Estimate on Chances for Acceptance

Colleges and Universities A-Z College of William and Mary
1

<p>So like all applicants this year I would like to somehow gauge my chances for getting accepted into W&M this being my number one choice. Credentials are as follows: </p>

<p>African American
GPA: (3.21 freshman), (3.21 sophmore), (3.5 Junior), and as of right now (4.2 senior)
average gpa: 3.33 for 9-11 grade, and 3.5 for all 4 years (although the semester isnt over yet for senior year) </p>

<p>Underclassman courses:
Freshman-
Geometry Honors (took alegebra 1 in middle school)
World History and Geography Honors
Physical Education
English 9
Biology 9 honors
Symphonic Orchestra
Latin 1 </p>

<p>Sophmore-
AP World History
Chemistry 10 honors
Algebra 2 honors
Latin 2
Physical Education/Drivers Ed
Theater Arts 1
English 10</p>

<p>Upperclassman:
Junior-
Physics Honors
Precalculus
AP U.S. History
AP Biology
Senior Science Investigation
AP English Language (11th)
Latin 3 </p>

<p>Senior-
AP European History
AP Environmental Science
AP Latin
AP Psychology
AP Government
Personal Fitness 1
AP Literature (12th) </p>

<p>My SAT score has not been scored yet but based on practice tests from Princeton Review I score around 1800-1900 range. (math- [550-590], CR- [610-680], writing- [600-630]) </p>

<p>Extracurricular: Science Olympiad for 3 years (all three years we have placed no lower than 3rd place at states and we have won states, I was on the competing team all 3 years and was VP of it last year, I have won a total of 5 medals for my events and 20 ribbons both at regional and state level), Kung Fu (5 years, I am the youngest adult black sash for the school, and I am an assistant instructor there), Envirothon (team won regionals for the 2 years I was there), Film Club ( VP for 2 years, we won a local competition last year for a video we made), Played the Violin before high school and through all 4 years of high school as well, Played guitar for 1.5 years, Captain for the group that organizes car pools from the school on a daily basis, Secretary of the Asian Culture Club, Class Representative to the Latin Club, Assistant Stage Manager for school's Theater Department, Cashier/Salesman and pools snack bar, Model United Nations (2 years) </p>

<p>I would also like to know if I should apply ED or wait for my senior year semester grades since they will boost my overall GPA. </p>

<p>(I'm from Fairfax VA, which grades on the 6% scale instead of the 10% like other counties, so my GPA listed above is my fairfax gpa which would translate into a higher gpa if it were on the 10% grading scale)</p>

2

<p>I wouldn't worry about your "Fairfax GPA". The adcoms are aware of every geographical grading scale in Virginia. Your grades show a definite upwards trend. You have a strong curriculum, an AP language, no AP Calc though. My guess is that your class ranking is not very high. You SAT's need to prove that you are up for the challenge of William and Mary. I believe that you are. </p>

<p>Did either of your parents graduate from college? Are you the first in your family? Your EC's stand out. Especially the carpool thing. Interesting. Show your enthusiasm and leadership qualities in your essays. You are very involved. </p>

<p>You need to contact the admissions office to arrange a visit and/or overnight stay at William and Mary. You need to convey your interest that William and Mary is your first choice and if you are accepted, you will come. The fact that you are an African American is going to help your chances considerably.</p>

<p>You SHOULD apply early decision. You will most likely be deferred to regular admissions, though. Your essays need to be very good. You need to do the optional submission. You need to stay very, very strong grade wise for the remainder of this year. Take the SAT's again..........no more than 3 times, though. Consider the ACT as well. </p>

<p>Are you male or female? I think you have a great shot and I wish you the best of luck. You will feel very welcome at William and Mary. You have done an amazing job in high school. Keep it going. Don't let anything stop you. We want you here.</p>

<p>Peace,
Pedsox</p>

3

<p>Thanks Pedsox. My school doesnt have class ranking, but in anycase I'm a male and neither of my parents graduated from William and Mary and I was planning on taking the SAT again depending on how well I do on the one I took this past weekend.</p>

4

<p>My question was did either of your parents graduate from college?</p>

5

<p>Yes both of them graduated</p>

6

<p>You realize that you only have a good shot at admissions because you are African American? If you were white, you wouldn't have a snowball's chance in.................well, you get it. Diversity is good on campus. I am one of those who happen to believe that being a brother or sister in this society is still a handicap. Statistically, you still beat the odds and that will be recognized. However..................However (!!!!) having two parents who graduated from college really doesn't make you stand out as the typical black male. Because of your race, I think you have a decent shot at William and Mary. If you were white.............not a chance.</p>

<p>I wish you all the very best.</p>

<p>Pedsox</p>

7

<p>You seem to have really strong ECs! You may have a pretty good shot if you get solid grades in your classes this year and strong SATs. While racial status does give students a boost in the admissions process, I wouldn't rely on it- you have other strong factors and it would not be the only reason to admit you :-) Good luck!</p>