Overview

Formerly known as the Early Fall Start program, College Edge has been successfully launching new UW students into their college careers for over two decades. College Edge provides a unique opportunity — to make friends, to take a unique experiential course with a UW faculty member in an intimate setting, and to learn what college life is all about.

College Edge is a College of Arts and Sciences program. The College of Arts and Sciences is the largest college on the University of Washington campus, offering courses that are at the heart of every UW undergraduate student's education. Whether students select an A&S major or minor, or find their academic home elsewhere on campus, the College of Arts and Sciences is thrilled to welcome new first-year undergraduate students into this next exciting chapter of their academic lives through College Edge.

Can’t wait to get to get started at UW? College Edge allows you to arrive early and start strong.  

Students in Suzzallo Library

Launch Yourself at the UW

It’s natural to be a little nervous about making the transition to college. You might be wondering what to expect in terms of classwork or how you’ll make new friends.

College Edge allows you to ease your way into life at the UW. You’ll take one 5-credit course, connecting with the professor and other students in a small class setting. You'll have weekly advising sessions to introduce you to resources that will support you on your academic journey ahead. By the time autumn quarter begins, you’ll be adjusted to school and ahead of the game.

"This program made me very excited to continue school here. I loved meeting people interested in similar things as I am. I liked having an opportunity to start college in a less overwhelming way."

-Former College Edge Student

Enjoy a Great Class (and Get Credit for It)

College Edge allows students the space to get used to college-level coursework by taking a single class before their first year begins. Earning 5 credits in this program means that College Edge students can opt to take a lighter load in Autumn quarter if they wish to.

 All College Edge courses are:

  • Four weeks in length, August 19th - September 13th, 2024
  • Taught by regular UW faculty and instructors
  • Designed to introduce you to disciplines across the College of Arts and Sciences 
  • Limited to 25 students or less, in most cases
  • Worth 5 credits 
  • Counted towards general education and/or future major and minor requirements

Note that all courses require full participation and the same amount of academic work as any other UW course.

Learn more about courses and about credits and grades.

Advising Edge

Students studying together

College Edge offers students a weekly group advising session, designed to get you set up for success over the next four years. Each Monday, College Edge students will meet for their designated Academic Advising Session, where they will become familiar with campus resources and the structure of the UW. 

  • Understand the structure of the University and resources available to support you.
  • Introduce you to a wide array of academic advisers across many areas of academic study.
  • Expand your understanding of majors and minors.
  • Bridge the gap between your academic interests and career opportunities.
  • Explore ways to challenge yourself and to set goals for UW in year one. 

Kick-Start Your Career 

All students enrolled in any College Edge course can participate in gesture's Story for Success workshop. This program is designed to get you ready for all of the networking that you are going to do over the next four years and beyond. You will workshop your range of stories and get feedback from professionals on how to make a strong impression. 

This program is offered in the afternoon during the second week of College Edge. There is no additional fee to participate in Story for Success. All costs are covered by your College Edge program fee. More details will be provided when you arrive on campus for College Edge. 

Learn more about gesture and check out their podcast. 

International Students

First-year international students are eligible to take any College Edge course they want. See the International Students page for more details.

How to Get Started

College Edge registration, costs and housing policies are different from the regular academic year. See the Registration & Costs page and the Housing page for more information.

The University of Washington is fully committed to equal opportunity, diversity and access and inclusion.

Land Acknowledgement

Taught on the University of Washington's Seattle campus, the College Edge program takes up residence on the land of the Coast Salish peoples, whose ancestors have resided here since Time Immemorial and continue to thrive today. 

Questions?

We are happy to answer any questions you may have about College Edge! Contact us at:

college-edge@uw.edu