Washington University in St. Louis Essay Prompts 2026-27

For the 2026-27 cycle: 1 required essay, program supplements for 2 programs.

WashU accepts the Common App, so the personal statement is also part of your application. It counts once across all your Common App schools.

Prompts under a program heading apply only if you are applying to that program.

For every applicant

Please tell us what you are interested in studying at college and why.
250 words max

The Beyond Boundaries Program equips students with a set of tools to critically understand and make a difference in a complicated world where challenges require varied perspectives and skill sets. What is the big societal issue you would like to tackle? Who would you need on your team? How would the Beyond Boundaries Program support you to work with collaborative teams to address this issue?
250 words max

Students in the Joint Program in Business and Computer Science will be equipped with the fundamental knowledge and perspectives of computer science and business and will have unique opportunities to converge these two disciplines. This is a distinctive degree program that captures the intersection of business and computer science and the growing demand for people with this special and sought-after skill set. Graduates of the program will be able to pursue careers in technology, data analytics, finance, consulting, and business development, to name a few. Tell us how you would use this combined degree to explore the intersection of these two disciplines.
250 words max

Checked against official sources. Last verified August 28, 2026.

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