Washington University in St. Louis: Acceptance Rate and Admissions Statistics

Washington University in St. Louis is a selective private research university with an acceptance rate of 14%. Academics are supported by an impressive 7-to-1 student/faculty ratio. Every undergraduate at Washington University belongs to a residential college, creating a small-college atmosphere within a mid-sized university. WashU was awarded a chapter of Phi Beta Kappa for strong liberal arts and sciences, and it is a member of the American Association of Universities for its strong research programs. Washington University appears among the top Missouri colleges, top Midwest colleges, and top national universities.

Considering applying to WashU? Here are the admissions statistics you should know, including average SAT/ACT scores and GPAs of admitted students.

Acceptance Rate

During the 2018-19 admissions cycle, Washington University in St. Louis had an acceptance rate of 14%. This means that for every 100 students who applied, 14 students were admitted, making WashU's admissions process highly competitive.

SAT Scores and Requirements

Washington University in St. Louis requires that all applicants submit either SAT or ACT scores. During the 2017-18 admissions cycle, 33% of admitted students submitted SAT scores.

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This admissions data tells us that most of WashU's admitted students fall within the top 7% nationally on the SAT. For the evidence-based reading and writing section, 50% of students admitted to WashU scored between 710 and 770, while 25% scored below 710 and 25% scored above 770. On the math section, 50% of admitted students scored between 760 and 800, while 25% scored below 760 and 25% scored a perfect 800. Applicants with a composite SAT score of 1570 or higher will have particularly competitive chances at WashU.

Requirements

WashU does not require the optional SAT essay section. Note that Washington University in St. Louis participates in the scorechoice program, which means that the admissions office will consider your highest score from each individual section across all SAT dates. WashU accepts self-reported test scores from applicants, with official scores required upon enrollment. SAT Subject tests are not required by WashU.

ACT Scores and Requirements

Washington University in St. Louis requires that all applicants submit either SAT or ACT scores. During the 2018-19 admissions cycle, 71% of admitted students submitted ACT scores.

This admissions data tells us that most of WashU's admitted students fall within the top 2% nationally on the ACT. The middle 50% of students admitted to WashU received a composite ACT score between 33 and 35, while 25% scored above 35 and 25% scored below 33.

Requirements

Unlike many universities, WashU superscores ACT results; your highest composite ACT score will be considered. WashU does not require the optional ACT writing section.

GPA

In 2018, the average high school GPA of Washington University at St. Louis' freshmen class was 4.15, and over 85% of incoming students had GPAs of 3.75 and above. These results suggest that most successful applicants to WUSTL have primarily A grades.

Self-Reported GPA/SAT/ACT Graph

The admissions data in the graph is self-reported by applicants to Washington University in St. Louis. GPAs are unweighted. Find out how you compare to accepted students, see the real-time graph, and calculate your chances of getting in with a free Cappex account.

​Admissions Chances

Washington University in St. Louis has a highly competitive admissions pool with a low acceptance rate and high average SAT/ACT scores. However, WashU has a holistic admissions process involving other factors beyond your grades and test scores. A strong application essay, supplemental essay, and glowing letters of recommendation can strengthen your application, as can participation in meaningful extracurricular activities and a rigorous course schedule. Students with particularly compelling stories or achievements can still receive serious consideration even if their test scores are outside WashU's average range.

All admissions data has been sourced from the National Center for Education Statistics and Washington University in St. Louis Undergraduate Admissions Office.