Chances of Acceptance for William and Mary (out of state)

Applying to College
1

<p>I'm really struggling with whether I should maintain at least some optimism or anticipate denial. Currently, I'm a Senior from Kentucky, and as an out-of-state student, I fully realize my odds of being accepted are very narrow. For a general view of my competitiveness, here is an overview:</p>

<p>Weighted GPA: 4.19 (I can't remember my specific unweighted GPA, but I have had at least 1 B every year) </p>

<p>Number of AP Courses: 6 (I was on homebound for a long time my Junior year, and I could only keep AP Government and Politics)</p>

<p>Class Rank: 10 out of 106</p>

<p>ACT Scores: 28 (This was incredibly frustrating because my scores have hovered around this point after taking the test four times. On my final test in December, all my other subscores were between a 27 (Math) and a 35 (English), but my science (which was usually near a 27) was unexpectedly low (23).)</p>

<p>SAT II: US History- 730 (I also took literature and biology, but both of these scores were below a 700, so I decided not to send them.)</p>

<p>Senior Year Schedule: AP Calculus, University Dual Enrollment Humanities class, AP US History, AP English, AP European History, and AP Biology</p>

<p>Completed college classes: Biology 101 (A), Introduction to Public Speaking (A)</p>

<p>Both of my recommendations came from the professors who taught these classes. </p>

<p>Extracurriculars: Red Cross volunteer, Speech Team, Student Council, Spanish Club, FBLA, Youth in Government, Beta Club, Dual Enrollment Academy, Academic Team (I didn't include tennis on my application because my sister was captain when I was a Freshmen, and she didn't want me to join, I moved my Sophomore year and missed the beginning of the season, I couldn't re-join my Junior year because I was sick, and I didn't feel comfortable listing it for my Senior year because the season hasn't begun yet.)</p>

<p>I also took part in William and Mary's on-campus interview this past fall. </p>

<p>I hope to major in Government due to my passion in history and politics. William and Mary has been my dream school not only because of their prestige, but because of all the amazing people and opportunities there. After being sick so long my Junior year, I got near the point where I was afraid of applying to most of my hopeful schools. </p>

<p>While I realize my statistics lack a lot of competitiveness, I feel as though being an out-of-state students has practically eliminated any slight chance of being admitted otherwise. Personally, what do you think my odds of admission are?</p>

2

<p>I think you still have a fair shot at W&M. Hopefully the A in College biology, and your grade in AP Bio will make up for your low ACT Science score</p>

3

<p>Pretty good chances. The ACT is the only thing that is slightly low (but at their 25% mark, so not too low), but the rest of your stats could definitely make up for that.</p>

4

<p>Really tough for the out-of-state applicant. Virginians with 2100+ SATs (averaging 680 or above on each), 3.8 or above, 7+ AP courses, and tons of ecs who attended top notch Virginia schools do not necessarily get in. It seems really hard for out-of-staters at W&M these days unless you absolutely blow out your SAT or ACT scores.</p>

5

<p>I think you have to have higher test scores. I don’t know if ACT scores are as “hot” for W&M as SATs are. I agree with Checkyourhead. The kids from our school who got into W&M were top students who were also National Merit scholars and Commendeds at least and often got into the most select schools. I don’t know anyone who ended up going there because those accepted also got into the ivies and went there instead. No one got into W&M and it was their most selective school.</p>

6

<p>Honestly, I’d say you have a fair chance–Kentucky is in an area which is attractive for college adcoms–and William and Mary is no different. Your test scores are ALWAYS put in context–they don’t make or break your applications. W & M is tough, I agree with the above poster, but your college courses have potential to make up the difference. You perhaps should not completely expect an acceptance (over-optimisim hurts --I had personal experience) but don’t rule yourself out either. You interviewed, have a great GPA, and live in a desirable recruitment location for adcoms, and have proved yourself worthy of college with your excellent grades in college courses – This all will impress W &M! Don’t stress too much–just wait for what happens, accept it, and either celebrate or move on! There are many excellent colleges (Yeah, I’m going cliche route here :slight_smile: ) which will take you with your great stats and just take a deep breath and enjoy the rest of senior year while you wait for W &M with your other decisions!</p>

<p>Good luck, fellow senior of Class of 2012!!</p>

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<p>MODERATOR NOTE: Please post all Chances threads on the What are my Chances? forum.</p>