Let's talk chances...

Colleges and Universities A-Z Washington & Lee University
1

<p>Washington and Lee is my FIRST choice. I am applying Early Decision, and utilizing THEIR personal application rather than the Common App. Here are some brief stats. </p>

<p>GPA: 3.78 unweighted. Appx. 4.0-4.1 weighted
ACT: 29 cumulative, 35's in both English sections, and a 10 on the essay
AP Art History Exam: 5
AP Euro and AP Lit: TBD in May
SAT II's: TBD, Taken in Lit and US History. World History TBT in December
Class Rank: Top 10%, No formal rank given.
Communication with school: 2 formal visits, 1 interview, 1 off-campus info session, countless emails, and communication with the Varsity Women's Lacrosse coach. </p>

<p>IN SCHOOL:</p>

<p>*JROTC, holding the rank of Cadet Captain, 3 years
*Student Government representative, 2 years
*Lacrosse, 4 years, captain 2 years
*French Club, 3 years, President this year
*Peer Ministry (Religious leadership opportunity, desirable position)
*NHS
*NSHSS
*French International Honor Society
*Field Hockey, 3 years
*Swimming, 1 year
*Eco-Club, no leadership position held
*Winner of the Principal's Award
*Winner of the National Soujourner's Award (JROTC merit based award, national level)
*Honor Roll student, 3 years </p>

<p>OUT OF SCHOOL:</p>

<p>*Lacrosse
*Tuesday night teacher's aid to a Downs Syndrome girl, Abby, age 9
*Altar Service
*Mission trip during the summer of 2009
*Work, two full time paid positions </p>

<p>CLASSES TAKEN SENIOR YEAR:</p>

<p>*AP Euro
*AP English
*Honors French IV
*Contemporary Lit and Short Fiction
*Pre Calc (I know I know... math is not super strong...)
*Peer Ministry
*JROTC LET IV </p>

<p>I am a white female, looking to study English and Art History. Lay it on me, what, realistically, are my chances here?</p>

2

<p>First, no one can give you the answer you are looking for (“you have an 84.2% chance of acceptance”) because it is not that easy. That being said, you are a solid candidate for admission. </p>

<p>Academically - top 10% in your class is a strong plus. </p>

<p>Your test scores won’t get you in, but won’t keep you out either.</p>

<p>Without knowing what classes your high school offers, it is difficult to assess the classes that you are taking. At some schools 3 APs (total) and Pre-calc your senior year would be on the light side - but that may not be the case at your school. </p>

<p>Extra curricular resume includes some leadership positions and some activities you have been involved with for multiple years - both positives. </p>

<p>And, you have clearly expressed your interest with the visits, interview and applying early decision - which is strong plus (however, using the W&L app vs. the Common App won’t score you any points - sorry).</p>

<p>At this time, the only thing that you can do is to make sure that the teachers writing your recommendations know that W&L is your top choice, and know why you want to attend/are a good fit for the school. Recommendations are more important than you think - and at this point, the only thing left in the process. </p>

<p>One note - be prepared for the school to defer you to regular decision. That is not uncommon at W&L. Particularly since you are taking two out of three APs this year, W&L may want to see how you perform. Do not take a deferral as a no. If W&L doesn’t want you, they will not string you along - they will send a rejection. I am not saying that you are going to get deferred - just offering some advice that if you do get deferred, it is not the end of the road. </p>

<p>Best of luck</p>