Application Guidelines

We take your application for admission to WashU very seriously.

Our admissions committee reviews your application in a holistic and individualized manner, where our goal is to get to know you—and your story—through the application process.

Admission to WashU, whether as a first-year or transfer student, is both selective and competitive.

Since WashU uses a holistic application review process, we do not require specific courses for admission.

We are looking for students with a high school diploma or equivalent, including home schooled students and students holding a GED, who took a challenging college-preparatory curriculum in high school complemented by extracurricular activities, community service, and work experience. Your senior-year transcript should show that you continue to take demanding courses. Most applicants take advantage of honors, advanced placement, and International Baccalaureate courses, if offered by their high schools.

• 4 years of English
• 4 years of mathematics (architecture, business, and engineering strongly recommend calculus)
• 3-4 years of laboratory science (engineering recommends chemistry and physics)
• 3-4 years of history or social science
• At least 2 years of the same foreign language since the ninth grade
• The College of Arts & Sciences recommends both chemistry and physics for students who plan to do coursework in pre-medicine or the natural sciences.

• Grades and class rank (if your school ranks students)
• Counselor recommendation and one teacher evaluation.
  • Students who elect or are unable to provide SAT or ACT scores are encouraged to provide a teacher evaluation from a teacher in their area of academic interest who can address academic readiness in the area.

  The following items are not required as part of the application process. They are simply ways for you to add another dimension to your application – something that we might not learn by reading your transcript or your personal statement. And if you don’t want to submit any supplemental materials, that’s OK. Applicants will not be penalized for opting out. They are truly optional.

  Writing Supplement

  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.

  Videos

  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.

  Schoolhouse.world

  Applicants to WashU are welcome to submit Schoolhouse.world certifications as an optional supplement to their application.

  Standardized Test Scores

  • Either SAT or ACT, writing is not required.
  • Test results from any of your high school years are acceptable.
  • We consider only the highest individual scores, whenever they occurred.
  • The last test date accepted will be the December testing (October if applying Early Decision I).

  WashU accepts self-reported scores on the Common App and Coalition App. We hope this policy will make the application more accessible for you, since you will no longer have to formally request scores and pay for them to be sent to WashU. If you enroll at WashU and submitted unofficial scores, we will then ask you to send official score reports from testing agencies.

  our College Codes

  ACT: 2386
  SAT: 6929
  TOEFL: 6929

  The successful completion of a minimum of 12 years of primary and secondary studies is required for admission to any program of study leading to a bachelor’s degree at WashU.

  A secondary school diploma or equivalent is required.

  If you apply for admission, you will need to submit detailed information about your previous education, including:

  • Original academic transcripts or certified copies
  • A description of the grading system
  • Examination results (IGCSE, HKCEE, predicted A-Levels, national exams, etc.)
  • School-leaving certificates
  • Certified English translations of all of the above

  Academic records must include:

  • Transcripts of all work completed at the secondary school level
  • Transcripts of formal studies completed beyond secondary school (when appropriate)
  • Subjects covered during each year of study (the specific month and year)
  • Duration of time of each course
  • Number of lectures or laboratory periods included within each course
  • Grades (marks) received

  All prospective Washington University international students whose first language is not English are required to take either the TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test.

  Standardized Testing Policy for International Students

  WashU is a global institution and welcomes applications from students studying in other countries. As a result, our standardized testing requirements are designed to be flexible and recognize the different educational systems around the world.

  For both non-US Citizens and U.S. citizens applying from a high school outside of the U.S., you may choose to submit the following:

  • SAT; or
  • ACT; or
  • Predicted or actual results from national examinations, such as the Baccalauréat, Abitur, Maturita, etc.; or
  • Predicted or actual results for the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma; or
  • Predicted or actual A-Levels; or
  • Three (3) AP Exam scores; or
    • One exam score must be in math for students applying to the following schools:
      • STEM Majors in the College of Arts & Science
      • McKelvey School of Engineering
      • Olin Business School
      • One must be an HL Math score for students applying to the following schools:
        • STEM Majors in the College of Arts & Science
        • McKelvey School of Engineering
        • Olin Business School

        International students whose first language is not English will still be required to demonstrate English proficiency by submitting official results from the Duolingo English Test (DET), IELTS, or TOEFL exams.

        Credits can be accepted by WashU for studies completed at another college or university, or for scores achieved on AP, IB, or British A Level examinations.

        However, an official statement of advanced standing cannot be given until a student has been admitted to WashU, has arrived on campus, and has consulted with an academic advisor regarding the evaluation of previous academic achievement.

        English Language Instruction

        The academic programs at WashU require students to have well-developed skills in written and oral communication. During the academic year, international students seeking to improve their language skills in English may enroll in courses designed especially for advanced learners. These courses will help in refining and perfecting areas such as reading and writing, speaking and pronunciation, presentation, debating skills, and knowledge of American idiomatic expressions. For further information, please visit the English Language Support page.

        WashU has authorization to issue eligibility documents needed to obtain either an “F-1” or “J-1” student visa.

        Although both visas allow for full-time study, the J-1 is used for reciprocal exchange programs and government scholarship programs; the F-1 is the usual student visa.

        Documents for visa eligibility may be issued by WashU only after applicants have been officially admitted into a program of study and have given proof of sufficient funds to finance expenses for the duration of their proposed program of study.

        International students are not allowed to enter the United States on a tourist (B-2) visa when arriving to begin university studies. It is not legal to study in a degree program on a tourist visa.

        Students who are currently in the United States on an F-2 visa will be required to change to an F-1 visa.

        Proof of Financial Support

        In compliance with Department of Homeland Security (DHS) regulations, WashU requires all admitted international students to submit detailed financial information statements before a Form I-20 can be processed, including:

        • Statements of amounts and sources of funds available for their educational expenses in the United States.
        • Affidavit of Financial Support (AOFS)
        • Certified bank statements in English verifying that they have sufficient funds available to finance their first year’s tuition and living expenses and that a comparable amount of money will be available for every subsequent year of study.
        • Some embassy officials verify students’ financial certification. Students should obtain two original copies (with original signatures) of both the sponsor’s letter and the bank letter. Retain a copy for obtaining a visa.

        Financial assistance offers may be deducted from the amount to be certified.

        Medical Care & Health Insurance

        All students who have decided to enroll at WashU must:

        • Submit a completed health history form through Student Health Services. WashU requires all incoming students living in campus residential areas to have received the meningococcal vaccine (MCV4), including a booster if the initial dose was given before age 16, along with two doses of measles, mumps and rubella vaccine (MMR) after age one year or proof of immunity.
        • Submit proof of freedom from tuberculosis by either a negative skin test or negative chest X-ray within six months of completing the health history form.

        To protect the health of our entire community, we require all full-time degree-seeking students to have health insurance. You either must purchase our Student Health Insurance Plan or prove that you have adequate coverage through another plan. If you do not demonstrate that you have adequate coverage through another plan, you will be automatically enrolled in our plan and billed accordingly. The cost of the WashU Student Health Insurance Plan, as well as instructions for obtaining a waiver through proof of adequate coverage, will be provided to enrolling students.

        You should apply as a transfer student if you meet all of the following requirements:

        • You have finished secondary school and completed some college study.
        • You would like to be considered for admission with advanced standing at WashU.
        • You are interested in enrolling full-time in an undergraduate degree program with a specific academic focus.
        • You have never attended any of WashU’s full-time, degree-granting schools.
        Transfer Admission Guidelines

        Transfer admission to WashU is both selective and competitive. In any given year, any academic division may have from zero to a small handful of slots available. With this small number of transfer spots open, we recommend the strongest candidates for admission present proof of a high school diploma or equivalent and proof of a high level of academic success at their current institution. Successful applicants present at least a 3.5/3.6 GPA from a two-year or four-year college in courses across a broad academic curriculum and have completed a freshman composition course. Some of our academic divisions require specific grades in specific courses. For example, students with interests in engineering, business, or the physical or biological sciences must present a strong background in science and mathematics, including calculus. In addition, you must have left your current institution and all previous institutions in good standing and be eligible to return.

        If you have been away from a formal academic setting for more than two years, we generally recommend you complete at least one year (30 hours) of work at another college or university before submitting your application for transfer admission.

        If you are in your first year of college, you must present at least one completed semester of full-time college work with your application for transfer admission or submit a completed Mid-Term Report.

        Selecting an Academic Division

        You must select one of our five undergraduate divisions (Architecture, Art, Arts & Sciences, Business, Engineering) when you apply. You should select the division which offers the major program that most interests you. Because slots for transfer students are very limited, when you are admitted to a division you will be expected to remain in that division after you enroll at WashU. Should you decide to pursue a major in a different division, you will be required to apply for transfer into that division after one full semester at WashU. Transferring between divisions is not guaranteed.

        Pre-Medicine

        Transferring as a pre-medicine student is challenging. We recommend that students interested in pre-medicine apply as junior-level transfers having completed the following coursework:

        • Two semesters of general chemistry (with lab)
        • Two semesters of organic chemistry (with lab)
        • Calculus I & II at the college level
        • At least one writing course
        • We also encourage the completion of some biology coursework at the college level
        • Physics is a plus if taken, but not a “deal breaker” (*Calculus-based physics in particular is recommended.)

        College Preparation/Pre-Medicine Course Requirements for U.S. Medical Schools:

        Students will need TWO semesters each of:

        • General chemistry (with lab)
        • Organic chemistry (with lab)
        • Biology (with lab)
        • Physics (with lab)
        • Mathematics (including calculus)
        • English (at least one in composition)

        Additional coursework in biology and chemistry is advised. Some medical schools will not accept Advanced Placement credit in lieu of these requirements.

        Please contact Demetrius Coleman at 314-935-4641 for questions about transferring to WashU as a pre-medicine student.

        College of Arts & Sciences

        Please contact Demetrius Coleman at 314-935-4641 for questions about transfer admission to the College of Arts & Sciences.

        Olin Business School

        Transfer applicants to the Olin Business School:

        • Must have completed calculus I & II at the college level. (Please note that calculus II can’t be taken the summer before enrolling.)
        • It’s recommended that sophomore level transfer candidates have completed microeconomics at the college level.
        • Junior level transfer candidates should also have completed financial accounting, microeconomics, macroeconomics, and perhaps managerial accounting.

        Please contact Assistant Dean Lanna Skadden at 314-935-4758 with any questions.

        McKelvey School of Engineering

        • Every applicant to McKelvey School of Engineering must have completed an English composition course, two semesters of calculus-based physics, Calculus I, II, and III, and be prepared to take differential equations.
        • Applicants interested in chemical or environmental engineering should also have completed sufficient chemistry to be prepared to take organic chemistry.
        • Applicants interested in biomedical engineering should also have completed sufficient chemistry to be prepared to take organic chemistry and a biology course that includes cellular, molecular, and genetics work.
        • Applicants interested in computer science, instead of taking the required two semesters of calculus-based physics courses, may substitute 8 units of approved other natural science courses from the following departments: Anthropology, Biology, Chemistry, Earth and Planetary Sciences, Environmental Studies, or Physics.
        • Ideally, applicants will have calculus grades of at least a B+ as well as a general GPA of at least a B+.

        Please contact Assistant Dean James McDonald at 314-935-6100 with any questions.

        Sam Fox School of Design & Visual Arts – College of Art & College of Architecture

        • Transfer applicants to the College of Art and College of Architecture are required to submit a portfolio for review by the faculty using the SlideRoom function on the Common Application. The digital portfolio should include 12-15 pieces showing a variety of art experiences, including drawings, work utilizing design principles, and some work in color.
        • Suggested coursework:
          • For architecture
            • Art History
            • General liberal arts courses
            • Calculus
            • Physics
            • At least one semester of drawing
            • Art History
            • General liberal arts courses
            • One semester of drawing
            • One semester of digital art
            • Several other studio art classes

            If you have questions about applying to the College of Architecture or the College of Art, please contact Joseph Fitzpatrick, Associate Dean of Students for the Sam Fox School of Design & Visual Arts, at 314-935-6532.

            WashU awards academic credit for course work that resembles, by official description, a comparable course offering from one of its five undergraduate schools. No credit is given for CLEP exams, standard-level IB exams, correspondence/online courses, or departmental placement exams given by another institution. To assure proper transfer credit, please submit a copy of the catalog description for any course whose nature is not immediately clear by title or course number. Credit is awarded if grades of C or better appear on your transcript. Final decisions concerning transferring course credits are made by your academic dean at WashU. The WashU transcript will only include grades earned at WashU. Grades earned at your previous institution will not be recorded or included in the grade point average.

            Students admitted to Architecture, Art, Arts & Sciences, or Business may transfer a maximum of 60 semester hours of credit toward the degree at WashU. Engineering has no maximum limit.

            If you plan to enroll in Architecture, Art, Arts & Sciences, or Business you must complete the final 60 hours and a minimum of four consecutive full-time semesters in residence in order to earn a degree. If you plan to enroll in Engineering in order to complete a Bachelor of Science degree, you will need to complete a minimum of 60 credit hours, including 30 credit hours of junior- or senior-level course work.

            Advanced Placement

            Many departments at WashU will accept for credit and placement a score of 4 or 5 on the College Board’s Advanced Placement (AP) tests or a score of 5 or better on the higher-level International Baccalaureate (IB) exams. Official score reports should be sent to the appropriate dean’s office after admission has been granted.

            Additional Requirements for International Students

            International students whose first language is not English are required to submit results from either the TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo.

            AI Tools and ChatGPT

            WashU expects your application materials to be an honest representation of your own work. It is fine to use outside resources to check your work for spelling or clarity. You might share your essays with a teacher or counselor, or use editing or AI tools, for this purpose. However, your application essays and other written materials should accurately represent your writing skills. We discourage you from using AI tools like ChatGPT as the main source of your essay’s content. Whether you’re sharing your achievements, activities, or skills, AI tools should not be the primary author.

            Visit WashU

            In an effort to share the WashU experience first-hand, we send our admissions officers all over the country to meet students at schools and in other settings.

            We also love to welcome students to our beautiful campus and introduce them to our diverse and supportive community. We hope you’ll make the choice to visit us in person.

            • How to apply
              • Building our community
              • Application Process
              • Application Guidelines
              • Application Dates & Deadlines
              • Application Fee
              • Decision Plans
              • English Testing Requirement
              • QuestBridge
              • Optional Writing Supplement and Video
              • Portfolio Reviews
              • Schoolhouse.world