I might apply to Vandy ED2, but I have not yet because if I get into Penn I think I will go there because I would get more money there I believe. Tell me what you think I should do.
Expected Major: Mechanical Engineering
Stats SAT: Didn’t take ACT: 33 (English: 34 Reading: 34 Science: 35 Math: 30) GPA: Weighted - 3.7 Unweighted - Somewhere in between 4.2 and 4.5 (Haven’t checked in a bit) APs: In AP Calc AB this year, reporting no other scores Class Rank: School doesn’t report, but definitely top 15% (I go to a highly competitive magnet high school. It is the top ranked school in Missouri, but they don’t calculate class rank due to the ability to have so many different combinations for junior and senior year. IBs: Full IB Diploma Candidate. History of Americas HL, Physics HL, World Literature HL, Film Studies HL, Spanish SL (Tests are at the end of this school year). Took Math Studies SL Junior Year, got a 5. Gender: M Ethnicity: 100% African-American
Subjectives Essays: I think they are great, but it’s all about perception. My personal statement was about how a loss in a competitive video game tournament taught me the value of competition as a learning tool. Other essays are largely about being a black nerd and how treading that line to escape ridicule has affected me and led me to being proud of who I am, in and out. Recommendations: waived my rights but one was from my Physics teacher (I’m the highest performer in the class, strive to succeed), and the other from my History and Film Teacher (perform well in his classes, try my hardest and yadayadayada). Counselor - Amazing ECs: Varsity Policy Debater (3 years), one of the team captains and an assistant coach. Hackathon Team Captain - compete in few competitions, one a pretty big one a few years ago. Vice President of Science Club. President Math Team and Nerd Club. Program Director for Black Student Union. Member of Gay-Straight Alliance and Drama Club. Volunteer for about 4 hours a week as deacon at my church. Notable Awards and Recognition: 2017 Cornell Book Award Recipient, Multiple Policy Debate Speaker and Tournament Awards, Hackathon Awards, NHS, other school academic awards.
Also, I have a ton of legacy for WashU. My mother, grandfather, and aunt have all graduated from there. My aunt got her undergrad and med school degrees there. My father is getting his doctorate from there now, and my cousin is pre-med as well there (top performing, Mellon Mays scholar). My grandfather, in particular, won a Distinguished Alumni Award from WashU last year, owns an investment firm, and donates a ton of money to the school. Many have told me that this will help me get in, but I am not sure as to the validity of this, so can you all help me with this?