Hello,
I’m wondering if someone could tell me my chances of getting accepted into George Washington University, and I would be very appreciative if someone could tell me their thoughts.
Academics:
- Full IB Diploma Program Student
- 3.93 GPA (Unweighted)
- 4.25 GPA (Weighted)
- Top 7.5% of the class
- Mostly IB classes (obviously), though I took “three” AP classes (I dropped one due to a change of interest)
- IB Chem. (HL), IB Math Studies (SL), IB History (HL), IB Language and Literature (HL), IB Spanish (SL), IB Anthropology (SL), AP Comp. Govt, AP European History, AP Computer Science (the one I dropped), Theory of Knowledge
Tests:
-1320 on the “New” SAT, HOWEVER, if super scoring is allowed, I have a 1360
- 29 on the ACT
- 710 on the World History SAT
Extracurriculars:
- Archeological internship program at George Washington’s boyhood home: 11th, 12th
- I design and build computers: 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th
- Website design: 9th, 10th 11th, 12th
- I do Olympic-style weight-lifting and bodybuilding: 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th
- FBLA: 12th (I probably won’t put this on applications due to the short amount of time that I have participated in it)
- My parents’ work schedules don’t allow me to stay after school for any extracurriculars (the internship required a LOT of maneuvering)
Extras:
- Counselor is able to write a very positive recommendation
- Interest in History and Government
Unknown:
- Admittedly, I received a minor (Junior Year) suspension for disrespecting a teacher after I received a bad grade in 11th grade; thankfully, the principal has generously agreed to write a letter stating that it shouldn’t be a deciding factor in admissions since it was minor and a mistake that I took full responsibility for.
Any feedback would be extremely helpful! I was just deferred by William and Mary so I’m somewhat panicking right now. Thanks!
Also, is it true that Early Decision can adversely affect admissions?
While I cannot speak definitively that Early Decisions will increase your chances over decrease them, I’ve spoken to many GW students who say that if you fit the student profile GW is looking for (very motivated, diverse, and academically advanced students) you’re guaranteed a spot. Also, considering that it’s a smaller pool of applicants, and the school knows you are committed to attending, the acceptance rate is typically higher than Regular Decision. I applied ED I myself because I truly love the school and based on the information/advice I was given, I believed it’d increase my chances. Again, I can’t speak definitively about this though and if anyone has information that proves otherwise then please come forward with it. Back to advice, If you’re committed to GW, I say go for it. I think you fit the student profile well and GW should be happy to have you. Good luck!
Alright, first of all- don’t panic. Some school focus on different things so don’t worry about the deferral.
With that said, you really need to have a good application if you want to sell yourself. Your academics look great and are right in-line with what GW typically accepts. However, your EC’s as stated are a little weak. Now, I’m not saying that what you actually did wasn’t good enough, but because of what they are (particularly the weight-lifting and computer-building) you need to find a way to quantify them for the Admissions folks. For example, what do you mean by weight-lifting? Is it a class? A school club? Do you compete? How many hours per week do you put in? Have you received any awards? Regarding computer-building: how many hours per week are you doing it? Are you selling these computers? Is this in pursuit of a degree and future career?
Do you see what I’m saying? You have to sell those on why they’re important to you and how it’s made you better. If possible, I’d try to find a way to communicate the fact that your parents have been too busy to take you to after-school activities. This would be a great question for your local GW Admissions Rep https://undergraduate.admissions.gwu.edu/admissions-representatives
Again, you’ve got the academics, you just need to sell the “whole package.” GW isn’t interested in academics alone- they want people that are community-minded, driven, and always seeking ways to better themselves. If you can show that in your app, as well as why GW is the school for you, you have a solid shot. Good luck!
@NHuffer Ah, I see. Sorry, I just kept it simple for the purpose of this thread.
But I do have a question regarding essays and personal statements, what tone would you recommend for GWU? I know that some schools prefer more light-hearted tones rather serious tones (and vice-versa).
@Necrodancer89 I don’t know if Admissions folks prefer one tone or another. In my opinion, I think you should go with whichever tone comes more natural for you. If you think about it, there’s only so much you can put into one 250-word essay to give the Admissions folks a good picture of “you.” Writing naturally (as long as it’s grammatically correct, haha) seems like a solid way to do that.
@NHuffer Thanks, and just one more question; would you recommend sending my test scores? I believe that my ACT test score is good enough, but I have seen people with similar scores decide that they are not high enough.
Again, thanks for some of the feedback!
Edit: Sorry, but does GWU take “interest” into consideration? I always got the feeling that most schools got rid of that idea.