WashU Transfer Acceptance Rate
Washington University in St. Louis admitted approximately 12.2% of transfer applicants for Fall 2023. WashU admits transfers to McKelvey Engineering, Olin Business, Sam Fox Design & Visual Arts, or Arts & Sciences.
WashU transfer admissions, at a glance
WashU transfer figures
WashU reports transfer admit data via its Common Data Set. WashU admits transfers to four undergraduate schools — McKelvey Engineering, Olin Business School, Sam Fox School of Design & Visual Arts, and Arts & Sciences.
| Cycle | Applicants | Admits | Acceptance Rate | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall 2023 | 1,559 | 272 | 12.2% | WashU CDS |
What GPA do you need for WashU?
WashU does not publish a hard GPA floor but recommends 3.2+ for transfer applicants. Most admitted transfers present 3.6+ with substantial completed coursework in their intended major.
McKelvey School of Engineering and Olin Business School are the most competitive entry points within WashU. Pre-med tracks (via Arts & Sciences) also run a high bar — show strong calculus + bio + chem performance.
What competitive WashU transfer applicants look like
Competitive WashU transfer admits share a consistent profile. Below any of these bars, you’re likely competing uphill.
What WashU actually requires
Six non-negotiable pieces. WashU admits to four undergraduate schools, each with distinct requirements. Sam Fox requires a portfolio.
Coursework Requirements
McKelvey: calculus + physics + chemistry. Olin: calculus + economics + statistics helpful. Sam Fox: portfolio required. Arts & Sciences: strong college transcript.
Application Essays
Common App transfer essay + WashU-specific supplements.
Letters of Recommendation
Two academic recommendations from college instructors.
Application Deadlines
April 1 for Fall entry. WashU does not accept spring transfer applications.
Standing & Credits
Minimum one year of college coursework. WashU enters most transfers as sophomores or juniors.
Test Scores
Test-optional policy varies year to year. Many elite privates reinstated SAT/ACT requirements post-2024 — verify WashU’s current policy. If submitting, top-quartile scores strengthen a competitive application.
Not sure if you can transfer to WashU?
Book a free 60-minute consultation. We’ll look at your transcript, your prereqs, and your target majors — and give you a straight read on your chances.
Common transfer mistakes that kill WashU applications
We’ve reviewed thousands of transfer files. These five failures show up more than any other — and each one is fixable if caught early.
- Waiting until senior year to think about transfer.By the time you’re serious about WashU, your junior GPA is already locked in. Winners start planning transfer their first semester of freshman year.
- Assuming your current college’s grade is ‘good enough.’A 3.5 that got you honors at your current college won’t clear WashU. Benchmark against admit medians, not your peers.
- Writing the same personal essay for every school.WashU’s essays reward specific, researched fit. Generic ‘why transfer’ language is the #1 kill signal readers flag.
- Missing a prereq — or completing it at the wrong level.Community-college calc that transfers as elective (not prereq) doesn’t count. Check equivalency BEFORE you register — not after.
- Applying without a strategy for financial aid.Transfer aid pools shrink every year. Some elites cap need-based aid for transfers. Model this before you apply, not after.
Want us to spot these in your file before you submit? Book a 60-minute review →
Popular WashU majors for transfers
WashU’s most popular transfer destinations. Pre-med via Arts & Sciences is a common track; Olin Business runs the tightest competitive bar.
How WashU compares to peers
If WashU is your target, apply to these schools in parallel. Vanderbilt and Emory are peer selectivity; Notre Dame if you want a Catholic option.
Frequently asked questions
What is WashU’s transfer acceptance rate?
Approximately 12.2% for Fall 2023 per WashU’s most recently published Common Data Set data.
When is WashU’s transfer application deadline?
April 1 for Fall start.
Which WashU schools are hardest to transfer into?
McKelvey School of Engineering and Olin Business School run the highest competitive bars.
Does WashU accept the Common App?
Yes — Common App with required WashU-specific supplements.
What is Sam Fox at WashU?
Sam Fox School of Design & Visual Arts is WashU’s college for architecture, art, and design. Transfer applicants need a portfolio review.
Where this data comes from
- WashU OIR — Common Data Sets — D2 transfer admit data
- WashU Admissions — Transfer — deadlines, requirements
Want a real shot at WashU?
WashU’s April 1 deadline gives you extra time — but McKelvey Engineering and Olin Business run tight tracks. We’ll help you position your file for the right undergraduate school.