<p>Hello everyone. I just submitted my application to WASHU a couple of weeks ago for RD. However, I was wondering what is most important to them for admission. Test scores? EC's? Interest? I know they take a holistic approach but I would like to know if my chances are diminished because I haven't visited their campus. </p>
<p>Also, I am going to interview with an alumni in about two weeks. How strong does that weigh into their admissions decision?</p>
<p>Thank you!</p>
<p>Hi Gus. Although I cannot say for sure, I would be willing to say that the first thing WashU looks at is academic rigor and record (including standardized test scores). To give you some perspective, current admissions from my area shows that WashU accepts students with an average GPA of 3.8-4.0 and SAT scores ranging from 2140-2400, with the majority of accepted students being in the 2200+ range. Obviously they want to see you not only taking the most challenging courses offered by your school (AP, Honors, IB, etc), but succeeding in them. In terms of ECs, while they’re important and make the application more personal, it’s unlikely that a mediocre student with above-average ECs would be accepted, but you never know.</p>
<p>Considering you have an alumni interview scheduled, I would not worry too much about not visiting. As long as you’re demonstrating interest in some way, it looks good on your app.</p>
<p>I would also advise that in preparing for the interview, you think about what you will say when they ask you if WUSTL is one of your top choices and why, especially since you haven’t seen the place. Try to be specific, rather than just something generic like “It’s a really good school”, or “I hear good things about it”. If you look through the web site in some depth, especially regarding whatever your intended major is if you have one, you should be able to find that kind of specificity.</p>
<p>Hey, so just gonna piggyback here…(sorry).</p>
<p>Does applying for scholarship show interest? I applied to one only though.</p>
<p>I remember reading somewhere on this forum that scholarship apps are reviewed entirely separately from admission apps, but there was no evidence to back it up. If that’s true, then I’d guess that those reading your application are unaware of your scholarship app. Once again that could be entirely wrong as it was posted as a response without a link.</p>
<p>As I’ve been told by some people that have worked in the admissions office, the adreps will know that you’ve applied (thus showing interest) but won’t be able to read the essays.</p>
<p>They could be wrong, but that’s the general consensus I’ve gotten.</p>