Wondering how to get into WashU? Read on to learn more about Washington University, the application requirements, dates, and even a step-by-step guide on how to get into WashU!
Washington University in St. Louis is a private research university founded in 1853. With 3,645 instructional faculty and over 300 academic programs, Washington University provides a fulfilling learning environment with abundant growing opportunities.
The university’s mission is “to act in service of truth through the formation of leaders, the discovery of knowledge, and the treatment of patients for the betterment of our region, our nation, and our world..”
The Washington University campus prides itself on its strong sense of community, encouragement of leadership and collaboration, inclusivity and diversity, and supportive university staff. Washington University has a 7:1 student-to-faculty ratio.
If these seem appealing and you’re interested in applying to Washington University, let’s go through the entire application process step by step!
The application round for the class of 2027 saw an acceptance rate of 12%, making Washington University quite a selective school.
Keep in mind that this doesn’t mean applying early will necessarily make it easier to get admitted, as the review process is identical for all application rounds.
Here is a table demonstrating WashU’s acceptance rate trends for the last 3 years:
The acceptance rate for all early applicants was 26%, while the acceptance rate for all regular applicants was 9%. That means applying early gives you a better chance of getting into Washington University.
With an average acceptance rate of 13% for the past four years, it is not easy to get into WashU. But it’s not impossible if your application is strong.
Due to the competitiveness of this school, you need a lot of time and effort to create a solid application profile. Make sure you start early and use your time wisely. Furthermore, try to seek all the help you can get and establish connections, especially with your counselors and teachers.
To be considered a competitive applicant, you must meet the average admission scores. Doing exceptionally well on standardized tests could be your golden ticket in the door.
The average GPA of admitted students at Washington University is 4.0. Students who meet the average GPA will stand out in their application.
The average SAT score for students admitted to Washington University is 1527. Scoring within this range or higher will make you a competitive applicant. Washington University superscores the SAT, meaning they consider your highest section scores across all test dates.
At Washington University, the average ACT score of admitted students is 34. Aiming for an ACT composite score at or above 34 will make you a strong applicant. Washington University superscores the ACT, considering your highest individual section scores across all dates.
Washington University evaluates applications holistically, considering factors such as academic performance, extracurricular involvement, personal qualities, and fit for the university. The admissions committee looks for students who have challenged themselves academically, demonstrated leadership and engagement outside the classroom, and shown strong character and personal growth.
When evaluating applications, Washington University considers the following key factors:
Washington University seeks students who will contribute positively to the campus community and align with the university's values of academic excellence, diversity and inclusion, and commitment to making a positive impact in the world. Demonstrating these qualities through your application materials is key to being a competitive applicant at Washington University.
To apply to Washington University, you will need to submit the following:
In addition to these general requirements, some programs at Washington University have additional application components:
This is for students who either are about to finish secondary education or already have and intend to begin their college education in the next fall term.
First-year applicants are required to have a high school diploma or the equivalent, such as home school programs and certain college preparation programs. Your transcript must include your grades for all courses you’ve taken. If your school ranks students, it’s also best to include your rankings.
You also need one recommendation letter from the counselor and one teacher evaluation. Specific instructions about these documents can be found during the application process.
Additionally, you need to write a 200-word essay that responds to the question: “What are you interested in studying at WashU and why?”
To write a strong essay, explain your reasons for applying. What about Washington University appeals to you? How will studying at Wash help you achieve your goals? A tricky part is that you must be concise; pick out the parts that you believe are the most significant.
You also need to describe your extracurricular and community activities: what you’ve done, how the activities impacted you, and how you impacted communities. It’s best if you can list some awards, achievements, or noteworthy experiences here. Similar to the 200-word essay, only pick out the most noteworthy and significant activities.
Because the application must be completed through either the Common or Coalition Application, you must also complete either the common application essay or the coalition application essay.
Washington University has an Early Decision option and a Regular Decision option.
Early Decision allows you to receive your admission and financial aid decisions earlier than regular decision candidates. However, it comes with a binding commitment that you will attend Washington University if you get the offer. Early applicants, their counselors, and a parent or guardian must sign the Early Decision commitment statement during the application process.
If you apply for Early Decision, you can still apply to other schools. However, if you get accepted to Washington University, you will be required to withdraw and forfeit all your other applications. Washington University strongly recommends applying early if this school is among your first choices.
The regular decision, as the name suggests, is for applicants who wish to apply during the regular admission period. There is no commitment needed for this option, so Washington University recommends applying for the regular decision option if this school is not one of your first choices.
Here is a table of the important dates and deadlines for all application options for the most recent admission cycle. Dates for the next admission cycle may vary slightly.
As you can see, the Early Decision option has two deadlines: one for Early Decision I, and another for Early Decision II. Remember to take note of each college application timeline to make sure you don’t miss any deadlines.
The deadline to submit your application via regular decision is January 3. Since the early decision has a higher acceptance rate, consider applying earlier if you’re sure that you want Washington University to be your school.
At Washington University, you have two chances to apply for an early decision. The first round of early decision ends on November 1 and the second ends on January 3.
You may notice that the deadlines for Early Application II and Regular Application are similar, if not on the same date. But Early Application II still gives your decision much earlier than the regular application does. So do keep in mind the difference despite the proximity of the deadlines.
For international applicants, the requirements are the same for the most part. You must complete a minimum of 12 years of primary and secondary studies for application to any WashU program. You must also obtain a secondary school diploma or equivalent as of the completion of your studies.
For required documents, in addition to your transcripts, school report, and recommendation letters, you also need scores of certified examinations, proof of English proficiency, proof of valid Visa, and certified English translations of all documents not in English. Specific requirements can be found during the application.
With an acceptance rate of 12%, getting into Washington University is difficult. Thankfully, there are tips you can follow that will bolster your application and help you get into your dream school.
Washington University seeks students who have challenged themselves academically and shown a love for learning. Pursue advanced coursework, conduct independent research, or participate in academic competitions to show your intellectual curiosity.
Admissions officers at WashU want to see evidence of leadership and involvement outside the classroom. Highlight your leadership roles, volunteer work, or extracurricular pursuits that demonstrate your ability to make a meaningful impact.
The supplemental essays are your opportunity to show WashU why you are a great fit for their community. Use the essays to authentically convey your voice, share meaningful experiences, and explain how WashU aligns with your academic and personal aspirations.
Engaging with WashU can help demonstrate your interest and fit for the university. Attend an information session, interview with an alumni representative, or email your regional admissions counselor to learn more and express your passion for WashU.
If WashU is your top choice, consider applying through the binding Early Decision plan. Early Decision applicants tend to have slightly higher acceptance rates than Regular Decision applicants.
By demonstrating your intellectual curiosity, leadership potential, and fit for the WashU community, you can improve your chances of admission to this highly selective university. Remember, every part of your application matters in painting a full picture of who you are and what you will bring to the WashU campus.
When applying to the University of Washington as a freshman, you will need to respond to two writing prompts: a longer essay and a short response. These writing sections help the admissions committee get to know you beyond your grades and test scores.
Tell a story from your life, describing an experience that either demonstrates your character or helped to shape it. (650 words max)
Tip: Select a single, impactful experience and use descriptive language to engage the reader. Demonstrate how this experience reflects or has shaped your character. Often, the most compelling essays read like personal narratives.
Our families and communities often define us and our individual worlds. Community might refer to your cultural group, extended family, religious group, neighborhood or school, sports team or club, co-workers, etc. Describe the world you come from and how you, as a product of it, might add to the diversity of the UW. (300 words max)
Tip: The UW values a student body with diverse perspectives and experiences. Consider what makes your background distinctive and how your experiences have molded you. Reflect on how you could add to the diversity of the UW campus through your individual perspective.
This section is optional, but you may use it to share any additional information that is particularly important to you, such as:
Tip: If you have faced obstacles or circumstances that have affected your education, this is your chance to provide context. Be direct and honest in your explanation.
A few tips for the UW writing section:
The UW writing section is an opportunity to let your personality, experiences, and writing skills shine through. Approach each prompt with authenticity and thoughtfulness to help the admissions team understand who you are beyond your application.
Washington University offers two optional video opportunities for high school seniors to share more about themselves during the application process:
International students interested in submitting an interview to WashU can do so through InitialView or Vericant.
Remember, both the interview and video are completely optional. They simply provide additional avenues to express your personality and help the Admissions Office get to know you better. If you choose to participate, be authentic and have fun with the process!
Those are all the steps and requirements for applying to Washington University. But if you still have questions, perhaps you can find your answers here!
Regardless of which Early Decision option you applied to, if you get deferred, you will drop straight into the pool of regular applicants, where you will be compared against them.
However, you also have a chance of being denied admission without getting a second chance at all, so take note of that.
Looking at how selective Washington University is, a 3.5 unweighted GPA is decent but still risky. It’s best to push yourself more and reach a 4.0 GPA.
According to US News and World Report, Washington University in St. Louis ranks 24th in best national universities, tied with Carnegie Mellon, Emory University, and the University of Virginia.
The most popular majors at WashU include:
Washington University recently announced that they will no longer consider demonstrated interest as a factor in their admissions decisions starting with the Fall 2022 application cycle. WashU aims to "create and implement a truly equitable admissions process and support our goal to build a community of talented and diverse young people."
Washington University in St. Louis is certainly an excellent place to get your postsecondary education. Even though the application process seems complicated and lengthy, you have plenty of assistance to help you along the way, provided by both the school faculty and your own counselors.
The instructions are clear, and you usually always have somewhere to go once you need help. And yes, this school is competitive, but just as they always say: it’s definitely going to be worth it in the end. Best wishes for your preparation and applications!
