Applying to Washington University in St. Louis and navigating its supplemental essays can be a challenging task. This year, WashU has rolled out prompts that not only aim to understand your academic interests but also delve deep into your personal experiences and community impact. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you ace these essays.

Prompt 1: Academic Interest

Prompt: Please tell us what you are interested in studying at college and why. If you are 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. (Word Limit: 200 Words)

This prompt is all about your academic inclinations. Whether you have pinpointed your field of study or are still exploring, WashU wants to know what academically motivates you. For those with a clear interest, delve into the specifics—what sparked your passion? A specific experience, a mentor, a project?

If you’re still undecided, that’s perfectly okay. Focus on what excites you about the broader academic division you've chosen. Perhaps it’s the interdisciplinary opportunities, research facilities, or the faculty that inspires you. Make your enthusiasm palpable. A great way to brainstorm and refine your thoughts is to use Sups AI, an AI college counseling platform that helps students brainstorm and provides feedback. Sups AI has already helped over 10,000 students get admitted to top schools in the US.

Optional Prompt: Personal Dimensions

Prompt: This optional question allows you to add another dimension to your application – something that the admissions committee might not learn by reading your transcript or your personal statement. If you plan to apply for one of the Signature Scholar Programs, we highly recommend you complete this supplement. WashU is a place that values diversity of perspectives. We believe those perspectives come from a variety of experiences and identities. Respond to one of the following prompts to help us understand “Who are you?”

• 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 part of and your place or impact within it?

• WashU strives to know every undergraduate "By Name & Story." How have your life experiences shaped your story? (Word Limit: 250 Words)

This optional prompt provides a fantastic opportunity to highlight your community involvement or personal experiences. Choosing which prompt to answer depends on which aspect of your life you feel provides the best additional insight into who you are.

Option 1: Engagement with the Community

If you select this prompt, focus on a community you belong to and the role you've played within it. This could be anything from a local charity to an online forum or school club. WashU values community engagement, so illustrate your contributions and how they've shaped both you and your community.

Need help brainstorming or structuring your essay? Leverage Sups AI for personalized advice and feedback. The platform even offers one-on-one chats with current students who can provide deeper insights into how to connect your experiences with the WashU community values.

Option 2: Personal Life Experiences

For the second optional prompt, think about significant experiences that have shaped your identity and perspective. Reflect on specific moments or insights that define your story. How do these experiences influence your current aspirations or worldview?

Remember to be authentic and concise. Utilizing Sups AI will enable you to articulate your personal narrative effectively, making sure it resonates with the admissions committee.

Completing the WashU supplemental essays requires introspection and clarity. By understanding what the prompts seek and utilizing tools like Sups AI, you can craft compelling essays that reflect not just your qualifications, but your unique story and aspirations.