Went test optional. I got denied from GMU, U of SC, and ODU.
I did an interview back in the fall and I’ve been wondering lately how does W&M know if you’ve interviewed?
That will definitely be part of your admissions file. The interviewer prepares a report.
I have been wondering the same. Do they track in the application package? We had a visit too!
Good to know!
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If you visited formally through the school AND a school tracks demonstrated interest, they will keep record. If you interviewed, they will keep record.
If you just went on your own and walked around, they may not have that on record. Good luck!
Thanks. We did a formal visit right before the pandemic hit. Thank you!
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OK - something is off then. Did you talk to anyone up front - about your stats. Or could it be your essays, ECs, etc. U of SC tough but the others not - but everyone is different.
I encourage you to look at AZ and MS State - both have calculators and it’s not too late. Did you look into Radford (Assuming in state) - not sure if too late or not.
Not sure if its helpful but FYI - Marshall just sent DS an email saying they can still accept applications and suggesting they can move fast. There may be other schools that fell short this year in what seems a really top school heavy application year.
To build upon what OceanIsle stated above: After beaucoup college visits with multiple kids, one of the takeaways I got from various admissions staffs is that most schools do indeed track interest. Registering for tours, open houses, et cetera, is tracked. In addition, doing something that is optional (essays, interviews, etc) demonstrates commitment to attending a particular school. “Test optional” is not the same as “tests not considered” : while the most selective schools might well be test optional, they will have no shortage of applicants with stellar test scores and those who went TO might be at a disadvantage (one less opportunity to show how good you are). The more prestigious the school, the more selective the admissions process, and the more geared that process will be towards weeding people out in large swaths.
For user_650631: Agree with tsbna44 that you may not have rcvd the best guidance when developing your list of schools. Don’t know your personal situation, but your GPA is low; while it did improve, a rough start can derail your chances at more selective schools. I assume your junior GPA (4.8) is weighted; were your freshman (2.1) and sophomore (3.4) weighted or unweighted? Unweighted I hope. Schools will look at both. If you normally do well on standardized tests, going TO might have hurt your chances to counterbalance your GPA. Based on where you applied, my guess is you are from Virginia. If so, you are likely aware that if you didn’t get into GMU or ODU, you will most likely not get into W&M. Virginia has some superb CCs that could help you get on track at a reasonable cost. TCC and NOVA are both good. There are many paths to success; don’t be discouraged.
What does it mean if your application was read early but no cypher card received? Does that mean no acceptance or could you just be out in a maybe pile?
I think wait a week and you’ll find out. No one here is an admissions counselor. You’re just torturing yourself.
We’re getting closer to May 1 - start figuring out your plan and if W&M comes through and with the right $$, then great.
If not, you’ve got a great plan anyway.
That’s where we are…planning without W&M. If they come through, we’ll revise.
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Yup torture!
The only school I got into was Penn State University Park. So I will most likely attend there for a year and transfer out.
That is a great school!
It’s not bad at all. Knowing myself though, I preform best academically when I’m in an academically rigorous and intellectual environment, something that PSU doesn’t really offer.
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I think you are short selling Penn State. Are you in the Honors Program? If you’re going to go with the intent of transferring out, then go to Junior College.
Penn State is a world class institution and if you seek out the challenge, you will find it - and then some - no different than W&M.
You are making a lot of assumptions.
If you go to a school, any school, take advantage of what it offers. Go in with the right attitude - and you might just have the experience of a lifetime.
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I’m entering it with an open mind. I’m simply speaking from experience when I say I flourish in academically rigorous environments. Ive heard that Penn State is far from that. Regardless, I will go and see how I like it. If it is as I perceive it to be now, I will transfer. If what you say is true, then I will be more than happy to stay.
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If you transfer out for academic reasons, it will because you didn’t seek out the academic opportunities, no other reason.
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I can understand that logic. We all have our reasons, I just do better in an intense academic environment that’s all. PSU has all sorts of great opportunities no doubt, but that is not what this is about for me.