Hello, my name is Hope. I am starting my senior year of high school, which means I’ll be applying to colleges this year. I am located in California, but my number one choice is Wake Forest University so I’ll be using the early decisions program. I’m very nervous when applying as I have has a rough high school past. My freshmen-sophomore grades are about a C average, but my Junior-Senior grades are all A’s. I changed schools once I started my Junior year. I am disabled and have a service dog; during my interview, she said that would not be an issue. I’ve done a lot of community service, school activities, etc. But I do still have a strong concern that I won’t qualify. What are some tips you can give me when applying?
In the “additional information” of your application explain why you got C average grades on 9th and 10th grades. What else if anything was going on in your life? At home? Your health? Your school? And why/how you were able to go from C grades to all A grades? How/why did the turn around happen? I’m not sure if you are submitting SAT/ACT scores but if not, all they have to go on are your grades. I know there are many questions on the application. Show your true self in the answers. Be genuine and honest. I think that is what they are looking for. Hope this helps and good luck.
My son is at Wake. I agree with the above post. First of all - Congratulations on pulling your grades up so much! One thing Wake does look at heavily is ‘rigor of coursework’, They do that because they know that is what will be required at Wake (thus, the nickname ‘Work Forest’) and that also tends to be better predictor of success in college, compared to SAT / ACT scores. At this point, you can’t change the difficulty of your classes- it is what it is - but it does factor into admissions at Wake. I agree with above post that you should mention in the ‘anything you want to add?’ section some details about the difference in grades from early high school, compared to the last two years. Keep it positive and show what you have overcome - obstacles that were difficult, but you dug in your heels and came out stronger. Best wishes!
With a 3.8 GPA and a 26 ACT should I report my ACT score?