ARRIVE EARLY, START STRONG

College Starts Here. Arrive early, UW credit, lasting friendships. Reserve your spot today.

Initiate Your College Experience

Get a head start on your University of Washington journey with College Edge — a four-week program designed for new UW students who want to begin college with confidence and momentum.

During this experience, you’ll:

  • Complete a UW course before Autumn quarter begins

  • Earn 5 credits toward your degree
  • Build familiarity with campus life, resources, and support networks
  • Connect with faculty and fellow new Huskies
  • Explore new tools and strategies — including introductory, low-pressure uses of AI — to support your learning

College Edge runs August 24 – September 18, 2026, and is centered on helping you strengthen academic skills, build community, and feel fully prepared for your first full quarter at UW.

Start your UW journey strong — with College Edge!

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Jump Into the UW

Meet new friends and get ready for the school year at the University of Washington.

Learn About the Program
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Earn Credits Towards Your Degree

Dig deeply into your UW coursework with a five-credit course that applies towards your first year. 

Dive Into Learning

Choose Your Course

College Edge offers course options for both incoming first-year students and incoming transfer students. Select the pathway that applies to you below to explore the course offerings.

 

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First-Year Student Discovery Seminars

Explore a unique, engaging topic in the Arts, Humanities, Social Sciences or Natural Sciences in a small class setting with a UW professor.

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Transfer Student Discovery Seminars

These small, discussion-based seminars are designed to help you settle in quickly and confidently.

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Get a Head Start—Online Too

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