<p>Should I even apply? Do I have a chance? What about ED? </p>
<p>So, I did not do too well freshman/sophomore years of high school, but junior year was great. Huge upward trend.</p>
<p>I'm white a white girl from a large public school in central Florida.</p>
<p>I have around an unweighted GPA of 3.5 and weighted 4.0-4.1
Top 12%
I will be top 10% after 1st semester with a higher GPA (3.6 uw)
Shooting for at least a 2100 on SATs come October
AP World = 4
AP American History = 4
AP Lang = 4
AP Euro = 4</p>
<p>5 AP classes senior year and 1 community college class.</p>
<p>Total of 9 AP classes and all honors classes when available.</p>
<p>Community service will be at least 3 hours a week. </p>
<p>A few clubs, not an officer of anything.</p>
<p>I hope to paint myself in my applications as a lover of literature (which is true). This can also somewhat explain my lack of involvement in clubs.</p>
<p>Thoughts?</p>
<p>THANK YOU SO MUCH, CC! I AM A LOST FOOL WITHOUT YOU!</p>
<p>Based on the information that you provided, there is no reason not to apply. </p>
<p>At this point, there is nothing you can do about classes taken, grades made and test scores recorded. As a senior, there are, however, still a few things that you can do to enhance your chances.</p>
<p>1) ED - if W&L is your first choice, and you are willing to make a binding decision then yes, take advantage of ED. It let’s the school know that you W&L is your first choice - which cannot hurt.</p>
<p>2) Interview - make sure that you schedule a interview. These are important to W&L. Take the interview seriously. Practice a little before you go. Get comfortable talking about yourself. Be on time, be fully engaged, and send a thank you note.</p>
<p>3) Meet with the teachers/counselors who will write your recommendations. Let them know that W&L is your first choice, and why. Make sure that they know that you are portraying yourself as a lover of literature. It will make your “story” more compelling if you and your teacher/counselor are saying the same thing. Don’t take t for granted that your teacher/counselor remembers everything that you have accomplished in high school. Providing them with your resume can be be helpful, and gives them something to refer to as they write your recommendation.</p>
<p>4) Go to Lexington. Nothing shows interest more than a visit, which will also give you a chance to meet a member of the admission staff. I know that visits are not easy to arrange, and are expensive. However, if it is at all possible - get to campus this fall.</p>
<p>But, W&L is the 2nd top liberal arts school below the mason-dixon line. Also, have you taken the SAT yet? a 2100 would be acceptable or for the ACT anywhere from a 32-34 avg. Also, they STRONGLY recommend at least 2 subject tests, I would suggest taking one in the sciences, history, and english (lover of literature?-don’t quite get it). Also, 3 hours of community service a week is not significant enough to put on a college transcript. Unless you plan on logging all hours and lettering in community service. Most people who put down volunteer work have accumulated an upwards of 360+ hours. Also, W&L is not 100% need blind in their admissions process, so if you are at the bottom of the applicant pool and are asking for FA, they most likely wouldn’t admit you. My advice would to not apply unless you can schedule a visit+ interview, achieve a great SAT score, and between a 700-800 score on all 3 subject tests.</p>
<p>I’m sorry, but the above claim is just outlandish. You should absolutely apply. Will you get in? There is absolutely no way of knowing until the admissions committee makes a decision. On the other hand, if you only apply to schools you know will send you an admit letter, you aren’t setting your sights high enough.</p>
<p>The reason schools have hollistic admissions processes is so they don’t limit their scope to test scores, GPA’s, and number of volunteer hours. Don’t stress about numbers. Find what you love and keep doing it. If that’s reading, then read until you go blind. If you’re a good fit at Washington and Lee, then you will be admitted. Don’t fret over people who believe admission to a highly selective institution is contingent upon nearly unattainable stats. Sure, those would help, but they are not a prerequisite. If you have a 1250 (without writing) or a 26 and are in the top 20% of your class, then it is at least worth an application.</p>
<p>I will add that if W&L is your first choice, then apply Early Decision after speaking with the financial aid office.</p>
<p>make sure to go to the meetings in your area when and if W&L comes to visit (fill out a little card they give you with your information). If W&L is really your first choice, let it be shown! apply through the W&L website, apply to the Johnson Scholarship, visit the school, shoot some emails to the admissions office.</p>
<p>But don’t “paint” yourself as a lover of literature. Firstly, admissions can sniff out fibs in a heartbeat. If your activities don’t match up to your interests, it’ll seem a little sketch. Secondly, that isn’t the most honest situation you can get yourself into, and that in itself is not in accordance with the W&L honor system! Just kidding (but not really). All in all, just make sure that they know how HONESTLY passionate you are about W&L. A lot of people at this school had leadership positions of some sort in high school, but if that’s not a possibility, try to boost your community service hours.</p>
<p>Do you have any quirks, or cool things you’ve done? I met some kids who did extreme volunteering trips, or month long outdooring trips. I’ve even met a kid that built a bamboo bike? insane. make sure to put those things in your resume and submit that!</p>
<p>OP,
D applied to W&L last year and was accepted, but chose not to attend. She visited the campus as a junior and had an interview locally after she applied. My impression is that SAT scores matter more than GPA. W&L’s common data sets (section C) indicate that as well. [Common</a> Data Set :: Washington and Lee University](<a href=“http://www.wlu.edu/x32862.xml]Common”>http://www.wlu.edu/x32862.xml) Standardized test scores are “very important” while GPA is “important.” The higher you can score on the SAT, the better. 2100 is probably a minimum. </p>
<p>As for applying ED, that will show interest, but it is highly likely that admissions will want to see your semester grades before making a decision. If you apply ED, don’t be discouraged if you are deferred. Your mid-semester grades should offer reinforcement to your application.</p>
<p>W&L values leadership. Leadership is a huge factor in awarding their generous Johnson Scholarships. You don’t indicate any leadership positions that you’ve held, although there are more ways to show leadership than being president of the key club. W&L, like most top schools, is also looking for people of high quality and character.</p>
<p>Lastly, I would also agree with alum08: apply. If you get in you will be the happiest HS senior in Central Florida.</p>
<p>Applied as a Bio major, not ED. Was initially wait-listed, then got a Fed-Ex admission letter in Mid-April this year. Didn’t visit and didn’'t interview (Interviewer was relocated by employer to Europe week before interview, and W&L never rescheduled). SAT was 700V/770M/690W and ACT = 33. GPA 4.1 weighted. Six AP’s , mostly science & math (5’s and 4’s) Catholic prep school in NJ and tons of community service/ leadership/ sports. Chose to attend a school with stronger Pre-med program (longer history) in a metropolitan area. Went to local “admitted” students social in NJ and enjoyed the people and alumni. Obviously difficult admissions and very selective, not sure why I stood out, but assume admissions is class building at W&L and needed more science kids. I made a personal choice and don’t regret it, & I know W&L an exceptional place; never considered the “south” school issue, heard good things about the social scene, and misconceptions associated with dresses and blazers didn’t scare me away.</p>