College Edge: Start Strong at the UW

Launch into college life early.
Formerly known as Early Fall Start, College Edge helps new Huskies begin their UW journey with confidence. For more than two decades, students have joined this program to make friends, earn credit, and get an authentic feel for college before autumn quarter begins.

You’ll take a 5-credit course taught by a UW faculty member in a small, engaging setting—learning by doing, exploring ideas, and connecting with classmates who are starting college right alongside you. By the time autumn quarter begins, you’ll already feel at home—and ready for what’s next.

Program Overview

Dates: August 24–September 18, 2026
Format: In-person, Monday–Friday, 9:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Credits: 5 credits (plus optional 1-credit add-on)

College Edge is a program of the UW College of Arts & Sciences, the largest college at the University of Washington and home to courses that form the foundation of every UW degree. Whether your major is in Arts & Sciences or beyond, this program gives you an early start on the UW experience.

Beyond the Classroom

In addition to your course, you’ll gain access to academic advising, community events, and career readiness programming from gesture—an innovative early-career lab within the College of Arts & Sciences.

This includes:

• A one-day career workshop designed to help you connect your academic interests to future goals.

• The option to enroll in ARTSCI 150D: AI, Learning, and Early Career, a 1-credit, online course (Credit/No Credit) exploring how AI and creativity are shaping the future of work. (ARTSCI 150D must be taken alongside a 5-credit seminar for a total of 6 credits.)

All gesture programming is offered outside of class hours at no additional cost; all expenses are covered by your College Edge program fee.

Why Join College Edge?

• Ease into college life before the full quarter begins.

• Make friends and connections across majors and disciplines.

• Learn from faculty mentors in small, discussion-based seminars.

• Gain early exposure to career and AI learning opportunities through gesture.

How to Get Started

Registration, costs, and housing policies for College Edge differ from the regular academic year.
Visit the Registration & Costs and Housing pages for details.

Want to learn more? Attend one of our Spring 2026 Information Sessions to meet the team, hear from past students, and discover how College Edge can help you launch your UW experience.

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.