examples of washu supplemental essay

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WashU Supplemental Essays 2024-25 Prompts and Tips

July 26, 2024

For the Class of 2027, the WashU acceptance rate remained low at just 12%. As Washington University in St. Louis appears to be marching toward the single-digit admit rate club, it’s critical that prospective applicants realize the need to make a uniquely compelling case for admission, even if they already possess elite academic credentials. After all, the average SAT for an incoming freshman is well above a 1500 and 88% placed in the top 10% of their high school class–incredibly, such credentials are necessary but not sufficient in this hypercompetitive environment. This brings us to the topic of the moment – the WashU supplemental essays.

(Want to learn more about How to Get Into WashU? Visit our blog entitled:  How to Get Into Washington University in St. Louis: Admissions Data and Strategies  for all of the most recent admissions data as well as tips for gaining acceptance.)

Given this high level of competition, WashU’s supplemental section offers applicants a critical opportunity to showcase their writing ability by generating detail-rich essays that will stand out to an admissions officer.

2024-2025 WashU Supplemental Essays

Please tell us what you are interested in studying at college and why. (200 words)

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.

Washington University in St. Louis wants to know about the academic discipline(s) in which you are most interested (or current leanings, if you’re undecided). They also want to know why you desire to pursue your studies at their institution. Answering both components of this question in less than 200 words is no easy task. This one is going to require a fair amount of school-specific research and a good deal of editing in order to tighten up your essay enough to stay under the word count.

For a deeper dive, let’s examine a list of characteristics of a winning WashU “Why Us?” essay:

• How did your interest in your major of choice begin and how has it matured over the years?
• While pursuing your majors(s)/interest(s) of choice, how will you take advantage of the university’s immense resources both inside and outside of the classroom? Be sure to cite specific  academic programs ,  professors ,  research opportunities ,  centers & institutes , and  study abroad programs . Discuss why they pique your interest.
• Feel free to touch on  student-run organizations  related to your field of study that you would like to join.

WashU Supplemental Essays (Continued)

As you enter the prewriting stage, you’ll want to avoid some common pitfalls that we observe applicants fall into when attacking the WashU “Why Us?” essay. We don’t want to label these as “mistakes” (there is nothing inherently wrong with them); they just don’t add any needle-moving value, which is the only goal here!

Common components of a generic “Why WashU?” essay:

• According to  US News , Washington University in St. Louis is a top-15 school.
• Too much attention to the prestige/reputation of the Olin School of Business or McKelvey School of Engineering.
• Recycled statements from your other “Why Us?” essays that come across as stale, impersonal, or worst of all–irrelevant/inaccurate.
• An itinerary of all the things you plan to do in St. Louis.
• Statements about how WUSTL feels like home, you know it’s the right place for you, or you’ve wanted to attend since kindergarten;  show  this through specifics instead.

Big-picture thoughts on the “Why Us” essay:

In any “Why Us?” composition, you need to show that you’ve done your homework on a given school, but you don’t want it to read like a rote list of items that you Googled an hour prior to writing the essay (even if the timing of the Google search is roughly accurate).

In addition to the pure research element, a lot of the time and skill required in creating a stellar WashU essay will involve connecting the classes, professors, opportunities, etc. of interest that you have uncovered to your distinct values, talents, aims, proficiencies, and future goals.

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.

If you prefer, you may focus your optional 90-second video submitted through the WashU Pathway on addressing one of these three questions. (Students who choose to submit a written response to one of these questions may still opt in to sharing an optional video).

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?” (250 words)

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 identity has impacted the way you view or interact with your community..

While this essay is technically “optional,” we advise every single applicant to WashU to opt in. Remember, WashU is one of those rare schools that rejects students with near-perfect (or even perfect) academic credentials. It is essential that you showcase the characteristics and skills that make you one-of-a-kind.

Keep scrolling for a breakdown of each prompt:

The U.S. presently finds itself in an extreme state of polarization. There seems to be little agreement even as to what constitutes “truth” or “facts.” Within this divided world, it can be hard for individuals with competing viewpoints to engage in civil and productive dialogue. Here, WashU is giving you the chance to show that you are an open-minded, intellectually curious, and collaborative young person. Illustrate how you are willing to engage in conversations and voice opinions to others, whether it was your lab partner or a ten-person team at your summer internship.

Furthermore, note the wording here: fresh perspective. This means that your perspective or opinion was different from that of the others in your group. As such, how did you present your opinion? How did others react? How did you handle their reaction? What was the ultimate outcome? What did you learn from the entire experience? One key thing to remember when addressing this prompt is that you don’t have to be the hero of the anecdote. In fact, you may be one who learned to expand their thinking.

“Community” can be defined in myriad ways: it could be large-scale, like an ethnic, religious, or neighborhood community, or small-scale, like a group of individuals who gather for a club, sport, or service project.

Most applicants to WashU are involved in at least one “community.” You may be the captain of a team, the editor-in-chief of your school paper, a member of your town’s trail clean-up team… but don’t just rest on those laurels—instead, bring your involvement to life. Use your writing ability to  show  what type of community member you are rather than merely  telling . What is your role within your chosen community? Within that role, how do you lead, guide, or interact with others? What have you learned and how have you grown? Strive for personal detail here rather than re-hashing your resume.

Finally, draw on past evidence of your commitment to being a positive force in your community and speculate how that is likely to manifest on WashU’s campus. It’s a great idea to research and cite WashU student-run organizations and/or local nonprofit groups.

Take note of the wide-open nature of this prompt. You are essentially invited to talk about any of the following topics:

• A perspective you hold
• An experience you had
• A community you belong to
• Your cultural background
• Your family background

Although this prompt’s open floor plan may feel daunting, a good tactic is to first consider what has already been communicated within your Common App personal statement, activities list, and “Why Us?” WashU essay. What important aspects of yourself have not been shared (or sufficiently discussed)? The admissions officer reading your essay is hoping to connect with you through your written words, so—within your essay’s reflection—be open, humble, thoughtful, inquisitive, emotionally honest, mature, and/or insightful about what you learned and how it has impacted the ways in which you communicate or interact with others. No matter what type of story you tell, the goal is to have the reader come away saying, “I can definitely see this applicant as a contributing member of our talented and engaged student community.”

How important are the WashU supplemental essays?

WashU designated 8 factors as “very important” to their applicant evaluation process. These are: essays, recommendations, talent/ability, character/personal qualities, GPA, test scores, class rank, and the rigor of one’s curriculum. Clearly, the essays are among the most important factors in this holistic process.

Want personalized assistance with your WashU supplemental essays?

If you are interested in working with one of College Transitions’ experienced and knowledgeable essay coaches as you craft your WashU supplemental essay, we encourage you to  get a quote  today.

Need additional writing guidance? Consider checking out the following:

• Common App Essay Prompts
• 10 Instructive Common App Essay Examples
• College Application Essay Topics to Avoid
• How to Quickly Format Your Common App Essay
• Should I Complete Optional College Essays?
• How to Brainstorm a College Essay
• 25 Inspiring College Essay Topics
• “Why This College?” Essay Examples
• How to Write the Community Essay
• College Essay

Dave Bergman

Dave has over a decade of professional experience that includes work as a teacher, high school administrator, college professor, and independent educational consultant. He is a co-author of the books The Enlightened College Applicant (Rowman & Littlefield, 2016) and Colleges Worth Your Money (Rowman & Littlefield, 2020).

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How to Write the WashU Supplemental Essays 2024–2025

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Washington University in St. Louis , colloquially known as WashU, is a selective private research institution with an acceptance rate below 12%. WashU’s vibrant student life ; extensive research, study abroad, and interdisciplinary programs ; and supportive Taylor Family Center all serve to attract thousands of applicants every year. WashU’s accomplished alumni include Peter Sarsgaard, Pooja Kumar, Andrew McCabe, and Rochelle P. Walensky. Hoping to join their ranks? First, you’ll need to nail your WashU supplemental essays. Let’s dive in.

WashU’s 2024-2025 Prompts

Required washu essay questions, 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. (200 words or fewer), optional washu essay questions, 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 or fewer), washu strives to know every undergraduate student “by name & story.” how have your life experiences shaped your story (250 words or fewer), washu scholarship essay questions, danforth scholars program: chancellor danforth and mrs. danforth deeply cared about building trust within the community and being of service to others. they embodied a spirit of servant leadership, enhancing the experiences of students, staff, and faculty. reflecting on the lives and legacies of the danforths , share a specific example of how you have demonstrated a commitment to servant leadership and improving your community. (100 words or fewer), ervin scholars program: the ervin scholars program is open to only u.s. citizens, permanent residents, and undocumented or daca students living in the u.s. dr. john b. ervin was a nationally renowned black educator and the first african american dean at washington university in st. louis. reflecting on his biography and the history and legacy of the ervin scholars program , share a specific example of how you have taken action to champion diversity in your own life or community. (100 words or fewer), rodriguez scholars program: annika lynn rodriguez championed awareness for students of all backgrounds, including starting washu’s first latin american awareness week. reflecting on annika rodriguez’s history and legacy , share a specific example of how you have made a commitment to fostering cultural awareness and understanding. (100 words or fewer).

General Tips

Your WashU supplemental essays need to be concise and snappy in order to effectively get your points across in the limited words you have available. So, let’s dive into two general tips for cutting down your word count without cutting out meaning.

Go easy on the adjectives and adverbs.

Adjectives and adverbs are a powerful tool for the writer. However, when overused or employed redundantly, they can prevent your essay from reaching its full potential.

Common overuses of adjectives and adverbs include the following:

• Without further clarification, the adjectives “thoughtful and considerate” are redundant.
• Unless there is prior implication of falsely happy occasions, there’s no need to use “truly” here.
• With the “like” in this sentence, the comparison is clear, and “basically” only detracts from the strength of the comparison.
• The usage of the word “long” and the redundant phrase “each and every” (only one of these words is necessary) adds some consonance/assonance to the sentence but does not impact the meaning.

Although none of these usages are grammatically or syntactically incorrect, they add extra words to your sentences when you have limited words available.

Watch out for prepositional phrases.

Prepositional phrases are often necessary, but many students trying to cut down on their essays’ words overlook the ways prepositional phrases bulk up their sentences. Here are some examples:

• The phrase “of all” adds emphasis in this sentence, but it does not change its fundamental meaning.
• A rewrite of this sentence using fewer words could look like, “This sentence’s components aren’t my favorite syntactical elements.” That’s eight words instead of thirteen!
• This sentence could be more concisely reworded to, “My brother completed the assignment unaided.” That’s six words instead of ten. Note the removal of the passive voice as well.

This prompt is a fairly standard college essay prompt, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy. WashU seeks self-motivated students who are excited to learn. So, in this essay, you should explain what gets you excited to learn. Maybe your interest in mathematics originated from a life-changing event. Or perhaps you just enjoy reading, and that’s why you’ve decided to pursue a degree in English literature. Alternatively, maybe your interest in international affairs is driven by a desire to pursue a future career in international law. Whatever subjects intrigue you, and for whatever reasons, it’s important that your essay is authentic and precise.

If you’re having trouble coming up with your “why,” consider coming up with answers to the following questions:

• What makes this subject or these subjects more interesting than other subjects?
• What is the most interesting fact you have learned in this academic area? Do you seek to learn more facts like this one?
• What questions do you have about the world? How will further study help you answer these questions?
• What are your career goals? How do they relate to your intended area(s) of study?
• What current social issues keep you up at night? How does your intended course of study relate to these issues?
• In what ways does this subject or these subjects bring you joy?

After answering these questions, you should hopefully have identified some concrete reasons for selecting your intended academic area(s). If not, consider whether these are truly the area(s) of study that interest you. Are there any areas that interest you more?

Once you’ve identified your reasons, focus on explaining, in your essay, why these reasons are important to you. Be specific and detailed, and you’ll have a compelling essay.

This prompt analogizes your experiences in a community to your future experiences in the St. Louis community. This is because the WashU admissions team is seeking students who will see St. Louis as a community, not just a place to live while working toward a degree.

Thus, bear in mind how the reader may compare the story you tell in this essay to the person they envision you becoming at WashU. In other words, the story you tell may indicate to the admissions team whether you’re a good fit. They may also use your essay to decide whether you’d be an additive member of the community.

Also, remember to pick just one community to focus on in this essay. Moreover, be sure to pick a community that you personally belong to, as opposed to a community you have served or interacted with. Feel free to interpret the word “community” broadly. Furthermore, you can write about your school, your family, your culture, your religion, your sports team, etc.

If you hold a certain identity and have found community with other members of that identity, then you can write about that community. This community could be online or in-person, based in your neighborhood or ranging internationally. As long as it’s important to you, it’s a solid choice of topic.

If the prompt above about community doesn’t speak to you, or you’d just prefer to provide more or different insights regarding your background, then this is a great prompt for you to answer. This prompt provides you with the space to discuss your life experiences. You can write about life-changing conversations, experiences with identity, moving to a different place, or whatever feels most important to you.

If you’re having trouble deciding on a topic, consider what topics you’ve written about already. If your Common App essay already discussed your religious background, then perhaps you should focus on a different topic in this essay. Alternatively, if you feel that the WashU admissions team won’t have a complete picture as to who you are unless you take the time to write about your LGBTQ+ identity, then perhaps you should do so here. Moreover, if your application is very STEM-focused, you may want the reader to know that you have other interests. In that case, this essay could be a great place to elaborate on the other hobbies or activities that have shaped who you are today.

Answering this essay prompt gives you the opportunity to score a significant scholarship package. Recipients enjoy “full-tuition scholarships with a $2,500 stipend or half-tuition scholarships. The scholarship is renewed each year for the duration of the degree program, provided you progress academically and uphold the high standards of character required of scholars.” Thus, it’s in your best interest to write a strong response to this essay question.

The term “ servant leadership ” refers to “a leadership style in which leaders put the needs, aspirations, and interests of their followers above their own,” according to the Program on Negotiation at Harvard Law School. In other words, you should use your 100 words for this essay to share your experience leading others in a way that put those whom you led above yourself.

Per the prompt’s wording, focus on one specific example , instead of a series of examples or trend in your community service actions. In addition, use precise language and explain why you pursued this service and what it meant to you. If you have space, describe a lesson or two that this experience taught you.

If you’re curious, read more about the Danforth Scholars Program here .

This prompt is for students interested in receiving “full-tuition scholarships with a $2,500 stipend or partial-tuition scholarships.” Note that applicants to this program must also maintain high academic standards, like the students in the Danforth Scholars Program. However, this program is limited to applicants who are “U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and undocumented or DACA students living in the U.S.” If you’re included in the relevant demographic for this prompt, it’s likely worthwhile to make an attempt at this essay question.

In this short essay, you must focus on one specific example of an action you’ve taken, initiative you’ve spearheaded, conversation you’ve held, or the like for the purpose of demonstrating your commitment to the cause of diversity. If diversity is important to you and you have sought to promote diversity, then you should probably apply for this scholarship. If not, then you may want to look at other prompts.

Remember to be specific and precise in your response. Quantify your impact and share how the experience impacted you. For instance, state the exact or approximate number of hours you worked or people you helped. Additionally, describe a lesson you learned or a way your perspective shifted. Don’t worry about discussing ways you continue to champion diversity or plan to in the future. Instead, focus on the most meaningful experience you have had that involved action you took to promote diversity. Make sure you share who you impacted and why this was meaningful to you!

If you’re curious, read more about the Ervin Scholars Program here .

If you’re hoping to be among the lucky WashU students who receive “full-tuition scholarships with a $2,500 stipend or partial-tuition scholarships,” this essay prompt gives you that chance. If you are able to compose a stellar essay about your authentic experience fostering cultural awareness and understanding, then you’ll have a shot at joining the Rodriguez Scholars Program. Note that like the other scholarships described above, participation in this program is contingent on maintaining certain academic standards throughout your undergraduate career.

This essay should highlight one specific example of community service you have pursued. Specifically, you should focus on a time when you pursued community service that positively impacted others through “cultural awareness and understanding.” Unsure whether your community service work fits under that umbrella? Consider whether cultural difference was integral to your work. Did your work serve to raise awareness, provide education or training, promote connections across cultures, or something similar? If so, this is the prompt for you. If not, perhaps review the other two scholarship options listed above.

You may be wondering why community service is integral to this prompt, given that the prompt uses neither of those two words. Check out WashU’s resources on the Rodriguez Scholars Program and its application process. Conducting thorough research on this program will help you identify the implicit expectations for applicants. Through this process, you’ll better understand what you should aim to highlight in your essay response.

If you need help polishing up your WashU supplemental essays, check out our College Essay Review service. You can receive detailed feedback from Ivy League consultants in as little as 24 hours.

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3 Top Tips for Writing Your WashU Supplement Essay

College Essays

All applicants to Washington University in St. Louis have to submit a supplemental essay as part of their application packet. That means that in addition to the essays you write as part of your Common Application or the Coalition Application (WashU accepts either one), you'll have to submit a third essay that you write specifically for Washington University in St. Louis.

Because WashU's acceptance rate is highly competitive —only 13% of students are accepted every year!— you'll need to write a stellar WashU supplement to give yourself the best shot at getting in. But what does a good WashU supplemental essay look like?

This article is going to explain everything you need to know about the Washington University supplemental essay, including:

• Explaining what the WashU supplemental essay is and how to choose the correct essay prompt
• Separate walkthroughs of both the general supplemental essay prompt and the Beyond Boundaries supplemental essay prompt
• Tips and tricks for writing an excellent Washington University supplemental essay

So without further ado, let's dive in!

What Are the Washington University Supplemental Essays?

You only have to submit one 200-word essay as part of your WashU supplement. The exception is if you're applying to WashU's Beyond Boundaries program, which is a special two-year interdisciplinary program. Beyond Boundaries has an additional WashU supplemental essay prompt all program applicants must complete.

The WashU general supplemental essay is what most students will write and submit as part of their application packet.

Washington University General Supplemental Essay

Here's the general WashU supplemental essay prompt that every applicant must answer:

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.

You're limited to 200 words in your response, which isn't very long! That's why it's important for you to really understand the prompt before you start working on your essay.

What's This Prompt Asking, Exactly?

This is a classic "Why Us" essay prompt. Many schools ask some variation of it, and what they're all trying to learn is, why are you applying to this school specifically? What about it makes you think it'll be a good fit for you?

"Why Us?" essays may look as if they're asking a simple question—why do you want to attend this school—but there's more to it than that. These essays are also often asking one of two questions: "why us?" or "why you?"

In essence, these essays want you to describe why they're the right school for you . Paying attention to how the question is framed will give you a better sense of what kind of answer they're looking for, which will help you shape your essay.

How Should You Answer This Prompt?

To craft a good response to this essay, you need to understand the prompt. It's not about listing a school's qualifications or discussing how beautiful the campus is—a good essay will explain not just why the school is good, but why the school is good for you .

This essay is a common one at many schools. Colleges want to know what brings you to them specifically, including what interests you and how you'll contribute to the student body. Though the question of "why" may feel simple, it's a lot more complex than it appears at first glance .

First of all, the college admissions office wants to know what sets their school apart from others. In WashU's case, that could be their balance between research and teaching, a particular major they offer, a positive experience you had while touring the campus ...

Use the question of "why" as a starting point . Don't stop at, "because I like that I can study engineering and English." Develop that idea further—What does that mean to you? Why does it matter?

The "Why This College?" essay also invites students to think about how they'll fit into the academic environment. Schools want to know that you're a good fit—it's to their benefit to recruit students who are passionate and committed to getting the most out of their college education.

But it's not just about whether you'll fit in—it's also important that WashU is a good fit for you. That doesn't mean having your major or whatever clubs you might want to join, but also that your goals align with theirs. Having a clear idea about your goals as well as theirs will help you excel, and WashU will appreciate the clarity .

As you're thinking about your WashU essay, you might learn things about the school that may not be a good fit, and it's better to learn that now than six months after you've moved onto campus. Though one or two missed checkboxes in your dream school criteria isn't necessarily a reason to pull your application, having realistic expectations for your college experience will set you up for a more positive time at the school of your choice.

What Topics Might Work Well for This Essay?

There are a lot of directions you can choose for this prompt. Here are some potential ideas you could write about:

• Majors, minors, certificates, and/or classes WashU offers that you're especially interested in. 
• WashU professors whose work you admire and with whom you'd like to study or conduct research.
• Clubs or sports teams that you'd be interesting in joining.
• Research opportunities you'd like to have (the more specific you can be, the better).
• Internship opportunities WashU offers.
• WashU students or alumni you've met who you admire.
• Financial aid opportunities WashU offers that make it possible for you to attend.

In your response, you should choose about one or two reasons why you think WashU is the best school for you. For each reason, you should describe what WashU offers and connect it back to your interest and skills to show how you're a good match for the school.

What Should You Avoid Talking About?

We've talked about how to write a killer Washington University supplemental essay, but there are some things you should definitely avoid doing.

First, avoid anything superficial, like how pretty WashU's campus is, or that you really like their sports teams. These aren't particularly meaningful reasons to attend a school, and since they don't relate to academics, it may cause Washington University admissions counselors to wonder how committed to your classes you'll be.

Additionally, avoid very general topics that could apply to any school. For example, saying you like WashU's majors, research programs, or internship opportunities isn't enough. All schools have those. What is it  specifically about WashU's that make them stand out and make you feel confident they're the right school for you.

If you're applying to the Beyond Boundaries program, you'll write and submit a different supplemental essay. But don't worry: we have your "passport" to essay success! (We love a dad joke.)

Washington University Beyond Boundaries Supplemental Essay

The Beyond Boundaries essay prompt is only for students who are applying to the two-year Beyond Boundaries program. 

Here's the Beyond Boundaries prompt:

Tell us what great challenge you might want to understand and tackle leveraging two or more of WashU's schools and how you would pursue an interdisciplinary path of study that explores that challenge or an aspect of that challenge in a unique and innovative way.

Just like the general Washington University supplemental essay, the Beyond Boundaries essay is limited to 200 words. Let's take a look at how you can go about answering this prompt.

This one is definitely a different prompt from the general supplemental essay. Unlike the general essay, which is asking you to talk about your own passions, in this essay WashU admissions wants you to discuss a big, real-world challenge that you want to solve as part of your academic study at WashU.

More importantly, you'll need to explain how to combine two approaches from two different schools in order to solve that challenge. Put another way, this prompt is asking you to demonstrate your ability to come up with innovative solutions for tough problems.

Once you do that, you'll have to explain how "you would pursue a path of study in an interdisciplinary way." In other words, you'll need to explain what classes you would take (and why!) in order to gain the knowledge and skills you'd need to tackle the problem you've chosen.

Because Beyond Boundaries is an interdisciplinary program , admissions counselors want to make sure that students admitted to this program are prepared to embrace different perspectives. Interdisciplinary programs like Beyond Boundaries one value innovative approaches to problem-solving , and admissions counselors want to see that you're outside-the-box thinker that can draw from multiple disciplines in order to come up with new solutions.

Writing a good answer to this prompt, one that will impress Washington University admissions, is going to take some research. First, you need to figure out a big problem that a diverse team of thinkers can solve. Then you need to learn more about Washington University's five undergraduate divisions so that you can talk about them specifically in your essay.

This might seem like a daunting task, and it kind of is: Beyond Boundaries is very selective, so admissions counselors want to make sure that admitted students are a good fit for the interdisciplinary nature of the program. But the good news is that the admissions committee isn't expecting you to come up with the perfect solution to a gnarly problem. Instead, they want to see that you're capable of bringing together people from different fields to tackle problems that are facing both your community and the world.

There are three things a great Beyond Boundaries supplemental essay will have to address. First, you'll have to pick a problem that you're passionate about solving as part of your academic studies or future career. Next, you'll need to talk about which schools/disciplines you think can work together to solve this problem. Finally, you'll need to talk about what classes you would take in order to prepare yourself to solve this problem in the future.

The trickiest part of this essay will be choosing a topic that lets you create a compelling course of study.

First, think about your future career goals. What do you want to do when you get out of college? That provides a good jumping off point for picking a problem to discuss in your essay. Then you'll have to make sure that you can bring together at least two of Washington University's four academic divisions in your response.

Let's take a look at how an applicant might go about choosing a topic for the Beyond Boundaries supplemental essay. For instance, Lola wants to go to medical school in order to become an orthopedic surgeon. She's applying to the Beyond Boundaries program, so she starts researching some of the challenges current orthopedic surgeons are facing. She learns that one of the issues facing her field is that they are seeing more and more catastrophic sports-related injuries in kids and young adults , and she decides to write about that in her WashU supplemental essay.

This is a great challenge to focus on in a Beyond Boundaries essay because it a) is impacting Lola's future field, and b) will allow her to talk about specific schools and classes in her response. For example, Lola can write about how her interdisciplinary course of study will include plenty of biology classes from the College of Arts & Sciences t o teach her about medicine.

But to really solve this problem, she'll need to learn about the business side of sports to understand the economic system that's pushing people to enroll their children in pro-style training academies at younger and younger ages. That means taking classes in the Business of Sports program in the Olin School of Business , too!

Remember: the goal here is to demonstrate your creative, interdisciplinary problem-solving abilities by suggesting a course of study that can help you solve a big problem . Spending some time picking a topic and brainstorming your response will be an important factor in writing a great Beyond Boundaries supplemental essay.

So what are the pitfalls with the Beyond Boundaries essay?

The biggest issue to avoid is not fully answering the prompt. Like we mentioned earlier, this essay prompt is complex: you need to identify a problem, figure out how to bring different WashU academic areas together to solve it, then propose a course of study that can prepare you to solve the problem in the future. It's easy to miss one of these response areas, so you'll need to spend lots of time researching and planning your response before you actually begin writing it.

Additionally, you want to make sure you're being both thoughtful and specific as you put together your course of study. Take a look at Lola's example again. Not only does she come up with an innovative way to figure out how to address a pretty big problem in her field, she has enough information that she can call out specific schools and programs by name in her response.

Remember: WashU admissions counselors want to see that you've done your research into the university and its offerings!

Expert Analysis of a Real-Life WashU Supplemental Essay

Now, let's look at a real-life example WashU supplemental essay and break down how it works. This essay was written in response to an older prompt ("Tell us about something that really sparks your intellectual interest and curiosity and compels you to explore more in the program/area of study that you indicated"), but the lessons apply equally to the current prompts.

Here's the sample essay:

I unlock the door and turn the knob. The fifty-year-old door opens with a groan. A narrow, dark hallway leads me to a stairway, and after climbing the stairs to a small landing above the hayloft, I find myself in a shaft of sunlight where dust motes dance in the darkness. I feel the sun on my face and feel that I have entered a space that is sacred.

This is my earliest memory of feeling connected to architecture. From that one in the loft of my grandfather's barn when I was six years old until the present day, I've tried to find an explanation for how my interaction with a physical space was able to create such a feeling of transcendence.

In his essay, "Building Dwelling Being," Martin Heidegger discusses the idea of dwelling , of "staying in a place." In English we use the word dwelling not only to signify a building or a structure in which one lives, but also to "dwell upon," meaning to pay close attention to. In this moment I was both dwelling upon and dwelling in my grandfather's hayloft. Although perhaps I couldn't express it so eloquently at the time, the notion came to me then that a space can be both physical and philosophical. I believe that Sam Fox School's College of Architecture will give me the training to achieve my greatest goal: to someday create physical spaces that allow the same potential for reverie.

We think this is a pretty good example of an essay response to the WashU general supplemental essay prompt. But it's not perfect!

Let's talk a little more about what this essay does well, and where it can improve.

What This Essay Does Well

This essay really embraces the idea that the best way to showcase your personality is with a story. The writer helps bring the reader into her essay by painting a picture in her first paragraph. The description of walking through a staircase and seeing dust in the air hooks the audience—you want to keep reading to see where the author goes next!

Additionally, this writer shows that she's been passionate about her field of study (architecture) from a young age . The things she notices in her memory have to do with the building and its space...which are definitely things architects have to pay attention to!

Finally, the student's reference to "Building, Dwelling, Being" shows that she's so enthusiastic about studying architecture that she's already begun digging into the field on her own. More importantly, she has connected the lessons she's learned with her own experience. The writer's knowledge and passion will help her essay stand out to Washington University in St. Louis admissions counselors!

Where There's Room for Improvement

While this essay is extremely well-written, it takes a while for the author to get to her point, which is that she's inspired to study architecture at WashU. In fact, she doesn't mention the Sam Fox School's College of Architecture until the last line! To make this essay better, the author should start referencing the school and program of study in the second paragraph. That way, the writer focuses her essay specifically on WashU's architecture program rather than architecture in general.

Additionally, the writer forgets to discuss specific professors, classes, and programs that she's interested in taking advantage of as a WashU student. Admissions counselors want to see that you've done your homework into what their university has to offer. This essay could be even better if the writer mentioned specific electives like Architectural History & Theory or Environmental Studies that would allow her to explore her fascination with how architecture brings together philosophy and physical space. The goal is to be as specific as possible to show that you've thought a lot about how Washington University can help you pursue your passions, interests, and career goals.

3 Tips for Writing Great WashU Essays

Now that we've looked at an example essay and have examined how the author approached writing it, let's apply these lessons in three tips that will make your Washington University supplemental essay shine!

Tip 1: Set the Scene

Good writing is about bringing moments to life for your reader. Instead of being vague and abstract, use your five senses to place your reader within a scene. Pay attention to how authors of prose fiction create a sense of placing the reader inside someone else's perspective. This will make your essay vivid and memorable, and that the very best supplemental essays will give their readers a sense of a narrative moment. This is also your chance to show that you are willing and able to foster the discipline to put in the hard work of creating a well-written supplement.

Tip 2: Look at the Bigger Picture

Next, show your readers why this beautiful piece of prose you've created matters . Try to connect your own experiences to larger concerns and contemporary issues. Show that you aren't just interested in your own benefit, but also how your dedication can benefit society. Keep in mind that there are two parties involved in any application or admissions process, and show that your admission to WashU could as much benefit WashU as it could benefit you!

Tip 3: Make Them Feel Wanted

One of the worst things you could do would be to write an essay so vague that you could use it for almost any school's admissions essay. You want your essay to speak to how WashU is specifically the best fit for you. Reference specific classes, professors, and experiences that only WashU can provide. You want admissions counselors to realize that WashU is the only school for you!

What's Next?

If you're worried about how to write a great application essay, that's okay. It can be pretty intimidating! We have tons of expert writing sources that can help you out. First, check out this step-by-step guide to writing college admissions essays. Once you're done there, you can read through more real-world examples of college essays and get expert analysis on what they do well and how they can improve. Finally, let us help you overcome your fear of the dreaded first sentence !

If you've done your research into Washington University in St. Louis, then you've probably realized that tuition isn't cheap . Don't worry: we have a guide that can help you figure out how to afford to go to WashU.

Most college applications ask you to pick a potential major. Learn more about how to pick the right college major for your application here.

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Ashley Sufflé Robinson has a Ph.D. in 19th Century English Literature. As a content writer for PrepScholar, Ashley is passionate about giving college-bound students the in-depth information they need to get into the school of their dreams.

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August 3, 2024

Washington University in St. Louis Supplemental Essay Prompts: 2024-2025

Washington University in St. Louis has released its supplemental essay prompt for the 2024-2025 admissions cycle . Applicants to WashU’s Class of 2029 are presented with a required essay prompt, an optional essay prompt, and an optional video upload . So, let’s check out these prompts!

2024-2025 WashU Essay Topics & Video

Required essay prompt.

Below are WashU’s instructions for the required essay, which is hidden within the Academics section of the supplement. Applicants can respond to the prompt in up to 200 words.

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.

This prompt is a straight-up-the-middle Why Major question. As such, it should include an origin story of a student’s interest — as a high schooler, not as a child — in their discipline of choice. Additionally, ideally, students have gotten involved in several activities that showcase their interest in this area. Here’s a chance for students to tell WashU’s admissions committee about their work in one such activity that directly correlates with their intended major. The answer does not need to include WashU specifics since it’s distinctly not a Why WashU question.

Optional Essay Prompts

Below are WashU’s instructions for the optional essay for all applicants, for which students can choose one of the two prompts and include a response of up to 250 words:

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.

If you prefer, you may focus your optional  90-second video  submitted through the WashU Pathway on addressing one of these three questions. (Students who choose to submit a written response to one of these questions may still opt in to sharing an optional video).

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?”:

Please choose one of the following:

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 in?

In the majority opinion outlawing the practice of Affirmative Action , Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts included a caveat that went as follows: 

“At the same time, as all parties agree, nothing in this opinion should be construed as prohibiting universities from considering an applicant’s discussion of how race affected his or her life, be it through discrimination, inspiration, or otherwise.”

This essay prompt is an opportunity for a student to showcase how their community has shaped them and how they’ve been shaped by their community. And the word community can be defined loosely. It can be a physical community — where a student lives. It can be a community of mathematicians if their angle happens to be math. As long as an applicant’s response showcases a window into their world, they’re on the right track.

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

Like the previous prompt, this essay question is a response to the SCOTUS ruling outlawing Affirmative Action. Here, applicants can write about their background, identity, race, religion, interests, or really anything they’d like since one’s “story” is open to interpretation.

Optional Video

WashU applicants, through the WashU Pathway, have the chance to upload an up to 90-second video introducing themselves — if they so wish. The instructions for the optional video are as follows:

All applicants have the option to upload a 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 telling us about something important to you.

Ideas to consider:

• Do you have a hobby? Show us how you spend your free time.
• How do you express your most authentic self? Through art, cooking, poetry, stand-up comedy?
• What do you most want to experience at WashU?

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) .

When creating the video, it’s important that applicants know that submitting a highly stylized, edited video is unnecessary — and we at Ivy Coach strongly recommend against it since doing so risks presenting an applicant as less likable.

Instead, applicants shouldn’t try to impress admissions officers with fancy filmmaking skills. They should instead focus on sharing a story that isn’t included elsewhere in the application that shines a spotlight on a student’s hook.

Ivy Coach’s Assistance with WashU Essays

If you’re interested in optimizing your case for admission to WashU by submitting essays that inspire admissions officers to root for you, fill out Ivy Coach ’s complimentary consultation form , and we’ll be in touch to delineate our college counseling services for seniors.

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Washington University in St. Louis 2024-25 Supplemental Essay Prompt Guide

Early Decision: Nov 1

Regular Decision Deadline: Jan 2

Washington University in St. Louis 2024-25 Application Essay Question Explanation

The Requirements: One 200-word essay; one 250-word essay

Supplemental Essay Type(s): Why , Community

Please tell us what you are interested in studying at college and why. (200 words)

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.  .

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!

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. If you plan to apply for one of the Signature Scholar Programs, we highly recommend you complete this supplement.

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”:, 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), washu strives to know every undergraduate student “by name & story.” how have your life experiences shaped your story (250 words).

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.

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Washington University in St. Louis (WashU) Supplemental Essays Guide: 2021-2022

Not sure how to approach the WashU supplemental essay?  CollegeAdvisor.com’s  guide will show you exactly how to write an engaging WashU supplemental essay to stand out in the admissions process.

Need help crafting your WashU supplemental essay? Create your free  account  or  schedule a free consultation  by calling (844) 343-6272.

Washington University in St. Louis  (WashU) Essay Guide Quick Facts:

• Washington University in St. Louis has an acceptance rate of 16% —  U.S. News  ranks WashU as a  most selective  school.
• We recommend answering the WashU supplemental essay comprehensively and thoughtfully to maximize your chances of admission.

What is WashU in St. Louis known for?

Washington University in St. Louis is a community-driven institution boasting 77 diversity-related student  groups  on campus. With a 7:1 student-to-teacher ratio, its motto Per Veritatem Vis (Strength through Truth) has produced 4 Pulitzer Prize winners, 10 National Medal of Science honorees, and is associated with 25 Nobel laureates.

Additionally, WashU’s location makes it particularly attractive to applicants. After all, who wouldn’t want to attend an elite school in bustling St. Louis?

Interested in attending WashU? This guide to the WashU supplemental essay will give you the tools you need to write a strong WashU essay that will stand out among the WashU supplemental essays submitted by other applicants. Keep reading to learn more about this year’s WashU supplemental essay and WashU scholarship essays.

Does Washington University in St. Louis Have Supplemental Essays?

Yes. Instead of completing multiple WashU essays, all applicants will complete one WashU supplemental essay.  All students interested in applying will submit WashU supplemental essays in addition to the  Common App  and  Coalition App  essays.

Need some help writing your Common App essay? Get some great tips from our Common app essay  guide .

Additionally, students interested in a scholarship at WashU should review the  Signature Scholarships  page, as well as the general  scholarships  section of the website. With general WashU scholarships, there is no need to complete additional WashU scholarship essays — your Common App personal statement is also your application for the scholarship. However, if you are applying for one or more of the Signature Scholarships, then you’ll need to complete additional WashU scholarship essays in addition to the main WashU supplemental essay.

Don’t worry about missing out on applying for the Signature Scholarships. While completing the Common App and uploading your WashU supplemental essay, you’ll be prompted to select any additional scholarships you’ll be applying for. Once you’ve selected a particular scholarship, the additional WashU scholarship essays will appear on the page. Though we won’t be covering these WashU essay prompts in this WashU supplemental essay guide, you can use our WashU supplemental essay tips to help you write your additional WashU essay prompts.

How Many Essays Are Required for WashU?

As stated above, there is only one WashU supplemental essay. This doesn’t mean, however, that you shouldn’t take the WashU essay seriously. In fact, with applications like WashU where there is a single supplemental essay, you’ll want to make sure that your answer is as strong as possible to give the best impression to admissions officers. Unlike other applications where there may be room for a weak prompt response, your WashU supplemental essay should be well-edited and fit within your application’s personal narrative.

Unsure of how to craft a personal narrative in your applications? Our expert’s  deep dive  into the personal narrative will help you create a compelling story to leave a lasting impression in the admissions process.

Also, remember that in addition to the required WashU supplemental essay prompt, if you are applying for the WashU Signature Scholar Programs, you will be prompted to complete additional WashU scholarship essays for the program. Again, the prompts for the additional WashU scholarship essays are on the WashU website, but those WashU essay prompts will not be covered in this guide.

How to write the Washington University in St. Louis Supplemental Essay (Required):

Please tell us what you are interested in studying at WashU and why. (200 word max.)

Outside of the WashU essay prompts required for the WashU Signature Scholarships, there is only one WashU supplemental essay. In the absence of multiple WashU essays, you want to answer the WashU essay prompt clearly and concisely. Why? For example, if there were multiple WashU essays, you may be able to bolster a weaker prompt response with other stronger answers. However, since there aren’t multiple WashU essays, your single WashU supplemental essay response stands front and center for admissions officers.

Another reason to give this WashU supplemental essay the focus it deserves: demonstrated interest. Demonstrated interest is how you show a school that you are knowledgeable about what they offer potential students, that you are interested in attending, and that the school figures prominently in your goals. In other words, this WashU supplemental essay is asking “Why WashU?”

What is the prompt asking?

Let’s review exactly what this WashU essay is asking. Successful WashU supplemental essays will include the following:

• What a student is interested in studying.
• Why the student wants to study this particular topic.
• Why the student wants to study this topic at WashU.

In other words, it’s not enough to write an essay explaining that a service trip to Ecuador in 2019 led to a burning desire to pursue  environmental studies . You also need to explain that your desire to work with students at Tyson Research Center’s summer program is a part of your larger goal to eventually bring environmental studies to the next generation. In this brief WashU essay topic example, you can see that the student clearly identifies what they want to study (environmental studies) and they also have a clear “why” for pursuing the program (service trip to Ecuador). Finally, we touch on the “Why WashU?” question by mentioning an aspect of the environmental studies program that is unique to WashU (the Tyson Research Center).

Let’s break this WashU supplemental essay down further to help you start your draft.

Choosing an area of interest

First, you need to identify an area of study at WashU that interests you. At this point, you may not be sure of your major in college, and that’s okay! This WashU supplemental essay gives you a great opportunity to explore your interests and consider what you’re interested in studying. Picking a major can feel like a daunting task, but it can also be a lot of fun and a great way to begin thinking about what you hope to experience at WashU. Also, it’s helpful to remember, the major or interest you discuss in your WashU supplemental essay is not necessarily what you have to study once you’ve been admitted.

Need help choosing a college major? Check out CollegeAdvisor’s articles on  choosing a college major  and the most popular majors for  Gen Z students .

Before you begin drafting the response for this WashU essay, you should explore their  offerings . As you are exploring, make note of the programs that pique your interest. This WashU essay asks you to elaborate on your interest, so make sure that there is a significant reason for your wanting to pursue a certain major or course of study.

Explaining your interest

As explained previously, successful WashU supplemental essays will answer the following: a) why you are interested in studying the major that you’ve named, and b) why you want to study this major/topic at WashU. The first portion of your WashU essay response is an opportunity for your personality to shine. Can you demonstrate intellectual curiosity here? Can you make a personal connection to your interest in your program of study? Does your interest in this area of study connect to your career plans? Dig deep and avoid superficial responses when crafting your WashU supplemental essay.

Managing word count

With a 200-word limit on this WashU supplemental essay, every word counts. Avoid overly descriptive text, filler words, and tangents. Save your words for writing about what interested you in WashU — instead of cramming SAT vocabulary words into your response.

When you’re writing your WashU supplemental essay draft, however, do not concern yourself with the word count. While this feels counterintuitive, an essay prompt’s word limit may cause anxiety and prevent a natural flow of ideas.  To avoid this, allow your ideas to spill out onto the page before you begin shaping your response. Approaching your WashU supplemental essay in this manner may be helpful if you struggle with writer’s block. Also, you may find that your draft takes an interesting turn and your topic/interests may shift if you give yourself the space to create a messy first draft.

Telling a story

As opposed to starting with “I am interested…” consider telling a story that leads to your connection for that area of interest. Is there a brief anecdote you can share that will show interest to your reader?

Let’s look at the following examples:

Ex 1. I am very interested in the law program in order to change immigration law in the US.

Ex2. It was a sweltering 118 degrees in Tucson that day.  I wondered if the plastic gallon bottles that I placed on the desert floor would even survive the heat. Could plastic sweat? Would these help the coyotes lead migrants to safety? I did what I could, and I knew that the Border Action Network’s activism was saving lives. Immigration laws need to change in the US. So, it became clear — my activist journey could not end with water bottles. Instead, I want to study immigration law with the WashU Department of Political Science.

Now you can continue your story of legal interest and how WashU provides the education that you are looking for regarding your personal passion.

Answering “Why WashU?”

Finally, the WashU supplemental essay is asking you to explain why you want to study at Washington University in St. Louis.

Consider the  values  that Washington University in St. Louis expresses — do they resonate with you? What about the surrounding area does the setting of the school and its location in St. Louis have any bearing on why you want to attend? Part of your reasoning may be practical — perhaps Washington University in St. Louis is your nearest in-state university. However, you don’t want proximity to home to be the focal point of your WashU supplemental essay. Instead, try to answer the following question: how will WashU set me up for success, both academically and in my future career? The answer to that question can help you craft your response for the WashU supplemental essay.

Let’s look at the following example:

Ex. My experience last year volunteering for a local alderman awakened a desire to learn more about the political ideas, ideologies, and perspectives that shape this nation. Washington University in St. Louis’s 77 diverse student groups and strong emphasis on community values make this institution the perfect place to study political science.  What better place to learn more about multiple experiences and viewpoints than an environment that celebrates so many different identities?

In this example, there is a clear connection between the student’s volunteering experience to their choice to study political science. The final piece is the connection between the major and the school. Successful WashU supplemental essays will be specific like the example above.

Editing your WashU Essay response

Once you’ve finished your draft, you’ll want to edit your WashU essay carefully. Successful WashU essay prompts will not only answer the question, but also use dynamic language that is concise and grammatically correct. Check your word count. Make sure you haven’t exceeded the 200-word limit for your WashU essay. While it’s okay to be few words under your limit, be wary of a shorter-than-average essay. If your essay is only 125 words, you’re leaving 75 words on the table. These can be used to add more description to your WashU essay.

Next, evaluate your sentences.  This WashU essay is a short response, however, you have an opportunity to demonstrate both your style and voice.  Are you varying sentence structure? Do your sentences sound repetitive? Often, it can be helpful to read your essay aloud. Hearing your words can help you find weaker points in your WashU essay response that your eyes have ignored.

WashU Supplemental Essay Draft Key Questions:

• Does your response identify a specific Washington University in St. Louis area of study or program?
• Does your response explain your interest in this program?
• Does your response explain your interest in studying that program specifically at Washington University in St. Louis?

How Important is the Washington University in St. Louis Supplemental Essay?

The WashU essay is extremely important. Since this is the only opportunity that you have to demonstrate your specific interest in WashU, you must make it count—in 200 words or less. While your academics may meet the requirements for admissions, high grades alone will not guarantee admission into WashU.

In an effort to create equity in their admissions process, WashU is not allowing campus visits, connections with alumni, connections with faculty, or other similar factors as considerations in admissions. A brief, yet powerful response to the WashU essay is the best way to show admissions officers that WashU is the right place for you.

Remember, WashU is a competitive school — with an average of 30,000 annual applicants and only 1,800 students enrolling in the fall — opportunities to introduce yourself to (and impress) admissions officers should not be wasted.

Finally, if you applying to the Signature Scholarship program, extend that same level of focus to the additional WashU essays that you’ll complete. The WashU supplemental essays required for the scholarship applications are your chance to help remove a portion of the financial burden that families juggle when they send their children to college. Do your research on the donating bodies behind each of the scholarships and use the WashU essay prompts to demonstrate your passion and enthusiasm for what you plan to study.

Additional Washington University in St. Louis Supplemental Essay Tips

The WashU essay should be well-edited. Consider the fact that thousands of WashU supplemental essays will cross the desks of admission officers. Poorly thought out and executed WashU essays communicate to your reader that you couldn’t be bothered to edit your piece or didn’t have the writing skills to do so. To maximize the impact of your WashU essays, you’ll want to ask someone else to help you edit. This is also true for the WashU scholarship essays.  After all, once you’ve written the drafts for your WashU essays, you may be unable to see where edits are needed. If you want additional help editing your WashU scholarship essays, CollegeAdvisor.com can help!

Another tip: write your WashU essays in short sittings. Draft your initial ideas for each WashU essay in one sitting. This may be a bulleted list or a free-write. Let your WashU supplemental essays sit for a day or two. Then, evaluate the ideas you’ve generated for your Washu essay prompts.  Be honest — does your initial idea suit whichever WashU supplemental essay you’re writing about? If not, back to the freewriting/idea generation stage. However, once your ideas align with your passion and what each of the WashU essay prompts is asking, then you should move on to producing your drafts.

WashU Supplemental Essays: Final Thoughts

The WashU essay prompts—including the WashU scholarship essay prompts—may seem overwhelming. However, don’t let that discourage you! The WashU supplemental essay and the optional WashU scholarship essays are an opportunity for you to both introduce yourself to the admission team at WashU, and a chance to win a scholarship that will lessen your family’s financial burden when you attend school. With these tips, you can write engaging WashU essays sure to stand out in admissions.

This 2021-2022 essay guide on Washington University in St. Louis was written by Sasha Litzenberger. If you need help crafting your WashU supplemental essays or WashU scholarship essays, visit app.collegeadvisor.com to create your free  account  or  schedule a no-cost advising consultation  by calling (844) 343-6272.

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Washington University in St. Louis Supplemental Essays 2023-2024

By Eric Eng

If you’re aiming for admission to the prestigious Washington University in St. Louis for the 2023-2024 academic year, you’ve likely heard about the importance of supplemental essays. These essays are not your ordinary application components; they serve as your golden opportunity to showcase to WashU what numbers and transcripts cannot—your unique personality, thoughts, and the potential contributions you can make to their vibrant academic community.

Consider these essays as a friendly conversation with the admissions committee. They are genuinely interested in getting to know you, the individual behind the application. What drives you? How do you perceive the world? Most importantly, what distinctive qualities and perspectives do you bring to the diverse WashU community?

In this comprehensive guide, we will methodically explore the Washington University Supplemental Essay prompts one by one. Our aim is to equip you with the knowledge and confidence to tackle each question authentically and effectively. Whether you’re pondering which fresh perspective to share, reflecting on the community you hold dear, or recounting the life experiences that have shaped you, rest assured, we’ve got your back.

So, grab your favorite cup of brew, get comfortable, and let’s kickstart those creative juices. It’s time to craft essays that are as exceptional as you are—essays that will undoubtedly capture the attention of WashU’s admissions committee.

How Many Supplemental Essays Does Washington University in St. Louis Have?

Washington University in St. Louis has unveiled the supplemental essay questions for the upcoming 2023-2024 admissions season. Prosp ective students aiming to join WashU’s Class of 2028 will encounter one mandatory essay prompt , an additional optional prompt , and the choice to submit an optional video . It’s time to take a closer look at what these prompts entail and consider how to approach them!

What are the Supplemental Essays for Washington University in St. Louis?

The required essay (up to 200 words).

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.

The Optional Essay (up to 250 words)

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.

If you prefer, you may focus your optional 90-second video submitted through the WashU Pathway on addressing one of these three questions. (Students who choose to submit a written response to one of these questions may still opt-in to sharing an optional video).

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?”:

Please choose one of the following:

Describe a fresh perspective or opinion you brought to a collaborative setting or project.

Describe a community you’re 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 Write the Supplemental Essays for Washington University in St. Louis

Alright, friends, let’s talk strategy. You’ve got your prompts in front of you, and you’re ready to start writing. But before you do, let’s go over some tried-and-true tips to make sure your Washington University supplemental essays hit the mark and truly reflect who you are.

Question One:

This prompt is essentially asking students to reflect on their academic interests and passions. It’s designed to gauge their curiosity, intellectual engagement, and how they connect their interests to the university’s academic offerings. Here are four key points a student should consider when answering this prompt, along with detailed explanations for each:

1. Identify and Articulate Interests or Passion: Students should start by identifying specific subjects, fields, or academic areas that genuinely interest them. They don’t need to have a declared major, but should express what excites them academically. This could be anything from a love for languages to a fascination with environmental science. They should articulate why these areas interest them – perhaps through a personal anecdote, a particular book that captivated them, or a problem in the world they’re passionate about solving.

2. Connect Interests to Washington University’s Offerings: It’s crucial to link personal interests to what Washington University offers. Students should research the university’s majors, courses, professors, research opportunities, and extracurriculars. They should mention specific aspects of the university’s academic programs that align with their interests, such as unique courses, specific faculty members whose work they admire, or particular research facilities.

3. Demonstrate Intellectual Curiosity and Openness to Exploration: Since the prompt highlights the “undeclared” status of first-year students, students should convey a willingness to explore and discover new academic areas. This can be illustrated by discussing a broad range of interests or showing enthusiasm for interdisciplinary learning. They might mention how they look forward to taking advantage of the liberal arts education to explore various subjects before settling on a major.

4. Reflect on Personal Growth and Future Goals: Students should reflect on how their academic interests have shaped them and how they see these interests evolving in college. They should also discuss how studying these subjects at Washington University can help them achieve their future goals, whether these are career aspirations, personal development goals, or contributions they hope to make to society.

The response should be a blend of personal passion, a clear connection to what Washington University offers, an openness to academic exploration, and a thoughtful consideration of how this academic journey fits into their broader personal and professional aspirations.

Optional Question 1:

The prompt is essentially asking the applicant to showcase their ability to contribute unique ideas and viewpoints in a group setting. This question aims to gauge the applicant’s creativity, teamwork skills, and ability to positively influence a group dynamic. Here are four key points to consider when brainstorming a response:

1. Identify a Specific Collaborative Experience: The student should reflect on a particular instance where they worked in a team – this could be in an academic project, a sports team, a club, a volunteer group, or even an informal group project. It’s important to choose an experience where their input had a noticeable impact. For example, they could discuss a time when they were working on a group project in school and suggested an unconventional approach to solving a problem.

2. Explain the Fresh Perspective or Opinion: The student needs to clearly articulate what their unique idea or perspective was. This might involve describing how their idea differed from the norm, how it challenged the status quo, or introduced a novel approach to a common problem. For instance, if they suggested using a digital tool to streamline a process in a student club, they should explain why they thought of it and how it was different from usual methods.

3. Detail the Implementation and Challenges: Discussing how the idea was put into action is crucial. The student should describe how they communicated their idea to the group, how they convinced others to embrace it, and any challenges they faced in its implementation. This part of the response will demonstrate their communication skills, persuasiveness, and problem-solving abilities.

4. Reflect on the Outcome and Personal Growth: Finally, it’s important to reflect on what happened after implementing the idea. Did it lead to success? Were there unexpected outcomes or learning experiences? How did this experience contribute to their personal or academic growth? For example, they could talk about how their idea led to a more efficient project completion, or how overcoming skepticism from team members boosted their confidence in their innovative capabilities.

By thoroughly addressing these points, the student can effectively convey their ability to bring fresh perspectives to collaborative settings, a quality that is highly valued in academic and professional environments.

Optional Question 2:

The prompt asks applicants to reflect on their involvement in a specific group or community and to articulate their role or contribution within that community. Here are four key points for students to consider when brainstorming and elaborating their responses:

1. Defining the Community: The student should begin by clearly identifying the community they’re discussing. This could be any group where they feel a sense of belonging, such as a school club, sports team, religious group, volunteer organization, or even an online community. The description should provide context about what this community is, its purpose, and why it’s significant to the student.

2. Personal Involvement and Role: After defining the community, the student should focus on their specific role or involvement. This part should detail what they do or contribute to the community. It could include leadership positions held, initiatives started, or any active participation that adds value to the group. The aim is to show the student’s engagement level and the impact of their actions within the community.

3. Growth and Learning: The essay should also reflect on how being a part of this community has influenced the student’s personal growth or learning. This could involve developing new skills, gaining insights into a particular field, understanding diverse perspectives, or fostering personal qualities like empathy, teamwork, and leadership. The idea is to illustrate how the student’s involvement in the community has been a two-way street, benefiting both the community and their own development.

4. Connection to Future Goals: Lastly, it’s beneficial to connect this experience with the student’s future aspirations or how it aligns with their goals at Washington University in St. Louis . This could be in terms of continuing to engage in similar communities, applying learned skills in their chosen field of study, or how it shapes their long-term career or personal objectives. This connection shows the admissions committee the student’s forward-thinking mindset and how their past experiences are stepping stones to their future plans.

Optional Question 3:

The prompt is designed to understand a student’s perspective on community involvement and how their personal experiences have shaped their understanding and actions within a community. Here are four key points for brainstorming ideas and their detailed explanations:

1. Identifying Formative Experiences: Students should reflect on significant life events or experiences that have influenced their perception of community. This could include volunteering experiences, family traditions, cultural events, or personal challenges. For example, if a student grew up in a multicultural environment, they might discuss how this diversity has fostered a deep appreciation for different cultures and inspired them to engage in cultural exchange programs within their community.

2. Personal Growth and Insights: Focus on how these experiences contributed to personal growth or led to insights about the community. Students could explore themes like empathy, responsibility, or the importance of collaboration. For instance, overcoming a personal challenge, like dealing with a learning disability, might have taught them the value of accessibility and inclusivity, leading them to advocate for these in their community.

3. Active Community Engagement: Describe specific ways in which these life experiences have translated into active participation or initiatives within the community. This could be starting a community project, participating in local events, or even small acts like helping neighbors. If a student was impacted by an environmental issue, they might have been motivated to organize local clean-up drives or environmental awareness campaigns.

4. Future Goals and Aspirations: Students should connect these experiences and learnings to their future goals, particularly how they intend to apply these insights in the university setting and beyond. This could involve plans to join specific clubs, engage in community service, or pursue studies in fields that allow them to contribute positively to society. For example, a student inspired by community health initiatives might express a desire to study public health and implement health awareness programs in university communities.

In answering this prompt, students should strive for authenticity, showing how their unique experiences have genuinely shaped their understanding and interaction with their community. The aim is to provide a holistic view of their character, values, and aspirations, demonstrating their potential contribution to the university’s community.

Optional Video Submission

The Optional Video Submission prompt for Washington University in St. Louis offers an innovative and personal way for applicants to convey their individuality, interests, and fit for the university. This multimedia approach allows students to showcase aspects of themselves that might not be as evident in written essays. Here are four key points to consider when brainstorming and creating the video:

1. Showcasing Personality and Interests: Unlike written essays, a video submission allows students to demonstrate their personality, passion, and enthusiasm visually and audibly. Applicants should think about what makes them unique – it could be a particular hobby, talent, or a distinctive perspective on a subject they’re passionate about. The video can include demonstrations of their talents (like playing a musical instrument or showing off art pieces) or a narration of their experiences that highlight their interests.

2. Demonstrating Fit with the University’s Culture: Students should research and understand the values, mission, and culture of Washington University. The video can then be tailored to reflect how their own values and goals align with the university. For instance, if the university values community service, students might include clips or discussions of their volunteer work and how it shaped their perspectives and ambitions.

3. Highlighting Academic and Career Aspirations: This is a chance to articulate academic interests and career goals more dynamically. Students can talk about why they are drawn to their chosen field, how their past experiences have prepared them for this path, and how Washington University, in particular, will help them achieve their goals. Using visual aids like pictures or short clips from their academic projects or internships can be impactful.

4. Creativity and Authenticity: Encourage students to be creative but authentic. The video doesn’t have to be professionally made; its charm lies in its authenticity and personal touch. They could use a simple, well-lit setup with good audio quality. The focus should be on the content and how effectively they communicate their story. It’s about showing the admissions committee who they are beyond grades and test scores.

In each of these areas, students should aim to be concise yet detailed, focusing on showing their genuine selves and how they would be an excellent fit for Washington University. The key is to balance creativity with sincerity, ensuring that the video reflects their true character and aspirations.

How to Structure Your Supplemental Essays

The structure of supplemental essays is crucial in conveying a coherent, impactful message to the admissions committee. For the Washington University in St. Louis Supplemental Essays 2023-2024, a well-structured essay can make a significant difference in how an applicant’s narrative is received. Here are three key points on structuring these essays:

1. Introduction – Setting the Stage: The opening of the essay should immediately engage the reader. Applicants can start with an intriguing hook – a compelling question, a vivid description, or a brief anecdote that directly ties into the essay’s main theme. This section should introduce the central idea or experience the essay will explore, setting a clear tone for what follows. For example, if the essay is about a particular challenge or achievement, starting with a moment that epitomizes that experience can draw the reader in effectively.

2. Body – Developing the Story and Insights: The body of the essay is where the applicant delves into details. Each paragraph should focus on a specific aspect or incident, ensuring a logical flow of ideas. In the case of Washington University in St. Louis Supplemental Essays 2023-2024 , this could mean detailing how a particular experience influenced the applicant’s decision to pursue a certain field of study, or how their personal values align with the university’s ethos. It’s important to balance storytelling with reflection, providing not just a narrative but also insights into how these experiences shaped their perspectives or aspirations.

3. Conclusion – Tying it All Together: The conclusion should not simply restate the introduction but instead bring a sense of closure and reflection to the essay. This is the chance to underscore the key takeaways from the story and to explicitly relate back to how these experiences or qualities make the applicant a great fit for Washington University in St. Louis. A strong conclusion might revisit the initial hook or anecdote from the introduction, providing a satisfying full-circle moment that reinforces the essay’s central theme.

Throughout the essay, clarity and coherence are paramount. Applicants should aim for a natural yet polished narrative flow, ensuring each part of the essay contributes to an overarching message. This structured approach not only makes the essay more readable and engaging but also allows applicants to effectively communicate their unique story and qualifications for Washington University in St. Louis.

Why Choose Washington University in St. Louis

At its heart, WashU is more than just a rigorous academic institution; it’s a caring community dedicated to the growth and success of each student. Here, your educational journey intertwines with personal development, supported by faculty and staff who are committed to your success.

WashU stands out for its academic excellence, offering a challenging and diverse range of programs, whether your interest lies in neuroscience, law, or art history. The university prides itself on its dynamic teaching and research opportunities, where you’re not just a passive learner but an active participant in groundbreaking research. This environment is not just about preparing you for your first job; it’s a launchpad for a meaningful and fulfilling career, supported by a strong network of alumni and industry connections.

Diversity and inclusion are more than just ideals at WashU; they’re a reality. The university’s community is a rich tapestry of different cultures and backgrounds, providing a broad spectrum of perspectives that enhance your educational experience. Beyond the classroom, WashU’s vibrant campus life, with over 300 student organizations, complements your academic pursuits. And let’s not forget the city of St. Louis itself, offering a plethora of cultural and recreational activities.

Your journey to becoming part of this exceptional community begins with the WashU supplemental essay. This is your opportunity to showcase not just your academic achievements but also your personal vision, values, and unique voice. With increasing competition for admission, exemplified by the Class of 2027’s acceptance rate of just 12%, standing out is crucial. High SAT scores and top-class rankings are the norms here, but to truly shine, you’ll need to bring something more to the table. The WashU supplemental essays are your chance to do just that, to show why you are a perfect fit for this remarkable institution.

How Important are Supplemental Essays in the College Admissions Process?

Supplemental essays, particularly for the 2023-2024 admission cycle at Washington University in St. Louis, play a pivotal role in the college admissions process. Here’s a detailed exploration of their significance:

1. Personalizing the Application: The Washington University in St. Louis Supplemental Essays 2023-2024 provide a platform for students to present a more holistic and personalized picture of themselves. While transcripts and test scores offer quantitative insights, these essays enable applicants to narrate their unique stories, experiences, and aspirations. For instance, an essay discussing a significant personal challenge or a unique family tradition can give the admissions committee a vivid understanding of the student’s background, character, and resilience.

2. Demonstrating Fit and Interest: Through these supplemental essays, students have the opportunity to show their specific interest in Washington University in St. Louis. This could be through discussing particular programs, faculty, research opportunities, or campus initiatives that align with their goals and values. By effectively communicating why they are drawn to Washington University and how they envision contributing to its community, applicants can strengthen their case as an ideal candidate for the institution.

3. Showcasing Writing Skills and Critical Thinking: The ability to communicate effectively and think critically is essential in college. The supplemental essays allow students to demonstrate these skills beyond what standardized test scores and GPAs might reflect. A well-constructed essay that presents a compelling narrative, showcases intellectual curiosity, and displays a command of language can significantly impact the admissions decision.

4. Differentiating from Other Applicants: In a pool of equally qualified candidates, the Washington University in St. Louis Supplemental Essays 2023-2024 offer a chance for students to stand out. They can highlight unique aspects of their personality, experiences, or perspectives that may not be evident elsewhere in their application. For example, a student might write about a distinctive hobby, a volunteer experience that shaped their worldview, or how a particular event ignited their passion for a field of study.

In summary, the supplemental essays are not just an add-on to the application; they are a crucial component that can significantly sway the admissions decision. By effectively utilizing this space to convey their unique story, demonstrate their fit for the university, exhibit strong communication skills, and differentiate themselves from other applicants, students can significantly enhance their chances of admission to Washington University in St. Louis.

How Do Washington University’s Supplemental Essays Compare to Other Universities?

The Washington University in St. Louis Supplemental Essays for the 2023-2024 admissions cycle present a unique blend of opportunities for applicants to express themselves, distinguishable in several ways when compared to supplemental essays from other top universities.

Unlike some institutions like Harvard or Stanford , which often pose abstract or intellectually challenging prompts, Washington University tends to focus more on the personal and practical aspects of the applicant’s life and interests. For example, while Stanford might ask about an idea or experience that has been important to your intellectual development, Washington University’s prompts are more likely to explore the applicant’s specific interests in their chosen field of study or their understanding of the university’s community and culture.

Another distinct feature of Washington University’s supplemental essays is their emphasis on practical engagement and real-world experiences. Whereas a school like the University of Chicago is renowned for its creatively challenging and often unconventional essay prompts that encourage whimsical and theoretical responses, Washington University’s essays tend to ground the applicant in more concrete, personal narratives. This approach allows students to showcase not just their intellectual capabilities, but also their personal growth, community involvement, and practical skills relevant to their prospective field of study.

Furthermore, compared to schools like MIT or Caltech, where the supplemental essays often skew heavily towards technical and scientific interests, Washington University offers a broader spectrum, inviting narratives from a wide range of academic and personal backgrounds. This inclusivity makes their supplemental essays more accessible to students with diverse interests and experiences, unlike the more specialized focus of some tech-oriented institutions.

Overall, the Washington University in St. Louis Supplemental Essays for 2023-2024 offer a balanced mix of personal narrative, academic interest, and community engagement, differing from other top universities by leaning less towards the abstract, whimsical, or highly technical, and more towards holistic, practical, and personally meaningful expressions of the applicant’s experiences and aspirations. This approach not only provides a comprehensive platform for students to present themselves but also aligns well with the university’s emphasis on well-rounded, engaged, and practically-oriented individuals.

How to Effectively Revise and Proofread

Effectively revising and proofreading Washington University in St. Louis Supplemental Essays 2023-2024 is crucial for crafting a polished and impactful application. Here are four detailed strategies to guide applicants through this process:

1. Comprehensive Content Review: Begin by re-evaluating the essay’s content. Ask critical questions: Does the essay answer the prompt completely? Are there clear connections between the applicant’s experiences, interests, and aspirations, and what Washington University in St. Louis offers? This step is about ensuring that the content is not just grammatically correct but also meaningful and relevant. Applicants should check for any missing details that could add depth to their narrative or remove redundant parts that do not contribute to the overarching message.

2. Structure and Flow Analysis: Examine the essay’s structure for logical flow and coherence. Each paragraph should seamlessly lead to the next, with clear transitions and a well-organized progression of ideas. For the Washington University in St. Louis Supplemental Essays 2023-2024, it’s vital to maintain a balance between personal anecdotes, academic interests, and reflections on how they align with the university’s offerings. Reordering or refining paragraphs might be necessary to ensure the essay reads smoothly and logically.

3. Feedback from Trusted Sources: Obtaining feedback from teachers, mentors, or peers can provide invaluable insights. Sometimes, an external perspective can catch inconsistencies, unclear passages, or missed opportunities in the narrative that the writer might overlook. Encourage applicants to seek feedback from individuals who understand the nuances of college admissions and can provide constructive, honest critiques.

4. Final Proofreading for Precision and Polish: The last step involves meticulous proofreading to catch any grammatical errors, typos, or awkward phrasings. Reading the essay out loud can be particularly effective in identifying areas that might need fine-tuning. This stage is not just about correcting mistakes but also about refining the language to ensure it’s engaging, clear, and reflective of the applicant’s voice. Tools like Grammarly or Hemingway Editor can assist in this process, but they should complement, not replace, a thorough manual review.

Throughout these steps, applicants should remember that the goal is to create a compelling, clear, and authentic representation of themselves. The revision and proofreading process for the Washington University in St. Louis Supplemental Essays 2023-2024 is an opportunity to refine their stories, ensuring they are presented in the most effective and polished manner possible.

Final Thoughts

And there you have it, folks! We’ve journeyed through the ins and outs of nailing those Washington University supplemental essays. Remember, these essays are your chance to let your personality shine through the black-and-white stats of your application. They’re your voice in a room full of paper.

Think of these prompts as a friendly chat with the admissions team. They’re genuinely interested in what makes you, well, you. So, when you’re sharing that fresh perspective you’re proud of, or the community that feels like home, or those life experiences that have shaped your world, just picture you telling your story to a new friend.

Don’t stress about using big, fancy words. Just be you. That’s who they want to meet, after all. And if you decide to go for that optional video, have fun with it! It’s like sending a hello through your screen. 

Once you hit that submit button, take a deep breath. You’ve done your part in sharing your story. Now, it’s time for the WashU team to read and appreciate the unique mix of qualities you bring to the table. WashU is just one of many amazing possibilities that await you. No matter where you end up, you’re on the path to great things.

So, go ahead and give those essays your best shot. And remember, whether it’s on paper or on screen, your story is worth telling. Good luck!

It is important to have all the necessary information before making any decision. AdmissionSight is always here to help you with any questions or concerns. We have over ten years of experience helping students successfully navigate the challenging admissions process.

Consult with AdmissionSight and find out how we can help you get into the school of your choice by ensuring that you are fully informed and prepared for the application process. We will work with you to develop a personalized plan that meets your specific needs and goals. We will also provide you with access to our team of experts who can help you with everything from choosing the right schools to writing your essays .

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• Optional Writing Supplement and Video

Two opportunities to share your story

We offer these options as a way for 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?”:

• 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?
• WashU strives to know every undergraduate student “By Name & Story.” How have your life experiences shaped your story?

How to submit your writing supplement

If you’re submitting the Common Application, you can find this question in the 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 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 telling us about something important to you.

Need a little help? Here are a few questions to get you thinking. Be creative, be yourself, and have fun with it!

• Do you have a hobby? Show us how you spend your free time.
• How do you express your most authentic self? Through art, cooking, poetry, stand-up comedy?
• What do you most want to experience at WashU?

We offer two options for submitting your video. Please do not submit more than one video!

• Create your own 90-second video This option is free and allows you to use your phone or a small video camera. Feel free to edit, but please make sure you limit the duration to 90 seconds and use on the following formats: .avi, .flv, .m1v, .m2v, .m4v, mkv, .mov, .mpeg, .mpg, .mp4, .webm, or .wmv. (Please note the Apple ProRes is not currently supported. If uploading a .mov, please use an alternate codec.) You will find a link to upload the video below the Application Checklist in the WashU Pathway. Uploading times will vary based on the size of the file and the speed of your connection.
• Use Glimpse (by InitialView) While Glimpse requires a one-time fee (visit the Glimpse website to learn about a possible fee waiver), you can send your video to as many schools as you choose. If you have an account and have recorded a video to share with other schools, simply select WashU to receive your video, and Glimpse will take care of the rest. Glimpse does not allow editing or use of any “postproduction” tools.

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.

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Strategizing the Wash U in St. Louis Supplemental Essay 2020-2021

Padya Paramita

August 10, 2020

Washington University in St. Louis is a perfect option if you’re looking for a school in the Midwest that has consistently been ranked among the Top 20. This university can provide you with a collaborative environment and the chance to explore your goals through one of their four undergraduate schools: the College of Arts and Sciences, the McKelvey School of Engineering, the Olin Business School, and the Sam Fox School of Design & Visual Arts. Whether your choice of major is something standard or one of their unique choices like Bioinformatics, Fashion Design, or The Business of Sports, it’s time to elaborate on how you’ve explored your passion through your response to the Wash U in St. Louis supplemental essay 2020-2021.

Wash U offers only one supplemental prompt for its applicants - hoping to gauge how you explore your academic interests beyond the required textbooks and course curriculum. You need to show admissions officers the unique perspective you would bring to Wash U, and how you would contribute to the classroom. To help brainstorm your answer, I’ve outlined the prompt, the dos and don’ts of your response, and some additional tips that guide you through writing the Wash U in St. Louis supplemental essay 2020-2021 .

Download Every Supplemental Prompt Here!

Prompt for the wash u in st. louis supplemental essay 2020-2021.

In about 250 words, tell us about something that really sparks your intellectual interest and curiosity, and compels you to explore more in the program/area of study that you indicated. It could be an idea, book, project, cultural activity, work of art, start-up, music, movie, research, innovation, question, or other pursuit.

The first and only prompt for the Wash U in St. Louis supplemental essay 2020-2021  helps their admissions officers determine the depth of your academic pursuits beyond what you’ve already put down in the Common App. A couple of things to remember when it comes to choosing your initial academic area are that since Wash U has specialized colleges for different fields, your choice of major can get more specific than just “art” or “biology.” If you take a look at the majors and programs page, you might notice that within Biology, Wash U offers majors in “Microbiology,” “Neuroscience,” “Genomics/Computation,” and “Ecology/Evolution.” The more narrowed your choice, the better you can explain to the reader how the topic of your essay relates to your specific aspiration within a field.

For selecting the topic itself, remember that your goal in writing the Wash U in St. Louis supplemental essay 2020-2021 is to stand out from your peers. Wash U has left it pretty open for you - you could write about an article, or you could discuss a whole book series! If you wish to major in Film and Media Studies, and your interest in the field was sparked by a very well-known movie that other peers might write about, don’t choose it. At the same time, avoid any topic you guess your reader might be looking for if you’ve never engaged with it. If you’ve got an unusual view on why you think an indie film changed your perspective on the world of cinema, that should be the angle you’re taking. In fact, even a future film major doesn’t have to write about a movie at all. If you were more inspired by a lecture you attended or an internship you participated in, that’s what could make your response more memorable and authentic than other film applicants who write about movies. 

Since a 250 word limit is quite restricted, you don’t have a lot of space to go into the nitty-gritty details of your selection itself. The Wash U in St. Louis supplemental essay 2020-2021 is meant to complement your college application. So the main focus should be on you. How did you first come across the book (or music or business or question)? How does it inspire your academic interests? Do you have a particular way of viewing the material that admissions officers might not be able to anticipate? How would your view on the subject be different had you never encountered it personally? Talk about ways in which your specific curiosity about topics in your prospective major aligns with the book (or movie or idea or project or work of art). 

If you have space you could tie in your answer to Wash U. Even though it would be nice to tie it to the school, make sure your answer doesn’t turn into a why Wash U essay.

Additional Tips for Writing the Wash U in St. Louis Supplemental Essay 2020-2021

• If you’ve Answered Common App Personal Statement Prompt 6, be Careful! - Washington University in St. Louis uses the Common Application. Since admissions officers will see your personal statement alongside your Wash U in St. Louis Supplemental Essay 2020-2021 , make sure your topic doesn’t overlap with what you’ve written. You should especially be cautious if you’ve addressed personal statement prompt number 6 - “Describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging that it makes you lose all track of time. Why does it captivate you? What or who do you turn to when you want to learn more?” If you’ve answered this prompt, and connected it to your academic interest, you need to find a second piece of media, event, or experience which still continues to spark your curiosity, but doesn’t overlap with your first essay. Remember that admissions officers don’t have a lot of time and won’t appreciate repetition from the same story.
• Do your research! - It’s a given that before you sit down to write any supplemental essay you conduct thorough research on the college. Even though there’s no explicit “Why Wash U” question, to successfully write the Wash U in St. Louis supplemental essay 2020-2021 , you need to know about the academic departments and courses in order to figure out how your topic relates to the major. For further reading, you can also check out this blog by Alyssa Reiman, a Graduate Coach at InGenius Prep discussing what she loved about the school, its community, and campus! Reading through student reflections is a helpful way to inspire your own writing and think deeper about what you’re looking for from your college and academic journey.

Wash U might be on your radar if you’re looking for specialized academic programs in your field of choice. Taking advantage of the Wash U in St. Louis supplemental essay 2020-2021 is certainly a good way to solidify how your interest in the discipline has developed, and help make a strong and lasting impression on the admissions officers.

Tags : wash u in st.louis , applying to college , supplemental essays , how to get into wash u in st. louis , wash u in st louis supplemental essays 2020-2021 , wash u st louis supplemental essay 2020-2021

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Hey, I need some help with the WashU supplemental essay. I want to make my application stand out, but I'm not exactly sure what they're looking for. Can anyone who has been through this process give me some advice?

Absolutely, I'd be happy to help! Writing a strong supplemental essay for Washington University in St. Louis can be an important aspect of your application. The key is to make sure your essay is personal, focused, and answers the prompt directly.

1. Answer the prompt: Make sure to address the specific prompt that WashU provides. Admissions officer are asking this question because they think it's relevant to understanding who you'd be as a WashU student, so you don't want to sidetrack into something totally different.

2. Personalize your response: Share your personal experiences, such as your background, passions, or challenges you've overcome, that have influenced your growth. This will help make your essay more memorable and demonstrate your unique perspective.

3. Show your passion: Don't be afraid to express your excitement about your prospective major or how WashU's offerings align with your goals. This will showcase your genuine interest in the school and help admissions officers understand why you would be a good fit.

4. Connect your experiences: Whenever possible, show how your talents, achievements, or setbacks have helped shape your academic interests and overall goals for college. For example, if you're passionate about environmental science, you might discuss a service trip you took where you worked on sustainability projects and how this inspired you to study environmental policy at WashU.

5. Proofread: Don't forget to edit your essay for grammar, punctuation, and spelling. A polished essay will demonstrate your attention to detail and commitment to putting forth your best effort.

6. Take advantage of CollegeVine's resources: CollegeVine's blog contains a breakdown of all WashU supplemental essays, including those that are specific to particular programs: https://blog.collegevine.com/how-to-write-the-washu-essays. CollegeVine also offers both a free peer essay review tool and paid reviews by expert college admissions advisors, if you want to hear a more objective perspective on how well your response is working.

Overall, the goal is to write a thoughtful, focused response that showcases your passion, your unique perspective, and your understanding of Washington University in St. Louis. Best of luck!

About CollegeVine’s Expert FAQ

CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.

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5 Washington University in St. Louis College Essay Examples

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Is Washington University in St. Louis a school on your college list? 

If so, there’s good news and bad news! The good news is WashU is one of few schools that don’t require any supplemental essays. The bad news is that means you need to have a strong personal statement. Here are 5 essay intros examples that were successful:

Sachinagase

Washu ‘17.

On the first day of kindergarten, I brought a bento box for lunch. My dad had taken time to prepare the colorful array: foil papers separated the rolled egg, the vegetables, the rice.  When I sat down to eat, my friend pointed at my food and said, disgusted, “What’s that?” I looked at her sandwich, and then at my chopsticks in embarrassment, ashamed of my Japanese lunch. That night, I told my dad I didn’t want bento anymore; I wanted PB & J, like my friend. Keep reading . 

WashU ‘20

It’s hard to imagine life without clean water, insulated housing, and readily available health care. Ecuadorian villagers live this life every day. During this past summer, I joined a medical humanitarian effort as a health teacher to teach hygienic habits to these Ecuadorian villagers. During my time in the Ecuadorian highlands, I tried my best to offer services to the Ecuadorians who had limited access to severely strained medical facilities. View full.  

WashU ‘18

I knock on the window of a parked yellow cab. The heavily-accented driver loudly utters a “no” as he shakes his head vigorously, but another yellow one pulls up to the curb. There is so much to do here in New York City. As the taxi pushes its way down Broadway, we whiz by blobs of grey and black scarves, overcoats, and ties. I’m let off at the Majestic Theatre near Times Square to meet my mother for the matinee of the “Phantom of the Opera”. More than two hours later, the crowd exits raving about the show to their neighbor or humming the tune of “Masquerade” in their head. Continue reading . 

Jess_williams

Imagine a life in complete silence, sentenced to ‘deaf’ – unable to hear the beautiful symphonies of Mozart, the crash of waves on a Florida beach, the incessant pounding of waterfalls, shared jokes among friends, the words “I love you” – all of the sounds that most take for granted. Now consider these: fire alarms, oven timers, last minute announcements, crucial facts in a professor’s lecture – any warning wasted on your ears. There may be some idle pleasures in silence, like studying and reading, or sleeping through a storm, but with my cochlear implants, I experience the best of both worlds. Read full essay . 

WashU ‘19

“Give us today our daily bread.”

Such words I would hear both at Sunday congregations and from occasional bread-lovers that show up at our family bakery. Propelled by the entrepreneurial mentality of my family, I started to develop a growing desire for success at a young age. However, this seemingly ambitious desire gradually transformed into a self-centered way of life as I began to yearn for a sumptuous lifestyle that ignored the welfare of others. Keep reading . 

———

Interested in reading these students’ full personal statements that got them into WashU? Unlock all of them in one go with our WashU Starter Package ! 

Our  premium plans  offer different level of profile access and data insights that can help you get into your dream school. Unlock any of our  packages  or search our  undergraduate profile database  to find specific profiles that can help you make an informed choice about where to apply! 

Not sure if you want to apply to the UCs yet? Do your research and browse through  profiles of students  accepted to see essays, stats, and advice. See how they got in, and how you can too!

About The Author

Frances was born in Hong Kong and received her bachelor’s degree from Georgetown University. She loves super sad drama television, cooking, and reading. Her favorite person on Earth isn’t actually a member of the AdmitSee team - it’s her dog Cooper.

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5 University of Washington Essay Examples by Accepted Students

What’s covered:, essay example #1 – diversity, cripplepunks, essay example #2 – diversity, community in difference, essay example #3 – diversity, food, essay example #4 – diversity, dinnertime conversations, essay example #5 – interdisciplinary studies, where to get your university of washington essays edited.

The University of Washington is a selective school, so it’s important to write strong essays to help your application stand out. In this post, we’ll share essays real students have submitted to the University of Washington. (Names and identifying information have been changed, but all other details are preserved).

Read our University of Washington es say breakdown to get a comprehensive overview of this year’s supplemental prompts.

Please note: Looking at examples of real essays students have submitted to colleges can be very beneficial to get inspiration for your essays. You should never copy or plagiarize from these examples when writing your own essays. Colleges can tell when an essay isn’t genuine and will not view students favorably if they plagiarized. 

Prompt: Our families and communities often define us and our individual worlds. Community might refer to your cultural group, extended family, religious group, neighborhood or school, sports team or club, co-workers, etc. Describe the world you come from and how you, as a product of it, might add to the diversity of the University of Washington. (300 words)

The first time I looked up the term cripplepunk I was in ninth grade, almost bedbound with severe hip pain. It took half a second for the page to load, and another half a second for me to process what I was seeing. There before me, against the muted grey of my phone’s dark mode, is the community I thought I would never have. I could have scrolled for hours, absorbing the images of models in powerchairs wearing ornate gowns, snarky patches on guide dog vests, and decorated canes. I kept coming back to the page, enchanted with the movement. Although the term cripplepunk wasn’t used until 2014, the spirit of the movement is present in most disabled people, from Frida Kahlo to the participants in the Capitol Crawl. The cripplepunk movement is intentionally subversive, fighting against the ableism and pity that disabled people encounter at every turn. Cripplepunks take a “so what if I am?” approach to ableism, refusing to be ashamed of symptoms, accommodations, or mobility aids. It’s a diverse movement too, where a 60-something veteran dealing with decades-old injuries can guide me through the process of buying and decorating my first cane. In cripplepunk circles, a deafblind Black woman can teach the world that disabled people can have dreams for their futures. The cripplepunk movement is a movement where I can offer sympathy, advice, and support to the same people who helped me through otherwise isolating moments and new cripples alike. That work doesn’t just happen online though. My work as a cripplepunk happens everywhere, classrooms and grocery stores alike, by being visibly and unashamedly disabled, vocally confronting ableists, and campaigning for greater accessibility.

What the Essay Did Well

One of the primary strengths of this “Diversity” essay is its writer’s enthusiasm about the cripplepunk movement, which helps readers feel connected to them. At the very beginning of this response, we are introduced to the term ‘cripplepunk,’ but just like the student, we are not exactly sure what it means. We go through the process of learning about the movement with the student as they bring to our minds “images of models in powerchairs wearing ornate gowns, snarky patches on guide dog vests, and decorated canes.” By bringing us along to their first introduction to cripplepunk, this student forms a connection between themself and the reader. We get “enchanted” alongside them.

At the same time, we get enchanted by the student, who positions themself as mature and insightful. As they describe how the cripplepunk movement wasn’t labeled until 2014 but “the spirit of the movement” existed long before, they address the ways that community doesn’t need to have a name to exist. They position community as anything that makes individuals not feel alone, then follow that description up with a definition of community as “people who help others through otherwise isolating moments.” This deeper reflection displays this student’s insightful-nature and maturity.

Finally, this essay’s structure works very nicely. It is simultaneously anecdotal and reflective, and, to top it all off, the student provides an image of them in “classrooms and grocery stores alike” showing off their diversity and their pride. The anecdote draws the reader in, while the reflection reveals this student’s personality and perspectives. Combined, the reader gets a good idea of who this student is and how they would fit into the campus community.

What Could Be Improved

The one thing this essay didn’t address was how this student will add to the diversity of the University of Washington. Although we get a good sense of the unique community this student came from and how it shaped them, we still want to know how they will contribute to their campus community. This student could have easily revised the last few sentences to say something along the lines of this:

“I intend to bring the cripplepunk movement with me to the University of Washington. I’ll proudly display myself on campus so I can teach my fellow classmates about disabilities and encourage other disabled students to be unashamed of who they are.”

Reworking the conclusion to discuss how they will take the lessons they have learned from being part of the cripplepunk community and share those lessons with a new community would show admissions officers exactly what this student would bring to campus. It doesn’t have to be an extensive response, but the essay should include some reference of University of Washington. 

In my youth, I found solace in communities of my peers who shared portions of my identity; from speaking the same second languages to sharing similar tastes, I was quick to bond with those I was similar to. 

When I moved to Oregon, I found myself miles away from these connections. My fragmented identity found little to attach to my peers. Inkling connections uprooted as I attended three different middle schools throughout my years. “Community” felt like a bubble I was floating upon, inherently a part of yet never fully immersed. 

At the end of math class towards the middle of eighth grade, I felt a tap on my shoulder. A tall girl with glasses and a tooth gap stood behind.

“Do you want to sit with us at lunch today?”

Stemming from this small invitation, I found myself part of a community of peers with whom I never thought I could relate. Our interests diverged and collided in all regards; we were of different gender identities, sexual orientations, and ethnic backgrounds. While I was the only person of color in our friend group, I cherished the different experiences we brought to the table. I recounted my struggles accepting my culture while I heard the stories of my friends who were dealing with gender dysphoria. 

In the following years, I wholeheartedly applied this multifaceted outlook to my sense of community. I engaged with peers both different and similar to me; I found community at Indian festivals with my fellow South Asian peers and community with my closest friends with whom I can form strong emotional connections, despite our dissimilar backgrounds. 

This ever-growing sense of community has helped me thrive and will better help me engage within the student body at the University of Washington

As this student explores the struggle of finding community, their essay not only reads like a Diversity essay but also like an Overcoming Challenges essay . 

The main strength of this essay is the arc it presents. We learn about their background (moving around a lot) and we learn that community didn’t always come easy for them. The sentence “‘ Community’ felt like a bubble I was floating upon, inherently a part of yet never fully immersed” articulates their isolation particularly well. At the same time, this sentence shows their profound awareness of the true meaning of community. They understand that being a part of a formal group like a school organization, an ethnic group, or a sport does not necessarily mean one feels community.

As the essay progresses, the student comes to understand that community does not have to exist within any formal bounds at all. You can find community with people completely different from you. Through their reflection, this student clearly shows an understanding of the importance of diversity. Not only is this essay able to demonstrate the meaning of community to this student, but it also displays how diversity is an integral part of community, which is exactly what admissions officers want to see.  

The beginning of this essay is a little slow, so the whole essay would benefit from reordering it and changing the structure a bit. Essays tend to start off with an anecdote to hook the reader and then go into more elaboration. However, it takes a few sentences before this student gets to their anecdote. We learn about this student’s experience feeling part of (or isolated from) a community prior to middle school, but the essay isn’t overly engaging before the anecdote.

The anecdote livens up the essay and brings a renewed sense of excitement and engagement to the reader, so opening the essay with the story of getting invited to lunch would spur that interest from the beginning. After the quick anecdote, the student could explain why it was so meaningful to be invited to lunch and find a community at that table because they had felt that they were missing a community throughout middle school. Restructuring the essay like this would mean it wouldn’t be told chronologically, but a deeper emotional connection with the student, and interest in their story, would be established off the bat.

“Beta, food is ready,” Amma yells as I quickly traverse her words.  She made dosas and aloo curry, my favorite. I followed the strong, flavorful scent to the kitchen, the same place where I subsequently got serenaded by hymns sung by Amma.  I helped set up the table, decorated with a box of misplaced cheerios and a bowl of Gulab jamun Appa set out for us before he left for work.   I watched my brother go into the garden to collect one of our banana leaves, acting as plates for the eight guests arriving soon for lunch. The natural grassy smell that emanated from the leaves signaled Amma that guests would be coming soon. She laid out the dosas on the table and aloo in a bowl, exerting an ounce of pride from the squint of her eyes.  The aroma of dosas and aloo curry has followed my family for generations. Every generation that was taught the art of making a dosa assimilated a new idea, evolving my family’s South Indian cuisine. My appreciation of my community lies within its versatility for the continuation of traditions and beliefs, passing them down for generations to come.   Guests started coming in for lunch, holding their food, seasoned with the stories of their lives. Despite the incredible array of foods on the table, the box of cheerios remained in sight to the public. Like me, it didn’t align with the norms of its environment, but remained firm. Its bright yellow color pervaded, attracting many. However, it had its own stories and journey that couldn’t hold comparison to others. This “ambiguity” represents diversity within culture. Its multidimensional perspective allows for cuisine and culture to bring a multitude of stories together, creating a home for all, including me.

This essay exemplifies how to respond to the Diversity prompt, an essay archetype used by many colleges. Effective responses do just what this essay does, by describing both a culture and the applicant’s place within it. Especially successful essays convey important, relevant aspects of the community with quick yet evocative descriptions, like of the aloo curry and hymns, that also help readers get to know the applicant better. In this essay, we see their thoughtfulness, keen eye for detail, involvement with their family and community, and appreciation for their heritage. 

One more especially powerful aspect of this essay is the vivid, descriptive language. There’s the smell of curry, the sound of singing, and the visual of the bright yellow Cheerios box, all of which draw us into this student’s world with all five senses. In particular, the metaphor of the Cheerios box standing out in the midst of the home-cooked, traditional South Indian meal is unexpected and heartwarming, and helps ensure that this rich essay will make a strong impression on UW admissions officers.

Even in a strong essay like this one, there’s still room for improvement. One thing that would make this supplement more effective would be a bit more detail on the central metaphor of the Cheerios box. Why does the author align themselves with the American breakfast cereal, instead of the food being cooked by their grandmother? 

The description of the box as “not aligning with the norms of the environment” is compelling, but not supported by details about the applicant’s personality, or reflections on their identity. While metaphors are a crucial part of many college essays, you always want to be as explicit as possible about what a metaphor is saying about you, to ensure the admissions officer reading your essay fully understands your point.

Additionally, on a structural level, this essay would benefit from being split into two or even three paragraphs, for a couple of reasons. Firstly, because one big block of text is a little rough on the eyes. Secondly, because breaking up your ideas ensures each one gets your reader’s full attention–at the end of each paragraph, they can reflect on the point you’ve just made before continuing on to the next one.

At my dining table, a silent war was being waged. Each side wielded glances, smirks, and snide remarks concealed under composed postures. The discomfort was palpable. Yet, newly eight-year-old me moved obliviously between my grandmas. To me, they were nearly the same person wh o loved me and, on this delightful occasion, had provided me with considerable compensation for lasting another year. 

My first call to battle came sitting in the passenger seat of my grandma, Judy’s Toyota. As we rolled through the hills of Idaho, she spoke to me about a recent election and her opinions on various healthcare issues. Moved from a place of deep sorrow, she described my Aunt’s struggle to obtain insurance due to a pre-existing condition. She suggested her solutions, and I listened attentively, curious about her ideas since I had yet to form my own.  

Months later, I found myself in a hammock under a sweeping eucalyptus, engaged in a similar discussion with my other grandma, Teresa. As a healthcare worker, she was very involved with the issue, yet her ideas fell completely opposite Judy’s. 

This was when I discovered the origin of the hushed hostility afflicting my family. 

The family I come from may seem divided with their vastly different views, but together, these women taught me the importance of being a listener. I learned that to understand an issue truly, you must first consider all thoughts and opinions, no matter how much you may disagree. The animosity I observed resulted from closed minds and echo chambers; from their discomfort, I’ve learned that progress can only be made through compromise and communication. At UW, I hope to contribute my distinct perspective on problem-solving alongside my engineering knowledge to collaborate with others through programs like Engineers Without Borders to create impactful solutions to universal problems. 

In this essay, which is another strong response to the “Diversity” prompt , the student does a great job of explaining how being around different opinions has shaped their own perspective, as well as capturing the role they play within their family. The response highlights what the student has learned not just about their grandmothers’ opinions, but about listening in general and forming opinions of their own.

This essay is also a good reminder that writing a strong response to this kind of prompt doesn’t require you to focus on a distinct culture–you can write effectively about aspects of your identity, like the conversations at your family dinner table, that aren’t typically associated with diversity. So long as your growth and character are at the center of the story, like they are for this student, the essay will do a great job of demonstrating who you are to the admissions committee. 

The other especially effective part of this essay is the end, where the author connects their theme to a specific program and future at UW. This detail goes above and beyond what the prompt asks for, to show admissions officers exactly how this student plans to participate in the University of Washington community. Although quick, this line drives home the relevance of this student’s skills and experience to UW’s values as an institution, which helps admissions officers picture them on campus.

While this kind of concrete connection to the school can take your essay to the next level, you want to be sure that you make the connection in a way that feels natural. The majority of your essay should focus on some aspect of your identity and what it reflects about your broader character–only mention something specific about the school if you have extra space, and it’s directly connected to what you’ve discussed. It’s always nice to have a cherry on top of an already strong essay, but ultimately the most important thing is always to answer what the prompt is actually asking.

What Could Be Improved 

Overall, this is a super strong essay, with very little to improve. The only thing that we would consider changing is the time periods the student chooses their examples from. While the anecdotes are strong and paint a vivid picture of a conflict that goes back years, stories from when the author was eight may seem less relevant to an admissions committee that is looking to admit that student ten years later. 

If you have a story that dates back to your childhood, you should weigh the benefits of starting at the very beginning of the story against the benefits of including anecdotes that show how you behave in that community now. There isn’t a one-size-fits-all rule here: simply be conscious about the choices you make with your essay, to ensure you communicate your key points as effectively as possible.

Prompt: Consider two very different subjects you have previously studied; tell us how you imagine bringing those together at UW to engage with a pressing societal concern. This could be a local, national, or global concern.

In my youth, my mother helped instill a curiosity about the natural world in me. Her work in consulting regarding climate change and environmental systems made me question my direct and indirect impact. I delved into these interests further in high school by taking broad coursework in the sciences. In AP Biology, I was baffled by the reactions and transformation that occurred with simple manipulation. In AP Environmental Science, I was able to apply these biological processes to environmental concepts I noticed on the daily.

In my junior year, I took AP Economics, a class on the polar opposite spectrum from biological and environmental sciences. However, while studying economics, I was able to establish connections between economic and environmental concepts. My father, who has a grounded education in economics, helped me understand the links between these seemingly disparate subjects. The subjects were foundationally interlinked; simple ideas coincided, such as the tragedy of the commons and its relation to marginal analysis. 

As I noticed these intersectional ties, I saw that addressing the impending climate crisis through an economic lens was necessary for implementable, impactful change. There were opportunities for the government to impact climate action— these included economic incentives and regulations to influence the market price, changing producer and consumer behavior to be environmentally friendly. These policies helped protect the welfare of not only the environment but also of individuals who are disproportionately affected by the climate crisis. 

My interest in communication studies links to this; I hope to thoroughly understand these subjects in an interdisciplinary context to provide the means for others to do the same.

  At UW, particularly in the Interdisciplinary Honors Program, I hope to conjoin my interests in economic policy, science, and communications to gain the leverage and sound academic foundation necessary to address these concerns.

One of the best things this essay did was make use of a simple structure. This prompt asks for a lot from students: discuss two interests, identify the relationship between the two interests, show that the relationship relates to a pressing societal concern , and describe how you will engage with that concern at UW. While it is possible to answer all of these questions with a creative structure, this student’s use of a simple structure helped keep all of the parts of the essay organized. The essay followed the same format as the prompt: two paragraphs about their interests and relationship between them, a paragraph on a societal concern, and two final paragraphs on how they will tie everything together at UW.

Utilizing this structure allowed the student to fully establish both of their interests as unique entities before combining them. Going into detail on what excited them about environmental science and economics in the first place made their genuine love for the topics shine through. Also, including specific concepts like biological reactions and tragedy of the commons shows this student’s knowledge in these respective fields, in addition to their passion.

This student also does a good job of explaining the relationship they see between environmental sciences and economics. Explaining how they were “foundationally interlinked; simple ideas coincided” gives some insight into how this student thinks. We learn that they used logic to connect seemingly different topics that share common ideas. Establishing this logic-based link helps us understand how they devised solutions to address the pressing issue of the climate crisis in the third paragraph. The reader is left with the impression this student is genuinely fascinated by these two topics and has an interest in continuing to combine them in the future.

This student struggles with the transition to discussing their future goals. Since they devoted a large portion of their allotted word count to their interests in science and economics, they were left with very few words to discuss their interest in communication and how all three fields can be tied together. This leaves the essay feeling rushed and less genuine at the end.  

If they cut down on some words earlier in the essay—perhaps only mention their interest sparked from their coursework or their parents, rather than delving into detail on both—they could devote more space to their interest in communication studies later on. Then, this student could add more depth to the sentence “ My interest in communication studies links to this,”  by replacing it with something like:

“As I have seen the importance of science and economics for saving our planet, I have realized that interdisciplinarity is what will save the world. Disparate fields must join together for change to occur. I plan to join the inherently interdisciplinary communication studies program to show the world the importance of communication between disciplines.”

Do you want feedback on your University of Washington essays? After rereading your essays countless times, it can be difficult to evaluate your writing objectively. That’s why we created our free Peer Essay Review tool , where you can get a free review of your essay from another student. You can also improve your own writing skills by reviewing other students’ essays. 

If you want a college admissions expert to review your essay, advisors on CollegeVine have helped students refine their writing and submit successful applications to top schools. Find the right advisor for you to improve your chances of getting into your dream school!

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