<p>I really don’t mean to be a downer, but I think that assessment by DarkKnight is overly optimistic. One only has to read the stats of many people with similar or higher stats to know that while your chances are good, I am still not sure I would say high. But you know what, it doesn’t matter what either of us say. You are going to apply anyway, so what happens happens. I do agree very much on going to visit, interview, and attend a local event Wash U organizes. Also agree that earlier is better. I disagree on not submitting the score for APUSH. If your admissions person is on the ball, they will see you took the course and wonder where the score is, and the only conclusion would be you are hiding it. That would leave a sour taste I think. Besides, a 3 isn’t that bad. It won’t get you credit, but so what. Just submit all the AP scores.</p>
<p>Don’t submit the ap scores. It’s a waste of money.
You’re completely allowed to self-report the scores on your application. (Of course, be honest). I’ve heard a adcom say that they care more that you took the ap class than the actual score on the ap test.</p>
<p>Come may, when you take your senior ap’s, you’ll already have accepted a spot at a school. That’s when you send your scores, because it’s completely free that way.</p>
<p>Fallenchemist is right. This is why it is a good idea to apply to several reach schools, several matches and at least a couple of safeties. Don’t fall in love with any one school. Do your best on the applications, write great essays, choose the teachers wisely who will write your recommendations, and show tons of interest. The process is definitely a bit of a crap shoot. When Wash U receives over 20,000 applications for 1500 +/- spots, some of the decisions won’t make sense.</p>
<p>Johnson - don’t they need the official scores for you to get credit though? Or does Wash U not give credit and waive placement in freshman level courses for high AP scores in some subjects?</p>
<p>Your ACT score is better than your SAT score, so I would suggest submitting only the ACT score and not the SAT. </p>
<p>College admissions are somewhat random. 33 ACT, Top 10%, rigorous course load put you in the running for a WashU acceptance, but who knows? If WashU is your top choice, applying ED may help your chances.</p>
<p>fallen: They need AP the official scores before you enroll to give credit/verify the scores. They don’t require official reports for admission.</p>
<p>marcdvl - Thanks for the clarification. Makes perfect sense. I would still self report the APUSH score though, because again it stands out, I would think, if it were missing. It really is not a negative.</p>
<p>I’d self report the AP scores. A 3 isn’t terrible and it highlights the fact that you took the course. Sure it’s on your transcript, but having all the AP scores are listed on the application really stands out.</p>
<p>Still, I’m of the belief that scores and even gpa are over-rated criteria for admissions at a school like WashU. I think most kids have top scores and top grades. So what stands out? ECs and volunteering! I agree that starting a club is commendable, but what’s involved in that? I think the OP has to highlight what he accomplished in those clubs so it doesn’t seem he just likes to go to club meetings.</p>
<p>good point limabeans. High stats are a necessary but not sufficient requirement, having other talents can also be a big help (great voice? play an instrument? top flight debater?) Otherwise the student does appear pretty one-dimensional.</p>
<p>fallen- that’s why I said use the free reports they give you senior year, when you’ve already chosen your school.</p>
<p>OK, so far I’m getting:</p>
<p>-improve SAT I score
-submit all my AP scores (I’m still banking on 4s and 5s for this years APs)
-definitely submit ACT score
-should i take anymore Subject tests?
-Visit WashU/interview
-work on writing a spectacular essay?
-find great recs from teachers</p>
<p>Am i missing anything else? Nothing comes to my mind as of now…</p>
<p>I am also a pianist, violinist, but I am not a prodigy or anything. (i.e. participate in school orchestra, played piano for over 10 years)
I participated in xc but did not make it to varsity.
Are these considered “special talents”?</p>
<p>Yeah, either I didn’t see that or didn’t make the connection at the time. I got it now.</p>
<p>If I were you, I wouldn’t bother to try to improve the SAT I score. If you take any standardized test over, re-take the ACT, since WashU superscores the ACT, and if you could manage to get a superscored 34, that could help your odds over a 33.</p>
<p>Geez, it’s not just about your stats! It’s who you are and what you’d contribute, which is generally based on past performance.<br>
The essay: of course you want to write an outstanding essay.<br>
Recs: yes, yes. Find great ones. </p>
<p>**What you really want to do that’s important **is a visit and an interview. Apply ED if you’re certain. Apply to their scholarships (shows commitment to the school and gives you more opportunity to write.) and think about what makes you special (and it’s not about you scores, your APs, or your gpa).</p>
<p>limabeans seems to have the best handle on the situation. My only question would be - “What in particular stands out about this applicant?”. Possibly I missed something?<br>
Unless an applicant is in the top 5% to 10% of the applicant pool, that question becomes the major criteria. That being said, these chances threads are interesting, but of minimum value when it comes to determining anything. By the way - Hello fallenchemist.</p>
<p>Hi ST2 - Good to see you are still holding down the fort for WUSTL. Things are quiet right now on the Tulane side. It was an interesting admissions cycle though!</p>