Hi there. Quick and simple response.
For me, I got my AA at a community college while continuing to build on my healthcare experience. UW doesnt just look at grades when inviting you to the proctored essay. They look at your Personal Statement, Volunteering and/or work experience. For me, I had 10 years as an ER Tech to begin with, BUT, there was also someone in my class who just over the minimal requirements to get in the program. If you don't have a lot of experience, don't stress yourself out trying to get into the program at the University level. Your classes are ridiculously huge and hard to get into.
IF you can prove on your APP via your P Statement, Volunteer or work experience, decent grades ( I got in with a 3.1 cumulative), then you should at least get an invite to the proctored essay. UW wants to see that you can succeed in managing life as well as school. They don't want just book smart people. Once you get into the proctored essay you have a 1 in 3 chance of getting in.
Hope that helps.