars, please contact the Robinson Center at Guthrie Annex 2 at the University of Washington at (206) 543-4160 or visit the website at https://robinsoncenter.uw.edu/programs/uw-academy/. You may also contact Taiwan Culture & Education Foundation for more information about the program by calling (206) 409-1100.