Washington University in St. Louis persists in attracting exceptional students from all over the United States and internationally. The Class of 2029 marks the second-largest cohort in the university’s history, consisting of 1,963 individuals hailing from 49 states and 29 nations. Amid the ongoing adaptation of American universities to federal regulations that have altered their recruitment and admissions processes, WashU’s new class showcases a diverse range of backgrounds and viewpoints.
“Essentially, WashU is convinced that when gifted individuals from varied experiences, backgrounds, perspectives, and academic pursuits apply, a vibrant community can be fostered,” stated Ronné Turner, vice provost for undergraduate enrollment and student financial aid. “The Class of 2029 embodies all those qualities — skilled, collaborative, and eager to make meaningful contributions to our university community.”
The university granted admission to approximately 12% of its 33,283 applicants. Of these, 23% are eligible for Pell Grants (a federal program assisting students with substantial financial need). Sixteen percent of the students are first-generation college attendees. Approximately 42% of students are awarded financial aid, with an average aid package exceeding $75,000. Students from rural areas account for 8% of the incoming class, while 5% qualify for the WashU Pledge, which aids students from Missouri and southern Illinois whose families earn $75,000 or less annually.
Here, Turner discusses why WashU’s international numbers remain robust, reflects on the achievements of WashU’s college access initiatives, and anticipates the effects of the “demographic cliff.”
WashU continues to enroll a considerable number of first-generation and Pell-eligible students. However, there was a slight decrease this year. What occurred?
This admissions cycle was quite intricate. We recognized the possibility that many of our admitted international students might face challenges securing a visa. In anticipation of summer melt, we were able to extend offers to more students on our waitlist. Ultimately, summer melt was less than expected, leading to a larger incoming class. This impact altered the overall percentages.
Are you surprised that such a large number of international students applied to WashU considering the evolving federal regulations and student visa cancellations?
What I’ve discovered during international recruitment is that families from abroad still greatly value an education in the U.S. They remain enthusiastic about their children gaining admission to WashU, and we emphasize that their students are welcome and that we have numerous support services in place for them.
What is your message to students who highly value having a diverse community?
It is crucial for us to recruit and enroll a class composed of students from all walks of life. This enhances our class and campus atmosphere. To students who are concerned about the diversity of our cohort, I encourage continued engagement in the WashU community. Their involvement is pivotal in fostering an inclusive and open environment for everyone. While there are legal constraints influencing our recruitment methods, our institutional values remain unwavering. We are steadfast in our commitment to supporting students with diverse experiences, backgrounds, and perspectives. This cohort chose WashU because they resonate with that mission. Consequently, the more we welcome students with a range of backgrounds and viewpoints into our classrooms and extracurricular activities, the better we can attract individuals who align with our institutional principles. Furthermore, we have adapted our data reporting practices (see chart), which has influenced the appearance of this year’s percentages.
Many critics of higher education admissions equate merit with test scores and grades. How do you interpret merit?
We assess merit through the lens of our WashU principles. Merit encompasses more than just a cumulative GPA or test results because of the differing educational options and experiences available to students. Some institutions utilize weighted grades while others do not. Some employ a five-point grading scale, and some do not. Some offer AP or honors courses; others do not. Thus, focusing solely on a GPA number or a test score does not necessarily provide insight into a student’s preparedness for a place like WashU. Strong academic performance and a challenging course load can demonstrate that a student is engaged and knows how to study. However, what we truly aim to ascertain is how well the student has capitalized on the academic opportunities within their educational setting.
We also seek to understand whether a student will contribute positively to our community. We evaluate their engagement within their school or local community. This is significant because our campus offers numerous opportunities, and a background rooted in involvement and success signals the potential for achievement. We take recommendations very seriously, as they provide insight into how a student enriches their community. At WashU, we pride ourselves on being a collaborative and supportive environment, and when recommenders describe students eager to assist others or effectively collaborate on projects, that holds great importance.
Regarding test results, will WashU continue its test-optional policy?
We have diligently analyzed the implications of the test-optional policy, originally implemented due to COVID and the absence of testing access for students. We recently graduated our inaugural class that was admitted under this policy. We are closely monitoring the data and expect the university to decide on our test-optional approach sometime this year. However, we will remain test-optional for the Class of 2030.
Ten individuals from the inaugural cohort of WashU’s Rural Scholars Academy and 10 College Prep Program graduates are part of the Class of 2029. Many of them will attend WashU at no expense through the WashU Pledge. Can you elaborate on the effectiveness of these access programs?
It’s immensely gratifying. One of the foremost challenges faced by first-generation and low-income students is their limited exposure to the nuances of succeeding in the college admissions landscape, particularly in selective admissions scenarios. The Rural Scholars Academy excelled in equipping these capable students for that journey. The College Prep Program, while somewhat different, focuses primarily on enhancing the college enrollment rates for talented first-generation and low-income students from the St. Louis area. We aim to broaden their understanding, open their minds to possibilities, and prepare them for any collegiate choice they make. For some, that might involve a distant institution; for others, it might mean community college. We’re thrilled that for 10 of those graduates, WashU emerged as the optimal choice.
There is much discussion regarding the ‘demographic cliff’ that colleges will face due to dwindling birthrates. Does WashU’s acceptance rate of 12% shield us from this trend?
Not necessarily. While we don’t believe we will be as affected as some smaller liberal arts colleges, the demographic cliff is on everyone’s mind. We have regional admissions representatives in Atlanta and Texas, with plans to introduce an officer in the West, as that region shows growth in prospective college students. We continue efforts to elevate the university’s visibility and brand reputation. There are still individuals unaware of who we are or mistakenly think we are located in Seattle or Washington, D.C. Our team is actively working to ensure prospective students and their families are familiar with the WashU name and its narrative.
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