What's the acceptance rate for Washington University in St. Louis like?

Hey folks! So, I've been looking into Washington University in St. Louis as one of my top choices. It seems to have everything I want from a college, but I'm a bit anxious about the acceptance rate. Can anyone here share some insights about it? What can I do to improve my odds of getting accepted?

Washington University in St. Louis has had an acceptance rate around 11% in recent years, so it's quite selective. But don't let this discourage you. To improve your chances, first, make sure you have strong academics. Washington University uses the Academic Index to evaluate students' grades, test scores, and class rank (if available). Therefore, striving for high grades in challenging AP courses and performing well on the SAT or ACT is a key part of the application.

Then there's the extracurricular activity part. Successful applicants typically have 8 to 10 total extracurricular activities, with deep involvement in a few. Having a 'spike,' or specialization in a particular area, is often appreciated. This could be something like being the leader of a community service club, being recognized at the state or national level for your musical abilities, or even being a star athlete.

Understanding that colleges like WashU are looking for students who have something unique to offer can guide your preparation. If you're the best at what you do on a regional, state, or national level, that's very impactful.

Also, a stellar personal statement and supplementary essays can certainly help in your application. Your essays should give an insight into your personality, your values, and what you might bring to the Washington University in St. Louis campus. Avoid cliché essay topics, like sports victories or moving schools, and focus on providing a highly personal, unique perspective instead.

While all this advice can increase your chances, remember to apply to a balanced list of reach, match, and safety schools to ensure you'll have options when decisions are released. Good luck with your application process!