Why WashU Pre-College?

About WashU

Washington University in St. Louis, or WashU, is counted among the world’s leaders in teaching, research, and public service and draws students and faculty from all 50 states and more than 100 nations. Our mission is to discover and disseminate knowledge and protect the freedom of inquiry through research, teaching, and learning.

We are a community where you can be an individual and achieve remarkable things. We are committed to learning and exploration, discovery, and impact. WashU is a place where you can push the boundaries of what it means to learn. We are enriched by wide-ranging exploration and inspired by big ideas as we create new knowledge for an ever-changing world.

College of Arts & Sciences

Arts & Sciences is the heart of WashU and comprises the core disciplines of the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. Our school includes departments of international and domestic renown ranging from English and Mathematics to Political Science and Anthropology. Our programs and research centers provide a platform for faculty and students to collaborate across traditional academic subject areas, creating new interdisciplinary studies.

Arts & Sciences Pre-College Programs are administered through The College Office, home to the people who make the College of Arts & Sciences hum. The College Office comprises of deans, analysts, and coordinators dedicated to helping students achieve a life of personal meaning and purpose through a liberal arts education.

We commit ourselves each year to the following goals:

• To develop challenging and innovative programming that aligns with the overall WashU mission and goals.

• To provide academic support to enable all students to experience growth in their academic abilities.

• To create a positive, collaborative community by implementing educational, cultural, and social activities for all students.

• To create a safe, respectful environment for all students.

• To offer a variety of enrichment opportunities to support students with the college application process and to prepare them for success both inside and outside of the classroom.

• To introduce students to the undergraduate experience through Arts & Sciences at WashU. Our students come from across the country and around the world for the unique WashU pre-college experience.

Since 1984, Arts & Sciences pre-college programs have provided motivated students the opportunity to challenge themselves in a supportive and encouraging atmosphere.

“As a first-generation college student I am learning the skills in this program that will allow me to be more successful when applying to college.”

-King James “KJ’ rising junior from Cleveland, OH

“Being surrounded by people with similar minds with vastly different personalities and backgrounds was an incredible immersion into the college experience that I will not soon forget.”

-AJ 2017 and 2019 Pre-College Student, Current WashU undergraduate

Why WashU Pre-College?

A question we often hear from parents and students. There are many reasons a pre-college program at WashU stands apart from other universities:

• Commitment to academic success

• Development of college readiness skills

• Dedicated one-on-one support

• Exceptional residential experience

• Clear community expectations and guidelines

Academic Success

Whether students attend a for credit or noncredit program, the benefits are the same. Students gain valuable experience managing time, studying for exams, writing papers, and collaborating with peers. All our programs are taught by WashU-affiliated instructors, including faculty, graduate students, post-docs, and adjuncts. Our office works closely with instructors to ensure an excellent student academic experience.

College Readiness

Through our challenging and innovative programming, students develop skills that prepare them for college success inside and outside the classroom. These skills, such as time management, group collaboration, communication, self-reflection, and critical thinking are the foundation for our daily activities.

90%

of our students report an increase in these skill areas after attending our programs

One-on-one Support

Attending a pre-college program can be an exciting but sometimes challenging experience. We also recognize that each student will have individual needs during the program. Students meet regularly with their program assistants to discuss questions or concerns and gain insight into campus and program resources.

Residential Experience

The opportunity to live on campus in one of WashU’s top-ranked residence halls is one of our students’ favorite aspects of their experience. Students develop independence from learning to live harmoniously with a suitemate to making their own dining choices. And most importantly, students make friendships and memories that last a lifetime.

Community Expectations and Guidelines

By deciding to attend WashU, our students commit themselves to maintain the highest academic and social standards. Students and their parents or guardians are asked to review the Code of Conduct, which outlines expectations for students participating in our programs.

staff to student ratio in our residential programs

College of Arts & Sciences MSC 1117-112-104

Washington University in St. Louis One Brookings Drive St. Louis, MO 63130-4899