Washington University in St. Louis renowned for its academic excellence, sets high standards for its applicants. This article explores the ACT scores and requirements specific to WashU. Be sure to check out our other post that discusses WashU’s SAT stats and requirements!
What is the average ACT score at Washington University in St. Louis?
In keeping with its reputation of academic excellence, WashU’s average composite ACT score falls around a 34, out of the maximum possible 36 points. This is significantly higher than the national average of approximately 21. Meanwhile, the 25th percentile score is a strong 33, and the 75th percentile reaches an impressive 35.
From these statistics, we can see that the lowest 25% of scorers achieved a 33 or below, while the highest 25% of scorers had a 35 or above. These numbers demonstrate the high standards WashU holds for its students. However, the range also shows that there is no one number that applicants must achieve for admission.
What is the average ACT English score at Washington University in St. Louis?
The ACT composite score is the average of the scores a student achieves on each of the four test sections: English, mathematics, reading, and science. Let’s break down the WashU ACT English score statistics.
The average ACT English score at WashU among admitted students ranges between 34 and 36, which are the 25th and 75th percentiles respectively. Meanwhile, the 50th percentile score is a 35. These statistics show that WashU students perform very well on the English section of the ACT, with the majority achieving perfect or nearly perfect scores. Still, there is no minimum score required for admission.
What is the average ACT Math score at Washington University in St. Louis?
The average ACT Math score falls between the 25th and 75th percentiles of 31 and 35 respectively. In addition, an ACT Math score of 35 would place you around the middle 50% of scorers at WashU. While these scores are a bit lower than the English section scores, they are still quite high when compared to the national averages. However, there is no one particular benchmark that applicants must meet.
What are Washington University in St. Louis’s ACT requirements?
For the upcoming admissions cycle, WashU is test-optional. This policy is effective for applicants seeking admission through the fall semester of 2024. Because of this policy, applicants can decide for themselves whether to submit standardized test scores. Students who are unable to or who elect not to submit their test scores will not face discrimination in the admissions process because of this choice. Note that WashU does not require the optional Writing section of the ACT.
WashU allows applicants to self-report their ACT scores. This option that makes the application process more accessible as there are no added fees required to apply. That said, if you are accepted to and enroll at WashU and submitted only self-reported scores, you will then be asked to send official score reports from testing agencies.
More details about WashU’s SAT requirements can be found on their Application Guidelines webpage.
What percent of Washington University in St. Louis applicants submit the ACT?
Among admitted applicants, 33% submitted ACT scores. Further, 27% of students submitted SAT scores. The remaining approximate 40% omitted standardized test scores from their application.
From these statistics, we can see that roughly equal percentages of students chose to submit the SAT versus the ACT for the WashU application. WashU’s admissions committee does not prefer one of these tests over the other. While standardized test scores are not required, they can add another dimension to your application. Still, the largest percentage did not submit standardized test scores, so there is clearly no issue with omitting scores if you do not wish for them to be considered.
Should I go test-optional?
Submitting a high SAT or ACT score can only help an applicant’s chances for admission to a competitive school like WashU. We recommend that any student with the means to do so should take the SAT or ACT. If the test goes well and you achieve a competitive score, it will boost your application. If not, you can choose to omit the score on your WashU application. Giving yourself a chance to perform well should only help, and poor scores can always be left off of a WashU application without penalty.
Once you have received your scores, consider them in the context of the school’s average scores to decide whether to submit to a test-optional school like WashU that uses a holistic admissions approach. At Washington University in St. Louis, the SAT score averages are in the 1500 to 1570 range on average. If your scores fall within or above those 25th to 75th percentile ranges, they may be worth submitting. Again, sending in a strong score will boost your application, but choosing not to do so will not hurt your chances. Ultimately, this is a personal decision based on your strengths.
Does Washington University in St. Louis superscore the ACT?
WashU creates superscores for its applicants. This means that they consider the highest individual section scores across all test dates that applicants submit. Therefore, it is in your favor to consider submitting multiple test scores if you feel that they demonstrate your ability more fully than a single test score.
What’s a good ACT score for Washington University in St. Louis?
WashU does not have specific SAT score requirements or cutoffs, and a range of scores are accepted. That being said, most admitted WashU students have high standardized testing scores. The statistics mentioned above show that the average score is around 34. Thus, shooting for a score at or above the average would put you in a good position.
Further, the upper 25% of WashU students scored a 35 or higher. This is likely with a considerable number of perfect scorers among them. As expected, a “good” SAT score for WashU is quite high. That said, among the 25% of students who achieved a 33 or below, there is possibly an even wider array of scores accepted.
| Section | 25th | 50th | 75th |
|---|---|---|---|
| Composite | 33 | 34 | 35 |
| English | 34 | 35 | 36 |
| Math | 31 | 34 | 35 |
Can I get into Washington University in St. Louis with a low ACT?
Getting into WashU with a low ACT score is difficult, but possible. “Low” is a relative term, of course. Below-average scores for WashU are still quite high when compared to the national averages. The lower quartile ACT score at WashU is a 33. This means that WashU students in the lowest 25% scored at or below a 33. With this in mind, it would be in an applicant’s best interest to aim for the lower quartile, if not higher.
However, it is still possible to get into WashU with an ACT score below the 25th percentile of admitted students. Applicants who demonstrate strong academic and extracurricular performance can stand out in other ways. A student with a below-average score who demonstrates leadership and initiative through a community service project may be judged more favorably than an applicant with an above-average score who doesn’t demonstrate initiative outside of studying and testing.
Therefore, while scores are important, they are not the only thing an prospective college applicant should devote their time to. Students should also focus on extracurricular passions and/or projects, as well as grades and teacher recommendations, which are just as important, if not more so, than standardized test scores.
When should I take the ACT for Washington University in St. Louis?
For students who plan to submit applications during their senior year, the best time to take the SAT for WashU is generally during the preceding junior spring semester. Students applying Early Decision I must submit their scores by November 1, and those applying Early Decision II or Regular Decision must submit their scores by January 2. Therefore, students must take their last SAT at least early enough to have received their scores by the applicable deadline.
Test results from any of the student’s high school years are acceptable. In addition, WashU considers only the highest individual scores, regardless of when they occurred.
What is Washington University in St. Louis’s ACT code?
WashU’s ACT code for submitting official test scores is 2386.
While WashU no longer requires applicants to submit ACT or SAT test scores, the standards for those who do choose to submit scores are still quite high. Choosing not to take the exams or to omit scores from an application will not harm an applicant, but sending a good score can only help. Ultimately, the decision of whether to take and submit exam scores is a personal decision to be evaluated in the context of an applicant’s strengths, goals, and priorities. If you are considering the SAT instead, be sure to check out our breakdown of SAT scores at Washington University in St. Louis!
