TABLE OF CONTENTS
(click to skip ahead)The Breakfast Club. Mean Girls. Clueless. To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before.
What do all of these popular movies have in common?
Groups. There’s the jocks, the artists, the hipsters, the gamers, the nerds—the list goes on.
Washington University leaders have a different take on things than the boys and girls of The Breakfast Club. To them, we’re all nerds in our own right, all part of the same group deep down. The WashU supplemental essay asks you to embrace your interests whether you’re a self-identified nerd or not.
We’re here to help you geek out. Jocks, gamers, and everyone in between.
Want to get a better sense of what WashU is looking for? You’ll find an extensive, by-the-numbers look at WashU’s offerings, from enrollment and tuition statistics to student life and financial aid information, on its Common Data Set. For deep insights into how this private research university envisions student success (and how it wants to grow and evolve), read its strategic priorities. Reading through this will give you a strong idea of what WashU values.
What is the Washington University in St. Louis supplemental essay prompt?
Prompt #1
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. (200 words)
Prompt #2 (Beyond Boundaries Program)
The Beyond Boundaries Program equips students with a set of tools to critically understand and make a difference in a complicated world where challenges require diverse perspectives and skill sets. What is the big societal issue you would like to tackle? Who would you need on your team? What would you contribute to the team? (250 words)
Prompt #3 (Joint Program in Business + Computer Science)
Students in the Joint Program in Business and Computer Science will be equipped with the fundamental knowledge and perspectives of computer science and business and will have unique opportunities to converge these two disciplines. This is a distinctive degree program that captures the intersection of business and computer science and the growing demand for people with this special and sought-after skillset. Graduates of the program will be able to pursue careers in technology, data analytics, finance, consulting and business development, to name a few. Tell us how you would use this combined degree to explore the intersection of these two disciplines? (200 words)
Prompt #4 (Optional)
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?”:
- 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. (250 words)
How to Write The Supplemental Essay Prompt for WashU in St. Louis
How to write WUSTL Supplemental Essay Prompt #1
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. (200 words)
Think of this as two essays in one: a “Why Major” + a “Why us?”—though you can lean harder (or even entirely) into the “Why Major” side, and at just 200 words, it’s on the short side, so you’ll want to be judicious about using your word budget wisely to make sure to clearly articulate both the what (the field of study you’re interested in) and the why (the specific academic opportunities you plan to take advantage of at WashU).
To get you started, here’s a complete guide to the “Why Major'' essay. And here’s the full guide on how to write the “Why us?” essay. When you read through the latter, pay close attention to the “Why Tufts” examples, since it was also written for a 200-word prompt.
Action Items:
Read the “Why Major” guide. What mini-movie moments do you envision exploring?
Reflect on what you want out of your college experience. Collect those insights using this chart. Identifying specific or niche interests and needs will help you find equally specific resources at WashU and make your “we’re a perfect match” case (see more on this in the “complete guide” link above) more compelling.
Spend at least an hour researching 5-7 reasons why WashU might be a great fit for you, mapping them out in the third column of the chart.
Remember: The best “Why us?” pieces don’t celebrate how “x” school is the GREATEST SCHOOL OF ALL TIME. They’re more an explanation of why you and the school are the perfect match. Make sure to connect each of your WashU examples to your goals and interests.
Create an outline that combines your mini-movie moments for the “Why Major” top, then outline the “Why us?” portion based on either Approach One, Approach Two (recommended), or Approach 3 (as explained in our “Why us?” guide).
Here’s a great sample essay. Note that it was written for a previous year’s prompt, when the word limit was longer, so you’ll have a bit less space to work with.
Example:
In an empty subway car lies an advertisement, “Only Mount Sinai [Medical Hospital] would think of a flu shot as a once in a lifetime experience.” Dr. Peter Palese found a way to target a conserved region of a rapidly-changing virus. This project would potentially produce a shot that would be effective for the next 10-15 years compared to current vaccines that are rendered ineffective after at least six months. As a future scientist committed to the world of infectious diseases, I find Dr. Palese’s project captivating because it shows the constant innovations in the endless battle against the micro world.
While Dr. Palese’s project is ingenious, his research reinforces the common idea that viruses are inherently bad. I believe that viruses, in some cases, can have positive effects, and I am committed to furthering this alternate perspective.
WashU demonstrates a unique commitment to researching the positive uses of viruses. The ampersand program, Phage Hunters, explores the relatively new field of “Phage Therapy.” Bacteriophages address the problem of antibiotic-resistant bacteria by repurposing viruses, offering a safer treatment to bacteria-resistant illnesses.
WashU’s expansive Department of Microbiology provides other access points for studying virology. By participating in Professor Wang’s lab, which focuses on viral discovery, I hope to develop skills to discover new viruses and their methods of infection.
These innovative opportunities at WashU lead me into my path of becoming a researcher of viruses, which will one day help me benefit the global community in the fight against antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
— — —
Tips + Analysis
Show deep roots. This student drops names, in a good way. Specific details like researcher names demonstrate your knowledge, authority, and (most important) interest. Dig deep into WashU’s website to mine for courses, programs, professors, and other opportunities that get you excited, and show you’ve done your homework by weaving them into your essay.
Compare and contrast to show critical thinking. By analyzing examples of viruses as foe or friend, the student defined their research interest. They know what they want to research and where that work is getting done at WashU. This is a great example of sprinkling“why me” details in with the “why WashU.” The result: a "why we are perfect for each other" essay.
Be accurate. Ampersand Courses are only found at WashU, and the name is capitalized. The field of phage therapy isn’t (and doesn’t need the quote marks). It may feel like nitpicking (and will it prevent you from being accepted? Probably not), but details like capitalizations matter because they show you’re paying attention. Review any capped words you’re using as proper nouns.
Be complete. Use full names. WashU has several doctors named Wang studying viruses. Is it Dr. David Wang or Dr. Xiaoli Wang? Before you submit, check the spelling of programs, professors, and any proper nouns.
Share your game plan. The student shows how WashU opportunities will lead to a career that benefits others in a meaningful way. Your college will invest its resources in you, so share your ideas of how your education there will benefit others. That’ll help to show that you get it’s not all about you, which conveys key values like compassion, community, and helping others. Speaking of which …
Show a variety of core values. Aside from your Common App materials, this is your one chance to show WashU officials why you’re a great fit for its campus. And a great way to do that is to demonstrate how your values align with theirs. If you haven’t yet, read its strategic priorities and mission statement to get a sense for what’s important to school leaders (hint: exploration, intellectual curiosity, and boldness are big ones), and see which resonate with you the most, then work to convey those values in your writing. Don’t have a clear sense of what your core values are? Take 5 minutes to do this Values Exercise.
And here’s a bonus example. Note how this student starts out with a powerful hook, using a term the reader likely has never heard of, and using it to share a compelling story of how they became interested in the field of medicine. Since you won’t have as much room, you may consider spending less time on the “Why Major” portion and more on the “Why WashU,” given the prompt’s emphasis on “at WashU and why.”
Bonus Example:
Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI) - never heard of it? I certainly hadn’t. That is, prior to learning that my aunt was pregnant with my cousin Tommy. Doctors knew during pregnancy that he would have the condition.
OI is a genetic disorder that causes brittle bones, loose joints and breathing problems. In his first five years, Tommy has broken more bones than most people will in their lifetimes. Despite these challenges, he’s amazing. We often FaceTime to talk about dinosaurs (a common interest of ours) or to have virtual WWE bouts with action figures (not a common interest!).
My connection to Tommy took my interest in science from deep yet abstract to something very personal. I dove into learning everything I could about genetics, OI and related disorders. I’ve spent as much time as they’re willing to give talking to Tommy’s parents and doctors and other geneticists, researching new treatments on PubMed, and pursuing applicable internships and classes. When my clinical research internship was cancelled last summer, I took an online Brown molecular biology class and completed Weill Cornell’s virtual internship in cancer biology and precision medicine.
WashU is a perfect fit for allowing me to continue to pursue this passion. It’s resources and focus on research and experiential learning would give me opportunities I couldn’t find anywhere else. With an emphasis on Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, I’d love to take courses like the Pediatric Emergency Medicine Research Associates Program, which would integrate me into the clinical field as an undergraduate and provide a way to see firsthand the practical applications of science and medicine.
— — —
How to write WUSTL Supplemental Essay Prompt #2
The Beyond Boundaries Program equips students with a set of tools to critically understand and make a difference in a complicated world where challenges require diverse perspectives and skill sets. What is the big societal issue you would like to tackle? Who would you need on your team? What would you contribute to the team? (250 words)
If you’re aiming for Beyond Boundaries, you’re a visionary, a changemaker, a creator ready to address the thorny problems we face now. Unlike many essay prompts, this one invites you to share your big vision for how you intend to make an impact. What is the “big societal issue” you’re committed to, and how do you plan to move the needle with Beyond Boundaries’ support?
Notice the language in the prompt about “diverse perspectives and skill sets.” Given Beyond Boundaries’ multidisciplinary focus, consider how you’ll draw on various disciplines, expertise or approaches to solve the problem you discuss. This is especially significant as you imagine your team—what could different collaborators bring to the table, and what toolkit of skills will you gather by bringing them together?
Finally, outline your specific role. What actions will you take, and how will you leverage Beyond Boundaries’ offerings to prepare yourself to do that? As you design your essay response, draw on the work you’ve already done on this issue, and make the link to your future goals.
Example:
Because Tomorrow Needs Her inspired me to prevent pregnant women from dying at high rates because of inaccessible transportation. Beyond Boundaries offers the tools to realize my dream: to establish ambulance referral systems in under-resourced communities.
To better understand maternal health, I’d work with Dr. Foeller to study preterm labor complications at the School of Medicine, while Professor Wang of Obstetrics and Biomedical Engineering would help me experiment with MRI techniques to measure brain changes that cause pregnancy complications.
I plan to use the support of the Olin School of Business to draft a market analysis and business plan. I’d work with Professor Thakor to research how to maintain a purpose-driven organization and service, maybe by hiring positive energizers. The Hatchery class, meanwhile, would allow me research the best plan for my ambulance service, then pitch it to investors. I hope I’m fortunate enough to receive Olin’s Global Impact Award to get funding to implement ambulance referrals in communities with high maternal mortality rates, like villages in South Sudan. And at the Brown School of Social Work and Public Health, I hope to research strategies to increase the accessibility of ambulance services and other health interventions with Professor Caburnay.
— — —
Tips + Analysis
Name your inspiration. What life experiences led you to become concerned about this issue? This student became aware of maternal health inequities thanks to a Doctors Without Borders book. What’s your personal connection? That can be a compelling way to begin. Also notice that this author uses this approach effectively, but quickly—with just a couple hundred words, you don’t have much space for long anecdotes.
Be specific. This student names a precise goal to address a particular problem–development of an ambulance service to minimize pregnant women’s deaths in underserved communities due to lack of transport. You’re being asked to address a big issue, but you can’t just say “poverty” or “climate change.” What particular community do you wish to affect, and in what particular way? How is your solution tailored to meet that need? In general with prompts like this, the more you can zoom in, the stronger your writing will be.
Get to the point. You only have a few hundred words—not a lot to address how you want to try to solve a societal problem. So in this relatively short essay, let your reader know up front the issue you plan to address and how, then get really specific in the body with details to illustrate your approach. This author plainly states their intention in the first two lines, then offers clear, direct, specific details in the body.
Why Beyond Boundaries. The prompt says that Beyond Boundaries equips students with a set of tools to understand and make a difference in the world. Although it’s not explicit, this is a “Why Us?” opportunity: Which of the multidisciplinary offerings available through Beyond Boundaries do you see yourself taking advantage of to bring your vision to life? This applicant names particular professors, courses, topics of study, and potential sources of funding that will help them reach their goal.
And here’s a bonus example, written for Pomona but which could work well for this WashU prompt.
Example:
The US healthcare system has a deep and complex history of racism and discrimination, resulting in poor care and malpractice. For example, minority patients are more likely to experience illness and worse outcomes and have higher rates of mortality.
I believe all lives inherently have equal value and should be treated as such, especially in a field whose goal is to save lives and do no harm. I hope to help address these inequalities by studying this problem in both medicine and wider society.
Classes at Pomona like Intersections Between Biology, Ethics and Public Health; Bioethics; Science, Power, and LQBTQ Identities; Health Economics: Applications to Health Policy in the COVID-19 Era; and The Psychology of Health and Medicine will deepen my understanding of the ethical complexities in the medical field and about inequities relating to things like gender and sexuality. From there, classes like Sociology of Race and Ethnicity, All Power to the People! Social Movements for Justice, and Race and Ethnic Relations will allow me to examine racial biases, both in myself and society.
Understanding a problem is the first step to solving it, and I believe Pomona will help me to better understand discrimination in our healthcare system.
— — —
How to write WUSTL Supplemental Essay Prompt #3
Students in the Joint Program in Business and Computer Science will be equipped with the fundamental knowledge and perspectives of computer science and business and will have unique opportunities to converge these two disciplines. This is a distinctive degree program that captures the intersection of business and computer science and the growing demand for people with this special and sought-after skillset. Graduates of the program will be able to pursue careers in technology, data analytics, finance, consulting and business development, to name a few. Tell us how you would use this combined degree to explore the intersection of these two disciplines?
(200 words)
This is essentially a short “Why us?” essay. But this one is specifically about how you intend to capitalize on Wash U’s joint degree program in business and computer science.
Because it’s so short, the key will be finding 2-3 reasons that set the program apart from all the other schools you’re applying to. If you have really specific goals you want to use this program and degree to pursue, you can possibly use those to frame what you want to explore within the program and why.
It’s linked up top, but here’s the “Why us?” essay guide again, and use that super useful chart to gather your research to show a solid link between your interests and experiences in business and comp sci and specific opportunities available through Wash U’s Joint Program in Business and Computer Science.
How to write WUSTL Supplemental Essay Prompt #4
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?”:
- 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. (250 words)
This optional essay prompt is similar to those that many colleges introduced this year in response to the Supreme Court’s ruling restricting race-conscious admissions practices. (Here’s a running list of colleges that changed their prompts.) These “diversity/community” essays get at the question of what you as an individual with a unique constellation of identities and influences will add to the WashU mix. In brief, schools are interested in bringing together a diverse group of students in order to enhance learning and the institution’s ultimate outputs.
FAQ: Do I have to write this essay? Strictly speaking no, it’s optional. But we recommend writing most optional prompts—they’re another chance to help a college see who you are and how you fit together with the school.
For a full discussion of this year’s varied crop of diversity essays, see our guide: How to Answer the Diversity (and Other Related Supplemental Essay Prompts). For an abbreviated version, read on:
First, build a list of your “identities and experiences.” Think broadly. This can include race, ethnicity, culture, heritage, family, language, religion, national origin, beliefs, and geography. It also encompasses the various communities you’re a part of that may or may not relate to these categories, such as online communities, arts and service organizations, school clubs. Also activities and interests you’re into, and life experiences you’ve had that others haven’t. Explore this “If You Really, Really Knew Me” exercise for ideas.
Perusing your list, consider which of these aspects feel most central to you, and which allow you to stand out from other students. What are the particular contours of your unique fingerprint? These are the elements Wash U is seeking to learn about.
Then decide which prompt option can illuminate that aspect with a concrete example or examples from your life:
Choice #1 focuses on ideas you’ve exchanged while in a collaborative environment.
Choice #2 inquires about your role in a particular community.
Choice #3 examines your identity in the context of community.
Whichever you choose, come back to the prompt: “Wash U… values a diversity of perspectives.” Your task is to demonstrate how your experiences have shaped your perspectives differently than the other people you’ll study with. You can use this mini-outline to shape your essay:
Identity or community I’m a part of
How that has shaped my perspective
How that perspective will shape the way I contribute to the Wash U community.
Here are a few different examples (written for similar prompts from other colleges) with brief analysis, so you can see the range of possibilities here:
Example:
A large aspect of my identity is my low-income family of eight. As one of the eldest siblings, I was expected to financially contribute as soon as I could work. The majority of my summers were spent shelving products, filing papers, and answering customers’ questions. I quickly discovered the difficulty in earning a paycheck and appreciated my parents more. My family has been my rock—ever since we faced homelessness. Homelessness allowed me to understand my family’s financial situation, but most importantly, it resulted in bonding emotionally. At that moment, family was the one thing I knew I could call home.
Over time, the comforting feeling of my family began to disappear. As my parents are devoted missionaries and pastors, I regularly hear their conservative perspectives of Christianity. Throughout my life, I’ve shared similar personal values with my family, denying my bisexuality up until last year. This identity realization impacted me emotionally and physically. I was afraid to come out to anyone, worried that my faith would be questioned and I’d be treated differently. I felt powerless and miserable; mental struggles sometimes limited my motivation. One day, I sought professional help and found solace with my school counselor. After spending endless nights contemplating coming out, I told my close friends. I found acceptance from some and learned who were my real friends, the support system that I’m grateful for. My true identity hasn’t changed. Rather, coming out allowed me to be more open-minded, inclusive, and taught me to value conversations where I can bring a fresh perspective.
Above all, I’ve learned that my experiences shape me into the multifaceted person I am today. They propel me to openly contribute to my Entry, the Gender and Sexuality Resource Center, and most importantly, the everyday interactions with my Williams peers and faculty members.
— — —
Tips + Analysis
This student writes that coming from a large, low-income family that experienced homelessness meant they bonded with their family and took on financial responsibility early, and also that coming out as bisexual from within a religious family ultimately led them to self-acceptance and open-mindedness. They conclude by sharing how they’ll bring their multifaceted self and openness to a resource center aligned with their identity, as well as the campus community more broadly. With this approach, the student shares a few important core aspects of identity and experience that helps the reader understand what they bring to a campus and community that other applicants might not.
Example:
At the Student Diversity Leadership Conference in Seattle, I joined a mixed-race affinity group where I articulated how liberating it felt to discuss intersectional issues I hadn’t felt I could share as a mixed woman of color in a predominantly white school. With support from group leaders, I realized that my labels don’t restrict me, but can be an opportunity to foster conversations about aspects of my identity that make me unique.
I manifested my new approach towards dialogue in Actualizing Beloved Community, a group that addresses social justice challenges and facilitates student programs to include diverse perspectives. I found peers who share my ideals, and I learned to appreciate views of those who don’t. These lessons culminated when I interviewed a panel of queer women of color for Women’s History Month on an episode of The Refresh, a series that engages St. Andrew's community in socio-political conversations. Students reflected how listening to these women’s experiences opened their minds beyond our school’s former echochamber.
I hope to facilitate similar programs to include diverse voices through Columbia’s Women of Color Collective and Mixed Heritage Society, in which I and my peers can learn from the experiences of those from different backgrounds.
— — —
Tips + Analysis
This student focuses on the liberating experience of dialoguing with other mixed people of color in a conference affinity group after attending a predominantly white school, and how she went on to create further opportunities for rich conversations centering diverse voices. She sums up with proposals for how she’ll take this work to campus. Through this, she does a nice job illustrating how she has been an active community member and advocate, and how she’ll continue doing so in her college community.
Example:
My martial arts dojo is where I have primarily contributed to diverse, collaborative communities since third grade. I continued for so many years because I loved the community and the skills I was learning. I especially loved showing younger students my abilities as I moved up in ranks, as well as being a role model for them. I also helped my fellow older students persevere through tough workouts, and sparred with other students to show them how to improve their skills. By doing this, I engaged with people of many different ages, sexes, and skill levels, helping them persevere or improve their competency.
Through these experiences, I learned how to teach without being overbearing, how to stick with a commitment and never give up, and how to communicate better with students during sparring, as communication is key when fists are being thrown around. Outside of the studio, I used my teaching skills to help the younger kids in my school's mentoring program. By serving many different types of people in my community, I collaborate and guide them both in their martial arts journey and in other aspects of life.
— — —
Tips + Analysis
This essay names a martial arts dojo as a community where the author gained teaching skills, persistence and communication by collaborating with people of different ages, sexes and skill levels. They then translated the skills and perspective gained there to mentoring younger students at their school. Notice that instead of the values we’d typically expect of an essay focusing on martial arts, this author includes some values (diversity, collaboration, communication) that might surprise us a bit, leading to a stronger piece of writing.
Example: (Trigger warning: this essay discusses suicide)
During the winter of 2018, one of my classmates took his own life. This loss destroyed my town. My classmate was friendly to just about every person he met, and lit up any room he entered.
His death motivated me to volunteer with a mental health organization, where I coordinated and publicized fundraising events at my school to increase funding for mental health resources. I also acted as a spokesperson for the organization when dealing with my school’s administrators, and I raised awareness of mental health tools, like my school’s Hope Squad.
At the organization, I frequently heard stories from teens within my community about how the foundation saved their lives and provided them with a fresh start. This experience gave me a new sense of the value of community. I learned how to listen empathetically to boost a person’s spirits and make them feel heard, and how even a small gesture on my part can give someone a transformative feeling of support and belonging. I also gained the ability to communicate effectively and organize efficiently in order to maximize the foundation’s reach and impact.
Through our efforts, my school has increased its mental health awareness. It now provides resources to help students’ manage their stress, providing therapy dogs, additional counselors, and spirit week before exam period. I hope to continue to participate in mental health efforts within Duke’s National Alliance on Mental Illness by organizing meaningful events focused on overcoming the stigma associated with mental illness.
— — —
Tips + Analysis
This student shares the deeply personal and likely devastating life experience of losing a classmate to suicide, and how that catalyzed them to organize within the community around mental health issues. They do a nice job of sharing specific details that illustrate core values and skills (e.g. compassion, listening, creating space for others to feel supported) that show how they’ll be a valuable addition to the college community, continuing to create support for others while hopefully changing perceptions and stigmas around mental health.
Special thanks to Shira for writing this post.
Shira Harris is an alternative educator, amateur ambassador, former civil rights attorney and queer activist, who received her BA from UC Berkeley and law degree from New York University. Currently, she studies Arabic, Hebrew, migration and mediation in the Mediterranean; upon completion of the masters program, she intends to work for peace in Israel Palestine. Shira loves hiking, camping, traveling, learning, cooking with friends, the CEG community and fourth-grader jokes.
Top Values: Authenticity / Purpose / Love
