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Washington University in St. Louis | WashU

Saint Louis, Missouri4-yearPrivate

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Washington University in St. Louis | WashU’s 2024-25 Essay Prompts

Why This Major Short Response

Required
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.

Danforth Scholars Program Short Response

Required
100 Words

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.

Ervin Scholars Program Short Response

Required
100 Words

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.

Rodriguez Scholars Program Short Response

Required
100 Words

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.

Beyond Boundaries Short Response

Required
250 Words

The Beyond Boundaries Program equips students with a set of tools to critically understand and make a difference in a complicated world where challenges require diverse perspectives and skill sets. What is the big societal issue you would like to tackle? What academic expertise would you need on your team? What would you contribute to the team?

Joint Program in Business and Computer Science Short Response

Required
200 Words

Students in the Joint Program in Business and Computer Science will be equipped with the fundamental knowledge and perspectives of computer science and business and will have unique opportunities to converge these two disciplines. This is a distinctive degree program that captures the intersection of business and computer science and the growing demand for people with this special and sought-after skill set. Graduates of the program will able to pursue careers in technology, data analytics, finance, consulting and business development, to name a few. Tell us how you would use this combined degree to explore the intersection of these two disciplines?

Select-A-Prompt Short Response

Not Required
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 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?”:


Option 1

WashU supports engagement in the St. Louis community by considering the university as "In St. Louis, For St. Louis." What is a community you are a part of and your place or impact within it?


Option 2

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

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