I am currently waitlisted at W&M, and my first semester transcript was straight As and A-s. However, third marking period, my grades are All As, A+s, A-s, and one B+ and one B in two AP classes. Sending these grades are optional, and I am wondering if sending these will hurt me because of the Bs, or will it be advantageous to show that I am still working hard second semester? Basically, should i send these grades or not?
Hi. I was waitlisted last year so I know how you feel. Is W&M your first choice? Honestly, getting off the waitlist is pretty difficult to do because of the amount of people they (a put on the waitlist and (b the amount of people who choose to accept a place on the waitlist; I’m sure you already know this. Anyway…
I sent in my third marking period grades, though most were all As-. The thing with this though is that my school had just converted to a 10 pt. scale, so realistically a lot of them would have been B+s for consistency’s sake. I was in 5 AP classes plus two electives, though my AP classes were likely not considered as challenging as some other classes. My ACT was around a 26 (?) and my GPA weighted was slightly above a 4-- no idea what it was unweighted.
My point is if you are borderline like I was, I don’t think it will kill you to send them at this point. Will they help you? Maybe. Will they harm you? Maybe. I’d definitely talk to your high school counselor for advice. I think it really depends on your situation and where you’re at in terms of “strength,” if you will relative to the rest of the applicant pool. I know they don’t rank, but…
The thing is they’re either going to pick you off the waitlist or not. As you know, there’s going to be more “nots.” I think it would have taken a miracle for someone like me who was borderline and on the low side of things to even get off the waitlist. I remember them saying that they pick the most “competitive” people off the waitlist and personally I don’t think I was competitive enough. I know it’s hard, but if you’re like me at all, your best bet is to write a stellar statement of interest-- it may not get you very far, but I think it’s worth a shot. I really hope everything works out for you. Being waitlisted anywhere is really, really tough. Be optimistic, but be realistic, too.
I wouldn’t be surprised if, after May 1st, each dean already has a few applicants of interest if there is room for them in mind regardless of what they’ve received. Great grades will help, but if you feel like you’re in the middle, it may not move you either way just because there are so many other people on the waitlist.
W&M is definitely my first choice, and I am sending a statement of interest. I took all honors and an AP, with an 3 electives junior year and had straight As all year, and first semester with 3 Aps and 1 honors and 3 electives this year, my school (The Steward School) makes us take a bunch of electives like public speaking, innovation, etc. and I had straight As all of first semester, with an ACT 31 and superscored 32 (Math 26, Reading 34, English 33, and Science 33). I’m concerned that sending the grades will hurt me because they have dropped in comparison to first semester, AP gov went from an A- to a B+, AP bio from an A- to a B, but AP lit from an A- to an A+. I also applied as a biology major which is why I’m a little worried. Anyways, if that gives you more insight on the situation and you have anything to add, that would be great, and if not thank you so much you’ve already helped me a lot!
Ah, the Steward School! Don’t know much about it, but I’ll say I’ve heard of it. 
Anyway, your ACT is certainly better than mine was so I think you’re clear there, haha.
I understand your concerns now with submitting grades, particularly your bio grade if you plan on being a bio major. Again, it’s a tough call, and I’d definitely consult your counselor. Perhaps reach out to admissions (anonymously if you can?) and brush up on whether or not they encourage students to send grades. I wouldn’t remember, but I can understand your dilemma if they (potentially) “encourage” you to send grades; if you don’t send them, perhaps that could look “bad,” but consequently, if you do send them, perhaps the change in grades would not be looked upon as favorably. I could see how sending grades could possibly help adcom make some waitlist decisions, and I’m sure you already realize the possibility of the above scenarios.
Again, I wouldn’t know (I’m clearly not in admissions), but that’s really what my concerns would be if I were in your shoes. Definitely try to do your best to handle everything delicately, which it seems you are doing. Knock them out of the park with that statement of interest.
Hey this is a difficult question and if anyone has any knowledge of what I am going to ask it would be great:
Although we know that over 1000 people accept spots on the waitlist, about how many of them actually send letters of interest and/or other updates? I’m just wondering because I am assuming that while some who accepted the waitlist are desperate to get in and are sending letters of interests and other updates, others are already immersed in their school that they’re already enrolled at and are just keeping their name in the waitlist in case they get lucky and have another option.
Any thoughts?
Did anyone get off the wait list yet? Did anyone receive an email to confirm that you are still interested to be on the wall list. My D just received that email.
@momhs2016 I didn’t get removed from the wait list yet but my regional dean emailed me to confirm that I’m still interested in W&M
@gq2016 thanks!
I got a call from my admissions counselor today letting me know I was accepted after being on the waitlist, so they will probably come out with decisions soon for everyone else soon!
@cas0731 Congrats! JW, did they tell you when you will receive your financial aid package?