WashU Essay Prompt 3 (2026-2027)
Washington University in St Louis's supplemental essay 3 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.
“Joint Program in Business and Computer Science (BUCS) short answer: why do you want to converge business and computer science through this program?”
Limit: 250 words (optional). 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
Why both, with evidence from what you have done?
The mistake most applicants make
Explaining why the combination is valuable in the economy.
Do this instead
One CS thing you built, one business thing you did, the moment they met.
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 have you built that you also had to sell or fund?” Answer it with Jim, free →
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What is the WashU essay 3 prompt for 2026-2027?
"Joint Program in Business and Computer Science (BUCS) short answer: why do you want to converge business and computer science through this program?" The limit is 250 words and the prompt is optional.
How long should the WashU essay 3 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.