@TrrendaLeigh Thanks. I appreciate your feedback. Actually the Mensa invitation came just a few days after the W&L application had already been submitted. We, too, were not sure how the Mensa thing would be taken, as we got conflicting feedback from different people, and therefore we decided against sending it to the colleges. Except, that we did send it to just one college, and it so happens to be, that my son has made it to the list of finalists for that college’s scholarship. So who knows… Coincidentally, we received that email the very same day, and only a few hours prior to the W&L decisions being announced.
I do understand the whole ‘holistic view’ criteria and all. Also, that with the HYPSM schools (Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Stanford, MIT) the competition is such, that approx. 70% of applicants with perfect grades and perfect test scores are rejected every year. What with all the many criteria that they have, such as diversity etc. that they need to fill. Add to that, that my son is an ORM (Over Represented Minority), which makes his chances that much less and it is something we are quite clear on. But with the Johnson Scholarship, we felt that my son had a genuine chance of at least being one of the 200 finalists. My son had shown his essays to several people who are well versed with college admissions, and they had all given very positive feedback. A couple of them had even said that they were absolutely sure that my son would qualify.
Oh well. Such is life. I suppose there’s not much point on dwelling over it. Except, that it would be nice to be able to know which part of the application failed to meet the criteria that W&L was looking for.
“Except, that it would be nice to be able to know which part of the application failed to meet the criteria that W&L was looking for.” -OverseasFather
@OverseasFather That’s just it. I don’t think it is a failing to meet criteria. I think there are several thousand individuals who apply for the Johnson, and there were approximately 200 or so people who really stood out. It could have been as simple as they didn’t think your son was a great fit for the school, for example. W&L really wants to select people who love the school. I’ve never gotten the sense that your son is disappointed that he wasn’t selected for the Johnson because he really wanted to go to W&L and the scholarship made it possible.
Also, while W&L expects students to be high achievers and intellectual, they really like students who will be deeply involved in some way. It is possible that your son’s application didn’t convey the extent to which he would make an impact on campus.
Your son is an academic rockstar, and I am sure his future is very bright.
The only thing I dislike about the process is that W&L falsely states that EDs aren’t at a disadvantage. They are. Look at the numbers. Moreover, it is logical for W&L to use the Johnson as a carrot for kids that might not go there. Why give it to the ones that are committed. IMO, this incontrovertible fact should be stated clearly so kids don’t have irrational hopes. With all the liberal arts colleges giving BIG merit aid to good students, it made paying full tuition at W&L a hard decision. But, it is the right school, so we are doing it.
W&L says quite explicitly on the website that if one needs the Johnson to attend, then do not apply ED.
“If your enrollment at W&L depends on winning a Johnson Scholarship or other significant aid, then you should consider applying as Regular Decision versus the binding Early Decision options.” I don’t think this is misleading.
We were merit hunting, so my D did not apply ED binding anywhere. My D racked up quite a few amazing offers, but nothing as significant as the Johnson, even from less competitive schools. As much as she would have preferred to apply ED, we saw that on the website and concluded it would be foolish for us to do so, as we could not reasonably afford W&L otherwise.
Congrats to the finalists. I can say that being a Johnson scholarship recipient has been a huge benefit to my daughter and our family. The school is amazing and she is obtaining a first rate education. She clicked immediately with the professor who interviewed her and who is now her adviser. Other professors have taken the time to counsel and guide her as she makes her journey. Good luck. This mama made my kid bring goodies for her dorm hosts, and she said they appreciated it.
I agree with @middling. W&L states there is an equal chance of getting a Johnson ED. @katespeare Stating that you should not apply ED if you need a Johnson is obvious for financial reasons, but it is not saying your chances are decreased, which they are.
We asked multiple people in Admissions and coaches and they all stated that ED and RD applicants were treated equally in the process. Yet after my daughter wasn’t invited for Johnson Weekend, I called Admissions and asked for the breakout between ED and RD for those invited and they would not share that information.
My daughter knows a lot of Johnsons and only 1 applied ED. Despite my extreme disappointment at her not getting the Johnson, my daughter loves it there and is thriving, so I’m content.
My son also received the Johnson. We are all incredibly excited. @TrendaLeigh we will also probably not be able to visit, but we are trusting his judgment. He was super impressed with the interactions with faculty, current students, and other Johnson prospects.
Hi! I’m a student who got invited to the Johnson Finalist weekend. Would you mind giving me any advice as to how to prepare for the interview? Feel free to PM me!
Do you have any advice for finalists entering the interview? I’d love to hear any tips or advice you have since your son was obviously incredibly successful in the interview!
Congratulations! Since it’s been ten years since my daughter’s Johnson Scholarship weekend, I’m afraid my thoughts might no longer be relevant - and I would guess that COVID considerations will have an impact on this year’s event. You can search previous posts, but hopefully someone more current than I will chime in.
I’m not exactly sure how things will run down for the Johnson finalists this year due to the pandemic, but here are some things you can expect:
There’s a very well planned itinerary for you to follow, which includes breakfast/lunch/dinner and the corresponding events.
If you are in person, I highly suggest that you bring a formal outfit, because there’s this one dinner that is pretty formal, which also happens to be right before your interview. I emphasize this because I left my ironed suit and attire at home, hanging on my bedroom door handle. Luckily I had a nice sweater and pants.
Speaking of interviews, there’s no way to prepare for it - they’ll ask you things from your essays, maybe ask why you want to be a Johnson (more like how this’ll help you).
As for your results, you get them after the entire trip, as an email first (on your portal) and a mail.
I forgot to mention, but our year we got a bag full of goodies, like a strap backpack, a notebook cover and some other stuff.
Make friends and actually make a group - try to talk to people and hang out, because there are pockets of downtime where you can explore the neighboring city + there are some events hosted for you Johnson scholars in the evening after your interviews. I forgot the name of the places, but you’ll find your way there. Key point is, try to make friends and get to know people - it makes eating, finding classes, and the entire event a joy.