W&M, UVA, VCU, URichmond, JMU, and American

GPA: 4.0 (unweighted), 4.2 (weighted)
Class Rank: 9/475
ACT: 27; 28 english, 28 reading, 26 math, 24 science
SAT: 1750; 570 reading, 590 math, 590 writing, 10 essay
APs: 8 classes and other classes are honors; 3s and 4s on exams
EC: Robotics, Mu Alpha Theta, Model UN, Mock Trial, Psych Club, Dance, Art Portfolio, Theater, Physical Fitness Club, Senior Senate, National Honor Society, Noble Teens, and much more over the years.
Service: Have done many events and have plenty of hours; used to tutor in need children
First Semester: All A’s

I applied to my first choice (WM) early decision and was deferred, so I was wondering what my chances were in this next round of applicants and my other top choices. I am an in-state resident of VA. Also, a key aspect of my transcript is that I have moved through three different states in the past few years, so that affected my whole high school career. I have an alumni recommendation for WM and great recs for other schools. My personal essay is pretty good and has been read by my english teacher, peers, college students, and a relative who is an english professor. I also am sending in an art supplement to each school and doing every supplement possible. In my common app I wrote two extra essays explaining how moving affected my schoolwork and how I struggle with standardized tests, but am working hard to improve. I sent in my best ACT scores and am taking SAT II’s in January.I can’t retake anymore tests either, so that is holding me back.My general question is for my chance of getting into WM, but also the other schools. For WM I have an interview on file, continued letter of interest, and communication with my area director of admissions.Thank you.

man, SATs are such BS. Your GPA is fantastic, and you have a good ACT score. Really, Idk why there aren’t more schools (and better schools) on this list (Georgetown, big state schools like Wisco, OSU, Maryland, etc. etc.)

You’ve done fine in high school…don’t kill yourself from not getting into W&M. In my opinion, W&M sucks asss compared to others (and it’s a little bubble)

Thank you, you totally just boosted my self-confidence for sure. Only reason I am applying to these are they are in-state or offer great scholarships. Thanks again

@yankeefan4255

im basically in the same boat as you (SAT’s/ACTs not being up to par with my actual intelligence/GPA) and you know what… fuck this system, and no matter wherever you go, you’ll do amazingly. Anywhere is lucky to have you.

hm, no “wherever you go, you’ll amazingly” is what we tell little kids. It doesn’t apply to young adults going to college or into the workforce. How well you do will depend on the decisions you make, whether you live up to your potential, can take advantage of the opportunities that exist at your college or in your community.

@skibbles4: W&M, UVA, and URichmond are reaches. They’re extremely selective and expect the most rigorous preparation possible. The fact you got deferred at W&M indicates the challenge for UR and UVA, too. The 3’s you got on your Ap exams may have made them hesitate: remember, it’s as if you took semester-long college classes extended to one year, and got a C as a final grade. Are you attending a low-performing school? That’s the only reason they’d cut you some slack on those test scores. However, your overall profile is very strong, so you may never know what they decide!
American and JMU are matches, with JMU a likely low match. VCU is probably a safety but you should apply to one or two more schools;I’d advise one more safe bet (school you like, are sure you will get into, and can afford: perhaps UMW? CNU?) and one more school where you’ll likely to get into, perhaps a private LAC out of state if you’re willing to go OOS.

@skibbles4, as you know your test stats are not really typical of what most of these schools seem to admit. You said you submitted art portfolios to the schools. Are you intending to major in art? I knew several art majors in school and many of them had terrible SATs, or so I thought at the time. The talented artistic mind doesn’t always fit the mold. VCU is one of the top art schools in the country so consider it if you get in.

I do know a young man who was flat out REJECTED ED from W&M and was later accepted RD at UVA. W&M must see something good in your application. I have no idea about American, but the last time I looked it’s expensive. I think you should apply to a few more schools in VA such as Radford, Longwood and CNU. I think GMU app date has passed but check that too. You can always attend some place for a year and transfer. Good luck.

@skibbles4, You’ll get into VCU, and it is a great school in a great location, and one that I sense is on the rise academicaly. I know many very happy undergrads there. JMU is also good, and you stand a good chance to get in. Don’t worry if you don’t make the cut at UVA or W&M, both JMU and VCU have great reputations within Virginia.
My advice if you want some more options - Deadlines for Christopher Newport and Mary Washington are Feb. 1 - apply to both if you have the time. Remember, they don’t usually need to get your transcript and rec letters by Feb. 1 (check on this), but your app has to be filed by midnight on Feb. 1.

first off, don’t listen to yankeefan when he says w&m sucks ass compared to those schools. w&m was named the 2nd best school in the country for undergraduate teaching. none of the other schools were even ranked. anyways, I applied to all these minus vcu and au and I’d say your’re definitely a lock for jmu and vcu and should be good with american as well. U of R is hard to predict simply because they’re kinda fickle with acceptances.

Unfortunately the acceptance rate of deferral at the college is low but you have all the credentials so they’re probably just waiting to see your first semester grades. As Osprey was saying, I know plenty of people who were rejected at the college and were accepted to uva and vise versa so don’t give up hope! you’re a smart capable student and will succeed wherever you go.

My son has similar stats to yours. SAT M 630 & CR 540. His weighted gpa is 4.2. His AP scores are all 3’s & as he’s hyper creative, has never done super great with standardized tests. Outside of the academics though he had a unique application because of some creative work and awards along with strong EC’s. Anyway, he applied RD to W&M & we are waiting to hear. Not expecting to be admitted but he thought he’d give it a try. Having said that though, he has been admitted to GMU, JMU & CNU (with scholarship money). He’s now waiting for VT & VCU but I think his chances at both schools are probably pretty good. There are lots of really great schools in Va that will gladly admit you.

Your GPA is good. I’m in the same boat as you about the test scores. Schools will look more at you as a whole. You are a definite match for VCU. I would say your chances are pretty good at JMU as well. I would say you have decent chances at UVA & URichmond. I don’t see why you wouldn’t.

My DS was also deferred at W&M and is still hopeful he’ll make it. Meanwhile he’s been accepted to CNU and UMW (with a scholarship offer). He’s also applied to American, U ofRichmond, and Gettysburg College. I would expect you’ll have choices the Spring, but there’s a chance W&M won’t be on that list, so hopefully you have another favorite.