Washington and Lee University essay prompts
2025-26verified Washington and Lee University admissions
These are the most recent published prompts. Final 2026-27 supplements typically land by early August. These are the most recent prompts Kolly has verified for this school. Schools typically publish final 2026-27 supplements by early August; check the official source below before submitting.
Why W&L
There are over 8,200 accredited colleges and universities in the U.S. alone. You have chosen to apply to Washington and Lee University. Please describe how you have familiarized yourself with W&L and what aspects of its community are most exciting to you.
250 words max · Required
Life Outside School
Please describe an aspect of your life outside of school that is important to you, such as an extracurricular activity, a job, or a family responsibility. How has your involvement shaped your personal qualities and growth, and how has it impacted those around you?
250 words max · Required
Diversity
W&L's mission statement focuses on preparing graduates for lifelong learning in a global and diverse society. Engaging with faculty, staff, and classmates with diverse identities, experiences, and perspectives is an essential component of our education. Recognizing that diversity takes many forms, what diverse aspect would you bring to W&L?
250 words max · Required
Intellectual Curiosity
Reveal to us how your curious mind works by sharing something you spend considerable time thinking or learning about.
250 words max · Required
Johnson Scholarship — Art & Influence
To promote literature in this rising empire and to encourage the arts, have ever been amongst the warmest wishes of my heart" (George Washington, 1798, first president of the United States and first major benefactor of Washington and Lee University). Describe a work of art that has influenced you, and discuss the impact it has had on you.
800 words max · Required
Johnson Scholarship — Nonlinear Path
In mathematics, the shortest distance between two points on a flat surface is a straight line. While geometry is predictable, sometimes daily life is not. Reflect on a time when your path was not as simple or direct as anticipated. How did you manage, and what did you learn?
800 words max · Required
Johnson Scholarship — Authentic Self-Representation
We live in a world in which much of our self-representation is curated online via short-lived social media 'stories' and disappearing photos. What photo or other representation of yourself is authentically you? What does it say about your growth into the person you are today and the person you want to become?
800 words max · Required
About the application
Applies via the Common App.
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Common questions
- What are the Washington and Lee University essay prompts for 2025-26?
- Washington and Lee University lists Why W&L (1 prompt); Life Outside School (1 prompt); Diversity (1 prompt); Intellectual Curiosity (1 prompt); Johnson Scholarship — Art & Influence (1 prompt); Johnson Scholarship — Nonlinear Path (1 prompt); Johnson Scholarship — Authentic Self-Representation (1 prompt) for 2025-26.
- How many essays does Washington and Lee University require?
- Washington and Lee University requires 7 essays based on the published group instructions for 2025-26. The page lists 7 required and 0 optional prompts.
- What are the word limits for the Washington and Lee University supplemental essays?
- The published word and character limits are 250 words max, 800 words max.