I've already submitted for Fall transfers but I wanted pointers for the department applications. I want to major in Electrical Computer Engineering or Computer Engineering. Thank you!
Personal Statement prompt: 750-1000 words, admit.washington.edu/apply/transfer/how-to-apply/personal-statement/
The bustling noise of machinery surrounds me, I stretch my arms out leaning against the shop's garage door. Looking up at the night sky, outshined by the city lights, the familiar buzz of downtown fills the air mixing with the sound of people working. It's a setting I've grown comfortable in. Living in the heart of Silicon Valley I've always been motivated by the hardworking, driven people that surround me. As I look around the shop, I realize something - while many share the same aspirations as I do, there is a distinct lack of women and even less queer representation. At that moment my phone lit up, a message asking what on Earth I could be doing on campus at 12am. I chuckle to myself wondering how I ended up here.
From a young age I've always been drawn to math, science, logic; problem solving came naturally. I loved the challenge of it. It became the approach I took to life, seeing it much like a game of mahjong, which I used to play with my great aunt. As a child, I believed that the winning hand had to be the strongest, loaded with powerful tiles that would guarantee victory. But time and time again, my aunt would smile and reveal her hand, a series of pairs and sets. While not the most powerful it was strong, balanced and effective. "Don't put all your eggs in one basket", she would remind me "There is value in differentiation."
That lesson quickly influenced my approach to academics, I began to diversify my interests, beyond taking rigorous courses I joined sports, clubs, and eventually robotics. I've always sought opportunities to learn, taking computer classes throughout middle and high school, participating in Girls Who Code to expand my programming skills, and immersing myself in robotics and woodshop classes, where I refined my hands on engineering abilities. All these experiences solidified my desire to pursue engineering even when it's often lonely.
In those spaces a tiresome pattern always emerged, I was often one of the only women and one of even fewer queer people, battling discrimination from my peers due to my identity. I refuse to let that stop me from doing what I love and in fact it makes me more determined to help make the tech industry a safer, more inclusive place for everyone, especially for people who, like me, are often overlooked. This realization sparked a shift in me. I began to see that the differentiation my aunt spoke of wasn't only in our actions but the voices of those around us. Our perspectives, our uniqueness is the source of our strength.
I created a space where underrepresented voices could be heard and celebrated, discussing important issues related to people of color and the LGBTQ+ community. We covered topics ranging from activist movements to government actions, having discussions and workshops that brought awareness to those who might have grown up without exposure to these issues. It was clear to me that the first step towards change is to talk about it as well as listening to each other.
As I continued to grow both academically and personally, I realized that the challenges I faced were deeper than just academic, I had to learn self love and social acceptance. For years I struggled with the pressures from being in a field that was not only academically challenging but also traditionally male dominated. As a queer woman of color, I often found myself fighting against social expectations and trying to grow in a space that didn't always make room for me.
Growing up, I shared a love for Formula 1 with my dad, a passion that fueled my love for cars and engineering, which was also influenced by my two grandfathers who both worked on their own cars and one of them being an engineer as well. The excitement of speed, precision, and innovation captivated me. Although I've loved cars for years I've struggled getting more involved due to constantly being ignored or brushed off due to being a queer woman, and at the extremes driven out through direct words or actions, like being objectified or being called slurs. My deeply rooted passion for cars led me to explore automotive engineering in my first year at university. That's when a poster for Spartan Racing caught my eye. I'd never imagined I would get the chance to build a race car, but it felt like fate. I dove headfirst into this opportunity, and my determination led me to become software lead. In a sea of men I found my place, my voice. Despite the challenges I faced I was fixed on continuing to push forward, proving to myself and others that I belonged.
My journey in engineering and computer science has been filled with challenges and triumphs, from overcoming self doubt in male dominated spaces to successfully leading the software development for a student formula car. This is what led me to that shop, my second home. I've made 13 hour school days my routine, pushing myself to learn, create, and grow. I am ready to continue my journey at the University of Washington, a place where I can expand my knowledge, develop new skills, and not only contribute but be a part of a community that values diversity, innovation, and collaboration. I'm excited to engage with programs like UW Formula Motorsports, WiSE and ongoing research with haptics and network control systems where I can learn to support and pioneer for other underrepresented voices in STEM and continue to challenge myself. I'm eager to bring my experiences, my perspective, and my passion for change to the UW campus, where I know I can help create a future where everyone regardless of gender, sexuality, or background can thrive in the field they love.
Prompts:
Fall 2025 ECE:
Approximately a page.
The personal statement (approximately one page, single-spaced) should describe your interest in Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE). Explain why you would like to study in the department, your goals while in the undergraduate program, and some ideas of what you would like to do after graduation.
Fall 2025 CE:
max250 words each
1) Academic History & Major Choice
2) Future Academic & Career Goals
3) Commitment to Community
4) (Optional) Tell us about how any of your identities, perspectives, or life experiences would help you contribute to the Allen School community and the computing field. This could include but is not limited to: race, ethnicity, national origin, sex, gender identity, religion, sexual orientation, ability/disability, age, socioeconomic background, academic experience, and veteran status.
Describe any significant responsibilities you may have in addition to being a student (e.g. parenting responsibilities, work, familial responsibilities). What impact has this had on your college experience?
Personal Statement prompt: 750-1000 words, admit.washington.edu/apply/transfer/how-to-apply/personal-statement/
The bustling noise of machinery surrounds me, I stretch my arms out leaning against the shop's garage door. Looking up at the night sky, outshined by the city lights, the familiar buzz of downtown fills the air mixing with the sound of people working. It's a setting I've grown comfortable in. Living in the heart of Silicon Valley I've always been motivated by the hardworking, driven people that surround me. As I look around the shop, I realize something - while many share the same aspirations as I do, there is a distinct lack of women and even less queer representation. At that moment my phone lit up, a message asking what on Earth I could be doing on campus at 12am. I chuckle to myself wondering how I ended up here.
From a young age I've always been drawn to math, science, logic; problem solving came naturally. I loved the challenge of it. It became the approach I took to life, seeing it much like a game of mahjong, which I used to play with my great aunt. As a child, I believed that the winning hand had to be the strongest, loaded with powerful tiles that would guarantee victory. But time and time again, my aunt would smile and reveal her hand, a series of pairs and sets. While not the most powerful it was strong, balanced and effective. "Don't put all your eggs in one basket", she would remind me "There is value in differentiation."
That lesson quickly influenced my approach to academics, I began to diversify my interests, beyond taking rigorous courses I joined sports, clubs, and eventually robotics. I've always sought opportunities to learn, taking computer classes throughout middle and high school, participating in Girls Who Code to expand my programming skills, and immersing myself in robotics and woodshop classes, where I refined my hands on engineering abilities. All these experiences solidified my desire to pursue engineering even when it's often lonely.
In those spaces a tiresome pattern always emerged, I was often one of the only women and one of even fewer queer people, battling discrimination from my peers due to my identity. I refuse to let that stop me from doing what I love and in fact it makes me more determined to help make the tech industry a safer, more inclusive place for everyone, especially for people who, like me, are often overlooked. This realization sparked a shift in me. I began to see that the differentiation my aunt spoke of wasn't only in our actions but the voices of those around us. Our perspectives, our uniqueness is the source of our strength.
I created a space where underrepresented voices could be heard and celebrated, discussing important issues related to people of color and the LGBTQ+ community. We covered topics ranging from activist movements to government actions, having discussions and workshops that brought awareness to those who might have grown up without exposure to these issues. It was clear to me that the first step towards change is to talk about it as well as listening to each other.
As I continued to grow both academically and personally, I realized that the challenges I faced were deeper than just academic, I had to learn self love and social acceptance. For years I struggled with the pressures from being in a field that was not only academically challenging but also traditionally male dominated. As a queer woman of color, I often found myself fighting against social expectations and trying to grow in a space that didn't always make room for me.
Growing up, I shared a love for Formula 1 with my dad, a passion that fueled my love for cars and engineering, which was also influenced by my two grandfathers who both worked on their own cars and one of them being an engineer as well. The excitement of speed, precision, and innovation captivated me. Although I've loved cars for years I've struggled getting more involved due to constantly being ignored or brushed off due to being a queer woman, and at the extremes driven out through direct words or actions, like being objectified or being called slurs. My deeply rooted passion for cars led me to explore automotive engineering in my first year at university. That's when a poster for Spartan Racing caught my eye. I'd never imagined I would get the chance to build a race car, but it felt like fate. I dove headfirst into this opportunity, and my determination led me to become software lead. In a sea of men I found my place, my voice. Despite the challenges I faced I was fixed on continuing to push forward, proving to myself and others that I belonged.
My journey in engineering and computer science has been filled with challenges and triumphs, from overcoming self doubt in male dominated spaces to successfully leading the software development for a student formula car. This is what led me to that shop, my second home. I've made 13 hour school days my routine, pushing myself to learn, create, and grow. I am ready to continue my journey at the University of Washington, a place where I can expand my knowledge, develop new skills, and not only contribute but be a part of a community that values diversity, innovation, and collaboration. I'm excited to engage with programs like UW Formula Motorsports, WiSE and ongoing research with haptics and network control systems where I can learn to support and pioneer for other underrepresented voices in STEM and continue to challenge myself. I'm eager to bring my experiences, my perspective, and my passion for change to the UW campus, where I know I can help create a future where everyone regardless of gender, sexuality, or background can thrive in the field they love.
Prompts:
Fall 2025 ECE:
Approximately a page.
The personal statement (approximately one page, single-spaced) should describe your interest in Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE). Explain why you would like to study in the department, your goals while in the undergraduate program, and some ideas of what you would like to do after graduation.
Fall 2025 CE:
max250 words each
1) Academic History & Major Choice
2) Future Academic & Career Goals
3) Commitment to Community
4) (Optional) Tell us about how any of your identities, perspectives, or life experiences would help you contribute to the Allen School community and the computing field. This could include but is not limited to: race, ethnicity, national origin, sex, gender identity, religion, sexual orientation, ability/disability, age, socioeconomic background, academic experience, and veteran status.
Describe any significant responsibilities you may have in addition to being a student (e.g. parenting responsibilities, work, familial responsibilities). What impact has this had on your college experience?
