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Regular Decision Deadline: Jan 2
You Have:
The Requirements: One 200-word essay; one 250-word essay
Supplemental Essay Type(s): Why, Community
The admissions committee at WashU is looking for “evidence of academic potential, strong personal characteristics and qualities, developed accomplishments and involvement, and potential for fit and engagement in the WashU community.” All those buzzwords relate to the supplemental questions below, which ask about your academic interests and who you are as a person. With relatively short word limits, these prompts demand clarity and focus, so choose precise words that tell your story while bringing vivid details to life. Keep reading to learn how to write winning WashU essays!
P.S. While the second essay is optional, we highly recommend submitting it to add depth to your application package. You may even be able to recycle an essay from another application!
This is WashU’s version of a classic “Why Essay.” Even if you’re not completely sure what you want to major in yet, admissions wants to both learn about your academic interests and see how their offerings will suit your passions. If you can build a bridge between your own interests and the resources available at WashU, you’ll be well on your way to demonstrating your fit. So set aside an hour or two and commit to some serious research on the WashU website. (Sorry, there’s no way around this, folks!) Look up information about news and research coming out of your department of interest, the kinds of courses available, and the opportunities other undergrads have had studying in your area of choice. Even if you have a wide array of interests, consider explaining how two or three departments might complement each other or foster your interest in a larger theme or cross-pollinating kind of way. Your ultimate goal is to show that your interest in WashU (just like your intellectual curiosity) runs deep!
With each of these prompts, admissions is hoping to learn more about who you are, so choose the prompt that sticks out to you or work backward by thinking about the communities you are a part of (whether that be your student government, your temple, your club soccer team, etc.) and consider how your experiences have shaped your story. Maybe you’ve been thinking about writing an essay about your volunteer work within your small city and the ways it has expanded your perspective and introduced you to people from all walks of life whom you may never have met otherwise. An essay like that could work for either of these prompts depending on the way you frame it. Perhaps you want to write about your experience advocating for greener waste management solutions at your high school or the ways your years of being the only person in the room who looks like you have impacted the way you interact with others. Ultimately, your goal here is to offer admissions deeper insight into the human behind the application.
We have been reading WashU essays for over twenty years now, so we know a thing or two about the most common mistakes students make. The most common mistakes to avoid are repeating the prompt in your essay (don’t waste your words), trying to sound like an academic (admissions wants to hear your authentic voice!), and using cliches (they’re ineffective and—let’s face it—lazy).
We at College Essay Advisors have been guiding students one-on-one through the essay writing process for the WashU supplements for over twenty years. We take a holistic approach to these essays, considering each student’s application package as a whole and identifying their strengths to highlight. Our Advisors accommodate each student’s scheduling needs to virtually brainstorm, draft, and revise winning essays. It’s incredibly important to us that each student’s voice is preserved, and we pride ourselves in helping students to write successful WashU supplemental essays that differentiate them from similarly qualified applicants. For more information, submit a contact form below or review our one-on-one advising services or list of student acceptances.
WashU requires one (1) 200-word essay and recommends that applicants submit one (1) additional optional 250-word essay.
WashU is looking for supplemental essays that “add another dimension to your application – something that the admissions committee might not learn by reading your transcript or your personal statement.” Ultimately, like with all supplemental essays, admissions is hoping to get to know you better so they have a clearer understanding of who you are and what kind of community member you’ll be on campus.
Authenticity and reflection are key. You want to both ensure that you’re submitting essays that no one else could submit—meaning they contain specific details from your life or interests that aren’t easily replicable—and show that you’ve put thought and care into your response.
The WashU essays should be 200 words and 250 words, respectively.
"I got into WashU!! Thank you so so much for helping me with my essays. You helped me take them to the next level. My mom and I are over the moon."
– CEA Student, Washington University in St. Louis, Class of 2028
"We're grateful for your active participation and support throughout this process. She received acceptances to all five schools on her list. Now we have to figure out which one to choose. A happy problem to have, indeed. Thanks again!"
– CEA Parent, Washington University in St. Louis, Class of 2026
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