These are both events that you have to apply to with an essay, transcript, and test scores. For the Music Honors Weekend, you had to send in recordings of yourself playing to be accepted in addition to transcripts, etc. These are apparently selective processes. How does participating in either of these events impact admissions chances? Does anyone know what the acceptance rates of participants is to W&L?
I cannot speak to DIVE, but my daughter, a current first year at W&L, attended the Music Honors Weekend last year and the year before (which was the inaugural year for the MHW). My D did not have to provide a transcript either of those years, but she was an applicant last year, so they would have had all her materials.
I’m pretty sure the students give feedback on the students who attend, and I could see the schools gauging sincere interest from attending. I don’t have numbers, but I know of at least one other student who attended the MHW who is currently a first year in addition to my D.
I think both of those events are opportunities for both sides to gauge how good a fit W&L is. W&L is very small, and is in a rural location, so I think the opportunity for my daughter to visit campus and ask questions and spend the night was very helpful for her.
I attended DIVE, and I think it has a fairly sizable impact on admissions and scholarship decisions. I got the chance to interview with admissions officers, and it also showed demonstrated interest, both of which I believe helped me. I’m also a finalist for the Johnson Scholarship, and I think DIVE helps show a commitment to diversity, which is one of the scholarship ideals?
I think W&L is committing to increasing diversity, but the ideals of the Johnson are about academic excellence, leadership, extra-curricular involvement, etc.
@katespeare Did you daughter have to apply as music major or minor? If not, does she have to commit to play for the orchestra or ensemble, etc? Did the music department write any recommendation letter?
W&L is a liberal arts college, so no, she did not have to apply as a music major. She actually is planning a music major, but is planning a double major/minor and was assured this could work. She was eager to do the singing ensembles. My understanding is that one’s MHW materials become part of the admissions package, and I believe that feedback from the music students probably goes to the conductors.
Thanks y’all for help in this. This whole thing is kinda nerve wracking.
Yes, it is! I asked for advice last year and am trying to “pay it forward” because I know how it feels and I am appreciative for the feedback we got.
@katespeare Would you mind sharing your daughter’s stats?
@kathyslo My D had an unweighted 4.0, and took 7 APs, which is about the most one could take at her school. Her super scored ACT was only 33, but she had 36s on Reading and English.
She danced at a pre-professional dance studio since 5th grade, had the lead three times in her high school’s annual musical, competed at a national Shakespeare theater competition and won her school competition several times. She medaled at the state level at Science Olympiad. She auditioned and was selected for several national honor choirs, regional and state choirs, and Governors School in choral music. She also attended Girls State.
She interned teaching music and dance for a national nonprofit that does summer enrichment for rural and low income students, and volunteered teaching music for a local Boys and Girls Club.
So just by grade and test stats she is the “average excellent” student, but her passion and drive for her ECs and volunteer work probably worked in her favor.
@katespeare Wow! Amazing stats! I think I have to consider my son as the “below average” average student. Haha!
I feel like my son has very little chance due to his not so great GPA & ok ACT score, even though he does have good ECs. We are going to get a pre-read this summer then we’ll know if he’s even good enough to ED. Thank you so much for your info. So happy that your D is at W&L, such a wonderful environment! Good luck to her!
@kathyslo My D was fortunate to be awarded a Johnson scholarship, but I don’t think W&L is so very stats driven. I do think demonstrated interest helps, which the DIVE and MHW can help do. I think W& L really reads the essays, and they need students who will make an impact on campus.