I have dreamed of attending WUSTL for so long, but the closer I am to filling out college applications, the more I feel that I won’t even have a chance. I live in a very (and I mean very) small town in Georgia. My school doesn’t offer IB classes at all, and they only offer five AP classes. My friends that live in areas around Atlanta have more than twice that amount.They have gotten invitations to NHS, while I have barely anything to show for it. So, will I have a chance to get into WUSTL without the long list of credentials?
Absolutely you should still apply! All colleges take into account the opportunities you have had at your high school. Your school only offers 5 AP classes? That’s fine! Take them. WUSTL won’t punish you for not taking 7 APs if your school only offers 5. Trust me, your situation will not put you at a disadvantage. Just make sure you take full advantage of what you CAN do, instead of lamenting what you cannot.
@JemmaSimmons Thank you for your input. I was worried about my chances due to all of the other people who would like to attend WUSTL that have 8 or 9 AP classes under their belt. Unfortunately, due to my counseling center’s inability to put me (and several of my friends) in the right classes, I will only be able to take 4 AP classes.
My son is currently a freshman at WUSTL. He is from a VERY small, 24 in his class, school in very rural Illinois. Our school offered no AP classes. He was involved in sports, lead in the musical, lots of clubs and activities. You should apply.
My friend from my school got in last year. We don’t have APs. The admissions office even emailed our guidance counselor saying that they were very impressed with our applicants and couldn’t wait for future applicants from my school to apply. I applied and haven’t taken a single AP class. I’ll update you with my result when the time comes.
Thank you @Strikeout and @ap012199 for the relief. I hope you get accepted!
Freesia32 – By all means apply. Our student is a sophomore at Wash U and loves it. Only took 5 AP classes in HS and the school did not have NHS. Do well in the classes you take - and take the most challenging you can. Being well-rounded and demonstrating interest are key elements of your application. Best of luck!
apply. good luck!
Make SURE your guidance counselor indicates your high school only offers five AP’s and that you were only able to take four due to scheduling conflicts (very common at smaller high schools).
You could try to supplement your curriculum by attending an evening or weekend community college class in a subject you’re interested in OR strong at. But I assume it’d be difficult since you live in a rural county.
Prepare your standardized tests - Wash U is VERY focused on test results. Look for the xiggi and silverturtle method in the 'testing ’ forum.
What do you do outside of school? Do you have a job? Play a sport, an instrument?