<p>This was already posted in the Chances Thread, but I'm interested in a Wake-specific answer since some people in the Chances Thread didn't even know about Wake's new test score optional policy:</p>
<p>This is not about me but about another student I know whom is applying this fall. I already have my own opinions and would like yours. Obviously, the student will not be submitting their SAT I scores. </p>
<p>SAT I: 450/490/490</p>
<p>SAT II: English Literature:530
Math: 520
History: 450
Japanese: 640</p>
<p>GPA: 3.9 (weighted), not top 10% (small [about 50 seniors] moderately competitive high school), probably top 15%-20%</p>
<p>Courseload: Decently heavy (6 AP courses total, only one with a score back and it's a 3 in World History...I would anticipate probably mostly 3s on the exams, maybe one or two 4s)</p>
<p>Activities: Decently strong: President of major student organization, varsity sports, weekly volunteering</p>
<p>Essays: I would anticipate they will be decently well-written. </p>
<p>Potentially interesting factors: Educated at English-speaking school (American citizen/native English speaker) abroad, half-Japanese</p>
<p>Without the SAT scores, I think they would have a decent chance. Activities and volunteering look great. Make sure they show a strong interest in the school by visiting and including Wake specifc info in one of the essays, if possible.</p>
<p>I know that SAT is optional...I sure think that those scores are ridiculously low...I see that you said the courseload was very heavy...hmmm...personally don't know ANYONE with that courseload who scored sooo low....???</p>
<p>Okay, obviously this individual is going to be taking advantage of the new standardized test policy, and, obviously, he/she will have a significantly better chance because of it. </p>
<p>But I think there's a bigger question- is this person really ready for a demanding school like Wake? It's hard to tell, given there are people who are simply not good test takers and people who are simply not academic, whose grades are overinflated by soft curriculum. I hope this post doesn't offend anyone, I really mean it for the best. However, Wake is a really demanding school. The average GPA is something around a 2.9/3.0 (ish, IIRC). You know your friend better than I do, but I think he/she would be well-served to consider the long-term effects of his/her decision before going for it.</p>
<p>Just my opinion</p>
<p>Oh, and also, the essays need to be really really good, they're probably going to be even more important for next year's applicants; also, tell your friend to consider interviewing, visiting, etc. Best wishes!</p>
<p>Don't worry, I'm not offended. I already graduated from college (a top 10 national university, as ranked by U.S. News), so these were my thoughts exactly. Obviously, it's their choice and they already have my feedback/opinion. I'm just really interested to see whether or not they'll get accepted to Wake with this new policy. I think, sans SAT score, they have a fairly good profile, but there's nothing incredibly mind-blowing in there. They are interviewing/visiting, etc. so I think they've got a shot, but I too worry about whether or not the curriculum would be too demanding.</p>