SAT and ACT Scores For Washington University in St. Louis

Washington University in St. Louis (WashU) is a distinguished institution known for its high academic standards and selective admissions process, with an admission rate of 13%. This rate highlights the competitive nature of its application process and the high caliber of its student body.

WashU offers an Early Decision program that allows applicants to demonstrate their commitment to the university through a binding agreement, although there is no Early Action option available. This can be a strategic choice for students certain that WashU is their top choice.

Although SAT and ACT scores are not mandatory for admission, recommended scores are 1520 for the SAT and 34 for the ACT. These high benchmarks can significantly strengthen a prospective student's application and highlight their academic preparedness.

SAT Scores

  Recommended Score: 1520

Washington University in St. Louis recommends a SAT score of 1520 to enhance an application. The SAT scores of admitted students range from 1490 at the 25th percentile to 1570 at the 75th percentile, reflecting the exceptional performance expected from WashU applicants.

In the SAT Reading section, admitted students score between 730 at the 25th percentile and 770 at the 75th percentile. These scores suggest that WashU values strong verbal reasoning and critical reading skills, which are crucial for academic success at the university.

For SAT Math, scores range from 760 at the 25th percentile to 800 at the 75th percentile. This indicates that a substantial portion of admitted students achieve near-perfect to perfect scores, showcasing their quantitative aptitude, which is valued highly at WashU.

Prospective students should aim for high scores in both the Reading and Math sections of the SAT to align with the competitive profile of typically admitted students. Excelling in these areas can greatly improve one's chances of admission.

While optional, achieving or exceeding the upper percentile scores in the SAT can serve as a strong indicator of a student’s readiness for the challenging and diverse academic environment at Washington University in St. Louis.

ACT Scores

  Recommended Score: 34

The recommended ACT score for admission to WashU is 34. Admitted students typically have ACT composite scores ranging from 33 at the 25th percentile to 35 at the 75th percentile, demonstrating their high academic capabilities.

Scores in the ACT English section range from 34 at the 25th percentile to 36 at the 75th percentile. These high scores reflect the importance WashU places on strong communication skills and mastery of the English language.

ACT Math scores for admitted students span from 31 at the 25th percentile to 35 at the 75th percentile. These scores reveal strong proficiency in mathematical skills, essential for many of the university’s top programs.

ACT Writing scores are also notable, with WashU admits scoring between 8 and 10, indicating their ability to effectively articulate complex ideas in writing, a vital skill for success in university-level academics.

Submitting high ACT scores, though not required, can enhance an application by showcasing a candidate’s preparedness for the rigorous academic challenges presented by WashU.

Admission Numbers

Overall Rating: Very Competitive

Here are the applicant and admissions numbers per year for Washington University in St. Louis:

Washington University in St. Louis exemplifies a highly competitive admissions landscape, as indicated by its relatively low admission rate and the high standardized test scores of its admitted students. The SAT and ACT scores reflect the strong academic foundation that WashU seeks in its prospective students.

The detailed examination of both SAT and ACT score distributions aids applicants in understanding the level of preparation needed to be competitive. Achieving high scores, while not mandatory, remains a significant aspect of a successful application to this esteemed university.