Chance for RD Admission? Insight?

Colleges and Universities A-Z Wake Forest University
1

Hi!

Wake Forest is my absolute top choice college at this point but is by far the most “reach” school on my list. I’ve already submitted my application for RD, but am getting a bit worried now, and wishing I hadn’t submitted quite yet. I’d love to hear if anyone who has similar stats to mine can provide insight into their admissions result.

My best ACT score is from the October Test: 29C (35R, 34E, 23M, 24S) I realize this is an average-below average score for Wake, I haven’t submitted. I’m debating whether to send or not, I’m not sure if it would be better to send or not. Any insight or suggestions? I’m not really looking to take the test again, this is my best score out of three tests.

Extracurriculars:
-Editor-in-Chief of the school newspaper for two years, assistant editor for one
-Junior Young Life leader
-National Honors Society Treasurer
-Interact Club Treasurer
-Student Council Secretary sophomore and junior year
-Lots of volunteer hours with local organizations
-Two-year internship with a notable startup company
-Part time job, 1 1/2 years and running
-Varsity tennis

By the time I graduate, I will have 5 AP classes and 4 dual enrollment classes.

I feel very confidently that my essays and recommendations were both very strong, as well as my Skype interview.

GPA UW 3.71
GPA W 3.86

My low class rank (top 25%ish) and GPA is in part due to an F drop on my transcript from sophomore year. I explained this in the Common App. I am regretting that I didn’t explain a C I got in Chemistry. The class is notoriously hard at my school and the teacher is quite stubborn, among other things. My grade ended up being a 79 that he would not round so that I could get a B. I wish I could explain this!! Is it too late given that I have submitted my RD app?

My transcript this year is looking awesome, I think I will be able to pull off 4.0 or better, and I’m not taking an easy senior year by any means. Submitting the mid-year transcript should be good.

I realize Wake is a stretch, but I have yet to find a school I love as much as Wake. Does anyone have any insights about test scores, etc? Would be very much appreciated. Thank you.

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First, please don’t try to explain a C by blaming a hard class or a stubborn teacher who refused to bend the rules for you. That would make you sound like a grade grubber or someone who can’t cope with difficult classes. If you are ever asked about it, be honest, but don’t blame other people. That is a big turn-off.

From your test scores, you seem like an English/Humanities person; math & science may not be your strongest suit. But that’s okay. Half of the applicants are probably pre-med, so it is refreshing for the Admissions Office to see someone like you who is strong in other subjects. Hopefully, your essays reflected your passion.

Regarding sending in your ACT scores, that’s a tough one. 29 is an okay score, but the 35® & 34(E) show that you are very strong on the verbal side. Unless you wrote about how you want to be a math or science major, I recommend that you send in the scores.

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@isabee, I agree with @wstrav. You know this is a stretch school for you, but you should be proud for going for it. I know for certain, if you had not applied to Wake, there would be zero chance for you to get accepted to Wake.
Work hard and don’t have a senior slump and try to get your class rank as high as you can. Wake does accept 89% applicants from the top 10% of their high school class (but maybe you can be the 11% that get accepted to Wake not in their high schools top 10%). I wish you the best of luck in your college search. I hope you get the special black envelope form Wake.

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Hi @isabee! Your extracurriculars looks excellent! Also, it’s terrific that you did a Skype interview. Your weakness is obviously your GPA, but I agree with wstrav: do NOT try to explain this as the teacher was “hard.” Every student has had difficult and stubborn teachers and using that excuse will not go over well with admissions. Your straight As and strong senior schedule will speak to the fact that you are a serious student. As far as your ACT goes, I can see why you’re on the fence. 29 isn’t a bad score, but is a bit low for wake. However, your reading and English scores are so fantastic, I think I would be inclined to submit it, especially if your essay or materials indicate you are planning to major in English, the Humanities, etc.

If you can take the ACT again that would be great. Best of luck to you!

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Hi @collbndg1805 and everyone who replied, thanks for your input! I did not explain the C on the common application, I agree with you all. I think nerves about getting in got the best of me earlier.

About a week ago, I decided to send in my ACT scores and changed my admissions decision from Regular Decision to Early Decision II. We’ll see what happens-- I’m hoping for the best.

Thanks again to all!