WUSA Application & Interview Process

WUSA selection is a two-step process: an online application, followed by a group interview. You must complete and pass each step to move forward. Details on both are below.

Before applying

Before you submit an application, we recommend you:

• Attend an information session. We share details there that will help you submit a strong application.
• Review our application questions and reflect on your answers.
• Practice to deliver your responses within 1-2 minutes.

Step 1: Online application

Along with some basic information, you’ll answer five questions (see the Application Questions on the Prepare page) by uploading a brief 1-2 minute video or audio response.

• Video and audio are evaluated equally. Staff evaluate only the content of your response and its connection to the Student Success Anchors — not your background, lighting, camera quality, or clothing.
• Experiencing technical difficulties? Email Student Transitions & Engagement.

After you submit, you’ll receive a confirmation email. No confirmation email means your application wasn’t received — if that happens, or you hit any technical issues, contact us.

Note: We’re not able to extend interview invitations to every applicant, so it’s worth putting real thought and effort into your online application. We’ll notify all applicants by WashU email on whether they’re moving to Step 2.

Notifications for moving to interviews

We will notify applicants no later than 5:00 PM CDT, Friday, February 12, 2027, on whether they’re advancing to a group interview. Everyone is notified — check spam/junk if you haven’t heard by then, or email us.

Not moving forward? You’re welcome to email our office for feedback.

Step 2: Group interviews

If you advance, you’ll sign up for a group interview session. During the interview, you and small group of other applicants will work through scenarios that reflect real situations WUSAs encounter — helping a new student acclimate to campus, navigating a roommate conflict, or supporting someone through a stressful academic stretch.

Evaluators are looking for how well you communicate, show empathy, lead, and collaborate as part of a team.

You’ll select one of the three dates/times below to attend your group interview. Spots will be limited for each interview session, so we encourage you to select your date and time as soon as possible.

• Friday, February 19, 2027 from 9 a.m. – Noon CDT
• Friday, Febuary 19, 2027 from 2 – 5 p.m. CDT
• Saturday, February 20, 2027 from 9 a.m. – Noon CDT

What to wear: business casual

We encourage you to arrive at your interview in business casual attire. What applicants wear is not factored into the interview evaluation in any way. However, business casual is common in interviews after college, so this interview provides you a low-stakes opportunity to practice for future professional settings.

Don’t own business casual clothing? Try borrowing clothes from a friend, visit the Center for Career Engagement’s Career Closet, or check out SWAP, located in the Gregg House storefronts. 

Examples of business casual attire include:

• A dress shirt, khakis, a skirt, dress, dress pants, and closed-toed shoes.
• Typically does not include jeans, leggings, sneakers, shorts, or sandals.

Interview prep resources

The Center for Career Engagement offers Big Interview, an online portal for practicing interview skills and techniques. Other interview resources are available on CCE’s website.

Request for accommodations

Need accommodations during the application or interview process? Email Student Transitions & Engagement and we’ll work with you to determine the best path forward. Accommodations may include, but are not limited to:

• Reading and writing tasks
• Computer-based tasks
• Physical tasks, including walking or lifting
• Religious accommodations and observances