admissions

On Dec. 12, 707 high school seniors opened their inboxes to learn that they had been accepted early decision to Washington University in St. Louis. But Zussy Chavira Duron of St. Louis got the good news straight from a team of Washington University leaders and the WashU Bear, who traveled to the College Bound St. Louis office to surprise her with an acceptance letter and a full WashU Pledge scholarship.

Washington University in St. Louis will introduce two pilot grants to help low-income first-year students buy college necessities. They include a $500 grant to cover or offset the cost of a computer and a $1,500 startup grant to cover necessities such as books, winter clothing and housing supplies. The grants are for first-year students entering in fall 2019 from families with less than $75,000 in family income or who are receiving a federal Pell Grant.

As part of its ongoing commitment to increasing access and making higher education more affordable for all, Washington University in St. Louis has adopted two new policies designed to remove financial obstacles for students who apply for admission. The changes are effective immediately.

Ronné Patrick Turner, associate vice president of enrollment and dean of admission at Northeastern University, has been appointed vice provost for admissions at Washington University in St. Louis, effective July 1, according to Chancellor Mark S. Wrighton.

Celebration Weekend starts today and runs through Saturday, April 12. About 600 students and their families will tour campus, meet current students and faculty, learn more about research and academic opportunities and enjoy performances from a variety of multicultural groups.

Washington University expects to have more than 29,000 applications for the class that will enter in August and admitted more than 630 students in the early decision round (a little more than 35 percent of the expected freshman class). While the total number of applications received is down slightly this year, the Admissions Office reports another strong and talented group of applicants.

Multicultural Celebration Weekend, April 11-13, welcomes admitted students for a campus visit focused on diverse student life and learning opportunities. Freshman Lela Prichett shows off one of the shirts marking the weekend.

Chancellor Mark S. Wrighton has announced two important promotions, effective Oct. 1. James V. Wertsch, PhD, has been promoted to vice chancellor for international relations, the university official responsible for international programs and initiatives; and John A. Berg has been promoted to vice chancellor for admissions and will continue to preside over admissions and financial aid.

First year MBA students at Olin get a head start on the school year with a two week boot camp that involves serious academic work, team building exercises, career counseling and socializing. Jackson Nickerson, PhD, the Frahm Family Professor of Organization & Strategy, greeted the class with this challenge: “I dare you to take full responsibility to transform your thinking and change your life forever.”  Nickerson teaches a course in critical thinking custom-designed for Olin students.

Prospective undergraduate students can experience life on the Danforth Campus firsthand throughout March and April as WUSTL hosts Spring Preview for the Class of 2014. During Spring Preview, admitted students can take a tour of campus, and undergraduate schools also offer special programs and tours of their facilities.