WSA Workshop Recap: How to Navigate Foster Admissions with Confidence!
- ABSA
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
On January 12, ABSA hosted a WSA Workshop welcoming Sarah Allex, Associate Director of Advising at the Foster School of Business, along with Foster alumni Ella Chuang and Belle Lin. The session provided students with an in-depth look into the Foster application process, the Written Skills Assessment (WSA), and practical strategies for success. Here are some of the key takeaways from the workshop:
Meet the Speakers!
Associate Director of Advising, Foster School of Business
With nine years in the Undergraduate Programs Office (UPO), Sarah works closely with applicants and reviews personal statements for Foster.
UW Foster Graduate (Marketing & HR double major, Leadership Minor)
ABSA alum!
Business Implementation Manager at Blue Cross
UW Foster Graduate (Accounting)
ABSA alum!
International Tax Services Associate at PwC
Applying to the Foster School of Business
Sarah began by clarifying common questions about Foster admissions:
Foster offers 8 majors, and the major you choose when applying does not affect your chances of acceptance. You can also change it later.
Students may study up to two majors.
To apply, students must have:
At least 60 graded college credits (excluding AP/IB)
A minimum 2.0 GPA
A valid WSA score
Completed pre-application and have remaining pre-admission courses in progress
For Winter and Fall 2025 admits, the average student had:
Combined GPA: 3.76
Pre-Application GPA: 3.85
WSA: 4.0–4.25
While around 80% of decisions are based on academics and WSA scores, the remaining space allows for a holistic review, where personal statements play an important role.
Understanding the WSA
The WSA is offered twice a year, is 90 minutes, typed, and costs $35. Scores are valid for two years, with a required minimum of 3.0.
Graded on separate rubrics on a scale of 1-6
Your overall score is the average of both scores
It consists of two parts:
The Persuasion Task asks the writer to persuade the reader of a recommended action based on a workplace scenario.
interpret the dilemma in a workplace scenario
use the analysis of both numerical and verbal data from the prompt to persuade the reader
address the audience provided by the prompt
Be written in a realistic role-play format (such as an email or memo)
The Position Task asks the writer to explain and then defend a position on a given statement to the reader.
assert your position on one of two statements
demonstrate critical thinking using your own examples to defend your position
address a general audience
Suggested structure:
Clear introduction and thesis
2–3 CER body paragraphs
Counterargument
Strong concluding paragraph
More information can be found on Foster’s WSA Website
Tips from Foster Alumni
Belle’s Advice:
Practice using online WSA prompts
Talk with peers about how they approached the tasks, which might help you figure out what works best for you
Use pen and paper to outline before writing
Ella’s Advice:
Plan your essay by writing down key information from the prompt
Stay up to date with the news for stronger examples
Take advantage of free news subscriptions through your UW email
Key Dates
Next WSA: April 3
Registration Opens: February 13
Everyone’s journey with the WSA is different, but with clear expectations, structured preparation strategies, and support from advisors, alumni, and campus resources, students can approach the WSA with confidence. Whether you are taking the exam for the first time or preparing for a retake, remember that every attempt is part of the learning process. By starting early, practicing intentionally, and trusting your ability to think critically and communicate effectively, you are taking an important step toward your journey at the Foster School of Business!