Washington University in St. Louis

Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.

The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success. Recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience?

Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea important to you or others. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome?

Reflect on something that someone has done for you that has made you happy or thankful in a surprising way. How has this gratitude affected or motivated you?

Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.

Describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging that it makes you lose all track of time. Why does it captivate you? What or who do you turn to when you want to learn more?

Share an essay on any topic of your choice. It can be one you've already written, one that responds to a different prompt, or one of your own design.

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.

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?

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

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 varied perspectives and skill sets. What is the big societal issue you would like to tackle? Who would you need on your team? How would the Beyond Boundaries Program support you to work with collaborative teams to address this issue?

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 be 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?

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. Like the Danforths, Danforth Scholars are leaders seeking to build community through fostering growth and empowerment rather than focusing on personal authority. Reflecting on the leadership tenure of the Danforths and the pillars of the Danforth Scholars Program, how have you utilized your leadership skills to foster growth and empowerment within your community? Please provide 1-2 examples in detail.

Dr. John B. Ervin was a nationally renowned Black educator and the first African American Dean at Washington University in St. Louis. In the spirit of Dr. Ervin, Ervin Scholars are champions for positive change in their communities. Reflecting on the legacy of Dr. Ervin, how have you demonstrated your dedication to social justice and positive community impact in marginalized communities? Provide 1-2 examples in detail.

Annika Lynn Rodriguez led a life committed to service to others. She demonstrated her commitment through her work as a member of Alpha Phi Omega, a National Service Fraternity, during her time as a WashU student and later in the Peace Corps as an alum until her untimely death. In remembering Annika's legacy, a friend said, "Annika gave herself wholeheartedly to every person who entered her life." Share a story that exemplifies what motivates you to engage in service to the community and provide two examples that demonstrate your ongoing commitment to service.