The most accurate AI grader for WashU essays.
Kolly was built and calibrated on hundreds of thousands of essays from students who actually got into Washington University in St Louis and the rest of the T20.
WashU essay prompts for 2026-27
Copy the prompt you are answering into the prompt field above, then paste your draft, so the readers grade the answer against the question it has to answer.
These are the most recent WashU prompts Kolly has verified, checked . WashU may have updated them since, so check Washington University in St Louis admissions before you submit.
Beyond Boundaries (BB applicants only)
In about 250 words, tell us what great challenge you might want to understand and tackle leveraging two or more of WashU's schools and how you would pursue an interdisciplinary path of study that explores that challenge or an aspect of that challenge in a unique and innovative way.
300 words max · Required
Academic Intellectual Interest
In about 250 words, tell us about something that really sparks your intellectual interest and curiosity, and compels you to explore more in the program/area of study that you indicated. It could be an idea, book, project, cultural activity, work of art, start-up, music, movie, research, innovation, question, or other pursuit.
300 words max · Required
Who Are You? — Community (Optional)
WashU supports engagement in the St. Louis community by considering the university as 'In St. Louis, For St. Louis.' What is a community you are a part of and your place or impact within it?
250 words max · Optional
Community
Tell us about a community you have been a part of and your role within it. How will you contribute to the WashU community?
200 words max · Required
Why Major
Please tell us what you are interested in studying at WashU and why.
200 words max · Required
Who Are You? — Story (Optional)
WashU strives to know every undergraduate student 'By Name & Story.' How have your life experiences shaped your story?
250 words max · Optional
Destination
Tell us about a destination or place that has been important to your life. How and why is this destination significant to you? (Maximum 200 words)
200 words max · Required
Transfer
Please tell us why you wish to transfer to Washington University in St. Louis. (Maximum 200 words)
200 words max · Required
Identity & Community
Washington University in St. Louis is a community of individuals from many different backgrounds. What about your personal background, perspective, or experiences would enrich the WashU community? (Maximum 200 words)
200 words max · Required
Academic Interest
If you are applying to one of WashU’s four undergraduate divisions or programs (Arts & Sciences, McKelvey School of Engineering, Olin Business School, or Sam Fox School of Design & Visual Arts), please tell us what specifically draws you to your intended area of study at WashU. (Maximum 200 words)
200 words max · Required
All WashU supplemental essays, with word limits and the published source.
How Kolly grades a WashU essay
The grade covers the same six dimensions as every Kolly read: hook, theme, detail, authenticity, reflection, and writing, each scored from 0 to 5. The big number is a percentile that shows where your draft lands among accepted essays of the same type from top US schools. WashU readers, like their counterparts at peer schools, read fast and form an impression in the first paragraph. The verdict quotes the line that lands and names the weakest moment, so you know what to fix first.
Why Kolly instead of a ChatGPT read
ChatGPT and other general models grade against writing in general, which is not what WashU readers do. Kolly grades against essays that got in, and four readers argue over the draft before they vote, so a polished answer that says nothing specific gets called out instead of praised. The quick read is free without an account. A free Kolly account adds the full review: a stronger scoring model, notes on each paragraph, and a fix-it plan.
Grading your personal statement?
Use the main college essay grader for a Common App essay that goes to every school on your list. For acceptance rates, test scores, and cost, see Washington University in St Louis admissions.