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WashU

Washington University in St. Louis

One required 250-word academic interest essay plus an optional identity prompt that quietly rewards the students who write it.

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Required essays

1 (plus 1 optional)

Word limit

250 words each

Signature prompt

Why this academic area

Testing

Test-optional for fall 2026

What WashU rewards

WashU keeps its writing supplement short and focused. There is one required essay of up to 250 words asking what you want to study and why, plus one optional "Who Are You?" essay, also 250 words, where you choose between a community prompt and a life-experiences prompt. WashU is test-optional for fall 2026 entry, which means these few hundred words carry real weight.

The core challenge is compression. Most applicants treat the academic essay as a place to list every science fair and AP class, and they treat the optional essay as skippable. Both instincts cost you. The students who get the most out of WashU write a tight, specific "why this major" that names actual WashU resources, and they almost always write the optional essay too, because at a school this selective, a strong extra 250 words is free signal you are leaving on the table if you stay silent.

01Genuine intellectual curiosity. WashU wants to see a mind that chases questions, not a resume that lists outcomes. The academic essay rewards a specific thing you find fascinating and why, far more than a tally of achievements.
02Fit with actual programs. WashU's divisions (Arts & Sciences, McKelvey Engineering, Olin Business, Sam Fox) and signature features like flexible majors and the ability to study across schools reward applicants who name real resources, not generic praise.
03Community and contribution. The 'In St. Louis, For St. Louis' prompt and WashU's service culture reward students who show how they actually shaped a group, not just belonged to one. Impact over membership.
04A clear, human voice. With only 250 words, WashU rewards writing that sounds like a real seventeen-year-old thinking out loud, specific and unpolished in the right way, over essays buffed into corporate smoothness.

Essay prompts for 2026-2027

2 prompts for WashU, each broken down with annotated examples.

Academic Interest (Required)250 words

Please tell us what you are interested in studying at college and why. Undecided about your academic interest(s)? Don't worry, tell us what excites you about the academic division you selected.

Who Are You? (Optional, choose one)250 words

WashU is a place that values a wide range of perspectives. We believe those perspectives come from a variety of experiences and identities. In 250 words or less, respond to one of the following prompts to help us understand “Who are you?” Option 1, “In St. Louis, For St. Louis.” What is a community you are a part of and your place or impact within it? Option 2, “By Name & Story.” How have your life experiences shaped your story?

See all 2 prompts and get a read

Your chance

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Add your GPA, test scores, and profile to estimate your odds at WashU and build a balanced list.

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Deadlines

Early Decision I / Early ActionNov. 1
Early Decision IIJan. 2
Regular DecisionJan. 2
Decision plans offeredEA, ED I, ED II, RD

Cost

Sticker price$87,900
Avg net after aid$25,800
Meets full needYes
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How to get inAcceptance rate, the GPA and SAT profile, and what WashU weighs most Supplemental essays2 prompts, each broken down with annotated examples Cost & financial aidAverage $25,800/yr after aid · net price by income + calculator InterviewDoes WashU interview? Format, tips, and practice The WashU Reader ProScore your draft against WashU's exact prompts
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WashU FAQ

What is WashU's acceptance rate?

WashU is test-optional for applicants entering in fall 2026, so submitting SAT or ACT scores is your choice. The cycle offers four plans: Early Action, Early Decision I, Early Decision II, and Regular Decision. ED is binding and historically admits at roughly double the overall rate, which matters if WashU is clearly your first choice. Always confirm exact dates on the official WashU admissions site before you submit, since deadlines shift by a day or two between cycles. At WashU, a strong application essay and a well-balanced school list matter alongside your grades and test scores.

What supplemental essays does WashU require?

WashU requires 2 supplemental essays on its application. On EssayLens each prompt is broken down with annotated examples, and you can get a free admissions-style read of your draft against the exact prompt.

How much does WashU cost?

WashU's published sticker price is about $87,900 per year, but the average family pays $25,800 after financial aid. Your net price depends on your family income; use the calculator to estimate yours.

Does WashU require SAT or ACT scores?

WashU is test-optional: you can apply without SAT or ACT scores, and strong scores are just one factor among many when you do submit them.

When are WashU's application deadlines?

WashU's application deadlines are Early Decision I / Early Action Nov. 1; Early Decision II Jan. 2; Regular Decision Jan. 2; Decision plans offered EA, ED I, ED II, RD. Add WashU to your plan on EssayLens to track its deadlines automatically.

Campus photo via Wikipedia.

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