Getting into the UW is difficult; getting in from out of state is even tougher, congratulations. I am from Seattle, but received the thin envelope.
UW is a great school, and in your situation I would have done the same. Here's my random mix of advice, and thoughts about Seattle. Congrats, again!
It's is a great place to live - if you're an outdoor type, there are biking/running trails all around the campus. The med school itself is right on the water, (check out South Campus Center to study, it is fabulous, generally quiet - and what a view!) However, that rain thing is true. It doesn't just rain here, it constantly drizzles from Sept-April, and actually it's raining right now.
You'll get used to it. The summers are beautiful.
(I'm headed to Tulane this summer and trading a Seattle summer for a Louisiana summer, now that's a shame.)
There are tons of students around, dentistry, nursing, graduates, law, undergrad. It's a huge campus, even a huge health sciences center. I found meeting people actually takes more effort at UW, because the place is enormous. But huge = opportunities, and resources. Once you learn your way around the maze, of course. Their NIH funding is unbelievable!
Undergrad classes fostered competition. I can't speak for the grads/prof students, but don't be surprised if a few gunners pop up. Let's see, what else? Parking is a nightmare and expensive - just buy the parking pass and life will be much easier. Traffic is getting worse by the year, so living close to campus might be wise.
And in third year, if you're on the Orthopaedics floor at Harborview, be especially kind to the nursing staff! (I worked there throughout college
Hope this made sense, I am typing and thinking at the same time. Feel free to email me, if you've got any questions. I am driving to New Orleans this weekend, and will be missing Seattle!
Bren
[This message has been edited by Bren (edited 05-26-2000).]