<p>I have just received a letter from Wellesley's Science Center from the Director of the Science Center. Supposedly I was on a small list given to them by the Student Search Service because I have done exceptionally well on my AP exams for math and science.</p>
<p>My question is - is this letter significant? Or is just one of those multiple mail listing letters?</p>
<p>And also in reference to the lower acceptance ED rate for last year - any idea of whether or not that is simply because the people were less qualified or is it due to an increase in the number of students applying? My friend had called in and supposedly the ED pool was only 247.</p>
<p>I was kind of surprised by the letter. My d got one too. She only took one math/science AP -- calc AB in her Junior year-- and got a 4. Don't think the mailing was that small.</p>
<p>Women's colleges have a higher percentage of students in math and hard sciences compared to the female population in the coed colleges. I think if you check the numbers that Wellesley, while way ahead of the coed institutions, fell behind the other "sister" colleges. Your daughters' interest may prove an advantage in admissions at Wellesley provided they are otherwise qualified.</p>
<p>That is true if you have expressed a preference. Taking the Calculus AP exam demonstrates an ability that may turn into a preference. This probably explains the letters. A number of women of my acquaintance have switched to math or physics in college just as a number of men discovered a more literary or artistic side. The letters are probably sent to outstanding students who might choose a hard science. It might be interesting to get some figures from Bryn Mawr as to how many of their students start out as probable math majors, because I believe they make up 12% of the graduating class. The average student changes majors something like four times.</p>
<p>I would say the ED pool odds are lower due to an increase in applicants. A couple of years ago, I remember the ED stats were something like 120/180 accepted.</p>
<p>I took AP Calc as a junior, and didn't receive any such letter. I also didn't show a huge interest in Wellesley at this time of the year: I was waiting from an EA letter from another school. Wellesley's acceptances, and March EE recruiting letters are pretty standard throughout the years. Not working in a position that would have sent it at Wellesley this year, I have no idea what motivated the letter- it could be general recruiting from what it sounds like. Wellesley is just trying to tell you that our Science Center is a cool place, and if you like science, you won't be unhappy here.</p>
<p>Did your friend get one too? Is she applying ED? Are you? </p>
<p>As for what the letter means, taking the AP calc as a junior (and doing well) is a good sign. for admissions. If something like that is typical of the kind of work you do, I would not be worried about trying to guess your admission results too much.</p>