Washington University in St. Louis campus

Washington University in St. Louis Acceptance Rate & Admissions Data (2025-2026)

Every figure on this page comes from the school’s own Common Data Set (2025-2026 edition) and was independently verified against official sources.

#20

2026 US News Best National Universities

11.9%

acceptance rate

33,283

applicants

3,968

admitted

27%

Early Decision rate (2.3x the overall rate)

Washington University in St. Louis Common Data Set: What It Values Most

Every college officially reports how much each application factor matters in section C7 of its Common Data Set. These are Washington University in St. Louis’s own published ratings from the 2025-2026 edition, not our opinion.

8 factors rated very important2 rated importantTest optional

Academic factors

Rigor of coursework

Very important

Class rank

Very important

Academic GPA

Very important

Standardized test scores

Very important

Application essay

Very important

Recommendations

Very important

Nonacademic factors

Interview

Not reported

Extracurricular activities

Important

Talent / ability

Very important

Character / personal qualities

Very important

First generation

Important

Alumni relation

Considered

Geographical residence

Considered

State residency

Considered

Religious affiliation

Not considered

Racial / ethnic status

Not reported

Volunteer work

Considered

Work experience

Considered

Level of applicant interest

Considered

Very importantImportantConsideredNot considered

Writing the Washington University in St. Louis supplement? See every current Washington University in St. Louis essay prompt, with strategies.

Testing policy

Test optional: scores are considered if submitted but not required.

Studying Business at Washington University in St. Louis

Undergraduates enter WashU's Olin Business School directly as first-years in the BSBA program, declaring one or more of eight business majors (including Finance, Marketing, and Entrepreneurship) by sophomore year while taking about 40% of classes outside Olin.

Building a profile for Washington University in St. Louis?

Washington University in St. Louis rates extracurriculars important in its own filing. Real internship experience is exactly that kind of signal.

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Sources

Data reflects the 2025-2026Common Data Set, the most recent verified edition at the time of publication. Always confirm current requirements on the school’s admissions site.

Campus photo: Baili Min via Wikimedia Commons, Attribution