How to get into Washington University in St Louis
How to get into WashU: ED matters most and the 5 schools admit separately
12.1%
Acceptance rate
$65,790
In-state cost
What makes Washington University in St Louis admissions different
WashU has the largest ED-vs-RD acceptance gap of any top-20 university — around 32% ED vs 9% RD. The school admits to five undergraduate divisions (Arts & Sciences, Olin Business, McKelvey Engineering, Sam Fox Art/Architecture, University College) and program fit matters. WashU is also unusually rigorous about demonstrated interest.
What an actually competitive application looks like
- 1.
Apply Early Decision if WashU is your top choice. The 3-4x ED bump is the largest among top private schools.
- 2.
Pick the right division. Olin Business and Sam Fox have separate admissions with portfolio/interview requirements.
- 3.
Maintain 3.9+ GPA, 1500+ SAT / 33+ ACT.
- 4.
Visit if possible; WashU tracks demonstrated interest more aggressively than many top private schools.
- 5.
Reference WashU's interdisciplinary culture, Beyond Boundaries program, and the actual residential life experience — specifics, not generic 'community' language.
Common mistakes that hurt applicants here
- ✕
Applying RD when you could have committed ED. The acceptance rate difference is the single biggest factor in WashU admissions.
- ✕
Treating WashU as a backup. Admissions reads applications for genuine interest and rejects 'placeholder' apps even with strong stats.
- ✕
Skipping the supplemental essay. WashU's optional essay is read by admissions and treated as a fit signal.
If you're on the bubble
WashU ED is one of the highest-leverage applications in the country. Median-stats applicants who can commit ED have real chances. If you're not applying ED, your odds drop dramatically — plan accordingly.
Next steps
Last updated: November 2025. Acceptance rate and cost data refreshed nightly from college reporting.