Washington University in St. Louis, renowned for its academic excellence and global impact, offers a highly competitive admissions process. To stand out amidst a pool of exceptional applicants, students are strongly encouraged to craft compelling supplemental essays. These essays provide an opportunity to showcase unique perspectives, experiences, and aspirations, ultimately helping the admissions committee form a more comprehensive understanding of each candidate.
This guide will delve into the nuances of Washington University’s supplemental essays, offering insights into the prompt requirements, providing helpful tips, and sharing student examples to inspire your own writing.
Essay Prompt Breakdown
Washington University presents two supplemental essay prompts for the 2023-2024 admissions cycle:
Prompt 1:
In a short essay (no more than 250 words), please describe your interest in Washington University in St. Louis and the experiences, opportunities, and/or programs that drew you to our community.
Prompt 2:
Discuss a time when you encountered a personal or ethical challenge, setback, or failure. How did you deal with this experience, and what did you learn from it? (No more than 350 words)
Crafting Exceptional Essays
Prompt 1: Defining Your Interest
- Start with a compelling hook: Begin your essay with an anecdote, a reflection, or a thought-provoking statement that immediately captures the reader’s attention.
- Articulate specific aspects: Identify the programs, opportunities, or experiences at Washington University that specifically align with your interests and aspirations. Quantify your claims with statistics or examples.
- Demonstrate your intellectual curiosity: Show the admissions committee that you have done your research and possess a genuine interest in the university’s academic offerings, research opportunities, or extracurricular activities.
- Connect your interests to your future goals: Explain how Washington University’s resources and environment will support your long-term ambitions.
Prompt 2: Overcoming Challenges
- Identify a significant challenge: Write about an experience that genuinely tested your limits and pushed you out of your comfort zone.
- Be honest and reflective: Share your struggles, setbacks, and failures with authenticity and vulnerability. Avoid sugarcoating or minimizing the impact of the challenge.
- Emphasize your resilience and growth: Focus on how you responded to the challenge, the lessons you learned, and the impact it had on your personal development.
- Connect to your values and motivations: Explain how the experience shaped your character, values, or goals.
Example Essays
Prompt 1:
I am drawn to Washington University’s commitment to interdisciplinary research. As an aspiring physician-scientist, I am particularly interested in the university’s Neuroscience and Immunology Initiatives. The opportunity to collaborate with world-renowned faculty in these fields is an unparalleled opportunity that will foster my intellectual growth and prepare me for a career at the forefront of medical innovation.
Prompt 2:
During my first year of college, I faced a major setback when I failed an important midterm exam. At first, I felt overwhelmed by shame and disappointment. However, I refused to give up. I reached out to my professor, sought tutoring, and dedicated countless hours to studying. Ultimately, I passed the exam with a B+ and gained a newfound appreciation for the value of perseverance. I learned that failure is not a destination but a stepping stone towards growth and resilience.
Tips for Success
- Be concise and specific: Adhere to the word limits and avoid unnecessary details.
- Proofread carefully: Ensure that your essays are free of grammatical errors, typos, and formatting issues.
- Seek feedback: Ask a trusted teacher, mentor, or family member to provide constructive criticism and suggestions.
- Start early: Begin brainstorming and drafting your essays well in advance of the application deadline.
- Be authentic: Write in your own voice and share your genuine experiences and perspectives.
Supplemental Essay Prompts over the Years
| Year | Prompt 1 | Prompt 2 |
|---|---|---|
| 2019-2020 | Discuss a time when you confronted a significant challenge or obstacle in your life and how that experience impacted your thinking, values, or beliefs. | Describe an intellectual passion that fuels your curiosity and inspires you to learn. |
| 2020-2021 | What’s something that inspires your creativity? | Discuss a time when you encountered a personal or ethical challenge, setback, or failure. How did you deal with this experience, and what did you learn from it? |
| 2021-2022 | Describe a time when you saw a problem and took the initiative to make a positive change. | Share a story that demonstrates your commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. |
| 2022-2023 | In a short essay (no more than 250 words), please describe your interest in Washington University in St. Louis and the experiences, opportunities, and/or programs that drew you to our community. | Discuss a time when you encountered a personal or ethical challenge, setback, or failure. How did you deal with this experience, and what did you learn from it? |
Conclusion
Washington University’s supplemental essays are an opportunity to showcase your unique attributes, experiences, and aspirations. By following the guidelines outlined in this guide and crafting well-written, compelling essays, you can increase your chances of demonstrating to the admissions committee why you are an exceptional candidate for this prestigious institution. Remember to start early, be authentic, and seek feedback to produce essays that will make a lasting impression.
