Washington and Lee University supplemental essays, 2026-27
Washington and Lee University lists 5 supplemental questions for 2026-27 (0 required). None is a direct "why us" question, so strong drafts from other schools can often be adapted.
The 5 prompts
In the order the school lists them. A limit appears only where the school prints one.
There are over 8,200 accredited colleges and universities in the U.S. alone. You have chosen to apply to Washington and Lee University. Please describe how you have familiarized yourself with W&L and what aspects of its community are most exciting to you.
What it asks for: community you belong to.
Please describe an aspect of your life outside of school that is important to you, such as an extracurricular activity, a job, or a family responsibility. How has your involvement shaped your personal qualities and growth, and how has it impacted those around you?
What it asks for: community you belong to.
W&L's mission statement focuses on preparing graduates for lifelong learning in a global and diverse society. Engaging with faculty, staff, and classmates with diverse identities, experiences, and perspectives is an essential component of our education. Recognizing that diversity takes many forms, what diverse aspect would you bring to W&L?
What it asks for: identity and background.
Reveal to us how your curious mind works by sharing something you spend considerable time thinking or learning about.
What it asks for: intellectual curiosity.
On a residential college campus with a Speaking Tradition that encourages connections between individuals, using each other's names matters. Please share the story of any name you go by and what significance it holds for you.
What it asks for: personal story.
Source: Washington and Lee University, read October 24, 2026. Confirm the prompts in your application before you submit.
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Questions
1. There are over 8,200 accredited colleges and universities in the U.S. alone. You have chosen to apply to Washington and Lee University. Please describe how you have familiarized yourself with W&L and what aspects of its community are most exciting to you. (250 words) 2. Please describe an aspect of your life outside of school that is important to you, such as an extracurricular activity, a job, or a family responsibility. How has your involvement shaped your personal qualities and growth, and how has it impacted those around you? (250 words) 3. W&L's mission statement focuses on preparing graduates for lifelong learning in a global and diverse society. Engaging with faculty, staff, and classmates with diverse identities, experiences, and perspectives is an essential component of our education. Recognizing that diversity takes many forms, what diverse aspect would you bring to W&L? (250 words) 4. Reveal to us how your curious mind works by sharing something you spend considerable time thinking or learning about. (250 words) 5. On a residential college campus with a Speaking Tradition that encourages connections between individuals, using each other's names matters. Please share the story of any name you go by and what significance it holds for you. (250 words)
Optional "Why W&L?" Written Statement: 250 words; Optional Short-Answer Prompt Option 1: 250 words; Optional Short-Answer Prompt Option 2: 250 words; Optional Short-Answer Prompt Option 3: 250 words; Optional Short-Answer Prompt Option 4: 250 words.
These prompts ask about community you belong to, identity and background, intellectual curiosity, personal story. Answers about a community, a challenge or an activity often adapt from drafts for other schools; My Schools maps which of your drafts fits which prompt.
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