For Three Quick Questions, I send the same three questions to admissions representatives at colleges all over the country (the subject line of the e-mail is “Three quick questions”), and then I hope to hear back from them. When I do, I’ll post them on Apply with Sanity. It’s that simple.

The three questions are meant to probe some of the things that make a school unique but that aren’t easily captured as a stat to go in a book or web search.

This response is from Joseph Franco, Admissions Counselor at the University of Washington.

What is a course, tradition, program or event that is unique to the University of Washington?

One of my favorite traditions at the University of Washington takes places during Advising & Orientation in Sylvan Grove. Four white columns stand at one end of the grove, representing loyalty, industry, faith and efficiency. As they prepare to begin their time as students, each participant chooses one column to touch that represents what they want to work for in their journey at the UW. At the end of their time at the UW, students return to Sylvan Grove to touch the same pillar and complete the circle of their accomplishments.

Naturally every college wants to recruit the perfect student--high grades, high test scores, involved in their community, leadership...everything. But what kinds of imperfect students tend to flourish at U of Washington?

At the University of Washington, students are chosen based on a holistic review. We look at the numbers, but we recognize that grades and test scores don’t tell the whole story. We want to know what experiences have defined our students, what they care about. In that way, we aren’t looking for just the stereotypical perfect student. We want students who aren’t afraid to tackle challenges and pursue progress. We want students with a connection to others, both near and far. Above all, we believe that what you care about can change the world, and students who embody that belief are the ones who flourish at the UW.

When people come to visit the UW, what's a place off campus that you recommend they check out while they're there?

Seattle is a unique environment. It has all the things you want from a large metropolitan city — including vibrant career, arts and sports opportunities — but it’s surrounded by unparalleled natural beauty that allows for experiences you can’t find in the same way in other cities. I encourage visitors to take advantage of that uniqueness. It’s difficult to narrow down the opportunities for exploration, but I would recommend jumping on the West Seattle water taxi from downtown to Alki Beach. Catch a glimpse of the wildlife that comingles with the residence there, and get a bite to eat at one of the many restaurants. Or, if you have a little extra time, schedule in a day-trip on a ferry to one of the local islands in the Puget Sound.

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Photo by Angela Elisabeth.