<p>I received a handwritten postcard from the woman who reviewed my application a few weeks ago that stated that "my academic accomplishments were quite impressive" and that she "really enjoyed reading my second essay". </p>
<p>I'm an OOS in IL--should I get my hopes up from this postcard or was it just a random happening that happens quite often?</p>
<p>Others who know more may correct me, but I believe that means you have a good chance of becoming a Monroe Scholar.</p>
<p>Rhapsody, could you share your stats? So far you are the first person to rec. anything. Congrats!</p>
<p>I think this is a very positive sign! I haven't previously heard that a postcard is tied in with the Monroe Scholars program, but it certainly could mean that you'll be a Monroe. My two oldest daughters were named Monroes, and neither of them received a postcard. I'd say this looks excellent for admission, and for any other good stuff the school can toss your way. Congrats!</p>
<p>I would definitely say that receiving a handwritten postcard is obviously a bad omen, indicating that you will never get into college. Mwa-ha-ha. JUST KIDDING. It's actually a really good sign, and you'll probably get money. Congrats</p>
<p>Aside from full tuition to 4-5 Murray Scholars, William and Mary does not give any academic scholarship money.</p>
<p>inchoative:</p>
<p>There's also the Monroe scholarship and the William and Mary Scholar Awards, as well as alumni-sponsored awards.</p>
<p>My apologies, I forgot about the WM Scholars. </p>
<p>As for Monroe Scholars, they don't really get money in the sense of which you are speaking. They can apply for and receive a 3000 dollar research grant one summer.</p>
<p>The point is less than 30 students get merit-based aid, out of an incoming class of 1300-1400.</p>
<p>Thanks for the comments! The Monroe Scholars program sounds quite intriguing; I'd definitely enjoy having $3000 for a research project. </p>
<p>And Barrett~here are my stats. I don't think they're so stellar compared to some amazing applicants I've seen, but they're decent, I think.</p>
<p>Gender: Female
Ethnicity: Asian (Indian)
Rank: 7/540 (current) 10/547 (First Semester)
GPA 4.5087 (W), 3.9347 (UW)
SAT I: CR: 740, M: 700, W: 720 Composite: 2160 (only one sitting)
SAT II: 750 (US History), 710 (Literature), 700 (Math I)
ACT: 34</p>
<p>AP: 5 AP classes (English Lit, Calc AB, Gov, Microecon, Biology)
~I am taking Spanish Literature and Spanish Language AP tests as well but the AP Spanish class itself got canceled due to low enrollment, although the course syllabus says it is available.
AP Scores: (5) on APUSH and English Lang. and Comp.</p>
<p>As for my ECs, I am varsity captain of Scholastic Bowl, senior captain of Speech Team, and a committee chair of two commitees in National Honor Society. I'm only in three ECs this year, but they take up all my time. But I do really enjoy them!</p>
<p>Awards</p>
<p>National Merit Finalist
River of Words Poetry Contest 2005 Finalist
Illinois State Scholar
IMEA District Orchestra (9th)</p>
<p>I also received a similar postcard several weeks ago, handwritten from my regional dean (I'm from around Chicago, so chances are its the same person).. I figure it can't be a bad sign? But for my own sake I don't want to read too much into it.</p>
<p>I'd read nothing into this aside from "stay tuned" and stay on the line, especially as competitors are working to "scoop" some of the better candidates right now.</p>