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Frequently Asked Questions
Below are some frequently asked questions about applying to our programs. If your question is not addressed below, please feel free to contact us at: summerexperiences@wustl.edu.
Students who are already accepted into one of our programs should visit the Important Information for Accepted Students section of our website to answer questions after acceptance.
I can't afford the full program fee. How do you determine scholarships?
My test scores do not quite meet your requirements. Should I bother to apply?
I know these are competitive programs. What are my chances of being admitted?
I am home schooled. What do I do about recommendation letters and transcript?
I am an international student, what additional information should I include with my application?
I can't afford the full program fee. How do you determine scholarships?
About 85% of students who apply for scholarship assistance receive a scholarship award, which will cover a portion of the program fee. We do not offer full scholarships. You should look for other sources of funding (local church, service clubs and organizations, school) if our offer is not sufficient. Financial assistance is not available for College Access.
I am a current sophomore. Why are some of the courses in your Course Listings for Summer Scholars not available to me?
It is important to remember that these are regular undergraduate college courses that our college students enroll in. Not only are they challenging academically, they are full semester courses compressed into a five-week summer schedule. Sometimes the lack of that extra junior year of experience in balancing work loads and addressing study schedules without parental oversight can prove to be a problem for students who have only completed their sophomore year. We, therefore, place some limits on courses that are available to sophomores.
My test scores do not quite meet your requirements. Should I bother to apply?
The test scores we list are not really eligibility requirements; they are guidelines to give you an idea of what most of our successful applicants look like. If your grades are strong and your recommendations are good, that can overcome lower test scores. This is one reason we ask for several different ways of determining your readiness for such a program, i.e.: transcript, test scores, letters of recommendation. It gives us a more well-rounded picture of you. If you and your recommenders feel you are ready for a pre-college program, you should apply.
I notice the application for Summer Scholars and College Access does not ask for the courses I want. When do I choose my classes?
Upon acceptance into the program, you will receive a packet of information and the enrollment forms to be completed. You will then select the courses you wish to take and return that form to us with a $500 deposit so that we may enroll you in your choices. Most classes do not fill, but it is better to act rather quickly upon receiving the materials to be safe. If a class is filled, we will contact you directly and discuss options.
I know these are competitive programs. What are my chances of being admitted?
We generally accept about 80% of students who apply. For some perspective on this, remember that we publish admission guidelines in the form of expected GPA and test scores. Therefore, the majority of students who apply meet our requirements, and students who would not be competitive tend not to apply.
I want to attend Washington University next year. Will attending any of these programs strengthen my chances of getting in?
Admission to Washington University is extremely competitive, and acceptance to any of our High School Summer Experiences is no assurance that a student will be admitted to the University. That said, if you do well, it can only help you in the University application process by showing that you were able to be successful in Washington University college courses.
I am home schooled. What do I do about recommendation letters and transcript?
We require two letters of recommendation, one from the high school counselor and one from an instructor. Your primary instructing parent should write the counselor letter. Someone else who can speak to your academic abilities should write the teacher recommendation. If you have done any study elsewhere, (taken classes at a local college, music lessons, etc.) that instructor would be a good source. We're looking specifically for someone who can comment on your level of maturity as well as your academic and personal abilities. As for the official transcript, you may submit a listing of the classes taken with final grades, and your parent's certification of mastery. We will, of course, be particularly interested in standardized test scores, such as the PSAT, SAT, ACT or PLAN. You should send a copy of any such score reports directly to us as part of your application.
I am an international student, what additional information should I include with my application?
All applicants without a U.S. passport and who live outside the United States are considered international applicants. You must submit a $70 application fee regardless of when you apply. The fee must be paid either by an international cashier's check or money order drawn on a major U.S. bank in U.S. funds made payable to Washington University. If you are unable to take the SAT or ACT tests, you should submit an additional letter of recommendation from an academic teacher to help compensate for this. We strongly recommend that you take the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language). If you are unable to do so, we will need other supporting documentation for English Proficiency. You should obtain an additional letter of recommendation from an English teacher specifically addressing your English skills, both written and verbal. If you are accepted into the program, you may need an F-1 student visa. We strongly recommend that you submit your program application as soon as possible to allow time for the lengthy and complex visa process.