how to write the washu supplemental essay

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WashU Supplemental Essays 2024-25 Prompts and Tips

July 26, 2024

For the Class of 2027, the WashU acceptance rate remained low at just 12%. As Washington University in St. Louis appears to be marching toward the single-digit admit rate club, it’s critical that prospective applicants realize the need to make a uniquely compelling case for admission, even if they already possess elite academic credentials. After all, the average SAT for an incoming freshman is well above a 1500 and 88% placed in the top 10% of their high school class–incredibly, such credentials are necessary but not sufficient in this hypercompetitive environment. This brings us to the topic of the moment – the WashU supplemental essays.

(Want to learn more about How to Get Into WashU? Visit our blog entitled:  How to Get Into Washington University in St. Louis: Admissions Data and Strategies  for all of the most recent admissions data as well as tips for gaining acceptance.)

Given this high level of competition, WashU’s supplemental section offers applicants a critical opportunity to showcase their writing ability by generating detail-rich essays that will stand out to an admissions officer.

2024-2025 WashU Supplemental Essays

Please tell us what you are interested in studying at college and why. (200 words)

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.

Washington University in St. Louis wants to know about the academic discipline(s) in which you are most interested (or current leanings, if you’re undecided). They also want to know why you desire to pursue your studies at their institution. Answering both components of this question in less than 200 words is no easy task. This one is going to require a fair amount of school-specific research and a good deal of editing in order to tighten up your essay enough to stay under the word count.

For a deeper dive, let’s examine a list of characteristics of a winning WashU “Why Us?” essay:

• How did your interest in your major of choice begin and how has it matured over the years?
• While pursuing your majors(s)/interest(s) of choice, how will you take advantage of the university’s immense resources both inside and outside of the classroom? Be sure to cite specific  academic programs ,  professors ,  research opportunities ,  centers & institutes , and  study abroad programs . Discuss why they pique your interest.
• Feel free to touch on  student-run organizations  related to your field of study that you would like to join.

WashU Supplemental Essays (Continued)

As you enter the prewriting stage, you’ll want to avoid some common pitfalls that we observe applicants fall into when attacking the WashU “Why Us?” essay. We don’t want to label these as “mistakes” (there is nothing inherently wrong with them); they just don’t add any needle-moving value, which is the only goal here!

Common components of a generic “Why WashU?” essay:

• According to  US News , Washington University in St. Louis is a top-15 school.
• Too much attention to the prestige/reputation of the Olin School of Business or McKelvey School of Engineering.
• Recycled statements from your other “Why Us?” essays that come across as stale, impersonal, or worst of all–irrelevant/inaccurate.
• An itinerary of all the things you plan to do in St. Louis.
• Statements about how WUSTL feels like home, you know it’s the right place for you, or you’ve wanted to attend since kindergarten;  show  this through specifics instead.

Big-picture thoughts on the “Why Us” essay:

In any “Why Us?” composition, you need to show that you’ve done your homework on a given school, but you don’t want it to read like a rote list of items that you Googled an hour prior to writing the essay (even if the timing of the Google search is roughly accurate).

In addition to the pure research element, a lot of the time and skill required in creating a stellar WashU essay will involve connecting the classes, professors, opportunities, etc. of interest that you have uncovered to your distinct values, talents, aims, proficiencies, and future goals.

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 prefer, you may focus your optional 90-second video submitted through the WashU Pathway on addressing one of these three questions. (Students who choose to submit a written response to one of these questions may still opt in to sharing an optional video).

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?” (250 words)

Discuss a fresh perspective or opinion you brought to a collaborative setting or project.

Describe a community you are a part of and your place within it., tell us how your identity has impacted the way you view or interact with your community..

While this essay is technically “optional,” we advise every single applicant to WashU to opt in. Remember, WashU is one of those rare schools that rejects students with near-perfect (or even perfect) academic credentials. It is essential that you showcase the characteristics and skills that make you one-of-a-kind.

Keep scrolling for a breakdown of each prompt:

The U.S. presently finds itself in an extreme state of polarization. There seems to be little agreement even as to what constitutes “truth” or “facts.” Within this divided world, it can be hard for individuals with competing viewpoints to engage in civil and productive dialogue. Here, WashU is giving you the chance to show that you are an open-minded, intellectually curious, and collaborative young person. Illustrate how you are willing to engage in conversations and voice opinions to others, whether it was your lab partner or a ten-person team at your summer internship.

Furthermore, note the wording here: fresh perspective. This means that your perspective or opinion was different from that of the others in your group. As such, how did you present your opinion? How did others react? How did you handle their reaction? What was the ultimate outcome? What did you learn from the entire experience? One key thing to remember when addressing this prompt is that you don’t have to be the hero of the anecdote. In fact, you may be one who learned to expand their thinking.

“Community” can be defined in myriad ways: it could be large-scale, like an ethnic, religious, or neighborhood community, or small-scale, like a group of individuals who gather for a club, sport, or service project.

Most applicants to WashU are involved in at least one “community.” You may be the captain of a team, the editor-in-chief of your school paper, a member of your town’s trail clean-up team… but don’t just rest on those laurels—instead, bring your involvement to life. Use your writing ability to  show  what type of community member you are rather than merely  telling . What is your role within your chosen community? Within that role, how do you lead, guide, or interact with others? What have you learned and how have you grown? Strive for personal detail here rather than re-hashing your resume.

Finally, draw on past evidence of your commitment to being a positive force in your community and speculate how that is likely to manifest on WashU’s campus. It’s a great idea to research and cite WashU student-run organizations and/or local nonprofit groups.

Take note of the wide-open nature of this prompt. You are essentially invited to talk about any of the following topics:

• A perspective you hold
• An experience you had
• A community you belong to
• Your cultural background
• Your family background

Although this prompt’s open floor plan may feel daunting, a good tactic is to first consider what has already been communicated within your Common App personal statement, activities list, and “Why Us?” WashU essay. What important aspects of yourself have not been shared (or sufficiently discussed)? The admissions officer reading your essay is hoping to connect with you through your written words, so—within your essay’s reflection—be open, humble, thoughtful, inquisitive, emotionally honest, mature, and/or insightful about what you learned and how it has impacted the ways in which you communicate or interact with others. No matter what type of story you tell, the goal is to have the reader come away saying, “I can definitely see this applicant as a contributing member of our talented and engaged student community.”

How important are the WashU supplemental essays?

WashU designated 8 factors as “very important” to their applicant evaluation process. These are: essays, recommendations, talent/ability, character/personal qualities, GPA, test scores, class rank, and the rigor of one’s curriculum. Clearly, the essays are among the most important factors in this holistic process.

Want personalized assistance with your WashU supplemental essays?

If you are interested in working with one of College Transitions’ experienced and knowledgeable essay coaches as you craft your WashU supplemental essay, we encourage you to  get a quote  today.

Need additional writing guidance? Consider checking out the following:

• Common App Essay Prompts
• 10 Instructive Common App Essay Examples
• College Application Essay Topics to Avoid
• How to Quickly Format Your Common App Essay
• Should I Complete Optional College Essays?
• How to Brainstorm a College Essay
• 25 Inspiring College Essay Topics
• “Why This College?” Essay Examples
• How to Write the Community Essay
• College Essay

Dave Bergman

Dave has over a decade of professional experience that includes work as a teacher, high school administrator, college professor, and independent educational consultant. He is a co-author of the books The Enlightened College Applicant (Rowman & Littlefield, 2016) and Colleges Worth Your Money (Rowman & Littlefield, 2020).

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3 Top Tips for Writing Your WashU Supplement Essay

College Essays

All applicants to Washington University in St. Louis have to submit a supplemental essay as part of their application packet. That means that in addition to the essays you write as part of your Common Application or the Coalition Application (WashU accepts either one), you'll have to submit a third essay that you write specifically for Washington University in St. Louis.

Because WashU's acceptance rate is highly competitive —only 13% of students are accepted every year!— you'll need to write a stellar WashU supplement to give yourself the best shot at getting in. But what does a good WashU supplemental essay look like?

This article is going to explain everything you need to know about the Washington University supplemental essay, including:

• Explaining what the WashU supplemental essay is and how to choose the correct essay prompt
• Separate walkthroughs of both the general supplemental essay prompt and the Beyond Boundaries supplemental essay prompt
• Tips and tricks for writing an excellent Washington University supplemental essay

So without further ado, let's dive in!

What Are the Washington University Supplemental Essays?

You only have to submit one 200-word essay as part of your WashU supplement. The exception is if you're applying to WashU's Beyond Boundaries program, which is a special two-year interdisciplinary program. Beyond Boundaries has an additional WashU supplemental essay prompt all program applicants must complete.

The WashU general supplemental essay is what most students will write and submit as part of their application packet.

Washington University General Supplemental Essay

Here's the general WashU supplemental essay prompt that every applicant must answer:

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.

You're limited to 200 words in your response, which isn't very long! That's why it's important for you to really understand the prompt before you start working on your essay.

What's This Prompt Asking, Exactly?

This is a classic "Why Us" essay prompt. Many schools ask some variation of it, and what they're all trying to learn is, why are you applying to this school specifically? What about it makes you think it'll be a good fit for you?

"Why Us?" essays may look as if they're asking a simple question—why do you want to attend this school—but there's more to it than that. These essays are also often asking one of two questions: "why us?" or "why you?"

In essence, these essays want you to describe why they're the right school for you . Paying attention to how the question is framed will give you a better sense of what kind of answer they're looking for, which will help you shape your essay.

How Should You Answer This Prompt?

To craft a good response to this essay, you need to understand the prompt. It's not about listing a school's qualifications or discussing how beautiful the campus is—a good essay will explain not just why the school is good, but why the school is good for you .

This essay is a common one at many schools. Colleges want to know what brings you to them specifically, including what interests you and how you'll contribute to the student body. Though the question of "why" may feel simple, it's a lot more complex than it appears at first glance .

First of all, the college admissions office wants to know what sets their school apart from others. In WashU's case, that could be their balance between research and teaching, a particular major they offer, a positive experience you had while touring the campus ...

Use the question of "why" as a starting point . Don't stop at, "because I like that I can study engineering and English." Develop that idea further—What does that mean to you? Why does it matter?

The "Why This College?" essay also invites students to think about how they'll fit into the academic environment. Schools want to know that you're a good fit—it's to their benefit to recruit students who are passionate and committed to getting the most out of their college education.

But it's not just about whether you'll fit in—it's also important that WashU is a good fit for you. That doesn't mean having your major or whatever clubs you might want to join, but also that your goals align with theirs. Having a clear idea about your goals as well as theirs will help you excel, and WashU will appreciate the clarity .

As you're thinking about your WashU essay, you might learn things about the school that may not be a good fit, and it's better to learn that now than six months after you've moved onto campus. Though one or two missed checkboxes in your dream school criteria isn't necessarily a reason to pull your application, having realistic expectations for your college experience will set you up for a more positive time at the school of your choice.

What Topics Might Work Well for This Essay?

There are a lot of directions you can choose for this prompt. Here are some potential ideas you could write about:

• Majors, minors, certificates, and/or classes WashU offers that you're especially interested in. 
• WashU professors whose work you admire and with whom you'd like to study or conduct research.
• Clubs or sports teams that you'd be interesting in joining.
• Research opportunities you'd like to have (the more specific you can be, the better).
• Internship opportunities WashU offers.
• WashU students or alumni you've met who you admire.
• Financial aid opportunities WashU offers that make it possible for you to attend.

In your response, you should choose about one or two reasons why you think WashU is the best school for you. For each reason, you should describe what WashU offers and connect it back to your interest and skills to show how you're a good match for the school.

What Should You Avoid Talking About?

We've talked about how to write a killer Washington University supplemental essay, but there are some things you should definitely avoid doing.

First, avoid anything superficial, like how pretty WashU's campus is, or that you really like their sports teams. These aren't particularly meaningful reasons to attend a school, and since they don't relate to academics, it may cause Washington University admissions counselors to wonder how committed to your classes you'll be.

Additionally, avoid very general topics that could apply to any school. For example, saying you like WashU's majors, research programs, or internship opportunities isn't enough. All schools have those. What is it  specifically about WashU's that make them stand out and make you feel confident they're the right school for you.

If you're applying to the Beyond Boundaries program, you'll write and submit a different supplemental essay. But don't worry: we have your "passport" to essay success! (We love a dad joke.)

Washington University Beyond Boundaries Supplemental Essay

The Beyond Boundaries essay prompt is only for students who are applying to the two-year Beyond Boundaries program. 

Here's the Beyond Boundaries prompt:

Tell us what great challenge you might want to understand and tackle leveraging two or more of WashU's schools and how you would pursue an interdisciplinary path of study that explores that challenge or an aspect of that challenge in a unique and innovative way.

Just like the general Washington University supplemental essay, the Beyond Boundaries essay is limited to 200 words. Let's take a look at how you can go about answering this prompt.

This one is definitely a different prompt from the general supplemental essay. Unlike the general essay, which is asking you to talk about your own passions, in this essay WashU admissions wants you to discuss a big, real-world challenge that you want to solve as part of your academic study at WashU.

More importantly, you'll need to explain how to combine two approaches from two different schools in order to solve that challenge. Put another way, this prompt is asking you to demonstrate your ability to come up with innovative solutions for tough problems.

Once you do that, you'll have to explain how "you would pursue a path of study in an interdisciplinary way." In other words, you'll need to explain what classes you would take (and why!) in order to gain the knowledge and skills you'd need to tackle the problem you've chosen.

Because Beyond Boundaries is an interdisciplinary program , admissions counselors want to make sure that students admitted to this program are prepared to embrace different perspectives. Interdisciplinary programs like Beyond Boundaries one value innovative approaches to problem-solving , and admissions counselors want to see that you're outside-the-box thinker that can draw from multiple disciplines in order to come up with new solutions.

Writing a good answer to this prompt, one that will impress Washington University admissions, is going to take some research. First, you need to figure out a big problem that a diverse team of thinkers can solve. Then you need to learn more about Washington University's five undergraduate divisions so that you can talk about them specifically in your essay.

This might seem like a daunting task, and it kind of is: Beyond Boundaries is very selective, so admissions counselors want to make sure that admitted students are a good fit for the interdisciplinary nature of the program. But the good news is that the admissions committee isn't expecting you to come up with the perfect solution to a gnarly problem. Instead, they want to see that you're capable of bringing together people from different fields to tackle problems that are facing both your community and the world.

There are three things a great Beyond Boundaries supplemental essay will have to address. First, you'll have to pick a problem that you're passionate about solving as part of your academic studies or future career. Next, you'll need to talk about which schools/disciplines you think can work together to solve this problem. Finally, you'll need to talk about what classes you would take in order to prepare yourself to solve this problem in the future.

The trickiest part of this essay will be choosing a topic that lets you create a compelling course of study.

First, think about your future career goals. What do you want to do when you get out of college? That provides a good jumping off point for picking a problem to discuss in your essay. Then you'll have to make sure that you can bring together at least two of Washington University's four academic divisions in your response.

Let's take a look at how an applicant might go about choosing a topic for the Beyond Boundaries supplemental essay. For instance, Lola wants to go to medical school in order to become an orthopedic surgeon. She's applying to the Beyond Boundaries program, so she starts researching some of the challenges current orthopedic surgeons are facing. She learns that one of the issues facing her field is that they are seeing more and more catastrophic sports-related injuries in kids and young adults , and she decides to write about that in her WashU supplemental essay.

This is a great challenge to focus on in a Beyond Boundaries essay because it a) is impacting Lola's future field, and b) will allow her to talk about specific schools and classes in her response. For example, Lola can write about how her interdisciplinary course of study will include plenty of biology classes from the College of Arts & Sciences t o teach her about medicine.

But to really solve this problem, she'll need to learn about the business side of sports to understand the economic system that's pushing people to enroll their children in pro-style training academies at younger and younger ages. That means taking classes in the Business of Sports program in the Olin School of Business , too!

Remember: the goal here is to demonstrate your creative, interdisciplinary problem-solving abilities by suggesting a course of study that can help you solve a big problem . Spending some time picking a topic and brainstorming your response will be an important factor in writing a great Beyond Boundaries supplemental essay.

So what are the pitfalls with the Beyond Boundaries essay?

The biggest issue to avoid is not fully answering the prompt. Like we mentioned earlier, this essay prompt is complex: you need to identify a problem, figure out how to bring different WashU academic areas together to solve it, then propose a course of study that can prepare you to solve the problem in the future. It's easy to miss one of these response areas, so you'll need to spend lots of time researching and planning your response before you actually begin writing it.

Additionally, you want to make sure you're being both thoughtful and specific as you put together your course of study. Take a look at Lola's example again. Not only does she come up with an innovative way to figure out how to address a pretty big problem in her field, she has enough information that she can call out specific schools and programs by name in her response.

Remember: WashU admissions counselors want to see that you've done your research into the university and its offerings!

Expert Analysis of a Real-Life WashU Supplemental Essay

Now, let's look at a real-life example WashU supplemental essay and break down how it works. This essay was written in response to an older prompt ("Tell us about something that really sparks your intellectual interest and curiosity and compels you to explore more in the program/area of study that you indicated"), but the lessons apply equally to the current prompts.

Here's the sample essay:

I unlock the door and turn the knob. The fifty-year-old door opens with a groan. A narrow, dark hallway leads me to a stairway, and after climbing the stairs to a small landing above the hayloft, I find myself in a shaft of sunlight where dust motes dance in the darkness. I feel the sun on my face and feel that I have entered a space that is sacred.

This is my earliest memory of feeling connected to architecture. From that one in the loft of my grandfather's barn when I was six years old until the present day, I've tried to find an explanation for how my interaction with a physical space was able to create such a feeling of transcendence.

In his essay, "Building Dwelling Being," Martin Heidegger discusses the idea of dwelling , of "staying in a place." In English we use the word dwelling not only to signify a building or a structure in which one lives, but also to "dwell upon," meaning to pay close attention to. In this moment I was both dwelling upon and dwelling in my grandfather's hayloft. Although perhaps I couldn't express it so eloquently at the time, the notion came to me then that a space can be both physical and philosophical. I believe that Sam Fox School's College of Architecture will give me the training to achieve my greatest goal: to someday create physical spaces that allow the same potential for reverie.

We think this is a pretty good example of an essay response to the WashU general supplemental essay prompt. But it's not perfect!

Let's talk a little more about what this essay does well, and where it can improve.

What This Essay Does Well

This essay really embraces the idea that the best way to showcase your personality is with a story. The writer helps bring the reader into her essay by painting a picture in her first paragraph. The description of walking through a staircase and seeing dust in the air hooks the audience—you want to keep reading to see where the author goes next!

Additionally, this writer shows that she's been passionate about her field of study (architecture) from a young age . The things she notices in her memory have to do with the building and its space...which are definitely things architects have to pay attention to!

Finally, the student's reference to "Building, Dwelling, Being" shows that she's so enthusiastic about studying architecture that she's already begun digging into the field on her own. More importantly, she has connected the lessons she's learned with her own experience. The writer's knowledge and passion will help her essay stand out to Washington University in St. Louis admissions counselors!

Where There's Room for Improvement

While this essay is extremely well-written, it takes a while for the author to get to her point, which is that she's inspired to study architecture at WashU. In fact, she doesn't mention the Sam Fox School's College of Architecture until the last line! To make this essay better, the author should start referencing the school and program of study in the second paragraph. That way, the writer focuses her essay specifically on WashU's architecture program rather than architecture in general.

Additionally, the writer forgets to discuss specific professors, classes, and programs that she's interested in taking advantage of as a WashU student. Admissions counselors want to see that you've done your homework into what their university has to offer. This essay could be even better if the writer mentioned specific electives like Architectural History & Theory or Environmental Studies that would allow her to explore her fascination with how architecture brings together philosophy and physical space. The goal is to be as specific as possible to show that you've thought a lot about how Washington University can help you pursue your passions, interests, and career goals.

3 Tips for Writing Great WashU Essays

Now that we've looked at an example essay and have examined how the author approached writing it, let's apply these lessons in three tips that will make your Washington University supplemental essay shine!

Tip 1: Set the Scene

Good writing is about bringing moments to life for your reader. Instead of being vague and abstract, use your five senses to place your reader within a scene. Pay attention to how authors of prose fiction create a sense of placing the reader inside someone else's perspective. This will make your essay vivid and memorable, and that the very best supplemental essays will give their readers a sense of a narrative moment. This is also your chance to show that you are willing and able to foster the discipline to put in the hard work of creating a well-written supplement.

Tip 2: Look at the Bigger Picture

Next, show your readers why this beautiful piece of prose you've created matters . Try to connect your own experiences to larger concerns and contemporary issues. Show that you aren't just interested in your own benefit, but also how your dedication can benefit society. Keep in mind that there are two parties involved in any application or admissions process, and show that your admission to WashU could as much benefit WashU as it could benefit you!

Tip 3: Make Them Feel Wanted

One of the worst things you could do would be to write an essay so vague that you could use it for almost any school's admissions essay. You want your essay to speak to how WashU is specifically the best fit for you. Reference specific classes, professors, and experiences that only WashU can provide. You want admissions counselors to realize that WashU is the only school for you!

What's Next?

If you're worried about how to write a great application essay, that's okay. It can be pretty intimidating! We have tons of expert writing sources that can help you out. First, check out this step-by-step guide to writing college admissions essays. Once you're done there, you can read through more real-world examples of college essays and get expert analysis on what they do well and how they can improve. Finally, let us help you overcome your fear of the dreaded first sentence !

If you've done your research into Washington University in St. Louis, then you've probably realized that tuition isn't cheap . Don't worry: we have a guide that can help you figure out how to afford to go to WashU.

Most college applications ask you to pick a potential major. Learn more about how to pick the right college major for your application here.

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Ashley Sufflé Robinson has a Ph.D. in 19th Century English Literature. As a content writer for PrepScholar, Ashley is passionate about giving college-bound students the in-depth information they need to get into the school of their dreams.

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Washington University in St. Louis (WashU) Supplemental Essays Guide: 2021-2022

Not sure how to approach the WashU supplemental essay?  CollegeAdvisor.com’s  guide will show you exactly how to write an engaging WashU supplemental essay to stand out in the admissions process.

Need help crafting your WashU supplemental essay? Create your free  account  or  schedule a free consultation  by calling (844) 343-6272.

Washington University in St. Louis  (WashU) Essay Guide Quick Facts:

• Washington University in St. Louis has an acceptance rate of 16% —  U.S. News  ranks WashU as a  most selective  school.
• We recommend answering the WashU supplemental essay comprehensively and thoughtfully to maximize your chances of admission.

What is WashU in St. Louis known for?

Washington University in St. Louis is a community-driven institution boasting 77 diversity-related student  groups  on campus. With a 7:1 student-to-teacher ratio, its motto Per Veritatem Vis (Strength through Truth) has produced 4 Pulitzer Prize winners, 10 National Medal of Science honorees, and is associated with 25 Nobel laureates.

Additionally, WashU’s location makes it particularly attractive to applicants. After all, who wouldn’t want to attend an elite school in bustling St. Louis?

Interested in attending WashU? This guide to the WashU supplemental essay will give you the tools you need to write a strong WashU essay that will stand out among the WashU supplemental essays submitted by other applicants. Keep reading to learn more about this year’s WashU supplemental essay and WashU scholarship essays.

Does Washington University in St. Louis Have Supplemental Essays?

Yes. Instead of completing multiple WashU essays, all applicants will complete one WashU supplemental essay.  All students interested in applying will submit WashU supplemental essays in addition to the  Common App  and  Coalition App  essays.

Need some help writing your Common App essay? Get some great tips from our Common app essay  guide .

Additionally, students interested in a scholarship at WashU should review the  Signature Scholarships  page, as well as the general  scholarships  section of the website. With general WashU scholarships, there is no need to complete additional WashU scholarship essays — your Common App personal statement is also your application for the scholarship. However, if you are applying for one or more of the Signature Scholarships, then you’ll need to complete additional WashU scholarship essays in addition to the main WashU supplemental essay.

Don’t worry about missing out on applying for the Signature Scholarships. While completing the Common App and uploading your WashU supplemental essay, you’ll be prompted to select any additional scholarships you’ll be applying for. Once you’ve selected a particular scholarship, the additional WashU scholarship essays will appear on the page. Though we won’t be covering these WashU essay prompts in this WashU supplemental essay guide, you can use our WashU supplemental essay tips to help you write your additional WashU essay prompts.

How Many Essays Are Required for WashU?

As stated above, there is only one WashU supplemental essay. This doesn’t mean, however, that you shouldn’t take the WashU essay seriously. In fact, with applications like WashU where there is a single supplemental essay, you’ll want to make sure that your answer is as strong as possible to give the best impression to admissions officers. Unlike other applications where there may be room for a weak prompt response, your WashU supplemental essay should be well-edited and fit within your application’s personal narrative.

Unsure of how to craft a personal narrative in your applications? Our expert’s  deep dive  into the personal narrative will help you create a compelling story to leave a lasting impression in the admissions process.

Also, remember that in addition to the required WashU supplemental essay prompt, if you are applying for the WashU Signature Scholar Programs, you will be prompted to complete additional WashU scholarship essays for the program. Again, the prompts for the additional WashU scholarship essays are on the WashU website, but those WashU essay prompts will not be covered in this guide.

How to write the Washington University in St. Louis Supplemental Essay (Required):

Please tell us what you are interested in studying at WashU and why. (200 word max.)

Outside of the WashU essay prompts required for the WashU Signature Scholarships, there is only one WashU supplemental essay. In the absence of multiple WashU essays, you want to answer the WashU essay prompt clearly and concisely. Why? For example, if there were multiple WashU essays, you may be able to bolster a weaker prompt response with other stronger answers. However, since there aren’t multiple WashU essays, your single WashU supplemental essay response stands front and center for admissions officers.

Another reason to give this WashU supplemental essay the focus it deserves: demonstrated interest. Demonstrated interest is how you show a school that you are knowledgeable about what they offer potential students, that you are interested in attending, and that the school figures prominently in your goals. In other words, this WashU supplemental essay is asking “Why WashU?”

What is the prompt asking?

Let’s review exactly what this WashU essay is asking. Successful WashU supplemental essays will include the following:

• What a student is interested in studying.
• Why the student wants to study this particular topic.
• Why the student wants to study this topic at WashU.

In other words, it’s not enough to write an essay explaining that a service trip to Ecuador in 2019 led to a burning desire to pursue  environmental studies . You also need to explain that your desire to work with students at Tyson Research Center’s summer program is a part of your larger goal to eventually bring environmental studies to the next generation. In this brief WashU essay topic example, you can see that the student clearly identifies what they want to study (environmental studies) and they also have a clear “why” for pursuing the program (service trip to Ecuador). Finally, we touch on the “Why WashU?” question by mentioning an aspect of the environmental studies program that is unique to WashU (the Tyson Research Center).

Let’s break this WashU supplemental essay down further to help you start your draft.

Choosing an area of interest

First, you need to identify an area of study at WashU that interests you. At this point, you may not be sure of your major in college, and that’s okay! This WashU supplemental essay gives you a great opportunity to explore your interests and consider what you’re interested in studying. Picking a major can feel like a daunting task, but it can also be a lot of fun and a great way to begin thinking about what you hope to experience at WashU. Also, it’s helpful to remember, the major or interest you discuss in your WashU supplemental essay is not necessarily what you have to study once you’ve been admitted.

Need help choosing a college major? Check out CollegeAdvisor’s articles on  choosing a college major  and the most popular majors for  Gen Z students .

Before you begin drafting the response for this WashU essay, you should explore their  offerings . As you are exploring, make note of the programs that pique your interest. This WashU essay asks you to elaborate on your interest, so make sure that there is a significant reason for your wanting to pursue a certain major or course of study.

Explaining your interest

As explained previously, successful WashU supplemental essays will answer the following: a) why you are interested in studying the major that you’ve named, and b) why you want to study this major/topic at WashU. The first portion of your WashU essay response is an opportunity for your personality to shine. Can you demonstrate intellectual curiosity here? Can you make a personal connection to your interest in your program of study? Does your interest in this area of study connect to your career plans? Dig deep and avoid superficial responses when crafting your WashU supplemental essay.

Managing word count

With a 200-word limit on this WashU supplemental essay, every word counts. Avoid overly descriptive text, filler words, and tangents. Save your words for writing about what interested you in WashU — instead of cramming SAT vocabulary words into your response.

When you’re writing your WashU supplemental essay draft, however, do not concern yourself with the word count. While this feels counterintuitive, an essay prompt’s word limit may cause anxiety and prevent a natural flow of ideas.  To avoid this, allow your ideas to spill out onto the page before you begin shaping your response. Approaching your WashU supplemental essay in this manner may be helpful if you struggle with writer’s block. Also, you may find that your draft takes an interesting turn and your topic/interests may shift if you give yourself the space to create a messy first draft.

Telling a story

As opposed to starting with “I am interested…” consider telling a story that leads to your connection for that area of interest. Is there a brief anecdote you can share that will show interest to your reader?

Let’s look at the following examples:

Ex 1. I am very interested in the law program in order to change immigration law in the US.

Ex2. It was a sweltering 118 degrees in Tucson that day.  I wondered if the plastic gallon bottles that I placed on the desert floor would even survive the heat. Could plastic sweat? Would these help the coyotes lead migrants to safety? I did what I could, and I knew that the Border Action Network’s activism was saving lives. Immigration laws need to change in the US. So, it became clear — my activist journey could not end with water bottles. Instead, I want to study immigration law with the WashU Department of Political Science.

Now you can continue your story of legal interest and how WashU provides the education that you are looking for regarding your personal passion.

Answering “Why WashU?”

Finally, the WashU supplemental essay is asking you to explain why you want to study at Washington University in St. Louis.

Consider the  values  that Washington University in St. Louis expresses — do they resonate with you? What about the surrounding area does the setting of the school and its location in St. Louis have any bearing on why you want to attend? Part of your reasoning may be practical — perhaps Washington University in St. Louis is your nearest in-state university. However, you don’t want proximity to home to be the focal point of your WashU supplemental essay. Instead, try to answer the following question: how will WashU set me up for success, both academically and in my future career? The answer to that question can help you craft your response for the WashU supplemental essay.

Let’s look at the following example:

Ex. My experience last year volunteering for a local alderman awakened a desire to learn more about the political ideas, ideologies, and perspectives that shape this nation. Washington University in St. Louis’s 77 diverse student groups and strong emphasis on community values make this institution the perfect place to study political science.  What better place to learn more about multiple experiences and viewpoints than an environment that celebrates so many different identities?

In this example, there is a clear connection between the student’s volunteering experience to their choice to study political science. The final piece is the connection between the major and the school. Successful WashU supplemental essays will be specific like the example above.

Editing your WashU Essay response

Once you’ve finished your draft, you’ll want to edit your WashU essay carefully. Successful WashU essay prompts will not only answer the question, but also use dynamic language that is concise and grammatically correct. Check your word count. Make sure you haven’t exceeded the 200-word limit for your WashU essay. While it’s okay to be few words under your limit, be wary of a shorter-than-average essay. If your essay is only 125 words, you’re leaving 75 words on the table. These can be used to add more description to your WashU essay.

Next, evaluate your sentences.  This WashU essay is a short response, however, you have an opportunity to demonstrate both your style and voice.  Are you varying sentence structure? Do your sentences sound repetitive? Often, it can be helpful to read your essay aloud. Hearing your words can help you find weaker points in your WashU essay response that your eyes have ignored.

WashU Supplemental Essay Draft Key Questions:

• Does your response identify a specific Washington University in St. Louis area of study or program?
• Does your response explain your interest in this program?
• Does your response explain your interest in studying that program specifically at Washington University in St. Louis?

How Important is the Washington University in St. Louis Supplemental Essay?

The WashU essay is extremely important. Since this is the only opportunity that you have to demonstrate your specific interest in WashU, you must make it count—in 200 words or less. While your academics may meet the requirements for admissions, high grades alone will not guarantee admission into WashU.

In an effort to create equity in their admissions process, WashU is not allowing campus visits, connections with alumni, connections with faculty, or other similar factors as considerations in admissions. A brief, yet powerful response to the WashU essay is the best way to show admissions officers that WashU is the right place for you.

Remember, WashU is a competitive school — with an average of 30,000 annual applicants and only 1,800 students enrolling in the fall — opportunities to introduce yourself to (and impress) admissions officers should not be wasted.

Finally, if you applying to the Signature Scholarship program, extend that same level of focus to the additional WashU essays that you’ll complete. The WashU supplemental essays required for the scholarship applications are your chance to help remove a portion of the financial burden that families juggle when they send their children to college. Do your research on the donating bodies behind each of the scholarships and use the WashU essay prompts to demonstrate your passion and enthusiasm for what you plan to study.

Additional Washington University in St. Louis Supplemental Essay Tips

The WashU essay should be well-edited. Consider the fact that thousands of WashU supplemental essays will cross the desks of admission officers. Poorly thought out and executed WashU essays communicate to your reader that you couldn’t be bothered to edit your piece or didn’t have the writing skills to do so. To maximize the impact of your WashU essays, you’ll want to ask someone else to help you edit. This is also true for the WashU scholarship essays.  After all, once you’ve written the drafts for your WashU essays, you may be unable to see where edits are needed. If you want additional help editing your WashU scholarship essays, CollegeAdvisor.com can help!

Another tip: write your WashU essays in short sittings. Draft your initial ideas for each WashU essay in one sitting. This may be a bulleted list or a free-write. Let your WashU supplemental essays sit for a day or two. Then, evaluate the ideas you’ve generated for your Washu essay prompts.  Be honest — does your initial idea suit whichever WashU supplemental essay you’re writing about? If not, back to the freewriting/idea generation stage. However, once your ideas align with your passion and what each of the WashU essay prompts is asking, then you should move on to producing your drafts.

WashU Supplemental Essays: Final Thoughts

The WashU essay prompts—including the WashU scholarship essay prompts—may seem overwhelming. However, don’t let that discourage you! The WashU supplemental essay and the optional WashU scholarship essays are an opportunity for you to both introduce yourself to the admission team at WashU, and a chance to win a scholarship that will lessen your family’s financial burden when you attend school. With these tips, you can write engaging WashU essays sure to stand out in admissions.

This 2021-2022 essay guide on Washington University in St. Louis was written by Sasha Litzenberger. If you need help crafting your WashU supplemental essays or WashU scholarship essays, visit app.collegeadvisor.com to create your free  account  or  schedule a no-cost advising consultation  by calling (844) 343-6272.

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Command Education Guide

How to write the washington university in st. louis essays, updated for 2023-2024, essay prompt:.

Please tell us what you are interested in studying at college and why. (200 words)

Explanation:

Representing WashU’s only required essay, this question calls for a straightforward response given its relatively short word limit and placement within the “Academic” section of the Common Application and the “Academic Interests” section of the Coalition Application. Following the prompt, your WashU supplement should address your academic passions and describe what attracts you to them. However, since this is your only opportunity to articulate your voice to the admissions committee, you’ll also want your response to demonstrate how passionate you are about the school, as they will use this essay to gauge your interest and the extent to which you have researched WashU.

To begin, you’ll want to identify a major that is consistent a) with your career ambitions and b) with your “hook” and academic profile. At WashU, your intended program of study could be housed in one of the following four undergraduate schools:

• College of Arts & Sciences
• Olin Business School
• Sam Fox School of Design & Visual Arts
• McKelvey School of Engineering

Once you’ve determined which major most suits your interests and profile, a great place to start your research is the website of the academic department that houses your intended major. There, you can check out the courses, resources, and special opportunities offered to students. Identify unique study abroad programs, specialized summer research programs, and interdisciplinary academic programs of interest to you. Checking out the “News” tab on the academic department’s website can also enlighten you on the latest developments in the department and the impact being made by professors through their work, which might pose an option for collaboration should you attend the school!

After completing your research, make sure to balance how much you include about the school with information about yourself in your WashU supplemental essay; admissions already knows their school is great, so you must also show how you would add to the vibrant academic community if admitted. Focus on connecting your past experience to related opportunities or courses of study within your specified major of interest—that way, the admissions committee can directly see how you will fit right in on the Danforth campus.

The university also gives students the option to respond to one of three optional prompts. We recommend that you take advantage of the opportunity to tell the school more about yourself and why you would be a good fit for their institution!

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Washington University in St. Louis Supplemental Essays 2023-2024

By Eric Eng

If you’re aiming for admission to the prestigious Washington University in St. Louis for the 2023-2024 academic year, you’ve likely heard about the importance of supplemental essays. These essays are not your ordinary application components; they serve as your golden opportunity to showcase to WashU what numbers and transcripts cannot—your unique personality, thoughts, and the potential contributions you can make to their vibrant academic community.

Consider these essays as a friendly conversation with the admissions committee. They are genuinely interested in getting to know you, the individual behind the application. What drives you? How do you perceive the world? Most importantly, what distinctive qualities and perspectives do you bring to the diverse WashU community?

In this comprehensive guide, we will methodically explore the Washington University Supplemental Essay prompts one by one. Our aim is to equip you with the knowledge and confidence to tackle each question authentically and effectively. Whether you’re pondering which fresh perspective to share, reflecting on the community you hold dear, or recounting the life experiences that have shaped you, rest assured, we’ve got your back.

So, grab your favorite cup of brew, get comfortable, and let’s kickstart those creative juices. It’s time to craft essays that are as exceptional as you are—essays that will undoubtedly capture the attention of WashU’s admissions committee.

How Many Supplemental Essays Does Washington University in St. Louis Have?

Washington University in St. Louis has unveiled the supplemental essay questions for the upcoming 2023-2024 admissions season. Prosp ective students aiming to join WashU’s Class of 2028 will encounter one mandatory essay prompt , an additional optional prompt , and the choice to submit an optional video . It’s time to take a closer look at what these prompts entail and consider how to approach them!

What are the Supplemental Essays for Washington University in St. Louis?

The required essay (up to 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.

The Optional Essay (up to 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 prefer, you may focus your optional 90-second video submitted through the WashU Pathway on addressing one of these three questions. (Students who choose to submit a written response to one of these questions may still opt-in to sharing an optional video).

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?”:

Please choose one of the following:

Describe a fresh perspective or opinion you brought to a collaborative setting or project.

Describe a community you’re a part of and your place within it.

Tell us how your life experiences have impacted the way you view or interact with your community.

How to Write the Supplemental Essays for Washington University in St. Louis

Alright, friends, let’s talk strategy. You’ve got your prompts in front of you, and you’re ready to start writing. But before you do, let’s go over some tried-and-true tips to make sure your Washington University supplemental essays hit the mark and truly reflect who you are.

Question One:

This prompt is essentially asking students to reflect on their academic interests and passions. It’s designed to gauge their curiosity, intellectual engagement, and how they connect their interests to the university’s academic offerings. Here are four key points a student should consider when answering this prompt, along with detailed explanations for each:

1. Identify and Articulate Interests or Passion: Students should start by identifying specific subjects, fields, or academic areas that genuinely interest them. They don’t need to have a declared major, but should express what excites them academically. This could be anything from a love for languages to a fascination with environmental science. They should articulate why these areas interest them – perhaps through a personal anecdote, a particular book that captivated them, or a problem in the world they’re passionate about solving.

2. Connect Interests to Washington University’s Offerings: It’s crucial to link personal interests to what Washington University offers. Students should research the university’s majors, courses, professors, research opportunities, and extracurriculars. They should mention specific aspects of the university’s academic programs that align with their interests, such as unique courses, specific faculty members whose work they admire, or particular research facilities.

3. Demonstrate Intellectual Curiosity and Openness to Exploration: Since the prompt highlights the “undeclared” status of first-year students, students should convey a willingness to explore and discover new academic areas. This can be illustrated by discussing a broad range of interests or showing enthusiasm for interdisciplinary learning. They might mention how they look forward to taking advantage of the liberal arts education to explore various subjects before settling on a major.

4. Reflect on Personal Growth and Future Goals: Students should reflect on how their academic interests have shaped them and how they see these interests evolving in college. They should also discuss how studying these subjects at Washington University can help them achieve their future goals, whether these are career aspirations, personal development goals, or contributions they hope to make to society.

The response should be a blend of personal passion, a clear connection to what Washington University offers, an openness to academic exploration, and a thoughtful consideration of how this academic journey fits into their broader personal and professional aspirations.

Optional Question 1:

The prompt is essentially asking the applicant to showcase their ability to contribute unique ideas and viewpoints in a group setting. This question aims to gauge the applicant’s creativity, teamwork skills, and ability to positively influence a group dynamic. Here are four key points to consider when brainstorming a response:

1. Identify a Specific Collaborative Experience: The student should reflect on a particular instance where they worked in a team – this could be in an academic project, a sports team, a club, a volunteer group, or even an informal group project. It’s important to choose an experience where their input had a noticeable impact. For example, they could discuss a time when they were working on a group project in school and suggested an unconventional approach to solving a problem.

2. Explain the Fresh Perspective or Opinion: The student needs to clearly articulate what their unique idea or perspective was. This might involve describing how their idea differed from the norm, how it challenged the status quo, or introduced a novel approach to a common problem. For instance, if they suggested using a digital tool to streamline a process in a student club, they should explain why they thought of it and how it was different from usual methods.

3. Detail the Implementation and Challenges: Discussing how the idea was put into action is crucial. The student should describe how they communicated their idea to the group, how they convinced others to embrace it, and any challenges they faced in its implementation. This part of the response will demonstrate their communication skills, persuasiveness, and problem-solving abilities.

4. Reflect on the Outcome and Personal Growth: Finally, it’s important to reflect on what happened after implementing the idea. Did it lead to success? Were there unexpected outcomes or learning experiences? How did this experience contribute to their personal or academic growth? For example, they could talk about how their idea led to a more efficient project completion, or how overcoming skepticism from team members boosted their confidence in their innovative capabilities.

By thoroughly addressing these points, the student can effectively convey their ability to bring fresh perspectives to collaborative settings, a quality that is highly valued in academic and professional environments.

Optional Question 2:

The prompt asks applicants to reflect on their involvement in a specific group or community and to articulate their role or contribution within that community. Here are four key points for students to consider when brainstorming and elaborating their responses:

1. Defining the Community: The student should begin by clearly identifying the community they’re discussing. This could be any group where they feel a sense of belonging, such as a school club, sports team, religious group, volunteer organization, or even an online community. The description should provide context about what this community is, its purpose, and why it’s significant to the student.

2. Personal Involvement and Role: After defining the community, the student should focus on their specific role or involvement. This part should detail what they do or contribute to the community. It could include leadership positions held, initiatives started, or any active participation that adds value to the group. The aim is to show the student’s engagement level and the impact of their actions within the community.

3. Growth and Learning: The essay should also reflect on how being a part of this community has influenced the student’s personal growth or learning. This could involve developing new skills, gaining insights into a particular field, understanding diverse perspectives, or fostering personal qualities like empathy, teamwork, and leadership. The idea is to illustrate how the student’s involvement in the community has been a two-way street, benefiting both the community and their own development.

4. Connection to Future Goals: Lastly, it’s beneficial to connect this experience with the student’s future aspirations or how it aligns with their goals at Washington University in St. Louis . This could be in terms of continuing to engage in similar communities, applying learned skills in their chosen field of study, or how it shapes their long-term career or personal objectives. This connection shows the admissions committee the student’s forward-thinking mindset and how their past experiences are stepping stones to their future plans.

Optional Question 3:

The prompt is designed to understand a student’s perspective on community involvement and how their personal experiences have shaped their understanding and actions within a community. Here are four key points for brainstorming ideas and their detailed explanations:

1. Identifying Formative Experiences: Students should reflect on significant life events or experiences that have influenced their perception of community. This could include volunteering experiences, family traditions, cultural events, or personal challenges. For example, if a student grew up in a multicultural environment, they might discuss how this diversity has fostered a deep appreciation for different cultures and inspired them to engage in cultural exchange programs within their community.

2. Personal Growth and Insights: Focus on how these experiences contributed to personal growth or led to insights about the community. Students could explore themes like empathy, responsibility, or the importance of collaboration. For instance, overcoming a personal challenge, like dealing with a learning disability, might have taught them the value of accessibility and inclusivity, leading them to advocate for these in their community.

3. Active Community Engagement: Describe specific ways in which these life experiences have translated into active participation or initiatives within the community. This could be starting a community project, participating in local events, or even small acts like helping neighbors. If a student was impacted by an environmental issue, they might have been motivated to organize local clean-up drives or environmental awareness campaigns.

4. Future Goals and Aspirations: Students should connect these experiences and learnings to their future goals, particularly how they intend to apply these insights in the university setting and beyond. This could involve plans to join specific clubs, engage in community service, or pursue studies in fields that allow them to contribute positively to society. For example, a student inspired by community health initiatives might express a desire to study public health and implement health awareness programs in university communities.

In answering this prompt, students should strive for authenticity, showing how their unique experiences have genuinely shaped their understanding and interaction with their community. The aim is to provide a holistic view of their character, values, and aspirations, demonstrating their potential contribution to the university’s community.

Optional Video Submission

The Optional Video Submission prompt for Washington University in St. Louis offers an innovative and personal way for applicants to convey their individuality, interests, and fit for the university. This multimedia approach allows students to showcase aspects of themselves that might not be as evident in written essays. Here are four key points to consider when brainstorming and creating the video:

1. Showcasing Personality and Interests: Unlike written essays, a video submission allows students to demonstrate their personality, passion, and enthusiasm visually and audibly. Applicants should think about what makes them unique – it could be a particular hobby, talent, or a distinctive perspective on a subject they’re passionate about. The video can include demonstrations of their talents (like playing a musical instrument or showing off art pieces) or a narration of their experiences that highlight their interests.

2. Demonstrating Fit with the University’s Culture: Students should research and understand the values, mission, and culture of Washington University. The video can then be tailored to reflect how their own values and goals align with the university. For instance, if the university values community service, students might include clips or discussions of their volunteer work and how it shaped their perspectives and ambitions.

3. Highlighting Academic and Career Aspirations: This is a chance to articulate academic interests and career goals more dynamically. Students can talk about why they are drawn to their chosen field, how their past experiences have prepared them for this path, and how Washington University, in particular, will help them achieve their goals. Using visual aids like pictures or short clips from their academic projects or internships can be impactful.

4. Creativity and Authenticity: Encourage students to be creative but authentic. The video doesn’t have to be professionally made; its charm lies in its authenticity and personal touch. They could use a simple, well-lit setup with good audio quality. The focus should be on the content and how effectively they communicate their story. It’s about showing the admissions committee who they are beyond grades and test scores.

In each of these areas, students should aim to be concise yet detailed, focusing on showing their genuine selves and how they would be an excellent fit for Washington University. The key is to balance creativity with sincerity, ensuring that the video reflects their true character and aspirations.

How to Structure Your Supplemental Essays

The structure of supplemental essays is crucial in conveying a coherent, impactful message to the admissions committee. For the Washington University in St. Louis Supplemental Essays 2023-2024, a well-structured essay can make a significant difference in how an applicant’s narrative is received. Here are three key points on structuring these essays:

1. Introduction – Setting the Stage: The opening of the essay should immediately engage the reader. Applicants can start with an intriguing hook – a compelling question, a vivid description, or a brief anecdote that directly ties into the essay’s main theme. This section should introduce the central idea or experience the essay will explore, setting a clear tone for what follows. For example, if the essay is about a particular challenge or achievement, starting with a moment that epitomizes that experience can draw the reader in effectively.

2. Body – Developing the Story and Insights: The body of the essay is where the applicant delves into details. Each paragraph should focus on a specific aspect or incident, ensuring a logical flow of ideas. In the case of Washington University in St. Louis Supplemental Essays 2023-2024 , this could mean detailing how a particular experience influenced the applicant’s decision to pursue a certain field of study, or how their personal values align with the university’s ethos. It’s important to balance storytelling with reflection, providing not just a narrative but also insights into how these experiences shaped their perspectives or aspirations.

3. Conclusion – Tying it All Together: The conclusion should not simply restate the introduction but instead bring a sense of closure and reflection to the essay. This is the chance to underscore the key takeaways from the story and to explicitly relate back to how these experiences or qualities make the applicant a great fit for Washington University in St. Louis. A strong conclusion might revisit the initial hook or anecdote from the introduction, providing a satisfying full-circle moment that reinforces the essay’s central theme.

Throughout the essay, clarity and coherence are paramount. Applicants should aim for a natural yet polished narrative flow, ensuring each part of the essay contributes to an overarching message. This structured approach not only makes the essay more readable and engaging but also allows applicants to effectively communicate their unique story and qualifications for Washington University in St. Louis.

Why Choose Washington University in St. Louis

At its heart, WashU is more than just a rigorous academic institution; it’s a caring community dedicated to the growth and success of each student. Here, your educational journey intertwines with personal development, supported by faculty and staff who are committed to your success.

WashU stands out for its academic excellence, offering a challenging and diverse range of programs, whether your interest lies in neuroscience, law, or art history. The university prides itself on its dynamic teaching and research opportunities, where you’re not just a passive learner but an active participant in groundbreaking research. This environment is not just about preparing you for your first job; it’s a launchpad for a meaningful and fulfilling career, supported by a strong network of alumni and industry connections.

Diversity and inclusion are more than just ideals at WashU; they’re a reality. The university’s community is a rich tapestry of different cultures and backgrounds, providing a broad spectrum of perspectives that enhance your educational experience. Beyond the classroom, WashU’s vibrant campus life, with over 300 student organizations, complements your academic pursuits. And let’s not forget the city of St. Louis itself, offering a plethora of cultural and recreational activities.

Your journey to becoming part of this exceptional community begins with the WashU supplemental essay. This is your opportunity to showcase not just your academic achievements but also your personal vision, values, and unique voice. With increasing competition for admission, exemplified by the Class of 2027’s acceptance rate of just 12%, standing out is crucial. High SAT scores and top-class rankings are the norms here, but to truly shine, you’ll need to bring something more to the table. The WashU supplemental essays are your chance to do just that, to show why you are a perfect fit for this remarkable institution.

How Important are Supplemental Essays in the College Admissions Process?

Supplemental essays, particularly for the 2023-2024 admission cycle at Washington University in St. Louis, play a pivotal role in the college admissions process. Here’s a detailed exploration of their significance:

1. Personalizing the Application: The Washington University in St. Louis Supplemental Essays 2023-2024 provide a platform for students to present a more holistic and personalized picture of themselves. While transcripts and test scores offer quantitative insights, these essays enable applicants to narrate their unique stories, experiences, and aspirations. For instance, an essay discussing a significant personal challenge or a unique family tradition can give the admissions committee a vivid understanding of the student’s background, character, and resilience.

2. Demonstrating Fit and Interest: Through these supplemental essays, students have the opportunity to show their specific interest in Washington University in St. Louis. This could be through discussing particular programs, faculty, research opportunities, or campus initiatives that align with their goals and values. By effectively communicating why they are drawn to Washington University and how they envision contributing to its community, applicants can strengthen their case as an ideal candidate for the institution.

3. Showcasing Writing Skills and Critical Thinking: The ability to communicate effectively and think critically is essential in college. The supplemental essays allow students to demonstrate these skills beyond what standardized test scores and GPAs might reflect. A well-constructed essay that presents a compelling narrative, showcases intellectual curiosity, and displays a command of language can significantly impact the admissions decision.

4. Differentiating from Other Applicants: In a pool of equally qualified candidates, the Washington University in St. Louis Supplemental Essays 2023-2024 offer a chance for students to stand out. They can highlight unique aspects of their personality, experiences, or perspectives that may not be evident elsewhere in their application. For example, a student might write about a distinctive hobby, a volunteer experience that shaped their worldview, or how a particular event ignited their passion for a field of study.

In summary, the supplemental essays are not just an add-on to the application; they are a crucial component that can significantly sway the admissions decision. By effectively utilizing this space to convey their unique story, demonstrate their fit for the university, exhibit strong communication skills, and differentiate themselves from other applicants, students can significantly enhance their chances of admission to Washington University in St. Louis.

How Do Washington University’s Supplemental Essays Compare to Other Universities?

The Washington University in St. Louis Supplemental Essays for the 2023-2024 admissions cycle present a unique blend of opportunities for applicants to express themselves, distinguishable in several ways when compared to supplemental essays from other top universities.

Unlike some institutions like Harvard or Stanford , which often pose abstract or intellectually challenging prompts, Washington University tends to focus more on the personal and practical aspects of the applicant’s life and interests. For example, while Stanford might ask about an idea or experience that has been important to your intellectual development, Washington University’s prompts are more likely to explore the applicant’s specific interests in their chosen field of study or their understanding of the university’s community and culture.

Another distinct feature of Washington University’s supplemental essays is their emphasis on practical engagement and real-world experiences. Whereas a school like the University of Chicago is renowned for its creatively challenging and often unconventional essay prompts that encourage whimsical and theoretical responses, Washington University’s essays tend to ground the applicant in more concrete, personal narratives. This approach allows students to showcase not just their intellectual capabilities, but also their personal growth, community involvement, and practical skills relevant to their prospective field of study.

Furthermore, compared to schools like MIT or Caltech, where the supplemental essays often skew heavily towards technical and scientific interests, Washington University offers a broader spectrum, inviting narratives from a wide range of academic and personal backgrounds. This inclusivity makes their supplemental essays more accessible to students with diverse interests and experiences, unlike the more specialized focus of some tech-oriented institutions.

Overall, the Washington University in St. Louis Supplemental Essays for 2023-2024 offer a balanced mix of personal narrative, academic interest, and community engagement, differing from other top universities by leaning less towards the abstract, whimsical, or highly technical, and more towards holistic, practical, and personally meaningful expressions of the applicant’s experiences and aspirations. This approach not only provides a comprehensive platform for students to present themselves but also aligns well with the university’s emphasis on well-rounded, engaged, and practically-oriented individuals.

How to Effectively Revise and Proofread

Effectively revising and proofreading Washington University in St. Louis Supplemental Essays 2023-2024 is crucial for crafting a polished and impactful application. Here are four detailed strategies to guide applicants through this process:

1. Comprehensive Content Review: Begin by re-evaluating the essay’s content. Ask critical questions: Does the essay answer the prompt completely? Are there clear connections between the applicant’s experiences, interests, and aspirations, and what Washington University in St. Louis offers? This step is about ensuring that the content is not just grammatically correct but also meaningful and relevant. Applicants should check for any missing details that could add depth to their narrative or remove redundant parts that do not contribute to the overarching message.

2. Structure and Flow Analysis: Examine the essay’s structure for logical flow and coherence. Each paragraph should seamlessly lead to the next, with clear transitions and a well-organized progression of ideas. For the Washington University in St. Louis Supplemental Essays 2023-2024, it’s vital to maintain a balance between personal anecdotes, academic interests, and reflections on how they align with the university’s offerings. Reordering or refining paragraphs might be necessary to ensure the essay reads smoothly and logically.

3. Feedback from Trusted Sources: Obtaining feedback from teachers, mentors, or peers can provide invaluable insights. Sometimes, an external perspective can catch inconsistencies, unclear passages, or missed opportunities in the narrative that the writer might overlook. Encourage applicants to seek feedback from individuals who understand the nuances of college admissions and can provide constructive, honest critiques.

4. Final Proofreading for Precision and Polish: The last step involves meticulous proofreading to catch any grammatical errors, typos, or awkward phrasings. Reading the essay out loud can be particularly effective in identifying areas that might need fine-tuning. This stage is not just about correcting mistakes but also about refining the language to ensure it’s engaging, clear, and reflective of the applicant’s voice. Tools like Grammarly or Hemingway Editor can assist in this process, but they should complement, not replace, a thorough manual review.

Throughout these steps, applicants should remember that the goal is to create a compelling, clear, and authentic representation of themselves. The revision and proofreading process for the Washington University in St. Louis Supplemental Essays 2023-2024 is an opportunity to refine their stories, ensuring they are presented in the most effective and polished manner possible.

Final Thoughts

And there you have it, folks! We’ve journeyed through the ins and outs of nailing those Washington University supplemental essays. Remember, these essays are your chance to let your personality shine through the black-and-white stats of your application. They’re your voice in a room full of paper.

Think of these prompts as a friendly chat with the admissions team. They’re genuinely interested in what makes you, well, you. So, when you’re sharing that fresh perspective you’re proud of, or the community that feels like home, or those life experiences that have shaped your world, just picture you telling your story to a new friend.

Don’t stress about using big, fancy words. Just be you. That’s who they want to meet, after all. And if you decide to go for that optional video, have fun with it! It’s like sending a hello through your screen. 

Once you hit that submit button, take a deep breath. You’ve done your part in sharing your story. Now, it’s time for the WashU team to read and appreciate the unique mix of qualities you bring to the table. WashU is just one of many amazing possibilities that await you. No matter where you end up, you’re on the path to great things.

So, go ahead and give those essays your best shot. And remember, whether it’s on paper or on screen, your story is worth telling. Good luck!

It is important to have all the necessary information before making any decision. AdmissionSight is always here to help you with any questions or concerns. We have over ten years of experience helping students successfully navigate the challenging admissions process.

Consult with AdmissionSight and find out how we can help you get into the school of your choice by ensuring that you are fully informed and prepared for the application process. We will work with you to develop a personalized plan that meets your specific needs and goals. We will also provide you with access to our team of experts who can help you with everything from choosing the right schools to writing your essays .

Don’t let the admissions process overwhelm you. Contact AdmissionSight today and let us help you achieve your dreams.

Want to assess your chances of admission? Take our FREE chances calculator today!

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How to Ace the 23/24 WashU Supplemental Essay

Varonika Ware is a content writer at Scholarships360. Varonika earned her undergraduate degree in Mass Communications at Louisiana State University. During her time at LSU, she worked with the Center of Academic Success to create the weekly Success Sunday newsletter. Varonika also interned at the Louisiana Department of Insurance in the Public Affairs office with some of her graphics appearing in local news articles.

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Bill Jack has over a decade of experience in college admissions and financial aid. Since 2008, he has worked at Colby College, Wesleyan University, University of Maine at Farmington, and Bates College.

Maria Geiger is Director of Content at Scholarships360. She is a former online educational technology instructor and adjunct writing instructor. In addition to education reform, Maria’s interests include viewpoint diversity, blended/flipped learning, digital communication, and integrating media/web tools into the curriculum to better facilitate student engagement. Maria earned both a B.A. and an M.A. in English Literature from Monmouth University, an M. Ed. in Education from Monmouth University, and a Virtual Online Teaching Certificate (VOLT) from the University of Pennsylvania.

Be sure to pack your snowsuit because Washington University is located in St. Louis, Missouri! The acceptance rate at this private research university is about 13% , which means that it’s imperative to make your application stand out.  One of the ways applicants can do that is by writing WashU supplemental essays. Continue reading below to get tips on how to start!

The Washington University supplemental essay prompts 

The WashU supplemental essays are an optional component of your application but they can be very beneficial. Supplemental essays are the first opportunity for the admission committee to learn about you and your personality to evaluate if you’re a good fit for their university. 

It’s also important to leave a lasting impression early on, so that you can stand out from other applicants. The WashU admissions office wants to know who you are, so be sure to let loose!

“Describe a fresh perspective or opinion you brought to a collaborative setting or project.” (250 words max.)

WashU values diverse perspectives amongst their student body, which means you can really open up with this prompt! Everyone has opinions, so there’s no shortage of individuality that can come from this prompt. 

Try to stay away from general opinions since they might not really give an accurate reflection of who you are. Instead, think about opinions that you stand behind strongly that align with WashU’s mission or opinion-led debates that you might be on the opposing side of. 

Questions to consider: 

• How is this perspective unique?
• Who or what caused you to have this opinion? 
• How might you relate this to WashU?

“Describe a community you’re a part of and your place in it.” (250 words max.)

While you might not realize it, the communities we’re a part of contribute a lot to our values and ideas. Hence why WashU wants to know about one in your life, so don’t be afraid to tell what it’s taught you!

Applicants should also explain how they would be a positive addition to the community as a WashU undergraduate. You’ll be joining a freshmen class if you’re accepted, so maybe take a portion of your essay to highlight what that means to you. 

Questions to consider:

• Can others relate to the community you’re a part of?
• Do you get a feeling of belonging in this community? Why or why not?
• What part will you play in the WashU community?

“Tell us how your life experiences have impacted the way you view or interact with your community.” (250 words max.)

As humans, our lives are formed by large and small life experiences. Think of the core memories that you have, and try to choose one that set you on your course toward college. 

Did a treasured mentor give you a book? Has your family overcome obstacles and came out on top? 

All of these could be a topic for your essay, but be sure to explain how it relates to WashU. Highlight ways you might use that experience on their campus or how it might lead to you forming new ones. 

• What have been some formative experiences in your life?
• What makes this experience special to you? 
• How can this experience relate to your future?

Optional video submission

Students may also submit an optional 90-second video submitted through the WashU Pathway website addressing one of the three questions above. Also, students are allowed to submit a written response to one of these questions and still submit an optional video as well. Check out our tips on how to create a college video response before you set started!

Next steps for applicants

Congratulations, you’ve got your WashU supplemental essays out of the way! You’re probably wondering what the next steps are on your educational journey.

Well, one of the first things to get started on is the optional WashU virtual interview or 90-second video. Taking the time to do this activity will further demonstrate your interest in attending WashU and improve your application.

Be sure to stay on top of your financial aid packages as well. The scholarships and aid that colleges offer is dependent on the information on your FAFSA and CSS Profile , so fill them out as soon as possible. 

Writing tips

Writing supplemental essays is a craft in itself. So, be sure to catch the reader’s attention early on and mention the most important key details first. Building an outline before you start writing can help you organize your thoughts and discuss all the main points of your supplemental essay. 

That’s why we have guides to help you through the process. Make sure to check out our guides to 250 and 500 word essays, writing about yourself , and answering the Common App essay prompts . Be sure also to check out our “Show, Don’t Tell” college essay primer as well as our tips on how to create a college video response . 

Additional resources

College can be a new beginning, and it’s important to have as many tips and tricks under your belt as possible. Here’s a few Scholarships360 resources that can help make your transition to college easier. 

• Learn how extracurriculars impact your application
• Figure out how to pick a major
• Read more about supplemental essays  

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August 3, 2024

2024-2025 Washington University in St. Louis Supplemental Essay Prompts

Washington University in St. Louis has released its supplemental essay prompt for the 2024-2025 admissions cycle . Applicants to WashU’s Class of 2029 are presented with a required essay prompt, an optional essay prompt, and an optional video upload . So, let’s check out these prompts!

2024-2025 WashU Essay Topics & Video

Required essay prompt.

Below are WashU’s instructions for the required essay, which is hidden within the Academics section of the supplement. Applicants can respond to the prompt in up to 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.

This prompt is a straight-up-the-middle Why Major question. As such, it should include an origin story of a student’s interest — as a high schooler, not as a child — in their discipline of choice. Additionally, ideally, students have gotten involved in several activities that showcase their interest in this area. Here’s a chance for students to tell WashU’s admissions committee about their work in one such activity that directly correlates with their intended major. The answer does not need to include WashU specifics since it’s distinctly not a Why WashU question.

Optional Essay Prompts

Below are WashU’s instructions for the optional essay for all applicants, for which students can choose one of the two prompts and include a response of up to 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 prefer, you may focus your optional  90-second video  submitted through the WashU Pathway on addressing one of these three questions. (Students who choose to submit a written response to one of these questions may still opt in to sharing an optional video).

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?”:

Please choose one of the following:

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 in?

In the majority opinion outlawing the practice of Affirmative Action , Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts included a caveat that went as follows: 

“At the same time, as all parties agree, nothing in this opinion should be construed as prohibiting universities from considering an applicant’s discussion of how race affected his or her life, be it through discrimination, inspiration, or otherwise.”

This essay prompt is an opportunity for a student to showcase how their community has shaped them and how they’ve been shaped by their community. And the word community can be defined loosely. It can be a physical community — where a student lives. It can be a community of mathematicians if their angle happens to be math. As long as an applicant’s response showcases a window into their world, they’re on the right track.

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

Like the previous prompt, this essay question is a response to the SCOTUS ruling outlawing Affirmative Action. Here, applicants can write about their background, identity, race, religion, interests, or really anything they’d like since one’s “story” is open to interpretation.

Optional Video

WashU applicants, through the WashU Pathway, have the chance to upload an up to 90-second video introducing themselves — if they so wish. The instructions for the optional video are as follows:

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.

Ideas to consider:

• Do you have a hobby? Show us how you spend your free time.
• How do you express your most authentic self? Through art, cooking, poetry, stand-up comedy?
• What do you most want to experience at WashU?

And if you don’t want to submit a video, that’s OK. Applicants will not be penalized for opting out of submitting a video. It is an optional video (and we mean  optional) .

When creating the video, it’s important that applicants know that submitting a highly stylized, edited video is unnecessary — and we at Ivy Coach strongly recommend against it since doing so risks presenting an applicant as less likable.

Instead, applicants shouldn’t try to impress admissions officers with fancy filmmaking skills. They should instead focus on sharing a story that isn’t included elsewhere in the application that shines a spotlight on a student’s hook.

Ivy Coach’s Assistance with WashU Essays

If you’re interested in optimizing your case for admission to WashU by submitting essays that inspire admissions officers to root for you, fill out Ivy Coach ’s complimentary consultation form , and we’ll be in touch to delineate our college counseling services for seniors.

You are permitted to use www.ivycoach.com (including the content of the Blog) for your personal, non-commercial use only. You must not copy, download, print, or otherwise distribute the content on our site without the prior written consent of Ivy Coach, Inc.

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A Wonderful WashU Essay Example from an Accepted Student

Washington University in St. Louis is perhaps best known for its superb medical school and corresponding intense pre-med track. However, the school also has a wide range of other academic offerings, in addition to community-building traditions and strong DIII sports teams, which make it an attractive option even to students who don’t dream of one day donning a white coat. 

Since you’ll be competing against other strong applicants, it’s important that your essays help your application stand out. In this post, we’ll share an essay that helped a real student gain acceptance to WashU, and outline its strengths and areas for improvement. 

(Names and identifying information have been changed, but all other details are preserved).

Looking at examples of real essays students have submitted to colleges is beneficial to get inspiration for your essays, but you should never copy or plagiarize from these examples when writing your own essays. Colleges can tell when an essay isn’t genuine and will not view students favorably if they plagiarize. 

Read our WashU essay breakdown to get a comprehensive overview of this year’s supplemental prompts.

Example 1 – Why Major?

I am one to psychoanalyze; whenever a difficult decision is made, I ponder what lived experiences and perspectives caused that choice. In working with youth through camp counseling, tutoring, and umpiring, I became fascinated with sensing and processing emotions; this obsession flowered into a lofty mission: to accommodate my emotions and those of my peers at all times. However, except for an engaging AP Psychology self-study, I acknowledge my lack of experience and knowledge of psychological processes to actualize my goal. I would love to expand upon this goal and passion in the Psychological and Brain Sciences Department at WashU, learning with an emphasis on cognitive, developmental, and social psychology.

High school has been incredibly formative in discovering and embracing my racial identity. After exploring Black literature through CPS English classes, I hoped to learn more about how Black Americans have subverted dominant narratives. Through my Black Society and Culture class, I learned about the impact of prominent Black figures and how the broader community has pursued cultural connections throughout the African Diaspora. I aspire to continue exploring the breadth of my culture through African and African-American Studies, and I would discover a specific field of study with WashU’s department advising.

What the Essay Did Well

One of the most popular essay prompts is “Why This Major?” . Colleges use this prompt to determine whether an applicant is genuinely passionate about their academic interests, or whether they are motivated solely by grades. 

The key to showing that you are the first kind of student is to describe how your academic interests developed, outline your goals, and explain how those goals connect to the school — all things that this student does! Additionally, they do a great job of backing up their points with specific examples, which helps readers understand their interest in psychology on a deeper level.

For example, their first sentence, “I am one to psychoanalyze; whenever a difficult decision is made, I ponder what lived experiences and perspectives caused that choice,” immediately tips us off that this essay is going to be about something related to the brain, while maintaining enough intrigue that we want to keep reading. Then, they connect their psychoanalyzing to their experience “camp counseling, tutoring, and umpiring,” which gives us a clearer sense of how their interest in psychology has grown organically over time. 

The student uses this same general structure, of introducing a compelling topic, then connecting it to a specific past experience, throughout the essay. For another example, in their final paragraph they start off by telling us that they have learned a lot about their racial identity in high school, then give an example of a class that helped them do so.

This last paragraph also addresses the third and final purpose of a “Why Major?” essay listed above–connecting your potential major to the school–by citing a specific department at WashU they hope to study in. That shows admissions officers this student has already spent time thinking about how they would fit into the WashU community, which suggests they would be ready to hit the ground running after arriving on campus.

What Could Be Improved 

There are a few moments in this essay where the student’s writing feels muddled due to their long sentences. While writing is not a science, the essay would flow better if its sentences were trimmed into more manageable bites. For example, the sentence:

“However, except for an engaging AP Psychology self-study, I acknowledge my lack of experience and knowledge of psychological processes to actualize my goal” could become   “Apart from the things I learned through AP Psychology self-study, I had no idea how to actualize my goal.”

Similarly, “I would love to expand upon this goal and passion in the Psychological and Brain Sciences Department at WashU, learning with an emphasis on cognitive, developmental, and social psychology” can become “The Psychological and Brain Sciences Department at WashU is where I can achieve my goals. I’ll learn everything there is to know about cognitive, developmental, and social psychology.”

While there’s no one rule for how you should structure your sentences in your college essays, remember that one of the strange realities of these essays is that, while you spend many hours writing and revising them, admissions officers have no choice but to read them extremely quickly, because they have so many to get through. That means you want to make your points as easy to understand as possible, and generally speaking, shorter sentences allow ideas to come across more clearly, as your reader doesn’t have to figure out how a bunch of different things are supposed to connect.

Secondly, while this student does tell us about their racial identity, their tone could be more personal. They do not reflect on their racial discoveries, address their emotions, or tell us any stories. One simple fix would be for the student to tell us about a specific book they read in class and how it was formative in their academic development, or a specific experience they had connected to their racial identity that their class helped them understand.

Lastly, and most importantly, the student needs to connect their two academic interests, or at the very least, connect their two paragraphs. Without a designated transition sentence, the shift of subject is jarring and disturbs the essay’s flow.

One way to connect the paragraphs would through a personal reflection like:

“I firmly believe that individual psychology is affected by group psychology, culture, and life experiences. I have spent four years discovering and embracing my racial identity, and my psychology has shifted substantially in the process.”

Alternatively, a connection could be facilitated by:

• Psychoanalyzing a character in a book or a character in history
• Referencing a historical figure who was interested in Black culture and psychology (Franz Fanon, Aimé Césaire, W.E.B Du Bois)
• Recognizing that the student’s interest in the human experience comes from an interest in both research and humanistic inquiry

Where to Get Feedback on Your Essay 

Want feedback on your WashU essay before you submit? That’s why we created our free Peer Essay Review tool , where you can get a free review of your essay from another student. You can also improve your own writing skills by reviewing other students’ essays. 

If you want a college admissions expert to review your essay, advisors on CollegeVine have helped students refine their writing and submit successful applications to top schools. Find the right advisor for you to improve your chances of getting into your dream school!

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A New Look for WashU

As a new academic year begins, Washington University in St. Louis is unveiling a new visual identity and an enhanced effort to communicate its important contributions in the areas of education, research and patient care to key internal and external audiences. The update includes a new university logo and website and the official adoption of the widely used, shortened version of the university’s name, “WashU.” The primary goal of the initiative is to raise awareness about WashU and to share the story of the people and programs that make the university world-class and distinctive.

How To Tackle The Weirdest Supplemental Essay Prompts For This Application Cycle

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Writing the college essay

How do you write a letter to a friend that shows you’re a good candidate for the University of Pennsylvania? What reading list will help the Columbia University admissions committee understand your interdisciplinary interests? How can you convey your desire to attend Yale by inventing a course description for a topic you’re interested in studying?

These are the challenges students must overcome when writing their supplemental essays . Supplemental essays are a critical component of college applications—like the personal statement, they provide students with the opportunity to showcase their authentic voice and perspective beyond the quantitative elements of their applications. However, unlike the personal essay, supplemental essays allow colleges to read students’ responses to targeted prompts and evaluate their candidacy for their specific institution. For this reason, supplemental essay prompts are often abstract, requiring students to get creative, read between the lines, and ditch the traditional essay-writing format when crafting their responses.

While many schools simply want to know “why do you want to attend our school?” others break the mold, inviting students to think outside of the box and answer prompts that are original, head-scratching, or downright weird. This year, the following five colleges pushed students to get creative—if you’re struggling to rise to the challenge, here are some tips for tackling their unique prompts:

University of Chicago

Prompt: We’re all familiar with green-eyed envy or feeling blue, but what about being “caught purple-handed”? Or “tickled orange”? Give an old color-infused expression a new hue and tell us what it represents. – Inspired by Ramsey Bottorff, Class of 2026

What Makes it Unique: No discussion of unique supplemental essay prompts would be complete without mentioning the University of Chicago, a school notorious for its puzzling and original prompts (perhaps the most well-known of these has been the recurring prompt “Find x”). This prompt challenges you to invent a new color-based expression, encouraging both linguistic creativity and a deep dive into the emotional or cultural connotations of color. It’s a prompt that allows you to play with language, think abstractly, and show off your ability to forge connections between concepts that aren’t typically linked—all qualities that likewise demonstrate your preparedness for UChicago’s unique academic environment.

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How to Answer it: While it may be easy to get distracted by the open-ended nature of the prompt, remember that both the substance and structure of your response should give some insight into your personality, perspective, and characteristics. With this in mind, begin by considering the emotions, experiences, or ideas that most resonate with you. Then, use your imagination to consider how a specific color could represent that feeling or concept. Remember that the prompt is ultimately an opportunity to showcase your creativity and original way of looking at the world, so your explanation does not need to be unnecessarily deep or complex—if you have a playful personality, convey your playfulness in your response; if you are known for your sarcasm, consider how you can weave in your biting wit; if you are an amateur poet, consider how you might take inspiration from poetry as you write, or offer a response in the form of a poem.

The goal is to take a familiar concept and turn it into something new and meaningful through a creative lens. Use this essay to showcase your ability to think inventively and to draw surprising connections between language and life.

Harvard University

Prompt: Top 3 things your roommates might like to know about you.

What Makes it Unique: This prompt is unique in both form and substance—first, you only have 150 words to write about all 3 things. Consider using a form other than a traditional essay or short answer response, such as a bullet list or short letter. Additionally, note that the things your roommate might like to learn about you do not necessarily overlap with the things you would traditionally share with an admissions committee. The aim of the prompt is to get to know your quirks and foibles—who are you as a person and a friend? What distinguishes you outside of academics and accolades?

How to Answer it: First and foremost, feel free to get creative with your response to this prompt. While you are producing a supplemental essay and thus a professional piece of writing, the prompt invites you to share more personal qualities, and you should aim to demonstrate your unique characteristics in your own voice. Consider things such as: How would your friends describe you? What funny stories do your parents and siblings share that encapsulate your personality? Or, consider what someone might want to know about living with you: do you snore? Do you have a collection of vintage posters? Are you particularly fastidious? While these may seem like trivial things to mention, the true creativity is in how you connect these qualities to deeper truths about yourself—perhaps your sleepwalking is consistent with your reputation for being the first to raise your hand in class or speak up about a cause you’re passionate about. Perhaps your living conditions are a metaphor for how your brain works—though it looks like a mess to everyone else, you have a place for everything and know exactly where to find it. Whatever qualities you choose, embrace the opportunity to think outside of the box and showcase something that admissions officers won’t learn about anywhere else on your application.

University of Pennsylvania

Prompt: Write a short thank-you note to someone you have not yet thanked and would like to acknowledge.

What Makes it Unique: Breaking from the traditional essay format, this supplement invites you to write directly to a third party in the form of a 150-200 word long letter. The challenge in answering this distinct prompt is to remember that your letter should say as much about you, your unique qualities and what you value as it does about the recipient—all while not seeming overly boastful or contrived.

How to Answer it: As you select a recipient, consider the relationships that have been most formative in your high school experience—writing to someone who has played a large part in your story will allow the admissions committee some insight into your development and the meaningful relationships that guided you on your journey. Once you’ve identified the person, craft a thank-you note that is specific and heartfelt—unlike other essays, this prompt invites you to be sentimental and emotional, as long as doing so would authentically convey your feelings of gratitude. Describe the impact they’ve had on you, what you’ve learned from them, and how their influence has shaped your path. For example, if you’re thanking a teacher, don’t just say they helped you become a better student—explain how their encouragement gave you the confidence to pursue your passions. Keep the tone sincere and personal, avoid clichés and focus on the unique role this person has played in your life.

University of Notre Dame

Prompt: What compliment are you most proud of receiving, and why does it mean so much to you?

What Makes it Unique: This prompt is unique in that it invites students to share something about themselves by reflecting on someone else’s words in 50-100 words.

How to Answer it: The key to answering this prompt is to avoid focusing too much on the complement itself and instead focus on your response to receiving it and why it was so important to you. Note that this prompt is not an opportunity to brag about your achievements, but instead to showcase what truly matters to you. Select a compliment that truly speaks to who you are and what you value. It could be related to your character, work ethic, kindness, creativity, or any other quality that you hold in high regard. The compliment doesn’t have to be grand or come from someone with authority—it could be something small but significant that left a lasting impression on you, or it could have particular meaning for you because it came from someone you didn’t expect it to come from. Be brief in setting the stage and explaining the context of the compliment—what is most important is your reflection on its significance and how it shaped your understanding of yourself.

Stanford University

Prompt: List five things that are important to you.

What Makes it Unique: This prompt’s simplicity is what makes it so challenging. Stanford asks for a list, not an essay, which means you have very limited space (50 words) to convey something meaningful about yourself. Additionally, the prompt does not specify what these “things” must be—they could be a physical item, an idea, a concept, or even a pastime. Whatever you choose, these five items should add depth to your identity, values, and priorities.

How to Answer it: Start by brainstorming what matters most to you—these could be values, activities, people, places, or even abstract concepts. The key is to choose items or concepts that, when considered together, provide a comprehensive snapshot of who you are. For example, you might select something tangible and specific such as “an antique telescope gifted by my grandfather” alongside something conceptual such as “the willingness to admit when you’re wrong.” The beauty of this prompt is that it doesn’t require complex sentences or elaborate explanations—just a clear and honest reflection of what you hold dear. Be thoughtful in your selections, and use this prompt to showcase your creativity and core values.

While the supplemental essays should convey something meaningful about you, your values, and your unique qualifications for the university to which you are applying, the best essays are those that are playful, original, and unexpected. By starting early and taking the time to draft and revise their ideas, students can showcase their authentic personalities and distinguish themselves from other applicants through their supplemental essays.

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Ithaca College 2024-25 Supplemental Essay Prompt Guide

Early Decision: Nov 1

Early Action: Dec 1

Regular Decision Deadline: Feb 1

Ithaca College 2024-25 Application Essay Question Explanation

The Requirements: 1 essay of 200 words

Supplemental Essay Type: Why

We’re committed to supporting you in energizing your learning experiences so you can go further than you imagine. Please tell us why you selected-and how you see yourself growing in-this specific academic program. (minimum of 10 words, max of 200 words)*

To nail this question, set aside an hour or so to get cozy with the Ithaca College website and read up on the school’s academic offerings. Doing as much research as you can before sitting down to write your essay will allow you to tell a cohesive story about yourself while also ensuring that your essay isn’t redundant. Pour all of your academic focus into your answer to this question. What do you love about your chosen major and/or minor? If you’re interested in the Cinema and Photography program, can you describe the unique opportunities you’ll find at Ithaca? What resources are available to undergrads and how will they help you further develop your skills? The more detail you include, the more admissions will get to learn about you.

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How to Write the NYU Supplemental Essay 2024–2025

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New York University (NYU) boasts almost two hundreds years of history, three campuses around the world, and a nearly $6 billion endowment . NYU’s esteemed alumni include many famous actors and musicians, including Idina Menzel, Adam Sandler, and Donald Glover. Their alumni also include many well-known CEOs, such as Tom Freston (MTV Networks), Daniel Schulman (PayPal), and Cathy Minehan (Federal Reserve Bank of Boston). Hoping to become a Bobcat ? Let’s dive into the NYU supplemental essay.

New York University’s 2024-2025 Prompt

What personal experiences or challenges have shaped you as a bridge builder, how have you been a bridge builder in your school, community, or personal life, what specific actions have you taken to build bridges between diverse groups, ideas, or cultures, how do you envision being a bridge builder during your time at our university and beyond.

General Tips

The NYU admissions team has only set one prompt for applicants this year. The essay must be 250 words or fewer , and in your response, you can answer multiple of the questions posed, or just one. Students do not need to write an essay response for this prompt in order to apply to NYU. Although the NYU supplemental essay is optional, we still recommend that you at least attempt to write the essay. If none of your drafts are working, or you’re too strapped for time to compose a thoughtful essay response, then you don’t have to write one.

That said, this essay provides applicants with just one more opportunity to share who they are as a person with the NYU admissions team. This is a good thing: the more you can share, the more chances you have to stand out from the crowd. Standing out from a crowd of 118,000 applicants is challenging, but your NYU supplemental essay gives you the opportunity to do so.

Write about your unique, individual experiences. Use specific, concrete (as opposed to abstract) details. Get personal where you can and vulnerable when you feel comfortable. All of these writing techniques will help your essay feel more vivid to the reader. And a vivid essay is a memorable one.

NYU Supplemental Essay

In a world where disconnection seems to often prevail, we are looking for students who embody the qualities of bridge builders—students who can connect people, groups, and ideas to span divides, foster understanding, and promote collaboration within a dynamic, interconnected, and vibrant global academic community. we are eager to understand how your experiences have prepared you to build the bridges of the future..

This is the opening paragraph of the NYU supplemental essay, minus the line introducing the questions the prompt proceeds to pose. In this paragraph, the NYU admissions team sets the stage for the prompt. From this paragraph, it’s clear that NYU is looking for independent thinkers who value collaboration and diversity.

Think about the times in high school when you’ve collaborated. Who did you collaborate with, and why? What were your dynamics as a group/team/partners both before and after the collaboration? In other words, how did the experience of collaborating change your relationship dynamics ? If you can identify the answer to that last question, then you’re well on your way to answering this prompt effectively.

Now, let’s break down the questions the prompt proceeds to pose. Remember, you can respond to one or more of these questions.

This question calls for a narrative response. In other words, tell a story of a time when you were challenged to build a bridge. Describe the people or events that influenced the way collaborate with others. You can build a whole essay off of this answer, or you can start an essay with this story and move onto one or more of the other questions posed by this prompt.

It might be helpful to start your brainstorming process for this essay by considering how you would answer this particular questioned, even though it’s posed second. That’s because regardless of which questions you choose to answer in this essay, your real bridge building experiences will form the basis of this essay.

Consider the phrase “bridge builder” expansively. Maybe you built connections between two classmates who didn’t get along. Maybe you founded a non-profit that improved relations between different socioeconomic groups in your city. Or maybe you’ve worked to connect older generations to younger generations by coding a chatbot that teaches senior citizens how to use technology.

However you have built bridges in your life, identify one or two of those occasions/experiences to focus on in this essay. Then, free-write about these experiences before you broach the rest of the essay. This exercise will force you to narrativize your bridge building experience, which will ultimately benefit your essay-writing process overall.

Building off of the last question, you’ll need to get specific when answering this question. If you like, you can make a list of the actions you took. You can even write up a timeline of those actions if that is helpful to you. Think of this listing process as akin to writing a list of job responsibilities on a resume, except that you can get even more specific here. Once you have this list, work off of it (staying specific) while drafting your essay.

This question asks you to look toward your aspirational future at NYU. Like the last question, your response will benefit from specificity. Consider the specific programs, groups of people, organizations, initiatives, and so on that will be relevant to your bridge building intentions. Who do you want to build bridges between? Why do you want to build those bridges? What will be the impact of building those bridges? And, most importantly, how will you build those bridges? If you’re able to answer all of these questions, then you’ve got all the tools to nailing this essay response.

If you need help polishing up your NYU supplemental essay, check out our College Essay Review service. You can receive detailed feedback from Ivy League consultants in as little as 24 hours.

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