Navigating WashU Undergraduate Admissions: A Comprehensive Guide

Washington University in St. Louis (WashU) is a highly selective institution that encourages applications from all students, giving each application thorough consideration. This guide provides a detailed overview of WashU's undergraduate admissions requirements, covering everything from academic expectations and standardized testing policies to portfolio submissions and transfer student information.

Holistic First-Year Admission Review

The undergraduate admissions committee at WashU employs a holistic review process, aiming to understand each student's unique story and potential. This individualized approach considers various factors:

Academic potential and preparation: This includes the rigor of coursework, grades, and overall academic performance.
Personal characteristics and qualities: The committee seeks to understand an applicant's character, values, and how they might contribute to the WashU community.
Accomplishments and involvement: Extracurricular activities, community service, and other achievements are considered, with emphasis on the positive impact an applicant has made.

Admission to WashU is competitive, with the university receiving far more applications than it can accept. Successful applicants typically demonstrate a strong academic record and a commitment to personal growth.

Academic Expectations for First-Year Applicants

Students who come to WashU have challenged themselves academically and personally during their high school years and are required to have earned a high school diploma or its equivalent, including home-schooled students and students holding a GED. Most applicants take advantage of honors, Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate, and/or Dual Enrollment courses, if offered by their high schools. The admissions review takes each applicant's individual context, circumstances, and opportunities into account.

While WashU assesses each applicant's individual context, a typical transcript includes:

Four years of English
Four years of mathematics; calculus is strongly recommended for majors in Architecture, Business, and Engineering; science majors in Arts & Sciences; and those who intend to pursue a pre-medicine path
Three to four years of history or social science
At least two years of the same foreign language since ninth grade
Three to four years of laboratory science; chemistry and physics are strongly recommended for Engineering majors and for those who plan to do course work in the sciences and/or pre-medicine

Key Application Components

Beyond the transcript, several other components contribute to a student's application:

Academic Performance (Transcript): Course selection, grades, and class rank (if provided by the secondary school) are all carefully considered.
Counselor and Teacher Recommendations: These letters provide valuable insights into an applicant's character, work ethic, and potential. The scholarship committees also review these letters.
Essays: Essays offer a chance for applicants to showcase their personality, writing skills, and critical thinking abilities.
Extracurricular and Community Involvement: Participation in activities outside the classroom demonstrates an applicant's interests, passions, and commitment to making a difference. Students who work for pay and/or have time-consuming family responsibilities should include this in their activity list.
Standardized Testing (Optional): WashU has a test-optional policy for applicants for admission in the fall semester of 2026. Applicants have the option of whether to submit standardized test scores. Students who are unable to or who elect not to submit their test scores will have the requirement automatically waived and will not be penalized. For those who do submit test scores, either SAT or ACT scores are acceptable, and neither the writing section nor SAT Subject Tests are required. Test results from any of the student's high school years are acceptable and we consider only the highest individual scores, whenever they occurred. Students may also submit additional testing (such as SAT Subject Tests, AP or IB exam scores, or other forms of testing) in addition to, or in lieu of, the SAT or ACT.

Standardized Testing: Test-Optional Policy

WashU has adopted a test-optional policy for undergraduate applicants. This means that students can choose whether or not to submit SAT or ACT scores as part of their application. Those who elect not to submit scores will not be penalized.

For students who choose to submit scores, WashU accepts either the SAT or ACT and considers only the highest individual scores, regardless of when they were achieved. Neither the writing section of either test nor SAT Subject Tests are required. Students may also submit additional testing (such as SAT Subject Tests, AP or IB exam scores, or other forms of testing) in addition to, or in lieu of, the SAT or ACT.

Average SAT Score: The average SAT score composite at Washington University in St. Louis is 1535.
SAT Score Range: The 25th percentile SAT score is 1500, and the 75th percentile SAT score is 1570.

Read also: Alumni events guide
Superscoring: WashU employs a "superscoring" policy, meaning they consider the highest section scores across all SAT test dates submitted.
Average ACT Score: The average ACT score at Washington University in St. Louis is 34.
ACT Score Range: The 25th percentile ACT score is 33, and the 75th percentile ACT score is 35.
ACT Superscoring: Washington University in St. Louis does in fact offer an ACT superscore policy. Consideration will only be given to the highest individual scores, whenever they occurred.

Application Submission and Deadlines

To complete an application file, the following materials must be received by the relevant deadline:

Common Application or Coalition Application
Nonrefundable $75 fee (automatically waived for students applying for financial aid)
All required additional materials as outlined in the Office of Undergraduate Admissions guidelines, including a teacher recommendation, a school report, and official transcripts

WashU also accepts applications through the QuestBridge Match process.

Decision Plans: Early Decision and Regular Decision

WashU offers two binding Early Decision options and a Regular Decision plan:

Early Decision I: Deadline of November 3, notification by December 15
Early Decision II: Deadline of January 2, notification by February 14
Regular Decision: Deadline of January 2, notification by April 1

Applying Early Decision signifies a binding commitment to attend WashU if admitted, requiring a nonrefundable enrollment deposit within two weeks of acceptance and withdrawal of applications from other schools. A student may apply to only one school through a binding Early Decision plan. Some applicants not admitted under Early Decision may be deferred to the Regular Decision application period for re-evaluation.

Selecting a Division

Applicants must select one of the academic divisions (Architecture, Art, Arts & Sciences, Business, or Engineering) as their primary point of interest. An interest in the Beyond Boundaries program may also be indicated. This selection aids in assessing proper preparation and providing effective academic advising. Once admitted, a student must spend at least one full semester in that division before requesting a change. (Note: Olin Business School considers division transfer requests after the first year.)

English Language Proficiency for International Applicants

International applicants for whom English is a second language must demonstrate English language proficiency by submitting results from the TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test. Waivers may be granted based on specific circumstances.

Portfolio Requirements for Art and Architecture Applicants

Applicants to the College of Art are required to submit a portfolio of their work, and applicants to the College of Architecture are encouraged to do so.

College of Art: All College of Art students will be considered for the Conway or Proetz Scholarship in art. A portfolio submission of 10-20 works is required for College of Art applicants
College of Architecture: Architecture students who submit portfolios will be considered for the Fitzgibbon Scholarship. A portfolio submission of 10-20 works is recommended for College of Architecture applicants

Portfolios should be submitted through SlideRoom and include 12 to 15 pieces of recent work, which may include drawings, two- and three-dimensional pieces, and photographs. Architecture portfolios should not include CAD drawings or examples of drafting skills. Additional information about each piece, such as the title, medium, dimensions, and date completed, may be included.

Deferred Enrollment ("Gap Year")

Admitted students may request to defer enrollment for up to one year (with a possible extension), allowing them to engage in personal growth experiences or fulfill commitments before starting their studies. Requests must be received by May 15 and are reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Students who have deferred enrollment should not enroll as a full-time student at another institution. Students deferring enrollment must reapply for financial assistance during the application cycle immediately preceding the date of desired entry.

Statement of Admissions Conduct

WashU emphasizes ethical conduct and integrity. Offers of admission and enrollment are contingent upon accurate and complete information in the application. The university reserves the right to rescind offers or revoke enrollment if information is inaccurate or misleading, or if a student's presence is deemed detrimental to the community.

Transfer Admission

Transfer admission to WashU is selective, with applications accepted for the fall semester only. An applicant should apply as a transfer student if they meet all of the following requirements:

The applicant has finished secondary school and completed some college study.
The applicant would like to be considered for admission with advanced standing (as a second-year or third-year student) at WashU.
The applicant is interested in enrolling full-time in an undergraduate degree program with a specific academic focus.
The applicant has never attended any of WashU's full-time, degree-granting schools.

Preparation for Transfer

Transfer applicants are evaluated based on their preparation for their chosen division of interest. Strong applicants generally have a B+ average from a two- or four-year college, with a broad academic curriculum. Some divisions require specific coursework; for example, business students need strong math skills, including calculus, while engineering and science students need strong science and math backgrounds. Transfer applicants must also be in good standing at their previous institutions and eligible to return. If an applicant has been away from a formal academic setting for more than two years, we require the applicant to complete at least one year (30 units) of work at another college or university before applying for transfer admission. Due to the very limited number of transfer spaces available, transfer applicants are ineligible to request deferred enrollment from one year to the next.

To apply as a transfer applicant, applicants must submit their high school transcript(s), their application, official transcripts of all previous college work, a Transfer Academic Evaluation (letter of recommendation), a Transfer Registrar Report (College Report), and the nonrefundable $75 application fee (or fee waiver) to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions. Transfer applicants have the option of whether to submit standardized testing, such as the SAT or ACT.

Transferring into Arts & Sciences

The transfer student advisor reviews and evaluates previous academic work. Full credit is normally granted for courses taken at accredited institutions, provided that the university offers comparable courses and that the student has completed the courses with a grade of C or better. With the exception of coursework taken during the 2020-21 academic year, online coursework will not be considered for transfer credit. Transfer credit may be counted where applicable and upon department approval toward major or minor requirements. Transfer students must be enrolled for at least four consecutive full-time semesters, excluding summer terms, to satisfy the residency requirement. They must complete a minimum number of units at Washington University and a minimum number of units in the College of Arts & Sciences.

Transferring into Architecture

Places for transfer students are extremely limited and require strong performance in an arts and sciences curriculum, preferably with preparation in the visual arts. Placement into the design studio sequence is determined by a portfolio review and an evaluation of prior coursework. To assist with appropriate placement, an interview with the associate dean of students, while not required, is strongly recommended. The previous work should parallel as closely as possible the coursework outlined on the Architecture Degree Requirements page. Transfer applicants to the College of Architecture are required to submit a portfolio consisting of 12 to 15 pieces of recent work for review by the faculty through SlideRoom on the Common Application.

Transferring into Art

The number of studio art credits that a transfer applicant has already earned, in combination with an evaluation of the applicant's portfolio, determines the level at which the student is admitted. As much as possible, the studio art courses taken at other institutions should correspond with the program at Washington University as outlined on the Art Degree Requirements page. To assist with appropriate placement, an interview with the associate dean of students, while not required, is strongly recommended.

Continuing & Professional Studies (CAPS) Undergraduate Programs

The following policies and deadlines apply to all WashU Continuing & Professional Studies (CAPS) undergraduate degree, non-degree and certificate programs. Admission decisions are made on a rolling basis and typically take less than a week once an application is fully submitted and all supporting documents have been received.

Must have a high school diploma or its equivalent.
Applicants should speak with a CAPS Representative regarding preparation for specific certificates or courses.
Applicants to an associate in arts program must have at least six credits of transferable college coursework and a GPA of 2.7 or higher on a 4.0 scale.
Applicants to the bachelorâs degree program must have at least 45 credits of transferable coursework (these credits can include credits previously completed through CAPS) and a cumulative GPA of 2.7 or higher on a 4.0 scale.
Applicants for the Combined Bachelorâs/Masterâs Degree Program must be admitted to a Bachelor of Science degree program in CAPS; complete of a minimum of 60 units toward the Bachelor of Science degree, including transfer credit, with a 3.0 or higher cumulative grade-point average; complete a minimum of 12 units of undergraduate course work in CAPS, at least 9 of which must be at the advanced level (300- and 400-level courses), with a 3.0 or higher cumulative grade-point average; and complete a Combined Bachelorâs/Masterâs Degree Program Preliminary Authorization Request.
Non-degree enrollment is intended for students pursuing personal or professional development, as well as those taking courses to strengthen their preparation for future degree admission.
Transcripts of all prior college-level work are required. Official transcripts must be sent directly from the registrar to CAPS.
Proof of High School Completion.
Non-United States course work transcript verificationIf the transcript you submit for consideration is from a college or university outside the United States, a course-by-course transcript evaluation is also required. Evaluations will be accepted from World Education Services (WES), or other member institution of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES).
You must provide proof of identity when applying.
This program is offered either mostly or fully online.
on an F-1 or J-1 Visa must enroll in a program full time. F-1 students are only permitted to enroll in one online course per semester and J-1 students may only enroll in non-credit online courses that do not count toward their degree program. CAPS cannot guarantee face-to-face enrollment options each semester of full time enrollment, therefore cannot issue an I-20 or DS 2019 to F-1 and J-1 students for this program. If you are an F-1 or J-1 student and wish to enroll in a CAPS program while here on a Visa, please contact our CAPS staff to discuss your options for face-to-face program enrollment.

Additional Considerations

Financial Aid: WashU meets 100% of demonstrated financial need for all admitted students, regardless of the decision plan.
Campus Visits: Campus visits are a great way to get to know WashU.
Supplements: Applicants will not be penalized for opting out of submitting a supplement.
WashU's Values: WashU is a place that values a wide range of perspectives. We believe those perspectives come from a variety of experiences and identities. WashU supports engagement in the St. Louis community by considering the university as âIn St. Louis, For St. Louis.â

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