<p>Hey guys. I'm an incoming senior (Class of 14) from eastern shore MD, just north of the bay bridge from you guys. My sister has friends in Williamsburg, so we visited there a lot. That's how I fell in love with W&M, not even to mention its outstanding academics.</p>
<p>So, obviously, I'd like to get in. Here are some stats:</p>
<p>-4.0 unweighted GPA, Rank 1.
-1860 SAT score (Only took once - wasn't my best day, may take again. I know you people will hit me for this one through your screens.)
-Triple officer: President and founder of SkillsUSA chapter, Historian in SGA, and By-laws chairperson of NHS. Ran for state SkillsUSA officer but lost election.
-200~ volunteer hours at a hospital and summer camp for developmentally disabled children.
-Speaker on the advancement of public education and founder of an organization relative to that.
-Blues guitarist, two years. (Weekly lessons and practices.)</p>
<p>There's always a problem though. Up until the 11th grade I was a home school student. The organization I did that from did not offer AP classes (they didn't even have a grading system, only credits). So my 9-10 HS transcript looks like a jumbled mess of credits in seemingly random classes. I planned to take some AP courses when I came to public high school, but unfortunately this year I had to complete their "required for graduation" classes. </p>
<p>So, as it stands, I have no AP courses. And my senior schedule only permits two: AP Calculus and AP Literature. I take an advanced anatomy/physiology class (with a very rigorous workload) at the joint technical school in my county for two periods a day which awards eight highschool and four college credits in science upon completion. (4 semester class, 2 periods a day, so really 8.)</p>
<p>Do I still stand a competitive chance? Or is this lack of AP classes (and face-punch-worthy SAT composite) enough to turn me away?</p>
<p>As you know, your SAT needs to come up- and I am sure someone from admissions will chime in- but W&M does look at grades within context. You won’t be the only person to ever apply from a situation where AP courses weren’t offered. It doesn’t rule you out. That said, out of state is still tough. OOS female is the toughest- not sure if you are male or female.</p>
<p>I think the activities look good and the GPA looks good. Will need to do some explaining on the course situation and do a great job on the essay.</p>
<p>And a reminder here, as on all the "chance me " threads. No one knows- people will pretend to, but you nor they have any idea what your competition is. For many schools, there are lots of kids who are qualified but there certainly isn’t room for all the qualified candidates. Do not apply to only one school unless you go rolling or ED or EA and have time to apply elsewhere.</p>
<p>Thanks, tjmom. I am hoping W&M Admissions leaves a comment, and I may take my SAT’s again. I’m currently in their range (1260 CR+Math) but I’m in the lower end of it.</p>
<p>@Dixie39, by policy, we don’t “chance” prospective students simply because there’s no way to “chance” someone until they apply and we can review a complete application and compare it to the other students who apply. If you have any specific questions about our process we are, of course, happy to answer those.</p>
<p>I would not feel that 1260 is “in the range” considering a lot of the students toward the bottom of that range have something stellar that helps them stand out (sports, or otherwise), especially considering you are out of state.</p>
<p>They won’t count your lack of AP classes against you, but I would bet most 4.0 students have substantially higher SAT scores (assuming the 4.0 is unweighted), which might be an issue if they are comparing what 4.0 at one school means compared to 4.0 at another school.</p>
<p>All that said, of course you have a chance, and you should apply. IMO you would be helped substantially by an extra 100 points on your SAT. Maybe consider taking the ACT also if you think you will do better at it.</p>
<p>Dixie39, I think you have a good taste in schools.</p>
<p>W&M’s admissions office is easily the most transparent and helpful office I dealt with, and I’m far from the only person of that opinion. I was saying that before I got in. Be sure to show the school some love-- although I believe “demonstrated interest” is not officially considered. </p>
<p>Everything I see is indicative of a bright and hardworking student, being first in your class is an achievement. If you are superstitious, use many ampersands (the “&”) in your essay.</p>
<p>@Dixie39, without knowing more about your individual high school and what they offer it’s tough to gauge the strength of your curriculum. However, you and your counselor are welcome to explain how transitioning from homeschooling impacted your course selection.</p>
<p>As for the SAT, the middle 50% range of all W&M students is 1250-1460 (Critical Reading + Math). The range for out-of-state tends to be on the upper end of the overall range because that process is slightly more competitive. If you’ve only taken the SAT once, definitely take it again to see if you can improve (we superscore the SAT) or take the ACT as someone else suggested to see if you do better on that exam.</p>