WashU admitted 12% of applicants for fall 2025 (3,968 of 33,283, Common Data Set 2025-26). WashU admitted 27% of early decision applicants (1,333 of 4,934). Of the 3,865 students who took a spot on the wait list, 327 were admitted (8.5%). WashU is test-optional for fall 2027. The middle half of enrolled first-years who sent SAT scores had 1500–1550.
The numbers
Applied
33,283
fall 2025
ACT, middle 50%
33–35
enrolled first-years
Accept their offer
47%
of admitted students enroll
Application fee
$75
waivers exist
See your odds and what families like yours paid. It stays on your device.Add my SAT and income
Can I get into WashU?
12% of applicants get in
Grades and essays carry this one; most strong applicants still hear no. The middle half of enrolled first-years who sent scores had 1500–1550 on the SAT.
Likely: even the low end of our estimate is 60% or more, and the college admits at least 25% of applicants. Target: our estimate is 30% or more. Reach: our estimate is under 30%, or the college admits under 15%. Long shot: our estimate is under 12%, or the college admits under 12%. Estimates use the college's admit rate and score range plus your grades and scores. They are not a promise.
33,283 applied, 3,968 admitted, fall 2025 (Common Data Set).
Does WashU need the SAT or ACT?Optional
No.
Test-optional for fall 2027. 29% of enrolled first-years sent the SAT. Send your SAT if it's 1530 or higher, the middle of what enrolled first-years scored.
How hard your classes were, class rank, GPA, SAT or ACT scores, essay, recommendations, talent or ability, character.
Counts a lot
Activities, first in your family to go to college.
Also considered
A parent or relative went there, where you live, state residency, volunteering, work experience, showing interest (visits, emails).
As WashU rates each factor in its Common Data Set, fall 2025.
Questions people ask
What is Washington University in St Louis's acceptance rate?
WashU admitted 12% of applicants for fall 2025 (3,968 of 33,283, Common Data Set 2025-26).
What SAT score do you need for Washington University in St Louis?
The middle half of enrolled first-years who sent SAT scores had 1500–1550. A quarter of them scored higher and a quarter lower, so it's a typical range, not a cutoff (Common Data Set, fall 2025).
Is it easier to get into Washington University in St Louis early decision?
For fall 2025, 1,333 of 4,934 early decision applicants got in (27%), against 12% overall. Early decision is binding: if you get in, you go. Early applicants often include recruited athletes and legacies, so the gap overstates the advantage for most students.
Does Washington University in St Louis take students off the wait list?
3,865 students took a wait-list spot. 327 of them got in (8.5%).
Where these numbers come from
Admit rate and applicants: Common Data Set, fall 2025 (checked Oct 31, 2026)
GPA, early rounds and wait list: Common Data Set, fall 2025 (checked Oct 31, 2026)
Cost, pay and debt: College Scorecard, 2024-25 (checked Oct 31, 2026)
