Discover the big questions you’ll explore this year—and how innovation can supercharge your answers.
Wash U.
The upgraded way.
WUSTL Supplemental Essays
— The Class of 2027 Guide —
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Start your Supplemental Essay Success below by previewing this guide’s three sections:
Information ⋄ Inspiration ⋄ Innovation
Discover strategies designed by an Ivy Alum and over three hundred success stories!
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— Essential Essay Information —
Through Guide Section 1 of 3—Information—explore essential information for this college’s Supplemental Process for Class of 2027 Applicants. Preview strategies to streamline your application-building process!
Supplemental Materials
New Changes & Key Updates
Supplemental Updates
For Class of 2027 Applicants
Essential Supplemental Updates
— WashU St. Louis —
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— Essential WashU Updates —
No More Supplemental Essays for High School Class of 2027 Applicants!
For Class of 2027 Applicants, Washington University in St. Louis no longer requires its previously-required Supplemental Essays and Short Answers. WashU has eliminated all Supplemental Essays previously required for its application process for this year!
— Key Specifics To Keep In Mind —
While these changes to this college’s Supplemental Essay requirements are much-welcomed by many this year, be sure to keep these essential Insider Insights in mind as the application season progresses:
Specialized Program Supplementals
Even for colleges that have removed their general Supplemental Essays for Class of 2027 Applicants, some may still require Supplemental Questions, Specified Portfolios, and/or Interviews for Specialized Programs—including Honors Colleges, Nursing Programs, Fine Arts Programs, Accelerated Degree Programs, Dual-Degree Programs, and more. Be sure to verify all materials needed for success in your own specific application process through your personal Common Application Account.
Portal-Based Supplemental Materials
Some colleges may no longer require Supplemental Essays via the Common Application this application year, but it is possible that some colleges may add “Hidden” Supplemental Components or expressions of Continued Interest within the Student Applicant Portal, which is accessible after each official application has been submitted via the Common Application. Always be sure to thoroughly explore your Student Application Portal for every college you apply to throughout senior year!
Always Confirm Via The Common App
Be sure to check, double-check, and triple-check all Common Application Sections specific to this college as you build your application. Verify all required and optional supplemental materials and college-specific requirements via your Common Application Account My Colleges Section. Under the College Name in the Common Application My Colleges Section, carefully review every college-specific section to confirm every application element you may need to successfully apply to WashU.
— No Required Supplemental Essays —
Application Essay Information
— WashU St. Louis —
Supplemental Strategy
Class of 2027 Applicants
Supplemental Essay
Insider Information
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— Washington University St. Louis —
A successful WashU St. Louis Application does not include College-Specific Supplemental Essays—so students should focus on crafting stand-out content throughout their Personal Statement, Comprehensive College Resume, and more!
Below, learn more about the Supplemental Essay Process for the majority of colleges that are selective—like WashU St. Louis—and start your college admissions success story! Planning ahead can bring more colleges within your reach—including WashU!
— The Class of 2027 Way —
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— Supplemental Essay Examples —
Through Guide Section 2 of 3—Inspiration—read Successful Supplemental Essays from our Accepted Alumni! Discover ideas that stand out to admissions at WashU, and find inspiration for your own success story.
Accepted Alumni
Essay Example
Supplemental Style
Major & Missions
Supplemental Essay Example
— WashU St. Louis —
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Featured Supplemental Essay Prompt For WashU Applicants:
Please tell us what you are interested in studying at WashU and why. 200 Word Maximum.
Successful Supplemental Essay Example From Our Accepted Alumni Student:
My science curiosities were, admittedly, born from childhood idealism. But from seeing Nanna search for remedies and conducting service in [City], I became determined to practice medicine with an empathy toward diverse backgrounds, difficulties, and stories.
As an aspiring physician and biomedical researcher, I hope to learn through WashU Biology, discovering ways to innovate—from enzymatic treatments to potential atherosclerosis cures. Through the IQ curriculum, TableTalk chats, and carving research niches, I could bridge disciplines at WashU. I’m captivated by WashU exploration, from IQ Integrations like Phage Hunters and The Individual and Society—to Dr. Michael L. Gross’s utilization of HDX to innovate Alzheimer’s treatments.
In the past, shadowing at a [City] hospital and conducting outreach showed me glaring inequities in places miles away. Through WashU service learning courses like Health and Wellness in the Community, research within St. Louis, and the MedPrep program, I want to learn from diverse communities—and ultimately dissolve entrenched barriers. I aspire to lead Campus Y Programs, City Faces, and more to foster empowerment through STEM education, nutrition initiatives, and healthcare access.
At WashU, I would chase more than curiosities—I would be part of a community that embraces diversity, drives discovery, and promotes equality with every action.
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— Supplemental Essay Strategy —
Through Guide Section 3 of 3—Innovation—learn success-proven methods to streamline your entire supplemental essay process. Our methods are designed by an Ivy Alum and 300+ student success stories!
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— WashU Application Upgrade —
From guiding hundreds of students, we know that your success story takes much more than one essay—especially in 2026.
We are passionate about helping students master the process from start to submission—and to have clarity and confidence at every step. That’s why our innovative guides are curated for Class of 2027 students with big dreams.
A successful WashU Application requires a truly inspiring Personal Statement, and much more. Below, learn what success looks like—from start to finish.
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— Start-To-Submission Success —
Embrace our success-proven methods to build your application essays—and find inspiration to help you at every step.
During the Upgraded Process, College Application Phase Five is the time to embark on some of the most challenging yet rewarding college application components—the specific Supplemental Essays essential for most colleges.
During this phase, learn to master the process of crafting successful College-Specific Supplemental Essays—and bring more colleges within your reach!
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— Upgraded Application Process —
Start your admissions success story with methods built by our Ivy League Founder and over 300 student success stories!
Our success-proven Five Phases Application Approach helps students streamline the entire college application process through success-shaping frameworks and more opportunities for aligned action.
We are passionate about guiding students through our start-to-submission application approach—because success stories require much more than one essay.
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— Supplemental Essay Strategy —
Streamline your supplemental essay process with the Style Strategy—and bring colleges like WashU within your reach!
Throughout our Supplemental Essay Guides, we provide clarity through our Supplemental Essay Styles. The Styles streamline the entire supplemental essay-building process—and create more success stories.
Streamline your application process with the Supplemental Style Strategy—upgraded for Class of 2027 Students who dream of studying at WashU!
