Before your apply, take some time with the reflection questions and tips below. Thinking through your answers ahead of time — and being mindful of how long each response takes — will help you put your best application forward.
Application questions
You’ll answer 5 questions as part of your online application, each related to a Student Success anchor that guides the WashU student experience. Use the prompts below to reflect on your answers before you apply.
- 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?
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Tip: WUSAs often introduce new students to resources they didn’t know existed. Aim to both inform a new student about the resource and make the case for why they should use it.
- Describe a time when you helped someone feel more included or supported in a space or group. What did you learn from that experience?
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Tip: Skip vague answers like “I treat others with respect.” Share a specific action you took to promote inclusion, and be clear about what you learned from it.
- How do you take care of your well-being while managing academic or social pressures at WashU?
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Tip: WUSAs model healthy habits for new students. Share how you manage pressure day to day, or how past experience shaped the habits you rely on 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?
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Tip: There’s no single “right” leadership style. Leadership can be formal (leading a student org) or informal (organizing a class project) — reflect on how you motivate others, notice when help is needed, and step in.
- Think about your transition to WashU. What helped you find your place here, and how would you help new students do the same?
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Tip: This is where we look for empathy: What specifically helped you through your own transition, and how would you apply that experience to support someone else through theirs?
Tips for success
Read the position description closely.
It covers a lot of ground and will answer many of the questions you have. If anything’s unclear, email Student Transitions & Engagement or ask during your interview.
Think through why you’re applying.
A few questions work considering:
- What is the purpose of the WUSA role, as I understand it?
- What could I bring to the role? How might it help me grow, personally and professionally?
- How would I show up as a WUSA? What kind of environment would I create for my new students?
Confirm your interview details.
If you’re offered an interview, you’ll have an opportunity to select an interview slot. Write the date, time, and location somewhere you’ll see it, such as your planner, calendar, or phone.
Arrive with time to spare.
Sign up for a time that gives you room to travel and settle in beforehand. We will not interview candidates who arrive late.
Take it seriously — and enjoy it!
This is a real job interview, and we ask you to treat it with that level of respect. It’s also a genuinely good chance to learn about yourself and sharpen your interview skills along the way.
WUSA commitments
Consider the responsibilities required of the WUSA role, including essential dates and deadlines.