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How to Answer the 2025-26 WashU Supplemental Essays
By
Varonika Ware
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.
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Maria Geiger is Director of Scholarship Services 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.
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Washington University is a prestigious private research university located in St. Louis, Missouri. Their application is highly competitive and contains several supplemental essays. One is mandatory while others are optional. Below, we’ll get into how you can stand out via your WashU supplemental essays. Let’s get into it!
Washington University’s required supplemental essay prompt
“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.” (Max 250 words)
On the surface, this question may just be asking, “What do you want to major in, and why?”
But you should recognize this as an opportunity to connect your classroom experiences and extracurriculars to your intended major and to pull specific examples about WashU to show how you’d be a good contributor on campus.
For the purposes of this essay, it’s often wise to write on the assumption that you’ve made up your mind about a major. Remember that this does not commit you to anything. It just helps your essay to sound more focused and demonstrates that you’ve put significant thought into your future. You also won’t have to waste any of your 250 words with qualifiers describing that you are uncertain about the major you’re describing.
Try to highlight formative experiences and accomplishments that have drawn you to your chosen field of study. Connect these to the future ambitions they nurtured, and do some research via the “majors and programs” link in the description. Look into the program you would pursue at WashU and describe specific aspects of it that match your ambitions and fit in with your past experiences.
This helps demonstrate that you are highly interested in WashU and take your future seriously by planning thoroughly.
Questions to consider
- What classes would you be excited to take within this major at WashU?
- What professors would you be interested in working with?
- Are there any facilities at WashU that you would be able to take advantage of?
- Has WashU published any papers relevant to your field of interest?
The Washington University optional 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!
Prompt #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 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?
Prompt #2
“WashU strives to know every undergraduate student ‘By Name & Story.’ How have your life experiences shaped your story?” (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.
Questions to consider:
- 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 below:
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Do you have a hobby? Show us how you spend your free time.
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How do you express your most authentic self? Through art, cooking, poetry, stand-up comedy?
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What do you most want to experience at WashU?
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 get started!
Note: This video is NOT part of the Common App – if you intend to submit, make sure to take the extra steps to do so!
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.