WashU Regular Decision 2025 Tips

I'm planning to apply regular decision to WashU in 2025. Does anyone have tips on how to strengthen my application? Anything about essays, extracurriculars, or interviews would be super helpful!

As an applicant to Washington University in St. Louis, there are several things you can do to help your application stand out.

When it comes to your essays, it's crucial to share clear and specific examples of your experiences, values, or aspirations that showcase your personality and align with the school's values. When answering prompts, try to tie your response back to how you anticipate your time at WashU or your reaction to the school's resources or culture. This shows that you've done your research and you're not simply copying and pasting responses for every school.

For extracurricular activities, WashU will be looking for students who have made a significant impact in their areas of interest, and who have demonstrated leadership qualities. It's better to show deep commitment and contributions to perhaps fewer activities than to have a long list of clubs or societies where you only played a minor role. Remember the 4 Tiers of Extracurriculars to identify which activities make you stand out.

As for interviews, they offer a great opportunity for the admissions officers to learn more about you - your passions, goals, and also to gauge your interest in the university. It's okay to be enthusiastic and show your genuine interest for WashU and its community. Be prepared to ask insightful questions that are not answered by a simple Google search, for instance, asking about the interviewers’ personal experiences or the resources relevant to your major.

Above all, make sure your application clearly communicates your story and why you are a good fit for the WashU community. Authenticity and sincerity are key elements in a successful application. It's about quality and individuality over sheer volume of achievements. Best of luck!