<p>Just wanted some info - really found these two schools to be attractive.</p>
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<p>I’m not sure about WashU but I know UChi puts A LOT of emphasis on essays (their prompts are notoriously ‘out there’) and recommendation letters, in addition to grades, class rigor, gpa, etc.</p>
<p>How much does interview or displayed interest in the school factor in? (In your opinion)</p>
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<p>WUSTL is a school notorious for waitlisting or rejecting strong applicants with weak demonstrated interest (a.k.a. Tufts Syndrome) so it is a factor big enough to consider working on.</p>
<p>This is the ranking system I found on the college board website (they send a questionnaire to colleges each year and these are their responses).</p>
<p>Very Important:</p>
<p>Application Essay
Character/Personal Qualities
Recommendations
Rigor of secondary school record
Talent/Ability</p>
<p>Important:</p>
<p>Academic GPA
Class Rank
Extracurricular Activities
Volunteer Work</p>
<p>Considered:</p>
<p>Alumni Relation
First generation college student
Interview
Level of Applicant’s Interest
Racial/Ethnic Status
Standardized Test Scores
Work Experience</p>
<p>So interview and interest are considered but aren’t defining factors</p>
<p>So obviously test scores are a big deal in estimation of competitiveness: I have a 2200 single sitting/superscore but I am graduating as a junior: my stats and info are on my earlier chance thread. So based on that would I still have a shot? Historically UChicago seems to favor higher test scores. WashU seems similar.</p>
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<p>I think that they only value test scores to a certain extent, especially because they know the SAT isn’t always the best indicator of intelligence. After a certain point, it doesn’t really matter anymore. Is there really THAT much of a difference between a 2250 and a 2350? No, it’s literally a few questions in each section. Still, I wouldn’t suggest that someone with a 1700 apply, but I think that students and parents overestimate the value of standardized tests. The top schools use the SAT to estimate your mastery of high school curriculum, but only your GPA and course rigor can define it.</p>
<p>Interesting. Thanks for your input! So I sent my most current research report to WashU; how much can that help me ?</p>
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<p>Your test scores, difficulty of curriculum and grades will make the most impact at those schools along with demonstrated interest, particularly at Wash U SL. ED is a good way to go with them.</p>
<p>Thought so. Now, is there an advantage in applying to an “unpopular” major?</p>
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<p>Schools where applying to unpopular majors help in admissions are generally schools where the declaration of major is made on the application. I don’t know for WUSTL or U Chicago but I know McGill and certain UCs and CSUs are such schools.</p>
<p>hi catria,
when i started the application, I haven’t received my SAT scores yet, so I didn’t put my scores down. Do i need to update it on the application(minerva)? and if i do, how? I am seriously stumped by McGill and btw, I just sent in my SAT score reports to mcgill. does this mean I still have to change it? or do i just leave it?
help me plzzzzzz
thanksss</p>
<p>U Chicago places a lot of weight on essays.</p>
<p>Both schools, however, will expect you to be at or near the top of your class with excellent test scores.</p>
<p>Now, both schools are research heavy. But for a scientist, which environment is more beneficial? (Relatively of course)</p>
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