Washington University in St. Louis is the top university in the state of Missouri, boasting a highly selective acceptance rate to match.

Tied for 20th place in the 2026 edition of US News and World Report’s “Best National Universities” ranking, WashU is no walk in the park to get into. Where does one begin?

What Is Washington University in St. Louis?

Not to be confused with the University of Washington System to the northwest or George Washington University to the east, WashU is a private research university in St. Louis. The school’s 2025-26 Common Data Set indicates that 8,153 full-time undergraduates call campus home, which breaks down into 3,461 men and 3,972 women (in addition to some part-timers!).

WashU Admissions Requirements

As a producer of some of the most distinguished alumni and cutting-edge research, Washington University in St. Louis is not one of the easiest schools to gain admission to. However, there are some commonalities among the many successful applicants who fulfill their dreams of wearing green and red. 

Washington University in St. Louis GPA Requirements

Is there an official GPA requirement or cutoff for WashU admission? No, but that doesn’t mean that there isn’t an unofficial requirement. 

Does WashU Look at Class Rank?

According to the most recently available data, 86% of members of the WashU Class of 2029 graduated high school in the top tenth percentile of their high school graduating classes. 98% graduated in the top quarter.

Washington University in St. Louis Test Score Requirements

Washington University in St. Louis is test-optional.

However, just because they don’t require SAT or ACT scores does not mean that students who submit them won’t be at an advantage (because they unequivocally will!). 32% of applicants to the WashU Class of 2029 submitted SAT scores, and 29% submitted ACT scores.

	SAT	ACT
Median	1,530	34
Mid 50% Range	1,500 — 1,550	33 — 35

Does Washington University in St. Louis Superscore Students’ SAT or ACT scores?

A superscore combines the highest section scores from each test sitting for admissions evaluation. WashU does superscore the SAT and the ACT.

However, submitting multiple test administrations shows WashU that you had to work harder than many to achieve your scores (which isn’t ideal). Students should submit more than one score report only if they need to superscore (this depends on the situation).

What High School Courses Does Washington University in St. Louis Require?

WashU is not particularly forthcoming with specific course load recommendations. But not to worry! We at Ivy Coach recommend that WashU-aspiring high school students excel in all five core subjects for all four years of high school (and, in the case of foreign language study, five years, as it’s expected that students begin their foreign language study in eighth grade). Anything less than all four of English, social studies, science, math, and foreign language would raise eyebrows among WashU admissions officers.

What Extracurriculars Does WashU Look For in Applicants?

WashU does not recommend specific extracurriculars, but once again, Ivy Coach knows what they’re not saying. We understand that all highly selective colleges seek students who pursue their “thing” to the greatest extent possible, which is why we set up all of our students with a highly competitive singular hook that demonstrates to WashU that you will have a game plan once on campus.

At WashU, this “thing” may take the form of some policy interest, research specialty, or civic initiative. They aim to welcome the next generation of researchers, scientists, and experts in their fields, A.K.A., students who have taken their passions to the furthest extent possible!

Washington University in St. Louis Application Requirements

WashU applicants must complete their applications through The Common Application or the Coalition Application. Either way, the application consists of a series of short essay questions, a high school teacher recommendation, a secondary school report that includes a counselor recommendation, and an optional video (though no optional component in the elite college admissions process should be considered optional).

Let’s focus on each component and discuss how students should complete them to give them the best shot at admission.

Who to Ask For Letters of Recommendation

Applicants to WashU should ask a teacher, ideally a junior year teacher, in addition to their school counselor, for a letter of recommendation. This recommendation should come from a teacher in a core subject, such as math, science, English, social studies, or a foreign language.

Does Wash U Require an Alumni Interview?

WashU does not conduct interviews as part of the college admissions process.

What are Washington University in St. Louis’ Supplemental Essay Topics?

Essays are one of the most important aspects of a competitive college application. WashU requires applicants to respond to one 250-word essay and also provides the option of responding to one of two optional 250-word essays, as well as an optional video in their supplemental materials.

Required Essay Prompt

Please tell us what you are interested in studying at college and why. Undecided about your academic interest(s)? Don’t worry—tell us what excites you about the academic division you selected. Remember that all of our first-year students enter officially “undeclared” and work closely with their team of academic advisors to discover their academic passions. You can explore all of our majors and programs on our website. (250 words)

Optional Essay Prompt 1

1. WashU supports engagement in the St. Louis community by considering the university as “In St. Louis, For St. Louis.” What is a community you are a part of and your place or impact within it? (250 words)

2. WashU strives to know every undergraduate student “By Name & Story.” How have your life experiences shaped your story? (250 words)

Optional Video

WashU applicants are also invited to record and submit a 90-second video via Glimpse. When it comes to this optional video (which should never be considered optional!), don’t overdo it with fancy editing. Keep it simple.

When are WashU’s Application Deadlines?

Washington University in St. Louis admissions officers have four admissions rounds: Early Action (due November 2), Early Decision I (due November 2), Early Decision II (due January 4), and Regular Decision (due January 4). 

University of Washington in St. Louis Acceptance Rate and Statistics (Classes of 2030 – 2018)

Washington University in St. Louis Class Year	Total Applications Received	Total Applications Accepted	Overall Acceptance Rate
Class of 2030	Not Yet Published	Not Yet Published	Not Yet Published
Class of 2029	33,293	3,968	11.92%
Class of 2028	32,753	Not Yet Published	12.00%
Class of 2027	32,240	3,855	11.96%
Class of 2026	33,214	3,764	11.33%
Class of 2025	33,634	4,373	13.00%
Class of 2024	27,949	4,477	16.02%
Class of 2023	25,426	3,522	13.85%
Class of 2022	31,320	4,708	15.03%
Class of 2021	30,463	4,863	15.96%
Class of 2020	29,197	4,827	16.53%
Class of 2019	29,259	4,898	16.74%
Class of 2018	29,211	5,004	17.13%

How Ivy Coach Helps Students Get Into Washington University in St. Louis

Would you like to optimize your child’s odds of admission to Washington University in St. Louis? Ivy Coach’s Charis Ralko, a former Associate Director of Admissions at Washington University in St. Louis, is here to help! To get started, fill out our complimentary consultation form, and we’ll be in touch.