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 a competitive WashU transfer applicant looks like
Competitive WashU transfer admits share a consistent profile. Below any of these bars, you’re likely competing uphill.
WashU Application Requirements
Application Essays
Common App transfer essay + WashU-specific supplements.
Letters of Recommendation
Two academic recommendations from college instructors.
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.
Interested in transferring to WashU?
Book a 1-hour Zoom consultation with “The Goat” — a Stanford transfer student turned advisor, who’s spent the last decade helping applicants transfer into elite schools.
Why most WashU transfer applications get rejected
Most rejections trace back to one of five patterns. Here’s what they are — and how to fix them before you apply.
- Not having strong extracurriculars.A strong GPA isn’t enough — admissions officers want to see sustained commitment and leadership outside the classroom.
- Not having a competitive GPA.AOs need to know you can handle the coursework.
- Not telling a story that catches the AO’s attention.A list of accomplishments isn’t a narrative. The strongest essays connect who you are, why you’re transferring, and why WashU specifically — in a way that’s memorable, not generic.
- Not having a compelling reason to transfer.“I want a bigger school” or “better opportunities” reads as vague. Admissions officers want a specific, personal reason tied to your goals and to WashU.
- Not having strong personal recommendation letters.A rushed request to a professor who barely knows you shows. Build real relationships early so your recommenders can speak to specifics, not generalities.
Want us to spot these in your file before you submit? Book a 60-minute review →
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.