WashU ED - Chances

Colleges and Universities A-Z Washington University in St. Louis
1

Hello, I am a rising senior and I am interested in WashU (considering ED).

Demographics: Middle Class (SE) Asian male
Intended Major: Applied Math/Quantitative Analysis
State: Respected HS in Ohio
Academics: 3.65 UW college GPA (11th), 4.0 HS GPA (9th - 10th), no weighted, no rank :frowning:

APs/Relevant Classes: 5 AP’s (9th, 10th) : World History, Human Geo, CS A, Cal BC, Physics 1, all 5 (probably wont submit these scores though)

(11th): Honors Bio (C ,C im bad also hard school), Honors Chem (A,A), Multivariable Calculus (A), Linear Algebra (A), Diff Equ. 1 - ODEs and IVPs (A), Diff Equ. 2 - PDEs and BVPs (A), Computational Numerical Analysis (A), Microecon (A), Macroecon (A);

(12th:) Vector Calculus, Fourier Analysis, Real Analysis, Complex Variables (yikes), Applied Statistics, Calc-based phys Mech, calc-based phys E&M

SAT: waiting (but probably 1550+), Math II - 800, Phys - 760, Bio (E) - 760

ACT: 35C (36E, 36M, 34R, 33S), 8 Essay (yikes)

Awards/ECs:
President of Meme Club (11th)
Founded Music Club (9th)
Science Olympiad (state, regional, districts placings but not really that good)
Computational Science Certification from local uni (but i wont have this in time for college apps so idk if i can put it here)
Volunteering (~70 hours), tutoring kids in algebra, geometry, trig, etc.
Research in computational physics (a lot of time in lab but no publication or science fair, etc.)
Helped to host a cancer fundraiser: ~$2000 raised
Spanish National Honor Society (literally just a member)
Competitive Gaming (~$1000 in prize money total)
Robotics Club (literally just a member)
2 Years Marching Band (French Horn, nothing special)
Paid tutor for Math/Physics (Calc 1,2, Lin Alg, MCAT Physics)
Math/Calculator Team for Mu Alpha Theta (some low placings, nbd)
Secretary for Mu Alpha Theta (10th)

I know my GPA is really low, but I think I have made up for a bit of that because I am taking 100% college courses? I hope WashU has a really thorough admission process. If there is anything I can do to improve my chances for ED, please let me know! Thank you so much.

2

I guess I should put my more relevant ECs in one place:

Mu Alpha Theta competitor/outreach head - facilitated math tutoring at my school, made low placings in come local competitions

Physics research - some really hard differential geometry (also the reason I will not get published it is just really hard)

Paid tutor for Math - teach undergrad students Lin Alg, Calc I, Calc II, PreCalc, MCAT Physics

Raised ~$2000 for American Cancer Society by helping prepare a 5K in the community

Science Olympiad - State Medalist

Certification for Scientific computation - Took 18 hours of undergrad math courses, will probably receive this by end of senior year, so idk if i can put this on my app

3

Have you shown interest in the school? Attending college fairs and visiting the school will help. Also, maybe try to get an interview?

4

Yeah, I am applying ED and I have visited. I am trying to get an interview with an alum, but I haven’t gotten a reply yet.

5

Hi yes great application I am sure you will be fantastic, really just want to know what exactly is Meme Club? And what you do as president of said club? Thank you have a great day <3

6

Interviews are arranged through WashU APAP, but those are generally for RD candidates.

7

That makes sense. I am aware that WashU is obviously really competitive, but does anyone have an idea of how I would stack up against [other] [top] applicants?

@thebearo, Meme Club is my schools resident internet culture club. It’s exactly what it sounds like, we make memes of all qualities. This year, we put together a fundraiser with the help of a local cake shop and donated the proceedings.

8

I would call WashU a high match for you in the ED round. They seem to value stats more than some peers, and your SAT (assuming 1550+) is strong. GPA is good, about 3.88 for grades 9-11, even if it took a bit of a hit this year.

Show interest and if it’s your favorite and you can afford it, ED is fine.

Similar schools (in several key ways):

  • Emory
  • Carnegie Mellon
  • Johns Hopkins
  • Rice

Especially Emory. If I were applying to Wash U, I would also apply to Emory unless I wanted a 4-year Engineering degree on campus.

Also similar, but different social vibe:

  • Vanderbilt & Tulane
9

And if you are considering WashU for a math major, I would have some second thoughts to be honest. Have heard some not so good things about the program.