WashU Essay Prompt 1 (2026-2027)
Washington University in St Louis's supplemental essay 1 of 4 for the 2026-2027 application: the prompt, the limit, when it is due, and how to answer it. Verified on August 7, 2026.
“Please tell us what you are interested in studying at college and why. Undecided about your academic interest(s)? Don't worry—tell us what excites you about the academic division you selected. Remember that all of our first-year students enter officially "undeclared" and work closely with their team of academic advisors to discover their academic passions. You can explore all of our majors and programs on our website.”
Limit: 250 words. Deadlines: Early Decision: November 2, 2026. Early Action: November 2, 2026. Early Decision II: January 4, 2027. Regular Decision: January 4, 2027. Scholarships: December 16, 2026.
What WashU is really asking
What do you want to study, and what in your life points there?
The mistake most applicants make
Naming a major and a ranking.
Do this instead
The experience, the question it raised, the field that answers it. If undecided, the two fields and what connects them.
How to spend 250 words
250 words is two or three short paragraphs: the specific moment, what it revealed or changed, and why it points to this school. Cut any sentence that could appear in another applicant's essay.
How to start
Jim starts by asking you: “What experience raised the question you want to study?” Answer it with Jim, free →
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What is the WashU essay 1 prompt for 2026-2027?
"Please tell us what you are interested in studying at college and why. Undecided about your academic interest(s)? Don't worry—tell us what excites you about the academic division you selected. Remember that all of our first-year students enter officially "undeclared" and work closely with their team of academic advisors to discover their academic passions. You can explore all of our majors and programs on our website." The limit is 250 words.
How long should the WashU essay 1 be?
250 words. 250 words is two or three short paragraphs: the specific moment, what it revealed or changed, and why it points to this school. Cut any sentence that could appear in another applicant's essay.
When is the WashU essay due?
With the application: Early Decision: November 2, 2026. Early Action: November 2, 2026. Early Decision II: January 4, 2027. Regular Decision: January 4, 2027. Scholarships: December 16, 2026.
Can Jim help me write the WashU essay?
Yes. Jim, the AlphaApply.ai counselor, has every WashU prompt and deadline loaded. He asks the questions that surface your story and gives feedback on each draft. He never writes it for you. Free to start.
The other WashU prompts
Prompt and limit for 2026-2027, verified on August 7, 2026. Always confirm on Washington University in St Louis's official admissions site before submitting.