Anxious about getting into JMU

<p>Hi,</p>

<p>I'm kind of nervous about finding out if I got in or not to James Madison...I was wait-listed at Virginia Tech. Here's my stats:</p>

<p>SAT Reading: 690
SAT Math: 640
SAT Writing: 690
Activities: No school EC activities, but I have worked weekly since my freshman year. (I thought this would look alright, but apparently not.)</p>

<p>Has anybody received their admission decision yet? Do you think I'll get in? And can writing a so-so personal statement HURT my chances of getting into schools?</p>

<p>Daughter was waitlisted at Willam and Mary so JMU is number two on her list. Hoping to get good news soon.</p>

<p>What is your gpa? I got into both Tech and JMU last year with SAT scores lower than yours…</p>

<p>My GPA is 3.18…honor’s Spanish this year and last year, and honors Bio last year…no APs. I’m out of state, too.</p>

<p>And I don’t want to sound condescending, but some kids who I know aren’t as smart as I am got in to JMU, but they had extra curricular activities.</p>

<p>It is my understanding that ,in general, if your SAT scores are solid to good, but your GPA is low (3.18 is low) colleges assume that you are an underachiever or that you don’t work to your full potential. They want hard workers!<br>
Having no AP classes in this day and age is a big negative. Are AP classes available at your school? Plus, if you have no ec’s that’s another blow. They want students who will add a lot to campus life and get involved. </p>

<p>So, if they look just at your “numbers” they will see a bright person who does not apply or challenge him/herself and who does not have a record of getting involved in community life. Yes, you’ve worked a job. Perhaps if you worked a job due to unfortunate family or personal circumstances, like serious medical issues or a parent being unable to work, that would place you higher on the acceptance list. I know that sounds cold, but they weigh all aspects of your application. Good luck to you! Hopefully Tech will come through!</p>