How does Washington University in St. Louis Arts and Sciences admissions work for undergraduate applicants?

Washington University in St. Louis reviews undergraduate applicants to Arts and Sciences through the university’s overall selective, holistic admissions process, not through a totally separate set of academic criteria. For Arts and Sciences, the clearest priorities are a very strong high school curriculum, excellent grades in core academic subjects, and evidence that you are genuinely prepared for a liberal arts environment with broad intellectual curiosity. They also look closely at how you use your time outside class, your writing, recommendations, and whether your interests make sense for the resources in Arts and Sciences.

Coursework matters a lot. WashU wants to see that you challenged yourself in the context of your school, especially in the five main academic areas: English, math, science, social science, and world language. For Arts and Sciences applicants, strength across disciplines is especially important because the college emphasizes exploration across the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences rather than narrow preprofessional training.

Activities are evaluated for depth, commitment, and impact more than for having a perfect resume. An applicant with a few serious involvements, such as research, writing, debate, community work, music, or leadership in a club, can read as stronger than someone with a long but shallow list.

Fit within Arts and Sciences is less about matching a rigid profile and more about showing authentic academic interests that align with what the college offers. That can come through your essays, your academic choices, and the way your extracurriculars connect to your curiosity. For example, a student interested in political science, environmental analysis, philosophy, psychology, or biology should come across as someone eager to engage ideas deeply, not just someone chasing prestige.