Chances at Wake Forest, Vanderbilt?

Hey all,
I was just wondering if you could give me some insight on what my chances of admission are at these two schools. I realize my chances at Wake are probably better, but any input would be awesome!

GPA Weighted: 4,4
GPA Unweighted: 3.81

  • Lots of APs including World History, Biology, Micro and Macro Economics, US History, and English Writing and Composition with 4s on all except Micro Economics (2) and English (5)
  • This year enrolled in AP Physics C Mechanics, Comp Sci, English Lit, and Calculus AB
  • Almost all honors classes with the exception of classes like theology (Catholic school) and PE
  • The only thing I’m worried about in terms of grades is that I got 6 Bs total last year, though I only got 1 my freshman year and one sophmore year.

ACT Composite: 32
English: 36
Reading: 36
Math: 29
Science: 28

Superscore Composite is 33

SAT: 1400
Math: 700
Reading: 700

Just took SAT subject tests in Bio M, Math 2, and Literature, waiting on results

EC (What I’m most worried about)

  • 4 years varsity swimming
  • 4 years counselor at a local Church Camp
  • 4 Years of Guitar Lessons
  • 10 years of piano lessons including performances
  • 3 years lifeguarding (Head Guard this past summer)
  • 1 Year of Debate Team
  • 4 Years of Junior Classical League (Latin Club), Co-president this year
  • 6 Years Ski Club
  • 3 Years Peer Tutoring
  • National Merit Semi Finalist

I realize my test scores are a little low and my ECs could be a lot better, but do you think that I have a reasonable shot of admission to either of these schools?
Thanks!
PS Also forgot to mention I did an interview at Wake Forest and intend on one for Vanderbilt if available

Are you male or female? Vandy’s admissions numbers have been favorable to boys.

Male, white, from West Virginia

Being a top-notch school, you can never really pinpoint who will get in and who will not. This being said, based off your stats and ECs, I think you have a low chance for Vandy. But with WF, I wouldn’t be surprised if you got in! Are you also considering other schools (ex. Tulane)?

Yea, Vandy is definitely a reach. I plan on applying to Virginia Tech and Clemson as well, as well as my state school (WVU). Although I was wondering, I took literally the most difficult course load my school offers. Would that help offset my mediocre ECs and test scores? Thanks!

Which school at Vandy?

College of Arts and Sciences

Vandy is a reach
Wake is a match. But they are very unpredictable when it comes to admissions. They weigh their writing prompts pretty heavily so do a really good job on those!
Clemson, VTech, and WVU are safeties

You have a good chance for Wake. However, it will come down to Wake’s comprehensive essay requirements. Please ensure that you spend lots of time on Wake’s essays. Also, where do most of the top students from your high school end up? Have many applied to Wake or Vandy in the past? Being from WV can be a bit of a boost in admissions at some schools.

Ok thanks for your help!

We have a rising junior at Wake Forest, although I don’t think we have anyone at vanderbilt (although I only know of 1 that applied over the last couple years). We also have couple at UVA, Case Western, Washington and Lee, and George Washington but honestly not many end up at really great schools, even when they definitely (in my opinion) have the credentials. As for the essay’s, Ill be sure to spend a lot of time on those, thanks!

Don’t go into essay writing with the idea that your ECs are bad! Lots of kids would love to have all those years of music to talk about. And Nashville is “Music City” so there’s some fit with your interests. Good luck!

Thats a good point! Thanks for the encouragement