Online application questions

We encourage all applicants to review the questions below before submitting their application. Applicants should reflect on how they plan to respond to each question, while being mindful of the time each response is taking them.

WUSAs often connect students with resources they might not even know exist. What’s one campus resource or opportunity that’s been meaningful to you, and why would you recommend it to a new student? 

WUSAs frequently share information about campus resources that can help new students succeed. These new students often value hearing their WUSAs’ genuine experiences with these resources. When answering this question, consider how you would present your response to both inform a student about the resource as well as encourage them to use the resource or opportunity you recommend.

Describe a time when you helped someone feel more included or supported in a space or group. What did you learn from that experience?

As mentioned in the job description, WUSAs help create a sense of community among their assigned new students through various activities and initiatives. An important part of building this community is making sure everyone feels welcome and included. For this question, avoid giving vague answers like “I treat others with respect.” Instead, share specific actions you took to promote inclusion, and clearly explain what you learned from those experiences. 

How do you take care of your well-being while managing academic or social pressures at WashU?

A key responsibility for WUSAs is to model behaviors that lead to academic, social, and personal success. It’s important for WUSAs to show new students positive actions and attitudes that help in achieving a healthy balance. Share how you successfully handle the pressures that new students might face. You could also talk about how your past experiences have helped you develop the healthy habits you have now.

Tell us about a moment when you took initiative or supported others — formally or informally. What did you learn about leadership through that experience?

Evaluators want to learn about your leadership style with this question. There is no single “right” way to lead; different approaches can be successful in various situations. Leadership can occur in formal roles, like being the president of a student organization, or informal ones, such as organizing a class project.

Reflect on how you motivate and influence others, recognize when action or support is needed, and step in voluntarily. Share an example of when you’ve demonstrated leadership and explain what you learned from the experience.

Think about your transition to WashU. What helped you find your place here, and how would you help new students do the same?

For this question, evaluators want to see if you understand the challenges involved in transitioning to WashU and if you can empathize with and support new students through their own transitions. Identify what specifically helped you through your own transition and how you navigated challenges. Consider how you would use what you’ve learned through your experiences to successfully assist new students plug in to the WashU community.

Follow these tips to succeed during the application and interview process to become a WUSA.

View the tips