<p>Well, I got deferred Early Decision. I later heard that people below the top 5 percent of class rank have a very heavy burden in the ED phase, but a better shot in regular decision.</p>
<p>As for my essays, I don't know if they were good or not. I have won a writing award or two for other stuff, so I'm not a terrible writer, but who knows?</p>
<p>Time now to complete applications to W&M and a few "reaches" out of state. I had a Governor's School instructor who was from Duke and encouraged me to aim high.</p>
<p>Does anybody know a good school in this part of the country that would like a National Merit semifinalist with good SATs and GPA, but bad high school rank? Especially if I've decided to take school more seriously now?</p>