Getting into Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine
Washington University in St. Louis is one of the country's most research-intensive medical schools, and it's made news for holding tuition flat for years while reviewing applicants residency-blind. No admission odds here, just verified facts and how to read them.
Updated September 2026 · 2026–2027 cycle · figures cited to WashU's official admissions pages
What is WashU's mission — and what does it signal?
WashU Medicine frames its work around advancing human health through excellence, equity, and evidence-based care in an inclusive community.3 The signal for applicants is a serious, research-forward culture that's also explicit about equity and access. If you value rigorous science and you can speak to why care should reach everyone, you'll recognize the school's language in your own.
What makes WashU distinctive?
A few things stand out.3 WashU is deeply research-intensive, with a large MD-PhD program and strong basic-science departments. It reviews applicants residency-blind — where you live doesn't tilt your read, and it draws nationally. And it's held tuition essentially flat for years, a rare and applicant-friendly stance in an era of steady increases. Together those make WashU a distinctive pick for research-minded students who want cost predictability.
What GPA and MCAT does WashU look for?
The Entering Class of 2025 posted a mean GPA of 3.88 and a mean total MCAT of 520.1 Two honest notes: these are means, and they cover the class of 93, which includes 30 MD-PhD students, rather than MD-only. WashU doesn't publish a science GPA. As always, a mean is the center of gravity of a strong class, not a line you must clear.
How does WashU review applicants — and what does it ask for?
Review is holistic and, notably, residency-blind.2 WashU asks for three letters (up to four); a committee letter may substitute.2 On the extra screens: the AAMC PREview is required, so budget time to take it. Labs are recommended but not strictly required for the prerequisites — still, confirm the current cycle's specifics before you apply.
Does WashU use the MMI — and what is the interview like?
WashU uses a traditional interview, not an MMI: typically two virtual Zoom interviews of about 25 minutes each — commonly one open-file and one closed-file (the closed-file interviewer hasn't read your application in advance).2 The closed-file format means you'll want to be able to tell your own story cleanly, without assuming the interviewer knows your file.
How much does WashU cost — and where do graduates match?
WashU lists MD tuition of about $67,968 — and it's held tuition roughly flat for years, which makes it one of the more cost-predictable elite privates.4 That's still tuition only, before fees, insurance, and living costs, so confirm the full cost of attendance and aid. On outcomes, WashU reported a 2025 residency match around 95% (above the national rate), led by internal medicine, with general surgery, pediatrics, ophthalmology, and others well represented.1
A research-first school that's unusually honest about cost.
WashU pairs a serious research culture with two applicant-friendly stances: residency-blind review and a years-long tuition freeze. The means are the center of a strong, blended class, not a gate. If you're research-minded and value cost predictability and equity, that's the story WashU is built to hear. A read on fit, not a prediction — we publish no odds.
See exactly where you stand — at WashU and every school on your list
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Frequently asked
What GPA and MCAT do you need for WashU School of Medicine?
The Entering Class of 2025 posted a mean GPA of 3.88 and a mean total MCAT of 520. These are means for the combined MD/MD-PhD class, not cutoffs, and WashU reviews holistically.
Does WashU use an MMI?
No. WashU uses a traditional interview — typically two virtual Zoom interviews of about 25 minutes each, commonly one open-file and one closed-file — rather than a multiple-mini-interview.
What does residency-blind admissions mean at WashU?
It means where you live doesn't tilt how your application is read — there's no in-state preference, and WashU draws applicants nationally.
Does WashU require the AAMC PREview?
Yes. WashU requires the AAMC PREview, so plan time to complete it. Confirm the current cycle's specifics on WashU's admissions page.
How much is tuition at WashU School of Medicine?
WashU lists MD tuition of about $67,968 and has held tuition roughly flat for years — tuition only, before fees, insurance, and living costs.
What is WashU's residency match like?
WashU reported a 2025 residency match around 95% (above the national rate), led by internal medicine, with general surgery, pediatrics, ophthalmology, and others well represented.
Sources — WashU official pages
- Entering-class means, class size & match: mdadmissions.wustl.edu — who chooses WU
- Requirements, letters, PREview & interview: mdadmissions.wustl.edu — requirements
- Mission, research culture & tuition freeze: mdadmissions.wustl.edu
- Tuition & cost of attendance (confirm current figure): mdadmissions.wustl.edu — cost & aid
Preceptorly is not affiliated with this school and does not represent it. Figures are the school's own most recently published class data and are averages, medians, or ranges as labeled — not cutoffs. No acceptance rate or admission odds are shown or implied; this page does not predict admission. Tuition is the published tuition line only, before fees, insurance, and living costs. Always confirm current requirements and figures on the school's official pages.