Applying to the Economics Major
How to Apply?
Check to be sure that you meet the major requirements to apply. To check departmental requirements, click here.
To apply for either the BA or the BS in Economics requires the following materials:
- A completed application form (available in Savery 305 or below),
- A current unofficial UW transcript, which can be obtained from the Undergraduate Advising Gateway Center in Mary Gates Hal or on MyUWl,
- For students who have any transfer credits from other colleges or universities, we need your advising file, which includes transcripts from other schools as well as the UW transfer evaluation form. Your advising file can be obtained from Undergraduate Advising in Mary Gates Hall. If you are already in another major, then request a copy of your advising file from that program.
- A one-page personal statement, typed and double-spaced, responding to the following questions: What are your personal/educational goals, and how do you expect those goals to be met through an economics major? What background do you bring to the program? Describe any special circumstances that would contribute to your studies in the field.
Repeat Policy: each of the prerequisite courses can only be repeated once. We will take into account the better of the two grades.
Drop off the complete application packet in person at the Advising Office in Savery 305 during office hours.
When to Apply?
You can apply any quarter (fall, winter, spring) provided that you have completed all the prerequisites courses. Applications are due no later than the second Friday of the quarter.
Admission to the Department of Economics is competitive. Meeting the basic criteria does not guarantee admission to the major.
In the Autumn 2009 quarter, 78% of those that applied were accepted to the Economics major. The average GPA of those accepted was 3.5. As an average, this means that some of those accepted had a GPA lower than 3.5 (just as many were above the average). The admissions committee considered many factors when making its decisions: cumulative GPA, prerequisite GPA, the overall strength of the applicant's academic background, and the quality of the applicant's personal statement.
Getting the Application
The application for the major is available online. You will need
the Adobe Acrobat Reader in order to view this document. If you do not
have Acrobat, click here
to get it. To download the application, click on the appropriate link
below. Printed copies of the application are available from the advising
office, in Savery Hall, room 305.
Download the application here.
When you have completed the required classes, fill out the application and return it in person with the required materials to Economics Undergraduate Advising, Savery 305.
Last Updated October 27, 2009
