Washington University in St. Louis acceptance rate, scores and deadlines
Source: Common Data Set 2025–26 · deadlines from WashU's admissions site.
Acceptance rate
WashU acceptance rate by year
3,968 of 33,283 applicants admitted for Fall 2025, against 12.1% for Fall 2024.
Show the numbers
| Entering class | Applied | Admitted | Rate | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall 2025 | 33,283 | 3,968 | 11.9% | Common Data Set |
| Fall 2024 | 32,754 | 3,951 | 12.1% | IPEDS |
| Fall 2023 | 32,240 | 3,855 | 12.0% | IPEDS |
| Fall 2022 | 32,014 | 3,764 | 11.8% | IPEDS |
| Fall 2021 | 33,634 | 4,373 | 13.0% | IPEDS |
| Fall 2020 | 27,949 | 4,477 | 16.0% | IPEDS |
| Fall 2019 | 25,426 | 3,522 | 13.9% | IPEDS |
| Fall 2018 | 31,320 | 4,708 | 15.0% | IPEDS |
| Fall 2017 | 30,463 | 4,863 | 16.0% | IPEDS |
| Fall 2016 | 29,197 | 4,827 | 16.5% | IPEDS |
| Fall 2015 | 29,259 | 4,898 | 16.7% | IPEDS |
2026–27 applications
WashU deadlines for 2026–27
Apply with Common App or Coalition Application. Checked October 24, 2026 on WashU's admissions site. Dates can change; confirm them there before you submit.
- Early decision Apply by Decisions By December 11
- Early action Apply by Decisions By December 23
- Priority deadline Apply by Decisions —
- Early decision II Apply by Decisions By February 12
- Regular decision Apply by Decisions By April 1
Early rounds
Early decision and early action at WashU
Early pools include recruited athletes and other special cases, so the gap overstates the boost for a typical applicant. Early decision is binding: apply only if you would enroll.
Scores and GPA
Test scores and GPA at WashU
Scores are for enrolled students who sent them, not for everyone admitted.
What counts
What WashU weighs
From section C7 of WashU's Common Data Set 2025–26.
Very important
- Course rigor
- Class rank
- GPA
- Test scores
- Essays
- Recommendations
- Talent or ability
- Character
Important
- Activities
- First-generation status
Considered
- Alumni relation
- Where you live
- State residency
- Volunteer work
- Work experience
- Demonstrated interest
Not considered
- Religious affiliation
Cost
What WashU costs
From the College Scorecard. For your own estimate, use WashU's net price calculator.
Compare
Colleges with a similar acceptance rate
Close to WashU's 11.9%, from the same official data.
FAQ
Questions about WashU admissions
What is WashU's acceptance rate?
WashU admitted 3,968 of 33,283 first-year applicants for Fall 2025, an acceptance rate of 11.9%. That is down from 12.1% for Fall 2024. Source: Common Data Set 2025–26.
Is WashU test-optional for 2026–27?
Yes. WashU is test-optional for 2026–27: you can apply with or without SAT or ACT scores.
When are WashU's application deadlines for 2026–27?
Early decision: November 2, 2026; Early action: November 2, 2026; Priority deadline: December 16, 2026; Early decision II: January 4, 2027; Regular decision: January 4, 2027. Check WashU's admissions site before you apply, as dates can change.
What SAT score do you need for WashU?
There is no cutoff. The middle 50% of enrolled first-years scored 1500–1550 on the SAT (Fall 2025), and 32% of them sent a score. A score at or above 1550 is in the top quarter of enrolled students.
Does applying early decision help at WashU?
For Fall 2025, WashU admitted 27.0% of 4,934 early decision applicants, compared with 11.9% overall. Early pools include recruited athletes and other special cases, so the gap overstates the boost for a typical applicant.
Where the numbers come from
Sources
- Washington University in St. Louis Common Data Set 2025–26
- College Scorecard (U.S. Department of Education), IPEDS admissions 2015–2024
- WashU first-year admissions, checked October 24, 2026
Odds are estimates from public data, shown as a range. An estimate, not a guarantee.
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