Undergraduate Admissions

Students who come to Washington University have challenged themselves academically and personally during their high school years. Most candidates’ transcripts include four years of English, four years of mathematics (the McKelvey School of Engineering recommends calculus), three to four years of history and social science, three to four years of laboratory science (the McKelvey School of Engineering recommends biology, chemistry, and physics), and at least two years of a foreign language. Your senior-year transcript should show that you are continuing to take demanding courses and are doing well in them. Most applicants take advantage of honors, Advanced Placement, and International Baccalaureate courses — if offered by their high schools. We also take into consideration standardized testing, letters of recommendation, extracurricular activities, and an essay.

Washington University encourages and gives full consideration to all applicants for admission, financial aid, and employment. The University does not discriminate in access to, or treatment or employment in, its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, veteran status, disability, or genetic information. Applicants with a prior criminal history will not be automatically disqualified from consideration for admission. Inquiries about compliance should be addressed to the University’s Vice Chancellor for Human Resources, Washington University, Campus Box 1184, One Brookings Drive, St. Louis, MO 63130.