All you have to do is start
We have all the components of the application process outlined below.
As part of our commitment to always put students first, Washington University has extended our test submission policy for applicants in fall 2023 and fall 2024
We believe standardized test scores provide us with information about an applicant’s preparation for success at WashU. We are researching the impact of testing on the ability to predict success at WashU but students who are unable to, or who elect not to, submit SAT or ACT scores, will have the standardized testing requirement waived. Regardless of their answer, applicants will have the opportunity to provide additional alternate testing (such as AP exam results, subject tests, or national exams). All applicants, whether they submit standardized testing or not, will receive full consideration for admission.
We will use self-reported, unofficial test scores in the admission decision process. Students admitted based on self-reported test scores will be required to send official scores from the testing agency after they enroll.
In addition, we no longer consider demonstrated interest as a factor in making admission decisions or in the admission decision process.
To apply, use either the Common Application or Coalition Application. Both applications open on August 1 and must be completed by the appropriate application deadline.
Common Application
Students who apply via the Common Application will complete both the basic application and the Washington University-specific questions while logged in to their Common Application account. If a student plans on applying to the Signature Scholars Programs or the Howard Nemerov Writing Scholars Program, they will need to complete the optional Writing Supplement portion of the Common App as well.
Coalition Application
Students who apply via the Coalition Application, powered by Scoir, will complete their profile while logged in to their Scoir account. Upon submitting their profile, students will be taken into the WashU Pathway to complete the Washington University-specific questions. After submitting both parts of the application, students will be able to apply for our Signature Scholar Programs and the Howard Nemerov Writing Scholars Program via the WashU Pathway.
What you need to know for the WashU-specific questions:
- What term do you intend to enroll?
- Which WashU school or interdisciplinary program are you applying to?
- What are you interested in studying in college and why?
- Are you applying Early Decision I, Early Decision II, or Regular Decision?
- Are you applying for need-based financial aid?
- Are you applying for any of WashU’s Signature Scholar programs?
Within a few days of submitting your application for admission, you will receive login instructions for the WashU Pathway.
In the WashU Pathway, you will see:
• A checklist showing the status of each piece of your application
• A link to your financial aid account
• Instructions for submitting an optional 90-second video
Admission decisions will be posted in the Pathway as soon as they are released.
WashU meets 100 percent of demonstrated need for admitted students.
When filling out your application for admission, indicate your intent to apply for need-based financial aid. Once you submit your application—we will create an account for you with Student Financial Services, and your application for aid begins!
Your WashU Pathway will include a current checklist of your support materials:
- School Report and Official Transcript
- Teacher Evaluation
- Counselor Recommendation
- Optional – Self-reported or official SAT or ACT scores.
- TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test for students whose first language is not English
- Portfolio (required for students applying to the College of Art, strongly encouraged for students applying to the College of Architecture.) The portfolio should be submitted using SlideRoom.
The scholarship committee(s) will review the required Counselor and Teacher letters of recommendation submitted with your Common or Coalition Application. To better understand you, the scholarship committee(s) also requires a third letter of recommendation.
Common Application
The optional Common Application Writing Supplement serves as our application for our Signature Scholar Programs – the Danforth, Ervin, and Rodriguez Scholars Programs – as well as the Howard Nemerov Writing Scholars Program for applicants to the College of Arts & Sciences.
Coalition Application
If you’re submitting via the Coalition Application, you will apply for our Signature Scholar Programs and/or Nemerov Writing Scholars Program through the WashU Pathway after you’ve submitted both your profile and the Washington University-specific questions.
Transfer applicants should use the Common Application. The application opens on December 1 and must be completed by the application deadline.
Complete the general application questions and the section that is specific to WashU. Your support materials can be completed at a later date.
What you need to know for the WashU section of the Common Application:
- Which WashU school are you applying to?
- Are you applying for need-based financial aid?
Within a few days of submitting your Common Application, you will receive login instructions for the WashU Pathway.
In the Pathway, you will see:
• A checklist showing the status of each piece of your application
• A link to your financial aid account
Admission decisions will be posted in Pathway as soon as they are released.
WashU meets 100 percent of demonstrated need for admitted students.
When filling out your application for admission, indicate your intent to apply for need-based financial aid. Once you submit your application—we will automatically create an account for you with Student Financial Services, and your application for aid begins!
Your Pathway will include a current checklist of your support materials:
- College Transcript
- High School Transcript
- College Instructor Evaluation
- College Report
- Optional – Self-reported or official SAT or ACT scores
- TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test for students whose first language is not English
- Portfolio (required for students applying to the College of Art or College of Architecture.) The portfolio should be submitted using SlideRoom.