Two opportunities to share your story

Writing supplements and videos are optional and not required as part of the admissions application process. We offer these opportunities as a way for first-year applicants to tell us more about themselves.

This optional question allows you to add another dimension to your application – something that the admissions committee might not learn by reading your transcript or your personal statement.

WashU is a place that values diversity of perspectives. We believe those perspectives come from a variety of experiences and identities. Respond to one of the following prompts to help us understand “Who are you?”:

  • Discuss a fresh perspective or opinion you brought to a collaborative setting or project.
  • Describe a community you are a part of and your place within it.
  • Tell us how your life experiences have impacted the way you view or interact with your community.

How to submit your writing supplement

If you’re submitting the Common Application, you can find this question in the optional Writing Supplement section. If you’re submitting the Coalition Application, you will have the opportunity to respond to this question in the WashU Pathway after you’ve submitted both your profile and the Washington University-specific questions.

All applicants have the option to upload a 90-second video to help the Admissions Office get to know you better. This video is not intended to be a professional-quality production or rehearsed audition. Simply capture a quick video of yourself (cell phone is fine) telling us about something important to you.

Ideas to consider

  • Do you have a hobby you want to show us?
  • What you have learned about yourself?
  • When do you feel like your most authentic self?
  • Where do you spend your free time?
  • Why do you want to attend WashU?
  • Anything else would you like us to know about YOU!

The video allows you to add another dimension to your application – something that we might not learn by reading your transcript or your personal statement. Be creative, be yourself, and have fun with it!

And if you don’t want to submit a video, that’s OK. Applicants will not be penalized for opting out of submitting a video. It is an optional video (and we mean optional).

Please note that the video does not replace the SlideRoom portfolio requirement for applicants to the College of Art.

How to upload your video

You will find a link to upload the optional video below the Application Checklist in the WashU Pathway.

Submission requirements

  • We know you have a lot to tell us, but please limit your video to 90 seconds.
  • Only upload one video.
  • Click on the “Edit Portfolio” link then select the “Upload Media” tab. At the bottom of the screen you will see a button to “Select Files”. Select your video then click the “Start Upload” button.
  • Videos must be in one of the following formats: .avi, .flv, .m1v, .m2v, .m4v, .mkv, .mov, .mpeg, .mpg, .mp4, .webm, or .wmv. (Please note that Apple ProRes is not currently supported. If uploading a .mov, please use an alternate codec.)
  • Use a supported Internet browser – Chrome, Firefox, or Safari.
  • Uploading may take anywhere from seconds to several hours depending upon the size of the file and your connection speed. If your file is large, we recommend that you upload from a wired connection.