How hard is it to get into the University of Washington nursing major as an undergrad?

It is very hard to get into the University of Washington’s undergraduate nursing program. In practice, you should think of it as a highly competitive major where strong academics alone may not be enough.

A realistic competitive profile usually includes a very strong high school transcript with rigorous coursework, especially in science and math, plus clear evidence that nursing is a well-informed and sustained interest. That can include healthcare volunteering, caregiving, community service, work with vulnerable populations, or other experiences that show you understand the human side of nursing. UW also pays close attention to writing and fit, so your essays matter a lot.

In terms of what is usually needed, successful applicants often have top grades in demanding classes like biology, chemistry, calculus or statistics, and strong English coursework. There is no single guaranteed GPA or activity list, but the most competitive students usually combine high academic performance with meaningful service and a very specific reason for pursuing nursing. Broad interest in healthcare is less convincing than concrete exposure, such as supporting patients, working with older adults, or involvement in public health or disability advocacy.

UW nursing should be considered a reach for almost everyone, even very strong applicants. If it stays on your list, it makes sense to build a balanced list with other direct-entry nursing programs too, because the admit pool is strong and spaces are limited.