Stats of an accepted student

melrosedal
Sun, 21 Feb 2010 14:50:29 +0000

In response to all the “chance me” threads… I thought I would post my stats. I was accepted early decision and will be attending next fall. As sad as I think the “chance me” threads are, I did the exact same thing last year and was told that I wouldn’t get in because I’m nothing special. Well I did get in, by being myself.

Remember, the advice that these people are giving is NOT coming from an admissions officer. Don’t let their “advice” bring you down. You never know quite what Wash U looking for. My stats definitely weren’t at the top of the applicant pool and they wanted ME. I hope this gives you all some hope.

Small private school
GPA: 98.7%
ACT: 34
SAT: none. I never took it
SAT subject tests: 720, 730, 750
APs: only four. Junior year: Bio (5) and Calc AB (5). Senior year: Euro and Calc bc.

Essay: I wrote about playing with my little cousin! Let your essay show what is important to you and don’t write about things that you think admissions would want to see. Your passions will come through if you stay true to yourself.
Interview: I did have one. It didn’t go quite as well as I had hoped, but it was nice.

Leadership activities: 1) Editor in Chief of yearbook. 2) an elected officer of a statewide youth program (as well as a mentor to younger participants and various awards from the 3 conferences of the program). 3) Young Republicans co-president.

National Merit Commended
A book award from my school
Attended a few academic summer camps
A chorus member in 3 musicals throughout high school
Piano, singer, and starting guitar, and in choir at school
National Honor Society
Admissions department ambassador

My best advice to you (and I know it’s a little late for apps, but good to keep in mind) is to pick a couple of your favorite things (mine is yearbook) and really shine in that area. Don’t do everything just to bulk up your resume. The most important thing is to let your passions show and do what you love. The rest will come. Of course I know you need to have good stats for Wash U but I believe your application (and you) are so much more than that. I wish luck to all of you and I will keep you in my prayers.