Washington University in St. Louis Admissions: Acceptance Rate, GPA, SAT
Top-15 research university with strong pre-med and architecture pipelines.
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What it takes to get into WashU
WashU accepts roughly 12% of applicants — competitive but more accessible than the most selective Ivies.The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1500 and 1570 on the SAT, and the average unweighted GPA is around 4.16.
Numbers alone don't get you in. WashU reads holistically — they want to see academic rigor in your high school transcript (AP/IB/Honors course load), genuine intellectual curiosity, leadership in extracurriculars, a clear “spike” or area of demonstrated excellence, strong essays, and recommendation letters that vouch for your character.
Test-optional policies vary year to year. Even where tests are optional, applicants who submit scores in the 75th-percentile range typically have an edge. Check WashU's admissions page for the current cycle's policy.
What WashU Weighs in Admissions
Visual breakdown from Common Data Set Section C7
WashU Acceptance Rate
12% acceptance rate with SAT, GPA benchmarks and selectivity analysis.
How to Get Into WashU
Data-driven admissions strategy based on CDS weights and what actually matters.
How to Write the “Why WashU?” Essay
Research tips, common mistakes, and what admissions is actually looking for.
See Where You Stand
GPA vs SAT scattergram — compare your stats to admitted and rejected students.
Practice WashU Interview Questions
AI-scored mock interview with real alumni questions. 5-dimension feedback.
WashU Admissions FAQ
What is WashU's acceptance rate?
WashU admits approximately 12% of applicants based on the most recent reported Common Data Set figures. This rate has trended downward over the past decade as application volumes have grown.
What SAT score do you need for WashU?
Admitted students at WashU typically score between 1500 (25th percentile) and 1570 (75th percentile) on the SAT. Hitting or exceeding the 75th percentile gives you a meaningful edge.
What GPA do you need for WashU?
The average admitted student at WashU has an unweighted GPA of approximately 4.16 on a 4.0 scale — though weighted GPAs and course rigor matter just as much as the raw number.
Is WashU test-optional?
WashU's testing policy varies by cycle. Some years they are test-optional, some years test-required. Always confirm on the official admissions page before submitting.
Compare WashU with similar schools
Stats are approximate, drawn from publicly-reported Common Data Set figures. Confirm current numbers on WashU's official admissions site.