Washington University in St. Louis (WashU) offers applicants optional writing and video supplements to help the Admissions Committee understand you better.
Writing Supplement (Optional, 250 words or less)
Respond to one of the following prompts to help WashU understand “Who are you?”:
Community & Impact: WashU supports engagement in the St. Louis community by considering the university as “In St. Louis, For St. Louis.” What is a community you are a part of and your place or impact within it?
Life Experiences & Story: WashU strives to know every undergraduate student “By Name & Story.” How have your life experiences shaped your story?
How to Submit: If you use the Common Application, find this question in the Writing Supplement section. For the Coalition Application, respond in the WashU Pathway after submitting your profile and WashU-specific questions
WashU Essay Slides
Q: How to choose your prompt?
A:
Prompt 1 (Community & Impact) is for demonstrating proactive leadership.
Prompt 2 (Life Experiences & Story) is for revealing personal growth.
Choose the prompt that best reflects a single, specific story in your experience.
The prompt you choose must act as a canvas for a story only you can tell.
Q: What makes a good community story?
A:
Identify a specific problem you solved.
Go beyond a simple club membership.
Example: I designed an inventory system for a local food pantry that cut waste by 25%.
Focus on your tangible impact, not your intent.
Q: How to tell a powerful life story?
A:
Focus on a single, specific event that changed your perspective.
Detail the "before" and "after" of your worldview.
Example: Navigating a family health crisis taught me to find solutions under stress.
The narrative should show growth, not just an event.
Q: How do I show, not just tell?
A:
Avoid general statements like "I am a good leader."
Provide specific evidence.
Example: I mediated a team conflict and created a new communication protocol.
Your actions should reveal your character.
Q: Final check and what to avoid?
A:
Stay within the 250-word limit.
Do not repeat information from your resume.
Your essay must add a new dimension to your application.
All applicants have the option to upload a video. This video is not for professional production or a rehearsed audition. Simply capture a quick video of yourself telling WashU about something important to you.
Prompt Ideas (to get you thinking):
Do you have a hobby? Show how you spend your free time.
How do you express your most authentic self? Through art, cooking, poetry, stand-up comedy?
What do you most want to experience at WashU?
How to Submit Your Video: Do not submit more than one video.
Create Your Own 90-Second Video: This option is free. Use your phone or a small video camera. You can edit, but limit the duration to 90 seconds. Use formats like .avi, .flv, .m1v, .m2v, .m4v, mkv, .mov, .mpeg, .mpg, .mp4, .webm, or .wmv. Upload via a link in the WashU Pathway.
Use Glimpse (by InitialView): This requires a one-time fee (fee waivers may be available). You can send your video to multiple schools. Glimpse does not allow editing or post-production tools.
Important Note: The video is optional. Applicants will not be penalized for choosing not to submit a video. This video does not replace the SlideRoom portfolio requirement for College of Art applicants.
WashU Video Supplement Slides
Q: What is the purpose of this video?
A:
The video adds a new dimension to your application.
It should reveal your personality and authentic self.
The video is a chance to speak directly to the admissions committee.
Do not repeat information from your essays or resume.
Q: How do I choose my topic?
A:
Show, don't tell. Let your actions speak for themselves.
Avoid a stiff, rehearsed monologue.
Example: If you love cooking, film yourself making something and explain the story behind the recipe.
Example: If you are passionate about a hobby, show yourself doing it.
Q: What makes a video powerful?
A:
Use a concise narrative structure.
Start with a hook. Introduce your topic and its importance.
Show your passion through action.
End with a statement about how this connects to your goals.
Q: What technical advice should I follow?
A:
Use a phone or small camera. No need for a professional setup.
Ensure good lighting and clear audio.
Stay within the 90-second limit.
Focus on content over production quality.
Q: Final checks? What to avoid?
A:
Do not repeat information already in your application.
Avoid a generic, uninspired monologue.
Do not feel obligated to submit a video if you do not have a compelling story to tell.
