I am a Wash U legacy (mom) and my brother is currently attending.
Grades:
UW GPA: 3.85
W GPA: 4.36 (AP = 5.0, Honors = 4.5, Regular = 4.0)
I am a current junior. I’ve taken 7 AP classes so far. This 1st semester of junior year- with 4 AP’s (Stats, Physics I, Lang, and US History)- I’ve gotten all A’s. I took my first AP freshman year (World History), then proceeded to take Comp Sci and Psych my sophomore year. All of my other classes have been honors when applicable (i.e. there is no honors “PE”),
Senior Year Course Load:
AP Environmental Science
AP American Government
“AP” Hebrew (weighted like an AP class)
AP Literature
AP Micro and Macro Economics
AP AB Calculus
Test scores:
ACT-- C: 31, English: 33, Math: 29, Science: 31, Reading: 30, Writing: 27 (but I do have a 36 on a writing portion of another test, but that composite is a 27)
I see room to improve my math and reading scores. Hopefully can end with a 32 or 33.
AP-- Psych: 5, World History: 4 (I plan to take Physics, Stats, Lang, and US History this May)
Extracurricular:
Dance Marathon Executive Board Member- (Dance Marathon is a school run chest organization. We pick a charity each year and raise money for that specific charity; last year we raised $84,000.)
Peer Tutoring Student Leadership Council Member (Will probably be president next year)
President of Israeli Club
One of two student representatives on the “Education Foundation Board”- Various organizations around the district request grants and we vote on them. Individuals also can apply for a grant if they can’t afford something like an orchestra trip.
Founder and President of Hackey Sack Club
Freshman “IMPACT” Mentor
Marching Band Bass Drum Section Leader
Percussion Ensemble Captain
Hebrew Honors Society
National Honors Society
Part-time job as ice cream clerk
Summer job as camp counselor (will probably write personal statement about this-- this is the single most rewarding thing someone can do)
Do you think an ACT boost to a 32 or 33 would make a significant difference?
I would say definitely getting your ACT up by even just a point would help as the mid 50% score a 32-34 on the ACT in addition to everything else. Your unweighted GPA definitely looks good and your course rigor looks excellent! ECs you have a pretty solid list though none of them are unique enough to make you stand out more than your average applicant. I would recommend spending a lot of time on your essay come summer and fall. WashU doesn’t have supplementals so a good common app essay is important and a really good one could swing things in your favor. The same goes for LoR. With legacy and all things considered as is you seem like a pretty good candidate with a better ACT score and a good essay and LoR’s you can make yourself an even better candidate. Best of luck!
@samsch6, Getting your ACT up will definitely help, but the rest of ur profile looks really good! My stats are actually quite similar to yours (though my ACT was a 35, but you still have time to bring up your composite), and I have legacy on my mom’s side too. I got in ED for the Class of 2020 so you definitely have a really good chance! Good luck! And just try to write a really good common app essay!
WashU is getting so competitive nowadays; your ACTs need to improve and your high school curriculum looks less rigorous than some of the other applicants on the forum. Your ECS are broad but nothing outstanding. And I couldn’t see any depth or passion in one particular activity. I don’t see an SAT score mentioned.
The fact that you are a legacy is a positive.
WashU likes loyalty. Best of luck.
Try to get your ACT up, try to aim for a 33. Also you seem to be doing many different things, but they seem to be somewhat unrelated; that can show no passion. Try to show your passion in your resume. For example, if you like science you can do research, and be president of science honor society and take many science classes. I feel like admissions counselors like seeing a theme in your resume. This isn’t to undermine any of the amazing work you have already done, it is just some tips. Good luck!
Hi guys, thanks for the feedback. I never took any SAT’s. The “underlying theme” I want them to notice in my EC’s would be my passion for service. Fundraising for charity, peer tutoring, mentoring freshman, serving as a student rep, etc. I like to serve the community to help make it a better place. I also have a good amount of volunteer hours.
@Samsch6 One idea (though a bit unorthodox) might be, in combination with raising your ACT, taking some Subject Tests and scoring exceptionally. WUSTL does not require or recommend them, but it will consider them if they are strong. I don’t know exactly how strong your Hebrew is, but if I were you, I might look into studying for and taking the Modern Hebrew Subject Test to demonstrate a unique skill. Aside from that, any Subject Test in your intended major (provided the score is high) could bolster your credibility in that field.
This is all hypothetical and far from critical to your application; nevertheless, I might think about it if you can score at or near an 800 on Hebrew and/or 750+ on another Subject Test related to your intended major.