Hello–I am currently a junior in high school, and I visited Wash U a few days ago–I went to the information session and tour. I want to apply early decision, but I am nervous about my chances of getting in.
I am unsure about my current GPA, but by the beginning of next year it should be around a 4.1 (weighted). As for the SAT, I just took my first one so I did not get the results back yet. My classes this year are APUSH, Honors Pre-Calc, AP Biology, Symphony Orchestra, STIR (a 3-yr science research course which counts as an AP this year and next year), University Chinese I, and Cambridge GPR (2-yr course, counts as AP).
I only took two AP exams, I did not do well on the AP Chemistry exam, and on the AP World History exam I got a 4. Next year I am planning on taking AP Lang, Calc BC, Physics C (maybe), Symphony Orchestra, STIR, AP Chinese, and Cambridge.
For extra curricular activities/clubs, I did track and field from 7-9 grade, winter track in 9th grade as well. Tennis from 8-current, varsity this year and most likely next year. Chamber and pit orchestra from 9-current (got into area all state this year and sr. all county, and all county from middle school till now). Science olympiad 9-current, and I am currently in Chinese Honor Society and i’m trying to get the position of President/VP, I am still getting points for the Science and English Honor Societies, and I already have my points for Math Honor Society. Chamber orchestra also counts as community service.
I really love Wash U, which is why I want to apply early decision. Any tips on improving my chances?
The tips I have for you @confetti01 is to try for the leadership positions you qualify for, as you mentioned for the Chinese Honor Society. Section leader for orchestra? Any leadership offered in the Science Olympiad or other honor societies? Captain or Assistant Captain for Tennis? How about being an assistant at a tennis camp? I would try for anything like that.
Then, what is the area you think you’ll be studying? Do you have any extra involvements with that area? Volunteering? Plan an event or fundraiser? Get published (even if locally). These are just examples - depends on what area you want to study. Don’t submit the AP Chem score when you self-report these scores on the Common App if it’s that bad. Take the most challenging courses next year that you think you can handle and do well. Be sure you can handle them. Work super hard to get A’s in your current classes to bring your GPA the most that you can.
Be in touch with your area admissions rep. Attend any local event that Wash U has in your area even though you’ve already been to a tour and info. session. If you rep. visits your high school this year or next, attend those.
If you have an interest in attending a pre-college program, Wash U offers quite a few. However, they tend to be expensive, and they do not guarantee admission into the university. But, they can be a great way to expand your horizon over all and to demonstrate more interest. Just don’t think you will get in because you went to a summer program. My D went to one in the summer of 2017 and it was a great experience for her in many ways.
I second going to a local information session if they have those in your area. Keep demonstrating interest they like this! But i guess if you apply ed that also demonstrates a lot of interest haha.
I can’t offer advice like the people above, but I went to tour WUSTL on the Saturday before you posted this, so I may have been in your group? Idk. Worthless piece of info. I am an ED applicant this year, planning to major in Physics
Good advice so far in this thread. I would personally not include the track as an EC since you did not commit to it beyond 9th grade. Community service is always good to do, but don’t do it as a resume filler.
Class schedule looks rigorous enough, but I don’t see any English courses (unless I missed it somewhere).
If your first SAT score does not meet your expectations, work to get those up.
If for some reason you get any correspondence from WashU faculty, be sure to reply. Also schedule an interview as soon as possible senior year.
I second a lot of the advice that as already been given to help you increase your chances of admission at WashU.
More generally, as you begin your college search, I would caution against committing to one school early on. This time last year, I was certain I was going to apply to one University; by May that had changed, and by October, that had changed again. Explore as many schools, and environments as possible, and keep in mind that your preferences will likely change as you continue your search.