There are still ways you can show that you’re interested in WashU:
- Submit the form to Request Information if you are not already on our mailing list. We will email you about upcoming opportunities to explore Washington University virtually.
- Register for a virtual visit. We’re offering live information sessions with student panels, guided virtual campus tours led by current students, virtual academic sessions, and virtual interviews throughout the summer.
- Contact your admissions officer. We can still be reached by phone (800) 638-0700 or email admissions@wustl.edu and are available to answer any questions you have.
- Connect with us on our social media accounts — Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube are all great ways to learn more about our campus and community. And be sure to check out our WashU 360 blog for insider information about life at WashU from our student bloggers.
- Continue to check our website! We post updates as they develop.
Hooray! Now that you have hit “submit” on your Common or Coalition application, you will receive an email within 24-48 hours that contains your WashU Pathway login information and instructions.
If you are an applicant for financial assistance, it may take an additional business day to match your application with any forms or data you have submitted directly to Student Financial Services. You will then be able to see the “My Checklist” function on the SFS website, and you will log in with the same username and password as you use for the WashU Pathway.
Yes, you do. The WashU Pathway on our website is the only source of accurate information regarding the status of your application for admission to Washington University. We expect applicants to check it regularly.
You must submit the Common Application or Coalition Application to gain access to the WashU Pathway. Once you submit your application, you will receive instructions for creating your password by email.
You will use the same email address and password to login to My FA Access on the Financial Aid website.
Washington University accepts both the Coalition Application or the Common Application, and we have no preference for either one. Students should submit one or the other, not both. Once students have started with one application, they should complete that application and not switch between the two. Both applications will be available beginning August 1.
Washington University’s five undergraduate divisions offer different curricula for different areas of academic interest. We encourage students to think about where their interests may lie at the time they apply, in terms of a major and a degree path to pursue, and to select one of the five schools as the primary point of interest. Keep in mind that students can change their minds and majors and take courses in other schools. For example, art students may study history, business students poetry, engineering students music, and so forth. But, we ask you to indicate which of the five schools is your primary choice now, so we can provide effective academic advising from the start to help you achieve your goals.
While there are universitywide admission standards common to all of the schools, we look for the right preparation for each curriculum. Students applying to Olin Business School should have completed coursework in math at least through the pre-calculus level with calculus highly recommended. Students applying to McKelvey School of Engineering and/or students who are interested in pre-med should have completed coursework in physics and chemistry, as well as coursework in math at least through the pre-calculus level with calculus highly recommended. Students interested in studying architecture or art should demonstrate interest, skill, or background in art and design by highlighting relevant course work or extracurricular activity. A portfolio is required for applicants to the College of Art and encouraged for applicants to the College of Architecture.
If you know that WashU is your first choice, the answer is YES, you should apply ED I or II. Early Decision applicants demonstrate the same level of academic preparation as their Regular Decision counterparts. And, like Regular Decision students, we meet 100% of demonstrated financial need for all students admitted Early Decision. More information about Early Decision.
Of course! Washington University welcomes applications from home-schooled students. Please have your parent(s) complete the School Report in lieu of the Teacher Evaluation. We also encourage you to include a recommendation from an adult outside your home.
Admission decisions at WashU are based on a combination of factors, including the high school transcript, test scores, personal essay, teacher evaluation, and extracurricular activities. We do not attach specific weights to individual components of the decision, as a holistic view of each student is taken. However, a student’s academic record in high school is of critical importance in the admission decision because it is the best indicator that we have of how well a student will do in college. IMPORTANT NOTE: WashU has adopted a one-year test optional policy for applicants in 2021. Visit our Fall 2021 Applicant Info page for more information.
The academic rigor, a high school’s grading system, and whether GPAs and/or ranks (if available) are weighted or unweighted are all taken into account when reviewing each student’s application. We evaluate each student’s academic record in the context of how well he or she took advantage of the opportunities that were available in his or her particular high school.
Extracurricular activities are one of the factors considered when making admissions decisions at Washington University. We try to get a sense of what a student is passionate about beyond the classroom. We look to see what occupies the student’s time when he or she is not in class. Instead of a laundry list of activities, we look for those to which the student has shown commitment over time, the leadership roles that have developed, etc. We also understand that for many students, an after-school job or caring for a sibling or relative will be the primary extracurricular activity or commitment.
Yes, demonstrated interest is a factor when we are considering applicants. We want to get to know you through the admissions process and for you to get to know us. “Demonstrated interest” refers to ways that you can explore or research a college or university to learn more about us. One of the best ways to do this is through a campus visit (if feasible) to experience our community first hand. If this is not possible, perhaps you can attend a local information session or college fair, or visit with admissions officers when they visit your high school. You can also demonstrate interest through meaningful interactions via phone or email. Please know that we don’t expect you to do all these things, and demonstrating interest in more than one way is not necessarily better. Rather, we want you to feel comfortable starting the conversation with us. Feel free to ask us questions about our campus, programs, and community that may not be on our website, and share your academic and personal interests with us. This is your time to explore WashU and we are happy to help you.
Washington University requires the Counselor Recommendation and one Teacher Evaluation from an academic teacher in high school with whom the student has taken a course.
Students who elect or are unable to provide SAT or ACT scores are encouraged to provide a Teacher Evaluation from a teacher in their area of academic interest who can address academic readiness in the area.
Extra letters are not required, but if you would like to submit an additional letter, you are welcome to do so. While some students choose to submit an additional teacher recommendation, others choose to submit an extra letter of recommendation from a coach, an employer, or a member of the clergy, because that person can provide unique insights that teachers may not include.
IMPORTANT NOTE: WashU has adopted a one-year test optional policy for applicants in 2021. Visit our Fall 2021 Applicant Info page for more information.
We accept the following standardized tests:
- SAT Test
- ACT Test
- We do not require the writing test if you submit ACT Scores or the optional Essay if you submit SAT scores.
We do not have a preference for either the SAT or the ACT. Test results from any of your high school years are acceptable.
WashU accepts self-reported scores on the Common and Coalition applications. We hope this policy will make the application more accessible for you, since you will no longer have to formally request scores and pay for them to be sent to WashU. If you enroll at WashU and submitted unofficial scores, we will then ask you to send official score reports from testing agencies (ACT code: 2386; SAT code: 6929).
For the ACT, Washington University considers your highest section scores across all the test dates that you submit. If you take both the ACT and SAT, we will consider whichever set of scores is most advantageous to you. We will “Super Score” your ACT or SAT scores and consider your highest section scores across all test dates you submit (we will accept individual section retakes on the ACT). The last test date accepted will be the December testing (October if applying Early Decision I).
Undocumented students receive the same admissions review as all applicants to our undergraduate programs. Students may choose to apply through the Common Application or the Coalition Application, which have optional questions regarding undocumented/DACA status. Applicants who are currently in the DACA Status (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) will need to select “Other (Non-US)” for citizenship status. Then answer “No” for “Do you currently hold a valid U.S. Visa?”
Please see the Center for Diversity & Inclusion website for more information regarding Undocumented Students (DACA) at WashU.
Washington University does not require SAT Subject Tests. However, if you do take them and submit your scores, we will only consider them if they strengthen your application. IMPORTANT NOTE: WashU has adopted a one-year test optional policy for applicants in 2021. Visit our Fall 2021 Applicant Info page for more information.
Although we do look for students who are strong academically, Washington University does not have any minimum requirements for GPA, class rank, or standardized test scores. A combination of academic and personal factors is considered in making the admission decision for each student. IMPORTANT NOTE: WashU has adopted a one-year test optional policy for applicants in 2021. Visit our Fall 2021 Applicant Info page for more information.
Washington University offers students admission based on their academic interests, high school transcript, test scores, personal essay, recommendations, and extracurricular activities. While overall admission percentages may vary somewhat from year to year, we look for the same qualities in our applicants across all academic divisions at WashU. We encourage you to apply to the school that offers courses and majors in which you are most interested at the time you apply.
Of course, it is best to take the advanced class and get an A! If you get a B in the advanced class, that’s fine, too. Your main goal should be to challenge yourself in high school to the extent that your high school allows, so you’ll be better prepared for the academic challenges in college.
No. We consider all aspects of each applicant’s high school situation — academic rigor, course offerings, grading system, GPAs, and/or class ranking systems.
Washington University does not rank or compare high schools. Instead, we work to understand each student within the context of his or her high school.
There are no limits or quotas for the number of students we admit from any high school, city, or state. While Washington University is a diverse community — for example, geographically, ethnically, and economically — our diversity is not contrived.
Yes, a portfolio is required for applicants to the College of Art. To be considered for an academic scholarship, your portfolio must be submitted in digital format. Portfolios are strongly encouraged for the College of Architecture, as well, and should follow the guidelines for the College of Art. The portfolio may include drawings, paintings, design models, sculpture, ceramics, etc. Do not include CAD drawings or examples of drafting skills. These portfolios should be submitted through the SlideRoom. There is no charge for portfolios submitted for Art and Architecture applicants. For details, please visit the Portfolio Guidelines page.
Washington University needs to see your progress in your senior year. If your school issues quarter or trimester grades, please have your school send them. If not, we will accept a progress report from your school that includes each class in which you are currently enrolled and your current grade in that class.
We require one letter of recommendation from a teacher and one letter of recommendation from your counselor. Students are able to submit one additional letter of recommendation through the Common Application or Coalition Application if they wish. Although you may include a letter from a coach, mentor, etc., most applicants include a second teacher letter.
All gap year requests for members of the Class of 2024 must be submitted by August 5, 2020.
A first year applicant who has been offered admission to Washington University may request to defer enrollment after completing enrollment materials and submitting the enrollment deposit. Typically, students who defer do so because they wish to travel, complete required military service, or participate in a year-long gap year program. Students must request to defer enrollment in writing. Students generally do not attend another university during a gap year, however, if they do complete coursework they must contact their dean’s office at Washington University to have an assessment of any credits earned to see if they will transfer. The dean’s office has the final say on transferability of any credits earned.
Deferral Policy
WashU recognizes that a small number of first year students each year may request to defer their admission for a year and take a gap year to complete military service, religious commitments, or a well-defined, substantial personal growth opportunity. Deferral requests are evaluated by the Admissions Office on a case-by-case basis, and are only offered for one year. Note: Requests for a second year will be granted only in the case of compulsory military or religious service.
To begin the gap year request process, a first year admitted student should contact the Admissions Office (admissions@wustl.edu). Students in the Class of 2024 were encouraged to submit their requests by June 15, 2020. All gap year requests must be submitted by August 5, 2020, and students will be notified of the outcome of their requests by August 15, 2020.
Please note that students are unable to enroll full-time at another institution while on a gap year. Additionally, students admitted after May 1 are not eligible to take a gap year.
In a highly selective applicant pool, transcripts that include AP, IB, or A-Level coursework help Admissions advocate for applicants. Admitted students may benefit from the results of this coursework in terms of placement and/or credit. A maximum of 15 units of pre-matriculation credit may be counted toward any undergraduate degree. These units will count toward graduation, but will not meet general education requirements. Placement and credit policies vary by subject area and academic division; detailed information may be accessed through the links below:
Students are not permitted to enroll full-time at another institution during their gap year. If a student enrolls at another institution full time, that student would need to re-apply to WashU as a transfer in a subsequent year.
Yes. Simply send your request in writing to admissions@wustl.edu. Include your full name as it appears on your application for admission and the name of the high school you attend. If you have questions, call our office at 800-638-0700 or 314-935-6000, and ask to speak with an admissions officer or your application processor.
First-year students are required to wait one full semester before requesting a change to another undergraduate college at WashU.
Please keep in mind that:
- You will be able to take courses in all of the colleges as you explore your academic interests
- You can work with your academic advisor to add a major or minor in another WashU college
- You have three full semesters to decide on your academic major.
Transfer students are also required to wait one full semester before requesting a change to another undergraduate division at WashU. Transferring to another division is not guaranteed.
We encourage civic engagement. If you are disciplined by your high school for engaging in peaceful demonstrations, that disciplinary action will not have a negative impact on how your application is reviewed. If you have already been admitted, your acceptance will not be rescinded.
Please log in to your Common Application or Coalition Application account to see if your application has been submitted. Once you submit the application, you will be able to check the progress of your application using the WashU Pathway on our website. We will email instructions for selecting your WashU Pathway password after our office has received and processed your application. When you log in to the WashU Pathway, you will be able to see what pieces of your application have been received by our office, verify your application data, submit electronic applications for our Signature Scholar Programs, and link to a site where you can check the status of your application for financial assistance. If you have any questions about the status of your application to Washington University, please contact your application processor.
Some students have reported that they are having issues formatting their essay on the Common Application website (spacing problems, missing indentations, etc.). Please be assured that we are only interested in the content of your essay, not the formatting.
We do not require the Common Application Arts Supplement, but we do require students applying to the College of Art to submit a portfolio. Please see Portfolio Guidelines for more information.
Yes, Washington University does require a counselor recommendation for students applying for first-year admission. The Counselor Recommendation will be available to your counselor only after the School Report has been submitted. Both the School Report and the Counselor Recommendation are required to complete your application.
If you are applying to the College of Art, a portfolio is required. If you are applying to the College of Architecture, a portfolio is recommended, but not required. (It is only required if you wish to be considered for the Fitzgibbon Scholarship in Architecture). These portfolios should be submitted through SlideRoom. There is no charge for portfolios submitted for Art and Architecture applicants. Please see Portfolio Guidelines for more information.
If you wish to submit a “Maker Portfolio” highlighting a project you have made that you would like McKelvey School of Engineering to consider, please submit it through the SlideRoom. While a “Maker Portfolio” is not required, the School is dedicated to encouraging Makers and will review the portfolio with interest.
For applicants to the College of Arts & Sciences, McKelvey School of Engineering, Olin Business School: If you decide to submit a supplement (athletic, performing arts, research, etc.), SlideRoom will charge you a $10 fee for each submission. These supplements are not required. We encourage you to present yourself the best you can within the format of your application for admission, namely in the extracurricular, essay, and additional information sections.
Unfortunately, our office is unable to assist students having technical problems with either the Common Application or the Coalition Application. If you are having trouble completing and submitting your application, use the “Ask a Question” function in the “Help Center” section of the Common Application website or click on the “Contact our Help Desk” link within the Coalition Application.
If you would like to include a ZeeMee submission with your application, you are welcome to do so. However, we encourage you to present yourself the best you can within the format of your application for admission, namely in the extracurricular, essay, and additional information sections. Your application will not be at a disadvantage if you choose not to include a ZeeMee submission with your application.
No, WashU does not offer accelerated programs for entry to medical school. Rather, WashU offers a comprehensive pre-health sciences curriculum that advises and educates all students interested in a career in the health sciences as they prepare for medical school. WashU’s PreHealth website has detailed information about how we provide comprehensive advising and support to students on their path toward a career in the health professions.
WashU continually evaluates its programs and practices to ensure they are meeting the needs of both students and the institution.
The University Scholars Program in Medicine is being phased out after the current group of scholars moves on to Medical School, therefore, it is no longer possible to apply for this program. Beginning with the class entering in Fall 2021, students who are interested in a career in the health sciences should select their major and an interest in Pre-Health Studies in the pre-professional category of the application. Admitted students will learn more about our Pre-Health advising program and how to make the best use of their undergraduate studies to prepare for eventual admission to medical school.
Our Admissions Services Coordinators are available to assist you Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Central Time.
When sending an email message, be sure to include your full name as it appears on your application for undergraduate admission, your mailing address, your phone number, your email address, and your high school or current institution.
If you prefer, you may call our office at 314-935-6000 or 800-638-0700 (toll-free in the United States).
You can find answers to questions specific to Fall 2020 on our Common Financial Aid Questions for Fall 2020 page. This page will be updated regularly, so be sure to check back periodically.
Of course! We are committed to making a WashU education affordable for students who have been offered admission. If you don’t apply, you won’t find out how we can help you. Our awards range up to the full cost of attendance. You have nothing to lose by applying.
For students who show demonstrated financial need, Washington University will waive the application fee so all students interested in attending are not discouraged by financial hardships. If you do qualify, simply indicate on the Common Application or Coalition Application that you qualify for a fee waiver.
Yes. If your award contains need-based components, it’s important for the university to tailor your financial aid package based on the yearly changes in your family’s income, assets, or family demographics.
In general, your award will remain the same or increase from year to year, as long as your family’s FAFSA information remains relatively consistent. We realize changes in your family’s financial situation can happen from year-to-year while you are a student. We will work with your family to understand any changes and help you prepare for the upcoming academic year.
You are required to maintain satisfactory academic progress toward your degree. This is generally defined as maintaining a 2.0 GPA and earning enough credits to graduate on time.
No. Our interest-free Installment Payment Plan allows you to spread each semester’s tuition, fees, room, and board charges over 5 equal monthly payments. Washington University’s Partners in Education with Parents (PEP) is among the best parent financing programs in the country. PEP features low interest rates, low monthly repayment terms, and the option to freeze all four years of costs at the entering-year rate.
Our primary goal is to help our students be successful. We do all we can in response to changing family circumstances to help you complete your Washington University education.
Many students choose Federal Work-Study jobs related to their academic and extracurricular interests. Work schedules don’t interfere with classes. Common part-time employment may include assisting a researcher, working at the call center, or helping students at the library. Students with part-time jobs tell us how much they learn from the experience. Both the job and the contacts they make are very helpful when they are looking for full-time employment after graduation.
Yes. International students can receive need-based financial assistance. Students with permanent resident status in the United States should apply for financial assistance as U.S. citizens. International students are also welcome to apply for merit-based academic scholarships (except the John B. Ervin Scholars Program).
Costs for the 2019-2020 academic year, includes tuition, fees, and the student health insurance plan are $57,272. Living expenses (includes room and board, books and supplies, clothing, incidentals, and recreation) are estimated at a minimum of $23,090 for 12 months. The total of $80,362 per year is the figure used for visa processing.
These figures may not include the costs for the English Language Program (required for students who do not meet English proficiency standards). Students in art and architecture should plan to spend an additional $600 for books and supplies. Some programs may require the purchase of specific computer equipment.
The cost estimate for living expenses covers only minimal essential expenditures. Expenses for clothing, recreation, and incidentals are variable, and the cost of travel outside St. Louis is not included.
Students admitted to the United States on student visas are not permitted to work off-campus during the first academic year (thereafter only under limited circumstances). Employment should not be considered as a means of support.
The type of National Merit Scholarship you receive is determined by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC). If you receive scholarship funds from the National Merit Scholarship Corporation, Washington University will accept the award as an outside scholarship to help cover part of the cost of attendance. However, Washington University does not offer University-funded scholarships based on a student’s standing with the National Merit Scholarship Corporation.
All materials must be received in our office by 5:00 pm Central Time on January 2, 2020. Please see the scholarship program’s page for application instructions.
Yes. If you apply under our binding Early Decision I or II plan, you may still be considered for any merit-based academic scholarship matching your academic and extracurricular achievements. Scholarships are not awarded until spring.
If your scholarship covers your financial needs, you will no longer require need-based financial aid. However, Student Financial Services will work with your family’s individual circumstances to ensure that your WashU education is affordable for you and your family.
Scholarships are renewable for four years as long as you are making satisfactory progress toward a bachelor’s degree. This is generally defined as maintaining a 2.0 GPA and earning enough credits to graduate on time.
Yes, if you choose to study abroad during the academic year through a WashU-sponsored program.
We’ve eliminated the nomination requirement from the application process to ensure equal access for all students wanting to apply. This ensures students from under-resourced schools and communities will be able to apply and be considered for this program.
To limit the spread of COVID-19, access to campus is restricted at this time and we are not allowing visitors. The Admissions & Aid staff continue to work from home to allow only those essential workers to be on campus. Please do not visit campus at this time. We will be delighted to welcome you to campus when we re-open.
There are still ways you can show that you’re interested in WashU:
- Submit the form to Request Information if you are not already on our mailing list. We will email you about upcoming opportunities to explore Washington University virtually.
- Register for a virtual visit. We’re offering live information sessions with student panels, guided virtual campus tours led by current students, virtual academic sessions, and virtual interviews throughout the summer.
- Contact your admissions officer. We can still be reached by phone (800) 638-0700 or email admissions@wustl.edu and are available to answer any questions you have.
- Connect with us on our social media accounts — Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube are all great ways to learn more about our campus and community. And be sure to check out our WashU 360 blog for insider information about life at WashU from our student bloggers.
- Continue to check our website! We post updates as they develop.