It’s that time of year again when school applications are in full swing, and everyone is looking at the acceptance rates of their favorite schools. Today, we present the Washington University in St. Louis acceptance rate. This world-class university gets much attention from students and parents every year. So, what is its acceptance rate? What kind of application materials do you need to prepare? What are the popular majors of the university? I will answer all these questions for you.
Washington University in St. Louis Overview
Washington University in St. Louis, founded in 1853, is located in St. Louis, Missouri. It is the earliest and most prestigious “Washington University” in American history. It is also one of the nine “New Ivy” schools in the United States and one of the world’s top universities. A total of 23 Nobel Prize winners have studied or engaged in teaching and research work here, which is a good reflection of the quality of educational resources at the school.
Washington University in St. Louis is also recognized as one of the happiest universities in the nation. The university offers more than 300 student organizations and clubs covering various fields and focuses on fostering students’ multifaceted development. The university’s professors also care about their students, and most faculty are available to help and mentor students. The university has a multicultural student body with students from more than 100 countries and regions. As a result, the university offers a full range of services, from language tutoring to acculturation, and assists more than 2,000 international students each year.
Regarding employment, Washington University in St. Louis has an extensive alumni network that spans various industries worldwide. According to the most recent data, a higher percentage of the university’s students hold vital positions in Fortune 500 companies than the national average. The university’s Career Services Center also provides one-on-one career guidance to help students plan their career paths and enhance their competitiveness in the workforce.
Top Programs at the Washington University in St. Louis
Medical Programs
The university is a leader in the United States in many disciplines, the strongest is the Washington University in St. Louis, Medical Campus. It is one of the top research centers in the country, with many of its majors ranked among the nation’s best, and its overall strength is among the top five in the United States.
Biomedical Engineering
The unversity leads U.S. colleges and universities in biophysics, biochemistry, biomolecules, and civil engineering. It is a leader in providing scientific insights and enabling technologies critical to solving fundamental research challenges of the world today and in preparing students for the rapidly changing world of tomorrow.
Humanities and Social Sciences
The university’s German language, political science, linguistics, and economics are among the best in the disciplines of U.S. colleges and universities. Social science faculty engage in disciplinary and interdisciplinary teaching and collaborative research to address critical social issues in local, national, and global contexts.
Business and Engineering
Foster School of Business is one of the world’s leading business schools, founded in 1917. It holds the prestigious AACSB accreditation and is one of only three U.S. business schools accredited by the European Foundation for Management Development’s EQUIS.
Washington University in St. Louis Ranking
- According to the latest QS World University Rankings 2025, the Washington University in St. Louis ranks 176th with a score of 49.
- It is ranked 24th in the nation and ranked 18th in the Best Value Schools in the 2024 U.S. News & World Report National Universities ranking.
Its excellent academic programs and research opportunities have contributed to its reputation and high rankings.
Washington University in St. Louis Acceptance Rate
Current Acceptance Rate
According to the school’s official website, the overall acceptance rate for Washington University in St. Louis is 12.8%, with an early decision acceptance rate of 26% and a regular decision acceptance rate of 9%.
Of the students admitted, 61% were from public schools, and 39% were from private schools. By gender, 52% were female and 48% male. By achievement, 89% of the students were in the top 10% of their high school class.
Trends of University of Michigan Acceptance Rate
| Graduating Class Year | Overall Admit Rate |
|---|---|
| 2017 | 15% |
| 2018 | 17% |
| 2019 | 16% |
| 2020 | 16% |
| 2021 | 16% |
| 2022 | 15% |
| 2023 | 14% |
| 2024 | 12.8% |
Washington University in St. Louis is a very competitive school. Similar to the admissions trends of all top schools, the acceptance rate for Washington University in St. Louis has declined over the past eight years and will almost certainly continue to do so. A total of 27,900 students applied to the university for the class of 2024, of which 3,561 were accepted, for an overall acceptance rate of 12.8%. Compared to last year (2023-2024), total applications increased by 9.8%, from 25,400 to 27,900. Early applications totaled 3,000, with an early acceptance rate of 26%.
The Factors Affect Washington University in St. Louis Acceptance Rate
There are many factors that affect Washington University in St. Louis acceptance rate. You can consider your chances of acceptance based on these factors and at the same time plan where to improve yourself.
Achievement is an inevitable factor
While grades are not the only factor influencing admission, they are the most important. Your GPA, standardized scores, etc., must meet the school’s requirements to have a chance of being waitlisted.
Successful Admission does not Depend Solely on Grades
When selecting an applicant, an admissions officer looks at many things, and they are looking for more than just a student with good grades. That’s why some students with excellent grades in all subjects don’t receive offers. Admissions officers often look for leadership, risk-taking, emotional intelligence, enthusiasm for learning, and more to find the best fit for the school.
Value of Diversification
The school emphasizes diversity so that the interview will stress your background and the relationship between your personal story and your grades. Admissions staff may consider socioeconomic backgrounds, such as the quality of an applicant’s high school, more carefully to better understand the opportunities they have had and the challenges they have faced. That’s why the school’s official website keeps statistics on students’ race, gender, and class.
Volunteering
The university pays more attention to the applicant’s daily performance, especially what they do to help others daily. Short-term charitable or philanthropic activities often need to be added up. Still, small acts of kindness, such as tutoring at the library every week and tutoring children in the community, are more impressive to admissions officers.
Washington University in St. Louis: Admission Requirement
Undergraduate Admission Requirements
If you are applying for any bachelor’s degree program at Washington University in St. Louis, you are required to have successfully completed at least 12 years of elementary and secondary school, in addition to meeting the following criteria:
- IELTS score of 6.5+ and TOEFL score 90+.
- High school diploma
- GPA of no less than 3.0 (3.3+ recommended)
- SAT (score of 1200+), ACT (score of 28+)
- Teacher Evaluation
- Counselor Recommendation
- Self-reported
Graduate Admission Requirements
Applicants must have earned a bachelor’s degree or equivalent before being admitted to a graduate program at Washington University in St. Louis. You may be considered for admission before completing your undergraduate degree. Below is general information about the application process. Please check the program website for details on application deadlines and other materials that may be required.
- Bachelor’s degree.
- GPA or aggregate: 3.5 (95%) or above.
- English language proficiency scores: TOEFL IBT – 90-100. IELTS – 6.5-7.0.
- Test Scores: GMAT – 681-695. GRE – 158-160 [Verbal] and 166-168 [Quantitative]
- 1-3 letters of recommendation.
- Essays & writing samples.
- Statement of Purpose.
- Resume or CV.
Tips for Increase Your Acceptance Odds
Washington University in St. Louis utilizes a holistic approach to reviewing applications, often considering multiple factors such as academic record, extracurricular activities, essays, and letters of recommendation. Here are some suggestions that can help you improve your chances of admission:
Academic Record
Washington University in St. Louis expects applicants to maintain high grades throughout high school and to challenge themselves academically. This may include taking rigorous courses such as Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), or honors courses. It would help if you aimed to take at least 7-8 AP courses, especially in academic areas that interest you. These grades will maximize your ability to demonstrate to the school your academic skills and your interest in the majors to which you are applying.
Extracurricular Activities and Papers
These can demonstrate to the admissions faculty that your personality and abilities fit the school well. They will also get a sense of the value you can bring to the school and make a comprehensive judgment as to whether you are a good fit.
Leadership and Engagement
Washington University in St. Louis wants to see your leadership and engagement outside the classroom. These can demonstrate that you have the potential to enter the community and participate in the workforce. These abilities also show admissions teachers that you have room for future growth.
Early application
More than half of students are admitted in the first two rounds of Early Decision (ED) applications from a smaller pool of candidates. Although the academic requirements were the same, Washington University in St. Louis had more qualified candidates in both application rounds.
Conclusion
You have a more in-depth understanding through our series of introductions and analyses. Washington University in St. Louis acceptance rate is declining year by year and the competition is fierce. But at the same time, this also shows the university’s strict academic standards and the importance of high-level talent. The university hopes to attract a diverse range of top talent through a range of criteria and provide these students with the best possible learning environment and resources. We hope you can improve your ability according to our analysis and apply to your favorite university as soon as possible.
FAQ
What GPA do you need for WashU?
GPA should be roughly 3.5 and above. Such a score will make it more likely that you will be successful in getting accepted into the school. Washington University in St. Louis requires you to be at the top of your class.
Is Washington University in St. Louis hard to get into?
This university is extremely selective. The acceptance rate for Washington University in St. Louis is 12.8%. For every 100 applicants, only 12 are admitted. You should prepare and work hard for this in order to get accepted into the school.
Is Washington St. Louis a good school?
Washington University in St. Louis is ranked 24 out of 439 National Universities. Schools are ranked according to their performance across a set of widely accepted indicators of excellence.
