Formerly known as the Early Fall Start program, College Edge has been successfully launching new UW first-year 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.

College Edge runs from August 25 through September 19, 2025. College Edge courses meet in-person, Tuesday through Friday from 9:30am-12pm. Students will have access to academic advising throughout the program, as needed. 

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. Academic advisers and College Edge staff will provide resources that will support you on your academic journey ahead. By the time autumn quarter begins, you’ll be adjusted to school and ready for the challenge of a full load. 

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
• 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 as either a general education requirement and/or total credits needed towards graduation

Note that all courses require full participation and the same amount of academic work as any other UW course. College Edge is open to incoming first-year (freshman) students, attending UW Seattle in the upcoming academic year.

Learn more about courses and about credits and grades.

Advising Edge

College Edge offers students group advising sessions, designed to get you set up for success over the next four years. In these sessions, students will:

• Understand the structure of the University and resources available.
• Introduce you to academic advisers across many areas of academic study.
• Explore ways to challenge yourself and to set goals for UW in year one. 

Need academic advising support now? Contact college-edge@uw.edu and we'll be happy to help. 

Internship Edge 

All students enrolled in any College Edge course can participate in gesture's Internship Edge program. This is designed to expose you to the realities of the workforce and internship applications. 

This program is offered in the afternoon during the second week of College Edge. There is no additional fee to participate in Internship Edge. 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. 

First-year international students are eligible to take any College Edge course. There are specific requirements for when International Students can arrive in the U.S. Please see the International Students page for more details.

How to Get Started

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

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. 

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