Legacy Chances

<p>Hello!</p>

<p>I love W&M, but I'm not sure if I should apply. </p>

<p>You see, my dad is a double alum. He went to the college, and then graduated 2nd in his class from the business school. His bank recruits yearly from the school, and he's best friends with the president of the law school and the man who recently donated the new business building to the school. Basically, he's a well connected guy. </p>

<p>I, on the other hand, am less than impressive. I am an OOS girl, I go to a very competitive prep school and, although I'm in the top 1/4 of my large class, I only have a 91 average. My SATs are also less than impressive at an even 2000. </p>

<p>On the plus side: I’m a varsity rower; and, although I am dyslexic, I was named one of the most eloquent writers in my grade (although this post may prove otherwise. Sorry, it’s pretty late for me!). So, I’m convinced that I’m going to write some pretty darn good essays. </p>

<p>I have no expectations, but do I even have a shot?
Thanks!</p>

<p>What’s your Math+Verbal?</p>

<p>I wouldn’t underestimate the influence your Dad might have.</p>

<p>W&M always looks beyond the numbers. If you have overcome a learning disability to do well in a tough school, you should very proudly apply. Make sure you tell your story in your essay. Also, an interview might be helpful as well.</p>

<p>Good luck.</p>

<p>W & M asks for legacy info on the app; they report on their Common Data Set that “alumni/alumnae relation” is “considered,” though it’s not a “very important” factor. (Those would be rigor of curriculum, GPA, standardized tests, etc.) See page 2 of the 2008 CDS here: <a href=“http://web.wm.edu/ir/CDS/cds_part_c_0809.pdf[/url]”>http://web.wm.edu/ir/CDS/cds_part_c_0809.pdf&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p>I think it will be a help in your case, especially if you put together two well-written essays (Common App essay and W & M supplement) to show that you’re well-qualified to be a W & M student. Are you thinking about applying ED? Good luck!</p>

<p>My math is 670 and my verbal is 640. That’s only a 1310… My school wouldn’t qualify me for extended time because my GPA was above an 87. Is it bad to mention that in my essay? I mean, they gave me the PSATs with extended time and I got a 68 verbal and 73 math, so it would have helped.</p>

<p>And yes, I am planning to apply ED. But I didn’t think that’d help me all that much at W&M. I figure I’m in or I’m not in, my score are too low for me to be pulled off the wait list.</p>

<p>If I recall correctly, being a legacy means you are considered in-state for admissions purposes, so you have a decent chance. Bringing up the SAT score would probably help.</p>

<p>Well, I can’t find any reason <em>not</em> to apply - what’s the worst that can happen?</p>

<p>“Only” a 1310 can get you in on its own, and you have another oppty to take the SAT before applying. While more than adequate, if you’re confident you can improve the SAT, a re-take wouldn’t hurt - they actually want kids to take it more than once – but they want to see improvement as well. Taking it 8 times, however, is just gaming the system, and is frowned upon …</p>

<p>An eloquent essay will go a long way as well; more than most, and as much as anywhere else, the adcoms at W&M seem to really appreciate strong and personal essays. And actually, it’s August - it’s actually not too early to start getting your ideas down. Once school starts, the time is gonna fly by …</p>

<p>As you probably know, OOS female <em>is</em> very competitive, Don’t count on the legacy to help much, just work on the bits you can control, and I think you’ve got a good chance.</p>

<p>

I’d be interested in finding out more about this. I’ve heard it’s true at UVA, but I’d never heard it for W & M before. I know that several top public schools handle OOS legacy applications this way. Can anyone confirm it’s so at W & M? Couldn’t find anything on the W & M website about it.</p>

<p>Here’s an article about the role legacy plays in admissions from 2005:
<a href=“https://alumni.wm.edu/magazine/spgsum_2005/pdf/AtheWren.pdf[/url]”>https://alumni.wm.edu/magazine/spgsum_2005/pdf/AtheWren.pdf&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p>OP,</p>

<p>you should definitely apply.</p>

<p>You’ll probably get in ED.</p>

<p>Datkid - Don’t give someone false hope. My D was in state, #3 in her class out of 300, straight A’s since 2nd grade, all honors and AP classes including Physics, Calculus (5 AP score), English (plus others). She had unbeliveable EC’s - sports, leadership,clubs & volunteer activities. She was deferred ED and waitlisted regular decision. Was accepted at UVa and said “If W & M dosen’t want me, I don’t want them.” Go ahead and apply, who the heck knows what they are looking for, just don’t think you are getting in.</p>

<p>^Well, that just scared the crap out of me…I’m in state and not nearly that competitive…</p>

<p>OP, definitely apply. The question is whether you are in the ballpark - and I think you are. Crazy things happen. My son had a 3.8 GPA, 9 or 10 APs, 2250+ in SAT - got into WM regular and got waitlisted at UVA (In state from NoVA). Same thing - he withdrew from UVA saying he does not want it. You never know what will happen. So just go ahead and apply.</p>

<p>The thing about schools that practice holistic review is that you never know whether you’ll get in unless you try. As long as you’re reasonable about your expectations when applying to any selective school it cannot hurt.</p>

<p>William & Mary does consider legacy status a plus factor although it does not make an out-of-state applicant in-state. You should be sure to mention your dad’s connection to W&M and to mention your learning disability so that your academic achievements can be reviewed in the appropriate context.</p>

<p>Applying early decision can also be beneficial. You need only stand out in a pool of 1000 instead of a pool of 12,000+. It’s obviously easier to stand out in the pool of 1000 plus colleges like to admit people who really want to go.</p>

<p>If you really want W&M there’s no reason not to apply ED. If you’re not admitted, at least you’ll know where you stand</p>