Important updates for fall 2027
We are updating some of our admissions processes and policies for high school students applying for first-year admission in fall 2027.
Long story short…
- We are offering an Early Action decision round.
- WashU has begun considering demonstrated interest. See what it means to us below.
- One less optional essay to worry about!
- No change to our test optional policy.
- Earlier deadline for students who want to be considered for a Signature Scholar Program or the Nemerov Writing Scholars Program.
We have added Early Action as a new option for applicants. We’ll continue to offer Early Decision I, Early Decision II, and Regular Decision rounds as well.
Here’s a breakdown of how each round works:
- Early Decision I and Early Decision II are the best rounds if you have done your research, know that WashU is the best fit, and are ready to make a commitment. If you are admitted to the university in either Early Decision round, you have made a commitment to attend the university and are expected to enroll at WashU. FYI – about 60% of our class is admitted through an ED round. The application deadline for Early Decision I is November 2, and the deadline for Early Decision II is January 4.
- Early Action is a great choice if WashU is high on your list, but you need time to consider other aid offers and/or offers from other institutions. Unlike Early Decision, Early Action is not a commitment to attend the university, but rather an option that allows you to apply early and hear back early so you can make a more informed enrollment decision. The application deadline for Early Action is November 2.
- Regular Decision is a good option if you prefer to take more time to explore schools and find the best fit. RD gives you the maximum amount of time to submit your application and consider many options and offers. The application deadline for Regular Decision is January 4.
WashU has begun considering demonstrated interest as a part of the application review process.
Frankly, we think demonstrated interest is often seen as a one-way street, meaning students feel pressured to find ways to impress admissions offices. This isn’t about contacting the Admissions Office to tell us you’re interested.
Instead, we think it’s about offering a variety of opportunities that students can choose from to explore our community, academics, and student life. Website searches and joining our email list are great places to start, but we also want students to be able to ask questions and engage in conversations that will help them find out if WashU is the right fit for them.
On the top of our list (and hopefully yours!) is a campus visit. We love to welcome visitors and introduce them to our amazing community. See where you will study, explore the food scene, meet current students, and so much more. A WashU experience extends beyond our beautiful campus, and a visit gives you a chance to see all that St. Louis has to offer.
We know there are a lot of factors that could influence a student’s ability to make a campus visit—finances, distance, competing schedules. We get it!
So, you have options:
- virtual information sessions
- in-person and virtual Bear Chats with a current student
- our ZeeMee online community
- opportunities to speak with an admissions officer at high school visits, regional information sessions, and college fairs
Bottom line: Demonstrated interest matters to us because we know it will help you learn about WashU and whether you can truly see yourself here. It will also allow you to build your best application.
You no longer have to decide about submitting an optional writing supplement. However, applicants are still required to submit the Common Application or Coalition Application essay.
You can still choose to submit an optional video supplement to help the admissions committee get to know you better. It is truly optional.
We are continuing our test-optional policy. If you choose to submit test scores, either SAT or ACT scores are acceptable, and neither the writing section nor SAT Subject Tests are required. Test results from any of your high school years are acceptable and we consider only the highest individual scores.
Scholarship deadlines
If you want to be considered for WashU’s Signature Scholar Programs—Danforth, Ervin, and Rodriguez—or for the Howard Nemerov Writing Scholars Program, you MUST submit either a completed Common or Coalition Application—and any additional materials, as noted below—by December 16, 2026. Read on for full details.
Our Signature Scholar Programs—Danforth, Ervin, and Rodriguez—provide exceptional undergraduate students with enriched academic experiences, significant financial support, and a close-knit community of peers and mentors. Multiple full-tuition and partial-tuition scholarships are available.
Students interested in applying for our Signature Scholar Programs must submit either a completed Common or Coaltion Application AND respond to an additional short answer question (250 words) via the WashU Pathway for each Signature Scholar Program they apply to by December 16.
The Nemerov Writing Scholars Program offers up to 10 $3,000 scholarships for students working toward a minor in writing, along with participation in a weekly creative writing seminar. Students must submit either a completed Common or Coalition Application to the College of Arts & Sciences AND submit a writing portfolio via the WashU Pathway by December 16 to be considered.
The December 16 deadline does NOT apply to any merit-based scholarships issued by the undergraduate schools (Ampersand, Conway/Proetz, Fitzgibbon, Olin Distinguished Scholars, Langsdorf). Students are automatically considered for these scholarships based on their completed application for admission. Please note that art and architecture applicants must submit a digital portfolio of their work with their application to be considered for the Conway/Proetz and Fitzgibbon Scholarships.