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How to Respond to the Washington University in St. Louis Supplemental Essay Prompt
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 16%, 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 prompt
The WashU supplemental essays are a required 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 prompt
“Please tell us what you are interested in studying at WashU and why. (Max. 200 words).”
The admissions office wants to know what fascinates their applicants about WashU and how they plan on capitalizing on it. This essay is a perfect opportunity to share why you’re passionate about attending this college. Applicants should also explain how they would be a positive addition as a WashU undergraduate.
However, you should take note of the word count on this prompt since it is rather brief. 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.
Questions to consider:
- What will you gain from attending WashU?
- How do you plan to grow while pursuing your major at WashU?
- What sets WashU apart from the other colleges you’re considering?
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. 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!
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.
