2025-2026 Washington University in St. Louis

[wysdoc]

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2025-2026 Washington University in St. Louis Secondary Essay Prompts: (same questions, different order)

1. Have you already completed your undergraduate education, have you had your college or graduate education interrupted, or do you plan not to be a full-time student during your application year?
If yes, describe in chronological order your activities during the time(s) when you were not enrolled as a full-time student. (2000 characters)

2. Describe a time or situation where you have been unsuccessful or failed. (3000 characters)

3. Is there anything else you would like to share with the Committee on Admissions? Some applicants use this space to describe their unique backgrounds, lived experiences, obstacles and/or challenges they faced in their journey to medical school. (optional) (3000 characters)

Good luck to all applying!

Interview Feedback:

Washington University-St. Louis School of Medicine Admissions, Tuition & Student Feedback | SDN

Admissions data, tuition, degrees, location, interview feedback, essay prompts, and SDN forum links for WUSTL on SDN Schools Database.

www.studentdoctor.net

 

[Mr.Smile12]

Podcast

Episode 40: Washington University School of Medicine | MD University Program | Case Western Reserve University

This conversation brings you to the Gateway City of St. Louis, Missouri and the Washington University School of Medicine. Wash U SOM has had a lot ...

case.edu

 

[WildWing]

Registration link for summer information series:

WashU Medicine Information Session Registration

Register to attend a virtual information session with Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, Office of Admissions.

wustl.az1.qualtrics.com

 

[pulsatilepony]

@wysdoc

+1 OOS Received

1. Have you already completed your undergraduate education, have you had your college or graduate education interrupted, or do you plan not to be a full-time student during your application year? If yes, describe in chronological order your activities during the time(s) when you were not enrolled as a full-time student. (2000 characters)

2. Describe a time or situation where you have been unsuccessful or failed. (3000 characters)

3. Is there anything else you would like to share with the Committee on Admissions? Some applicants use this space to describe their unique backgrounds, lived experiences, obstacles and/or challenges they faced in their journey to medical school. (optional) (3000 characters)

 

[mfan11]

+1 oos received

 

[johnzhng]

+1 OOS recieved

I am confused on the mstp part where you have to add recommenders. What do they mean by start date and end date?

 

[johnzhng]

MSTP Essay: Briefly describe the area of research you would like to explore in graduate school (1800 Char)

 

[AniKar8]

For "describe in chronological order your activities during the time(s) when you were not enrolled as a full-time student. (2000 characters)" are we expected to list all our activities and leave it at that, or should we expand on some things we might not have gotten to in the primary (if it's continued work) along with what we hope we can learn etc?

i briefly mentioned the nature of the activity and then talked what i learned and how that has better prepared me for being a physician. all i did to address the "chronological order" part of the prompt was add something about when that activity started and when it ended.

 

[Namingishard]

Question 3: is it a good idea for a WHY US essay or better share something else?

 

[AniKar8]

Question 3: is it a good idea for a WHY US essay or better share something else?

if you don't have a unique background/perspective or been through significant challenges (or have anything concerning academically to report), why us is probably best

 

[SilentCavalier]

+1 OOS secondary, MD only

 

[deleted1220651]

+1 OOS secondary MD/PhD

 

[TK1121]

+1 OOS as of last night

 

[garlic_hunter]

I'm an incoming student at WashU Medicine. If you have any questions or need any advice, feel free to reach out. Good luck everyone!

 

[pushingp_remed]

I'm an incoming student at WashU Medicine. If you have any questions or need any advice, feel free to reach out. Good luck everyone!

Can I dm you? (your profile is member-limited as of now)

 

[Namingishard]

My research mentor had her fellowship at WashU. How do I explain it? Should I just simply list the fact or I need to add on some connections to the school? It has a 4000 character limit😳

 

[garlic_hunter]

Can I dm you? (your profile is member-limited as of now)

Yes!

 

[pushingp_remed]

Yes!

Could you open dms?

 

[ant25]

I have a minor in Chemistry, but I do not seem to have the general chem courses they need. Should I still apply and try to explain my courses if I get admitted or not even try. I emailed the school and they told me they don't do review of prereqs until after admission.

 

[dunkcat]

@wysdoc Can you confirm that secondary prompts in the comments are accurate? They appear to be identical to last year's prompts.

 

[next_md]

@wysdoc @ziggy_stardust Here are this year's prompts:

1. Have you already completed your undergraduate education, have you had your college or graduate education interrupted, or do you plan not to be a full-time student during your application year?
Yes/No
Describe in chronological order your activities during the time(s) when you were not enrolled as a full-time student.
2. Describe a time or situation where you have been unsuccessful or failed. (3000 characters)
3. Is there anything else you would like to share with the Committee on Admissions? Some applicants use this space to describe their unique backgrounds, lived experiences, obstacles and/or challenges they faced in their journey to medical school. (optional, 3000 characters)

 

[crackhousehaven]

+1 OOS

 

[zach9975]

Submitted on Monday this week but am still waiting on my Letters of Rec to be "verified" by the adcom for my application marked as complete. Anyone in the same boat?

 

[permasenior]

Submitted on Monday this week but am still waiting on my Letters of Rec to be "verified" by the adcom for my application marked as complete. Anyone in the same boat?

Same here

 

[moltmannfanboi]

Submitted on Monday this week but am still waiting on my Letters of Rec to be "verified" by the adcom for my application marked as complete. Anyone in the same boat?

+1

 

[monkey.d.luffy]

bit urgent: im trying to submit my secondary before the 2 week turnaround but my secondary application is greyed out and i cant click on any of the boxes? anyone know how to fix this?

 

[simplefarmer]

bit urgent: im trying to submit my secondary before the 2 week turnaround but my secondary application is greyed out and i cant click on any of the boxes? anyone know how to fix this?

I also have this issue, it might be a problem on their end

 

[monkey.d.luffy]

I also have this issue, it might be a problem on their end

darn.

 

[sushioctopus]

bit urgent: im trying to submit my secondary before the 2 week turnaround but my secondary application is greyed out and i cant click on any of the boxes? anyone know how to fix this?

I am also having similar issues entering information.

 

[octorDay]

I am also having similar issues entering information.

The issue has not been resolved as of now for me as well.

 

[sushiscallop]

The issue has not been resolved as of now for me as well.

I was having the same issue last night but it is working for me now.

 

[garlic_hunter]

bit urgent: im trying to submit my secondary before the 2 week turnaround but my secondary application is greyed out and i cant click on any of the boxes? anyone know how to fix this?

Note that the 2-week turnaround rule for secondary applications is only applicable to a few programs that explicitly state that you need to submit the application before a set deadline. Most programs do not care when you submit your secondary application, so don't stress too much over the supposed two week rule.

 

[kemkeys]

Note that the 2-week turnaround rule for secondary applications is only applicable to a few programs that explicitly state that you need to submit the application before a set deadline. Most programs do not care when you submit your secondary application, so don't stress too much over the supposed two week rule.

I’m not sure if this is good advice. You should always aim for a fast turnover time to maximize chances. The earlier the better, even if it’s a minimal effect at certain schools.

 

[zach9975]

Did anyone ever end up getting a completed email from WashU?

 

[texasvandy]

Did anyone ever end up getting a completed email from WashU?

This is the most mysterious email in the universe. No one can be certain when this school gives one to each applicant.

 

[prayingfora]

Did anyone ever end up getting a completed email from WashU?

I got one at the same time I submitted my secondary

 

[next_md]

I got one at the same time I submitted my secondary

Same here

 

[garlic_hunter]

I’m not sure if this is good advice. You should always aim for a fast turnover time to maximize chances. The earlier the better, even if it’s a minimal effect at certain schools.

This issue has been discussed extensively on this forum over the years. We are relatively early in the application cycle, and taking a few more days to refine your essays before submitting will likely have no or negligent impact on your chance of getting an interview invite at at elite programs. There is no difference between submitting your secondary application after 10 days versus 15 days in July, unless the school explicitly recommends or requires you to submit before a set deadline.

 

[Doc.Prosecco]

How long should a secondary email arrive after applying to WashU on AMCAS? I've waited nearly a week.

 

[LelouchLamperouge]

How long should a secondary email arrive after applying to WashU on AMCAS? I've waited nearly a week.

Patience, my friend

 

[Doc.Prosecco]

Patience, my friend

Yes, I'll keep patience. I still asked as last year I applied to this school and they sent a secondary the day after. So this year seems different, but uncertain if it's me only.

 

[wizard678]

How long should a secondary email arrive after applying to WashU on AMCAS? I've waited nearly a week.

WashU doesnt screen so it will be coming. The prompts are known, use this time to edit as needed.

 

[saran_wrap]

Yes, I'll keep patience. I still asked as last year I applied to this school and they sent a secondary the day after. So this year seems different, but uncertain if it's me only.

I had the same issue, sent them an email and had the secondary sent to me in the same day

 

[fisher22]

Anyone know if submitting after the 2-week recommended deadline will be a red flag for the school? I'm coming up on Day 19....will probably be able to get the secondary done today but didn't realize they "strongly recommend" submitting within 2 weeks.

 

[FuturePediatricNeurosurge]

Anyone know if submitting after the 2-week recommended deadline will be a red flag for the school? I'm coming up on Day 19....will probably be able to get the secondary done today but didn't realize they "strongly recommend" submitting within 2 weeks.

Would anyone’s answer change whether or not you submit? Obviously it’s less than ideal but if they weren’t willing to overlook it then it would be a strict deadline like UCLA’s

 

[decrepit2023]

OOS II!!!!

 

[misosoop]

OOS II!!!!

congrats! when were you complete?

 

[decrepit2023]

congrats! when were you complete?

7/14

 

[deleted1221182]

7/14

congrats! LM?

 

[rna04]

+1 OOS II! Submitted 6/29