What Is WashU’s Waitlist Acceptance Rate?
WashU’s waitlist is defined by its inconsistency. The university admitted zero students from the waitlist in four recent cycles (Classes of 2026, 2019, 2017, and 2015). In years when the waitlist is used, WashU can admit up to several hundred students. The 61% ED fill rate structurally limits waitlist availability: with most of the class locked in through binding early rounds, fewer RD spots exist, and therefore fewer spots can open through the waitlist. For WashU acceptance rate data, see our analysis. For how this compares, see our waitlist rates comparison and Ivy League waitlist comparison.
| Class | Waitlisted | Admitted | Notable |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class of 2028 | ~3,000 | ~100 | Moderately active |
| Class of 2027 | ~2,500 | ~150 | Active year |
| Class of 2026 | ~2,000 | 0 | Zero admits |
| Class of 2025 | ~2,000 | ~200 | Active (COVID yield) |
| Class of 2019 | ~1,800 | 0 | Zero admits |
Source: WashU CDS, Ivy Coach analysis, 2015-2025.
Why Does WashU Skip the Waitlist Some Years?
WashU’s 61% ED fill rate gives it strong yield predictability. When ED yield is high and RD yield meets expectations, the class fills without needing the waitlist. The four zero-admit years all coincided with strong yield cycles. As WashU’s ED percentage continues to climb, zero-admit years may become more common.
When Does WashU Notify Waitlisted Students?
WashU typically releases waitlist decisions between mid-May and late June, after the May 1 deposit deadline. In years when WashU does not use its waitlist, students may not receive formal notification until summer. Commit to your best alternative by May 1.
How to Write a WashU LOCI That Works
WashU values intellectual curiosity, cross-disciplinary exploration, and community engagement. Your LOCI should reference specific programs (Olin Business School, the Brown School for social work, the interdisciplinary “Boundless” curriculum), campus culture, or research opportunities. Include one meaningful update. State clearly that WashU is your first choice. For a template, see our LOCI guide. For essay strategy, see our Common App essay guide. For broader waitlist strategy, see our complete waitlist guide.
How Does WashU’s Waitlist Compare to Peer Schools?
| School | WL Pattern | Zero-Admit Years? |
|---|---|---|
| WashU | 0 to ~200 | Yes (4 recent years) |
| Vanderbilt | 5-10% | No |
| Rice | 0 to 150+ | Yes (1 year) |
| Notre Dame | 0-48% | Yes (4 years) |
| Tufts | 35.72% | No (uses it 7/10 years) |
Source: Common Data Sets, 2020-2025.
Final Thoughts: Your WashU Waitlist Action Plan
Accept your waitlist spot. Write a cross-disciplinary LOCI referencing WashU’s unique programs. Commit to your alternative by May 1. Be realistic: WashU has admitted zero students from the waitlist in 4 recent years. But when it does move, it can move significantly. For personalized strategy, schedule a consultation with Oriel Admissions. For recommendation strategy, see our recommendation letter guide.
Yes, frequently. WashU admitted 0 students from the waitlist for the Classes of 2026, 2019, 2017, and 2015. The 61% ED fill rate gives WashU strong yield predictability, reducing the need for the waitlist in years when yield is high.
Yes. Vanderbilt has not had a zero-admit waitlist year in recent memory, while WashU has had four. Vanderbilt’s rates (5-10%) are more consistent. WashU’s all-or-nothing pattern makes it one of the riskiest waitlists among top-20 schools.
The 61% ED fill rate. With most of the class locked in through binding early rounds, WashU’s yield is highly predictable. When predictions are accurate, the waitlist stays untouched. When they miss (usually due to unexpected RD yield drops), WashU may pull 100-200 students quickly.
Only if you applied to Olin. If you applied to Arts & Sciences or Engineering, reference programs within those schools instead. Each school within WashU has separate admissions, and your LOCI should match the school you applied to.
Yes. WashU meets 100% of demonstrated financial need for all admitted students, including those from the waitlist.
Typically mid-May to late June, after the May 1 deposit deadline. In zero-admit years, WashU may not formally notify waitlisted students until late summer.
Not officially, but practically the odds are low. With four zero-admit years in recent memory, a WashU waitlist decision is closer to a rejection than at most peer schools. Stay on if WashU is genuinely your first choice, but plan to enroll at your alternative.
Hindsight is clear: with 61% of the class filled through ED and a 25% ED acceptance rate vs ~8% RD, applying ED is practically necessary for competitive odds at WashU. If you plan to apply again as a transfer or reapplicant, consider ED timing.
