WUSTL Sophomore - Ask me anything

im in the b-school and pre-med. ask me whatever you want!

MODERATOR’S NOTE:
Single-user “Ask Me Anything” threads are not allowed. All too often, the original poster disappears leaving users in the lurch. Any student/alum/parent/friend is welcome to answer questions about WUStL.

@SamNofsinger How hard is it to be bschool and premed?

How rigorous are the academics? Is it a work hard play hard school or is it study 24/7?

What student hangout place is your favorite/why?

My D is currently at WashU and she says the three hardest majors are architecture, medicine and engineering. However I would think these majors are difficult at any college.

She has also said there are all different kinds of people. Some don’t study much and are gifted and others study all the time and there are many in between. That’s probably just like some of your friends in high school.

The point is one major may be simple to you but down right impossible for someone else. No one is the same.

My D loves WashU. She loves it so much so she doesn’t want to come home. She’s always doing stuff such as attending concerts, museums, conventions, baseball games, trying out different restaurants in town, etc.

She manages her time well so she can work hard and play hard at the same time.

Hi! How was financial aid for you if you received any? That is my biggest concern applying ed…

Hello! What would you say is the biggest mistake you can make when applying ED?

@bluecatch My financial aid was awesome. They gave me everything that I needed to attend (and I needed a lot). Personally, I would recommend possibly calling and speaking with a financial counselor about your finacial situation, and express to them how important it is that you receive sufficient financial aid. Student Financial Services really wants to get to know you by story, so it’s really your best option. I spoke with them in person with my dad when I visitied, and it was one of the best decisions that I made because I was able to develop a relationship with my current financial advisor immediately. Try talking to Vicki Mueller maybe. She’s my financial advisor, and she was awesome throughout the whole process.

@bluetv1733 The biggest mistake you can make is applying somewhere simply for the sake of having a better chance of getting in. I feel that these people all too often don’t really love the school and really just want to improve their chances. I would say that if you’re going to apply ED somewhere, really make sure that you can see yourself there/see yourself fitting in there. When I visited Wash U, I immediately got the sense that it was where I wanted to spend the next four years of my life; I just felt comfort like I was at home.

By the published numbers, around two in three students at WUSTL are full pay.

How has your experience been as a student on financial aid with many wealthy kids as your classmates?

@ClarinetDad16 I’m not going to lie, there are some times where it feels very strange; I don’t necessarily feel like an outsider in those instances, but rather that I simply can’t relate and therefore can’t engage in conversation about whatever is being discussed. Most people here (at least the people that I’ve encountered) don’t really flaunt their money if they have a lot, so it hasn’t been an issue. Most Wash U kids are very modest and sensitive to the fact that everyone’s experiences have been different.

Hi, im a saint louis native doing ED

  1. Does WashU actually superscore or do they just claim they do to make more people apply.
  2. Do you know if having a sibling helps? My brother graduated magna cum laude last year.
  3. I have really good quarter grades...will it help?
  4. Any advice for my interview???
  1. Does WashU actually superscore or do they just claim they do to make more people apply.

Yes, WashU superscores. See http://admissions.wustl.edu/apply/Pages/Application-FAQs.aspx.
It is a benefit for both the student and college to use your highest SAT/ACT scores.

"What standardized test scores does Washington University accept?

We accept the following standardized tests: •SAT Test (includes a writing test)
•ACT Test (with the optional writing section)
•ACT Test (without the writing section)
•We do not require the writing test if you submit ACT Scores.
We do not have a preference for either the SAT or the ACT. Test results from any of your high school years are acceptable, although we encourage senior-year testing. Consideration will only be given to the highest individual scores, whenever they occurred. Washington University considers your highest section scores across all SAT and/or ACT test dates that you submit. Final admissions decisions will be made using only your highest scores. Each time you submit scores, we will update your record with any new high scores (so-called “Super Scores”). We strongly encourage you to submit your scores each time you take the SAT and/or ACT. Sending your scores each time you take the SAT and/or ACT can only benefit you by allowing us to consider you for all available enrollment related opportunities. The last test date accepted will be the December testing (October if applying Early Decision)."

  1. Do you know if having a sibling helps? My brother graduated magna cum laude last year. It wouldn't hurt. You can let your admissions adviser know.
  2. I have really good quarter grades...will it help? Yes, you should submit them. WashU would like to see your senior year grades.
  3. Any advice for my interview??? Be yourself.

@Zorbinger @newjersey17 said it perfectly. Wash U does require that you send them your first quarter grades, so they will love that you’re still going strong even though you’re close to the end; slacking grades at the beginning of senior year is a slight turn off for schools when you apply ED.

For your interview, like newjersey17 said, just be yourself. It’s a very casual interview, so there’s no need to stress. It will most likely be with another student, and as long as you’re truly passionate about the things that you’ve accomplished and done in high school thus far, you’ll be fine.

Wow thanks a lot new jersey 17 and turndown4college

Hi! I have a question about quarter grades. My high school does not finalize quarter grades until the Ed deadline. How should I go about sending them? Will I be able to send them after the deadline?

Hey guys! I know that ED applications are due very soon, and for those who aren’t applying anywhere ED, you are still thinking about where you want to go. I just wanted to make this thread so anyone can ask me questions and/or express concerns that you might have.

MODERATOR’S NOTE: Anyone is free to ask or answer questions in this thread.

Yes send your grades as soon as they become available. ED decisions come out in December so they have time to see your grades. :slight_smile:

Ours was excellent. It ended up being the best option for us financially. Also, our rep in the financial aid office was wonderful - very responsive and willing to consider our unique circumstances.

Does WashU let you substitute AP scores for intro-level classes? Or are there placement tests you can take? I know you can move to Calc 3 with BC and also skip for foreign language, but is there anything for AP sciences?