Washington University in St. Louis 2026-27 Supplemental Essay Guide

Washington University in St. Louis 2026-27 Application Essay Question Explanation

The Requirements: One 200-word essay

Supplemental Essay Type(s): Why

How to Write a Winning Washington University in St. Louis Supplemental Essay

The admissions committee at WashU is looking for “who are eager to learn, contribute, support others, and bring their unique experiences to enrich our campus and the wider world.” All those buzzwords relate to the supplemental questions below, which ask about your academic goals. With a relatively short word limit, this prompts demand clarity and focus, so choose precise words that tell your story while bringing vivid details to life. Keep reading to learn how to write a winning WashU essay! 

WashU Essay Prompts Breakdown

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.  

This is WashU’s version of a classic “Why Essay.” Even if you’re not completely sure what you want to major in yet, admissions wants to both learn about your academic interests and see how their offerings will suit your passions. If you can build a bridge between your own interests and the resources available at WashU, you’ll be well on your way to demonstrating your fit. So set aside an hour or two and commit to some serious research on the WashU website. (Sorry, there’s no way around this, folks!) Look up information about news and research coming out of your department of interest, the kinds of courses available, and the opportunities other undergrads have had studying in your area of choice. Even if you have a wide array of interests, consider explaining how two or three departments might complement each other or foster your interest in a larger theme or cross-pollinating kind of way. Your ultimate goal is to show WashU that you’ve given the next four years some serious thought.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in the WashU Essay

We have been reading WashU essays for over twenty years now, so we know a thing or two about the most common mistakes students make. The most common mistakes to avoid are repeating the prompt in your essay (don’t waste your words), trying to sound like an academic (admissions wants to hear your authentic voice!), and using cliches (they’re ineffective and—let’s face it—lazy).

Why Choose College Essay Advisors for the WashU Essay

We at College Essay Advisors have been guiding students one-on-one through the essay writing process for the WashU supplement for over twenty years. We take a holistic approach to these essays, considering each student’s application package as a whole and identifying their strengths to highlight. Our Advisors accommodate each student’s scheduling needs to virtually brainstorm, draft, and revise winning essays. It’s incredibly important to us that each student’s voice is preserved, and we pride ourselves in helping students to write a successful WashU supplemental essay that differentiates them from similarly qualified applicants. For more information, submit a contact form below or review our one-on-one advising services or list of student acceptances.