SAT I (breakdown): 1320 (660 Math, 660 EBRU)
ACT: 32 (36R, 35 E, 27 S, 28M)
Unweighted GPA (out of 4.0): 3.79
AP (place score in parenthesis): Calculus AB (2), Spanish Language(4), World History (3), Spanish Lit (3) (only submitted Spanish lang.)
IB (place score in parenthesis):
Senior Year Course Load: KAP English, AP Calculus BC, AP Physics, Computer Science, Business/Economics
Major Awards (USAMO, Intel etc.): AP scholar
Extracurriculars (place leadership in parenthesis): Serious dancer both at a studio and in church, skiing, black student union (treasurer), tour guide at school
Job/Work Experience: McDonalds
Volunteer/Community service: Volunteering at church and homeless shelters
Summer Activities: Internship at local small corporate company
Teacher Recommendation: AP AB Calculus (strong letter on how I was persistent despite not doing very well in the class), English teacher (I spoke a lot in class and was personable)
Counselor Rec: Wasn’t allowed to read, probably good
Additional Rec:
Interest: I attended the invite only fly in program a couple months ago and the information session when the rep visited my school, ED1
State (if domestic applicant): OH
Country (if international applicant):
Intended major(s): Computer Science (specifically the Computer Science Business program)
School Type: Private
Ethnicity: African American
Gender: Female
Income Bracket: probably like middle class
Hooks (URM, first generation college, etc.): None
Here’s the iffy part: They require quarter grades to be sent and mine were lower than they should be in AP Calc BC and AP Physics so a rep called my counselor and said that I should get those grades up soon and I worked hard and my counselor was able to tell him that I am improving however its such a short time period my grades won’t change right away. I believe the fact that they contacted my school in general shows they are considering me but this factor could also hurt my chances because of those 2 current grades.
But let me know your opinions! I am anxious to hear back
It will be a reach to he honest. The ACT score is better than the SAT, but the Math and Science subscores with be a red flag, especially for a CompSci major. Same issue with the unreported AP tests.
WashU Calculus, especially the AB/BC equivalents (Calculus 1 and 2) are not taught particularly well and have a reputation as weeders. I would recommend doing well on the BC test to place out.
You have your URM status (African American) as a hook plus the interest in doing ED1/attending a flyin program, so that may help in admissions.
Thank you so much for replying with honesty, I will hope for the best!
WashU CompSci classes are actually pretty straightforward. My son is a CompSci minor and says that the quality of instruction in the Introductory classes is good compared to the introductory classes in his major (Biology).
The introductory class for CompSci majors (CSE 131) is a flipped class. There is no mandatory attendance except for labs and midterms. Students view recorded lectures. But it’s pretty easy to get a decent grade in the class. My son claimed that close to 2/3 of his class got an A- or better. Added bonus-if you have an A- going in to the final, you don’t need to take the final, which is actually a midterm that will replace the worst test grade (best 3 out of 4 tests count for your grade along with programming assignments).
Congratulations on the acceptance! CompSci is pretty straightforward at WashU and the instructors with a few exceptions do well at teaching the classes.
Since my son is a CompSci minor, I can check in with him to see about the classes/quality of instructors.
I would definitely advise you to start reviewing Calculus BC and placing out of the classes. Go to Khan Academy, check out a Barron’s review guide, and do lots of practice problems.
Your WashU GPA will be thankful since according to my son, most of his buddies who didn’t place out did not so well in the Calc 1/2 sequence.
Thank you so much! I am working hard on BC right now as it is one of my struggle areas. Once again thank you for the advice, I am so excited
@techprincesa68 the BC test has a higher pass rate than AB. Find as many resources as possible to do well.