Early Entrance Program: The Transition School
Notes for Prospective TS Students: Completed applications for the 2008-2009 academic year are due on March 14, 2008. Interested students should take the ACT exam on September 15, October 27, December 8, or February 9. Please see the TS application packet for more information, and attend the TS information session on December 12. TS faculty and staff are available for presentations to your school or organization; please contact Dr. Nancy Sisko at 206-543-4160 to arrange a date.
The Transition School is a one-year academic program that enables students to move from their traditional middle-school setting to the University of Washington with the skills and maturity needed to earn a university education. A class of sixteen students enters the Transition School each year. Students must have completed 6th grade before they can enroll in the Transition School.
Transition School is held daily in a classroom at the Robinson Center. Students take the core Transition School classes together, where they create a network of relationships with each other, the Transition School faculty and the staff of the Robinson Center. The unique setting of a one-room schoolhouse within a large university provides frequent opportunities for individual attention from the faculty, developing friendships and exploring the resources of the University of Washington. Most faculty offices are located within the Center, as well as the Academic Advisor's and Director's office.
The Transition School's small, demanding classes are taught by an experienced faculty and offer students the chance to stretch their minds and develop more advanced conceptual, verbal, scientific and mathematical skills. Students take classes in mathematics, science, literature and writing, history, and philosophy designed to prepare them for the academic rigor of the UW.
High priority is placed on college survival skills such as note taking, time management and study skills. Educational field trips and recreational activities and are also provided. Students are encouraged to make use of all University opportunities, and to create friendships both within and outside of the Transition School program.
Admissions Timeline for 2008-2009 Academic Year
- Nov 2, 2007 - Deadline for the Dec 8th ACT exam
- Dec 8, 2007 - National ACT date
- Dec 12, 2007 - TS Information Session at 7 pm, Room A 102 in the Physics/Astronomy Building. Parents, students, and teachers are invited to attend.
- Jan 4, 2008 - Deadline for the Feb 9th ACT exam
- Feb 9, 2008 - National ACT date. This is the LAST ACT students applying for TS can register for. (Special considerations must be cleared through Dr Sisko)
- March 14, 2008 - TS Application deadline. By this date we must have an application form, ACT test scores and grades on file.
- May 21, 2008 - Last day for TS class visits and interviews.
- May 22, 2008 - TS acceptance decisions completed and mailed.
ACT Information
- The TS code for the ACT is 481174. Students should use this code when registering for the ACT exam.
- Students must register for the ACT with writing.
- Students need a current ACT score; they must take the ACT this year to apply this year.
- Teacher recommendations are via phone only (no written recs). Typically 1/2 hour with Dr. Sisko.
- Recommendations are only asked for once a completed file has been reviewed and found satisfactory.
- Interviews/visits are only arranged after satisfactory teacher recommendations are completed.
- Student must not be older than 14 as of August 31, 2008.
- Financial aid is available (decisions are made after the entire TS class is chosen).
- Public, private, and homeschooled students are welcome!
- Student (with parents) must reside in Seattle metro area.