Admission review--poor academic performance

<p>I recently recieved an email from William and Mary Admissions that my academic performance during the second semester of senior year was, "dissapointing," and that I will be required to write an explanation, before meeting in person with one of the members of W&M Admissions. This comes as a surprise to me, although having grades that were less impressive than my previous three years, I did not failing any classes. I am honestly scared as to what happens from here. Does anybody have any advice in the coming process? Additionally, how likely is it that my offer of admission will be revoked?</p>

<p>Banana123, W&M states that more than one C on your final transcript will warrant an explanation. As far as they know, they do not often rescind acceptance, but it does happen. Just make your explanation honest, grammatically correct, and display maturity. Best of luck.</p>

<p>Banana,</p>

<p>How much different were your second semester grades from the other three years? Did you go from a 3.8 to 2.0 or??</p>

<p>Anyway, ask yourself what happened. Senioritis? Were you ill and hospitalized? Did you have an unusually heavy course load? </p>

<p>Be honest and explain what you think happened and indicate how you plan to change when you are W&M. </p>

<p>I would respond as soon as possible and perhaps phoning your admissions rep would be a good step, too, and see about setting up the in-person meeting.</p>

<p>Be honest about what happened. Explain that you learned from your mistakes and what you will do differently.</p>

<p>Keep in mind that your acceptance is contingent upon continuing the same level of academic performance that got you accepted.</p>

<p>Banana123, we communicate with all students whose grades show a significant decline (i.e. 2Cs, any D or any F) where none existed before. The admit pack you received in the mail stated that your offer of admission was contingent upon continued strong academic and social standing. When a student’s grades decline, we want to inquire as to why. It’s good for the student to reflect on what happened and share that information with us so we can provide some guidance as you transition to college.</p>

<p>While we do rescind offers of admission it is very rare but it is in your best interest, as other posters said, to be upfront and honest in responding to the dean who sent you the letter and to do so in a timely fashion.</p>

<p>My grades slipped from a 3.8 to a 3.0. I however, did have 2 C’s. I have begun writing the letter and have just over 1,000 words, but I will try and cut it down. After talking briefly to my admissions rep, I am sure this will blow over. But, there is a lesson in this to all those currently beginning the application process: Don’t slack off second semester (beyond a C) and you will avoid having to write an 1,000 word essay on your vacation in Florida!!</p>

<p>1,000 words is too long unless you wound up with 2 Cs because you were a bone marrow donor or something extraordinary. Be concise. Be honest. You should be able to explain this and offer reflection in one page or about 300 words. Remember that there is a waiting list of kids who would happily take your spot, who do not have ANY Cs; the Admissions Committee chose you, however. </p>

<p>Keep us posted.</p>

<p>Bananan, 1000 words is twice the expected length of your application essay; so likely too long. A simply concise explanation will be fine. And if it was simply senior-itis just be honest about that. We appreciate that more (a student owning up to their lack of effort) than a long-winded round-about explanation. Usually a few paragraphs will do.</p>

<p>2Cs is not the end of the world and we recognize that but we do think this is a great exercise for you to reflect on your study habits and your preparation for college.</p>

<p>I am a bit curious. How many students per year undergo this “review?” And of those, how many offers are rescinded. I know W&M admissions has said it is “very rare,” but I was hoping for some actual numbers/data. Like “This year, 6 students are undergoing academic review…”</p>

<p>We heard about a recruited tennis player a few years back who actually had the W&M offer rescinded. Ended up going to a fairly selective liberal arts school in upstate NY, and had a successful tennis career there supposedly. Mind, this is 2nd hand information so not reliable, we did not know the student directly. Also, I think the student may have ended up with a “D” causing the academic review.</p>

<p>We really don’t track any numbers on this. Likely communication is sent to about 20-30 students once we receive a final transcript. Again, rescinding an offer is very rare. Each case is reviewed individually and our response is based upon the severity of the offense (be it a grade decline or a personal conduct violation) and the student’s response to our inquiry. Again, while rescinding an offer is incredibly rare it can happen so we encourage you to treat the matter seriously and be forthright in your response.</p>

<p>I had my meeting today with a few members of the W&M admissions team in the conference room where they debate each applicant. I explained what happened (sickness, senioritis, and some more personal issues) and the faculty lectured me. Then, we just talked about how it won’t happen again in college. Then they said, “we still want you here” and to “have a great summer.” I was a little nervous, so it feels great to know that everything is going to be fine.</p>

<p>Well it’s good that you got a second chance. Good luck in the fall. I’m so excited to go too.</p>

<p>Banana123, try not to think of the discussion yesterday as a “lecture” but more as a deep-seated interest in your future at W&M. The W&M admission deans wanted to emphasize how important it is for you to recognize that the decisions you made regarding your study habits were not in your best interests and want you to be sure to reflect on them so that you can adjust should any problems arise during your time at W&M. We want to ensure that you are a successful and happy W&M student. Bringing a student to campus for meetings such as these are not about going through the motions but are designed to ensure that students take their studies seriously and are prepared mentally and emotionally to enter college in the fall.</p>

<p>We’re thrilled to have you as a member of the Class of 2015 and we want you to enjoy the rest of your summer and come to W&M in August ready to go!</p>