<p>My S is also a Marylander who got into all three of those schools this spring, with scholarship offers. (Also Wake Forest and URichmond. Did not apply to W&M.) Never visited Vandy, but was a Jefferson Scholar finalist at UVa, George Washington Honor Scholar finalist at W&L. Planning pre-med and wanted good school where there is a balance bw academics and social life -- and he can wear his rainbow flip flops nearly all year (meaning the snow usually doesn't stay deep enough to go over the top of them). Going to his first choice W&L, where he got full tuition academic scholarship and will play lacrosse. He fell in love with W&L during this process, so it all worked out as he hoped. Could not be happier.</p>
<p>His SATs were lower than yours (730V, 710M, 760 BioM, 710 MathI), but GPA higher (3.95uw; 4.4w at time of application). Similar all honors/AP courseload, small independent school, MD Distinguished Scholar, NHS, Natl Merit Commended (PSAT 211), tons of ECs (sr class pres, honor council, capt lacrosse/soccer/basketball/academic team, all region chorus, school musicals, all conf lax/soccer, hosp volunteer). All ECs were things he put substantial time into bc he liked them. Don't worry about how it looks -- just do what you like and then find which school values those things. His were pretty much lacrosse, science, and singing, with some leadership on the side.</p>
<p>Be honest about who you are on your applications -- he wrote about his passions for lacrosse and science, his difficulty in turning off his cell phone and IM, a trip to Walden Pond -- with some humor and vernacular bc that's who he is. Search for a great opening line. Edit until it says something revealing about your personality. Run it past people who know you well and can tell you what they honestly think (not just teachers!). Start now (he didn't and paid for it)!</p>
<p>W&L weighs demonstrated interest heavily, so I highly recommend that you visit (this fall if possible), schedule an interview on campus and go to classes when you go. If you get a chance to send your PSAT scores to 2 schools thru Natl Merit, send one of them to W&L. (The school actually wrote back and acknowledged this.) Schedule another interview with a local alum in admissions. If you still feel strongly about the school after all this "research," tell them that in a personal note. One of the biggest advantages W&L offers is its famously personal touch. It's real and a distinguishing hallmark of the school. </p>
<p>Get recommendations from people who know you long and well -- even if they are not alums. Give them detailed info about you so they can write something that is not otherwise apparent in your application. My S had 2 recs for every school, but the only alum ones were for UVa and Richmond. </p>
<p>Stay on campus if at all possible (applies to all schools). Go out to the parties so you can see what life is like (but behave yourself)! Read the CC board for each school. Good luck!</p>