Washington University in St. Louis
Top private research university in St. Louis, MO, known for strength in the biological sciences, pre-med, and business. Founded in 1853, WashU covers full demonstrated financial need for every admitted undergraduate without loans, and about 80% of students end up pursuing more than one major or minor across its nine undergraduate schools. Roughly half the student body studies abroad before graduating, and the university counts 26 Nobel laureates among its affiliated faculty and researchers. A research budget exceeding a billion dollars a year gives undergraduates unusually direct access to faculty labs outside the classroom.
Source: College Scorecard, U.S. Department of Education. Figures reflect the most recently published class — always confirm current-cycle numbers on WashU's official admissions site before applying.
📅 Application Deadlines
📝 Required Supplements
- Common App
- WashU Supplemental Essay (250 words)
- School Report
- Teacher Evaluation
Optional but recommended:
- 90-Second Video Statement
- Schoolhouse.world Certification
✍️ What Should Your WashU Essay Focus On?
- The single required 250-word prompt just asks what you want to study and why — be specific about an actual field or interdisciplinary combination, not a general love of learning
- Since WashU eliminated its optional second essay this cycle, your Common App personal statement now carries even more weight
- If you record the optional 90-second video statement, use it to show personality and communication style an essay can't — treat it as a real supplement, not an afterthought
- Reference genuine cross-disciplinary interests; most WashU students end up double-majoring or minoring across its nine schools, so a narrow, single-lane academic story undersells fit
🎯 What Is WashU Looking For in Applicants?
- Academic excellence with room to explore across disciplines, reflecting a campus where roughly 80% of undergraduates pursue more than one major or minor
- Genuine intellectual initiative that would make use of a research budget exceeding a billion dollars a year, not just an interest in being near research
- A real fit with a need-blind, no-loan financial aid culture, where students are expected to engage fully rather than work around financial constraints
- Global curiosity suited to a school where roughly half the class studies abroad before graduating
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