Transfer Students: Welcome To Washington University In St. Louis?

Washington University in St. Louis is a highly selective and competitive school for both first-year and transfer students. The transfer acceptance rate for the 2023-2024 application year was 12.2%, with 215 out of 1,761 applicants being accepted. The university accepts transfer applications for the fall and spring semesters, with a deadline of March 1st for fall transfers. To be considered for transfer admission, applicants must have finished secondary school, completed some college-level courses, and be seeking full-time enrolment in an undergraduate degree programme. They must also not have previously attended any of Washington University's full-time, degree-granting schools.

Washington University in St. Louis accepts transfer students

Washington University in St. Louis (WashU) does accept transfer students, although transfer admission is both selective and competitive. In 2023, the transfer acceptance rate was 12.2%, with 215 students accepted out of 1,761 applicants. WashU defines a transfer student as someone who has finished secondary school, completed some college study, and is interested in enrolling full-time in an undergraduate degree program.

Application Process

The application process for transfer students is holistic and individualized, with the admissions committee reviewing each application carefully. The process is selective, and the university receives more applications than it can accept each year. The application requirements include a high school transcript, an essay or personal statement, standardized test scores, and a statement of good standing from the previous institution. The minimum number of credits required to apply as a transfer student is 1.

Deadlines

The deadlines for transfer applications vary depending on the semester. WashU only accepts transfers for the fall semester in the case of Architecture, Art, Business, and Engineering, while Arts & Sciences accepts applications for both the fall and spring semesters. The application deadline for the fall semester is March 1st, and applicants can expect an admission decision by May 1st.

Academic Requirements

Transfer students are expected to have strong academic performance, with a minimum college GPA of 3.5-3.6. The specific academic requirements vary depending on the chosen major and undergraduate division (Architecture, Art, Arts & Sciences, Business, or Engineering). For example, students interested in engineering or the physical or biological sciences must demonstrate strong performance in science and mathematics, including calculus.

Additional Considerations

In addition to academic requirements, WashU considers other factors such as personal characteristics, accomplishments, and extracurricular and community involvement. International applicants whose first language is not English are required to submit proof of English language proficiency through tests like TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo.

The transfer acceptance rate is low

Washington University in St. Louis (WashU) accepts transfer students, but the acceptance rate is low. For the 2023-2024 application year, the transfer acceptance rate was 12.2%, with 215 individuals accepted out of 1,761 transfer applicants. The rate was slightly higher the previous year, at 17.5%, and in 2021, it was 26.3%. The university is selective and competitive, receiving far more applications than it can accept each year.

The low transfer acceptance rate at WashU can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, the university has a limited number of admissions slots available for transfer students. Secondly, there may be a prejudice against applicants who have studied their prerequisites at another school. Additionally, WashU has high academic standards and specific course requirements for transfer applicants. For example, the university recommends a minimum college GPA of 3.5/3.6 and looks for strong academic performance in a broad academic curriculum. Successful applicants often have a GPA of 3.8 or higher.

Transferring to WashU requires meticulous attention to detail in the application process. In addition to submitting transcripts, essays, and letters of recommendation, applicants must demonstrate why they are a good fit for the university. They should also be aware of the specific requirements for their intended major and undergraduate division. For example, applicants interested in engineering must have completed an English composition course, two semesters of calculus-based physics, and sufficient calculus to prepare for differential equations.

While the transfer acceptance rate at WashU is low, it is not impossible to gain admission. Applicants should focus on submitting a strong application that showcases their academic achievements, extracurricular involvement, and fit for the university. They should also ensure that they meet the specific requirements for their intended major and division.

Applicants must submit several documents

Washington University in St. Louis requires applicants to submit a variety of documents as part of the transfer admissions process. These documents include:

• High School Transcript: Transfer applicants are required to submit their high school transcript(s) as part of the application process. This allows the admissions committee to evaluate the applicant's academic performance and preparation.
• Essay or Personal Statement: Applicants must submit an essay or personal statement as part of their application. This essay should address the applicant's reasons for transferring to Washington University and their academic interests. It is an opportunity for the applicant to distinguish themselves and showcase their writing abilities.
• Standardized Test Scores: While Washington University has a test-optional policy for applicants, those who choose to submit standardized test scores may do so. The university accepts both SAT and ACT scores, and there is no requirement for the writing section.
• Statement of Good Standing from Prior Institution: Transfer applicants need to provide a statement of good standing from their previous institution(s). This confirms that they left their prior institution(s) in good academic and disciplinary standing.
• Application Form and Fee: Applicants must submit a completed application form, which can be the Common Application or Coalition Application, along with the required non-refundable application fee of $75. Fee waivers are also available upon request.
• Teacher Recommendation and School Report: As part of the application process, transfer applicants are required to submit at least one teacher recommendation. Additionally, a school report is also necessary, which provides an overview of the applicant's academic performance and achievements.
• Official Transcripts of College Work: Official transcripts of all previous college-level coursework are required. These transcripts allow the admissions committee to evaluate the applicant's academic performance at the college level and determine their preparedness for Washington University.
• Transfer Academic Evaluation: A transfer academic evaluation, also known as a letter of recommendation, is required as part of the transfer application. This evaluation provides insights into the applicant's academic performance and potential.
• Transfer Registrar Report: The transfer registrar report, also known as a college report, is an essential component of the transfer application. It provides detailed information about the applicant's previous college experience and academic record.
• Portfolio (for specific programs): Applicants to the College of Art and College of Architecture are required to submit a portfolio of their work. This portfolio should showcase the applicant's artistic abilities, talents, and experiences.
• Proof of English Language Proficiency (for international applicants): International applicants whose first language is not English must provide proof of English language proficiency. This can be demonstrated through standardized tests such as the TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test.
• Financial Documentation (for international applicants): International applicants are required to submit detailed financial information, including statements of funds available and certified bank statements, to ensure they can cover their educational expenses.
• Health Records: All students who plan to enroll at Washington University must submit a completed health history form and provide proof of immunizations, such as the meningococcal vaccine and measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine.

It is important to note that specific requirements may vary depending on the undergraduate division and major the applicant is applying to. Therefore, it is recommended to refer to the official website of Washington University in St. Louis for the most up-to-date and comprehensive information regarding the application process and required documents.

Transfer students must meet academic requirements

Washington University in St. Louis has a selective and competitive transfer admission process. The university receives more applications each year than it has space to admit. The transfer acceptance rate for the 2023-2024 application year was 12.2%, with 215 out of 1,761 transfer applicants accepted.

To be considered for transfer admission, students must meet the following academic requirements:

High School Transcript:

Transfer applicants must have completed secondary school and some college-level courses. They should have earned a high school diploma or its equivalent, including home-schooled students and those with a GED.

College Transcript and GPA:

Transfer applicants must submit official transcripts of all previous college work. Washington University looks for a minimum college GPA of 3.5 or higher on a 4.33-point scale. The exact GPA requirement may vary depending on the specific undergraduate division and major.

Standardized Test Scores:

While Washington University does not require standardized test scores for Fall 2023 admissions, it does consider them as part of the holistic application review process. Accepted tests include the SAT or ACT, and neither the writing section nor SAT Subject Tests are required. Transfer applicants have the option to submit these scores.

Specific Course Requirements:

In addition to the above, Washington University has specific course requirements and recommendations for each of its five undergraduate divisions: Architecture, Art, Arts & Sciences, Business, and Engineering.

• Architecture: Transfer applicants to the College of Architecture must submit a portfolio for review by the faculty. The portfolio should include 12-15 pieces showcasing a range of art experiences, including drawings, work utilizing design principles, and some work in color. While not required, an interview with the associate dean of students is strongly recommended for appropriate placement.
• Art: Transfer applicants to the College of Art must also submit a portfolio through the Common Application. The portfolio should consist of 12-15 pieces demonstrating a variety of art experiences, including drawings, work using design principles, and some work in color. An interview with the associate dean of students is recommended for appropriate placement.
• Arts & Sciences: While there are no specific course requirements, students transferring to the College of Arts & Sciences should refer to the "Finding Your Path" guide for information on IQ Curriculum requirements. Additionally, transfer students who did not take a college writing course at their previous school will be required to take Writing 1 in their first year at Washington University.
• Business: The strongest candidates for the Olin Business School will have completed courses that mirror the academic requirements of first-year and sophomore-level students at Washington University. For instance, sophomore-level transfer candidates should have completed Calculus II and preferably Microeconomics at the college level. Junior-level transfer candidates should have completed additional courses such as financial accounting, microeconomics, macroeconomics, and managerial accounting.
• Engineering: Applicants to the McKelvey School of Engineering must have completed an English composition course, two semesters of calculus-based physics, and sufficient calculus (typically three semesters) to prepare for differential equations. They should also have a strong background in science, particularly chemistry and physics. Applicants interested in specific engineering disciplines, such as biomedical engineering or chemical engineering, may have additional course requirements.

Meeting the minimum academic requirements does not guarantee admission to Washington University in St. Louis. The admissions committee reviews applications holistically, considering various factors such as academic potential, personal characteristics, accomplishments, and extracurricular activities.

The application process is competitive

Washington University in St. Louis has a competitive application process for prospective students, including transfer students. The university is selective and receives more applications than it can accept each year. The transfer acceptance rate for the 2023-2024 application year was 12.2%, with 215 out of 1,761 transfer applicants accepted. The process is rigorous, and the admissions committee reviews each application holistically and individually.

To be considered for transfer admission, applicants must meet specific requirements. They must have completed secondary school and some college-level studies, seeking admission with advanced standing. Additionally, they should intend to enrol full-time in an undergraduate degree programme with a specific academic focus and should not have previously attended any of Washington University's full-time, degree-granting schools.

The application process involves submitting various documents, including high school and college transcripts, letters of recommendation, essays or personal statements, and standardised test scores. The admissions committee also considers factors such as academic performance, personal characteristics, accomplishments, and extracurricular and community involvement.

Transfer applicants are evaluated based on their preparation and academic achievement in their intended area of study. Available spaces in each division vary annually, and strong applicants typically have a minimum GPA of 3.5 or higher and a solid academic performance in a broad curriculum. Specific academic divisions may have additional requirements, such as particular grades in certain courses.

For international transfer applicants, Washington University considers the applicant's financial situation in the admissions decision, and they are required to demonstrate English language proficiency through tests like TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo.

Frequently asked questions