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Hello, This is a great place!

When a college (Wheaton, IL, in this case) says you will receive your early action decision by Dec 31, is that likely to be a fairly firm date, or could it be any time during December? Not that I'll be checking the mail box obsessively or anything!

Thanks!

By Jalyons2004 (Jalyons2004) on Tuesday, November 25, 2003 - 03:57 pm: Edit

*bump*

Pretty please? Anyone??

By Rebeltide0024 (Rebeltide0024) on Thursday, November 27, 2003 - 10:33 pm: Edit

I think they told me that they will meet in early December and start mailing out letters in the middle of the month. Good luck (I applied EA also and hope I can get in!)
What was your GPA, SAT, ACT?

By Underqualified (Underqualified) on Friday, November 28, 2003 - 02:31 pm: Edit

Hey, I applied to Wheaton EA also. Is it your first choice? Good luck to both of you, maybe I'll see ya next fall.

By Jalyons2004 (Jalyons2004) on Saturday, November 29, 2003 - 03:44 pm: Edit

Ah! Responses! Yeah, I was figuring it wouldn't be till later in the month, but was hoping someone from last year might say that they got their letter earlier.
GPA 4.33 W, ACT 27 (ouch) class rank #1.
I'm nervous because there are so many other things they take into account and because I come from a pretty uncompetitive HS. I've got my fingers crossed!

How about you?

By Underqualified (Underqualified) on Saturday, November 29, 2003 - 11:01 pm: Edit

I have a 4.2 W GPA, rank in top 3% of large class, SAT 1430...I know what you mean, though, I get the impression that Wheaton's admissions pool is very self-selective and the 54% (or whatever it is now) admissions rate doesn't accruately reflect the competitiveness. I am very anxious for December 31st to roll around, and hopefully around that time we will all have good news to share with each other!

By Jalyons2004 (Jalyons2004) on Sunday, November 30, 2003 - 01:00 am: Edit

So, we should make a pact to post here whenever we hear? So I'll know when to start running to the mail box in earnest?

By Rebeltide0024 (Rebeltide0024) on Tuesday, December 02, 2003 - 02:51 pm: Edit

Jaylons did you visit or go to Wheaton Connection?

By Jalyons2004 (Jalyons2004) on Tuesday, December 02, 2003 - 08:45 pm: Edit

Yes, I visited in early July. It was so nice! I loved the fitness facility, how close everything was, and especially how close it is to Chicago. Our tour guide was excellent, everyone was very friendly, but I was really intimidated when the admissions counselor started talking about the 50% admission rate. Plus, they seem to like out of state people, and I'm in state. I've been accepted to a couple safeties, but can't wait to hear from Wheaton.
How about you?

By Rebeltide0024 (Rebeltide0024) on Monday, December 08, 2003 - 12:34 am: Edit

I visited Oct. 31-Nov. 2. It was really an amazing place. I stayed with seniors the first few nights and with the freshman for the Connection. One of the first things I noticed was they had a Keith Green CD. I asked them about his music and Keith's music was something that said was influential in their lives. The spiritual side of Wheaton is a different world from any other college. Staying with seniors gave me a more realistic view of the university and allowed me to appreciate what Wheaton is and what it isn't. The freshman still seemed kind of lost and not very socially graced.
I talked to quite a few people with 27 ACTs and 1250 SATs so that kind of eased up some of my concerns about admission.

By Ineedsleeep (Ineedsleeep) on Monday, December 08, 2003 - 11:31 pm: Edit

When I first heard of Wheaton I was in jr. high and that's where my small group leader was transfering to (her leader had also attended Wheaton). After really looking into the college I visited in April and abolutely loved the feel of the campus (all the little things like the quality of the food to the big ones like the Christian atmosphere). I felt so at home. So now, like you guys I'm waiting for their decision. When I had my interview the guy said they usually mail them out around the 15th, but say the 31st to give themselves more time if it's needed. I'm hoping that everything is running smoothly because I truly think that Wheaton is the right college for me and if I were to get in I would save the time and money it takes to apply to more schools. The other thing that scares me is that when I visited they said that it is much harder for girls to get in because they like to keep the ratios as even as possible and apparently a lot more girls than boys apply each year. With that said it's in God's hands now and I'm trusting that next year I'll be wherever it is that I need to be, if anyone hears back from them let me know! thanks!

By Ineedsleeep (Ineedsleeep) on Wednesday, December 10, 2003 - 04:11 pm: Edit

ok, i received a call from admissions today (is that good or bad that they're calling me??? hopefully good) and my counselor said that they would mail the decisions out at the end of next week and guessed that they might reach CA (which is where I live) by the 26th or 29th....right after Christmas. well, let me know if you hear any differently. so i guess we can all start checking for mail around that time (i bet those of you who live closer will find out before Christmas). thanks!

By Jalyons2004 (Jalyons2004) on Wednesday, December 10, 2003 - 06:18 pm: Edit

oooh, Ineedsleeep, they called you? That would have to be a good thing, I think. Did they talk to you, or just the counselor? Were they just calling to let you know when they were mailing (that'd be extremely positive) or asking about your transcript? (still very good)
I'm so jealous!
Thanks so much for the update!

<takes down tent next to mailbox)

By Ineedsleeep (Ineedsleeep) on Wednesday, December 10, 2003 - 06:40 pm: Edit

sorry for the confusion, but by counselor i meant the Wheaton admissions counselor (a-d) who did my interview and reviewed my app...so you think it's good? they let me know that they had gone over my app and asked if i had any questions about the school.... i bet they'll call everyone..sooo happy it's before the 31st...it's my first choice, so if I'm accepted I'll save the money and time I would have spent applying to other places I'm not nearly as interested in, but if not...hey, it's God's will, right? is Wheaton also your first choice? are you applying to more schools?

(carrying tent supplies back into the house to be used in later december)

good thing I told you, huh? you would have probably had that tent up for another couple weeks!

By Underqualified (Underqualified) on Saturday, December 13, 2003 - 04:49 pm: Edit

my mom just scared me to death...i came home and she said, "you got a letter from wheaton...it's not in a big envelope or anything..."

when i opened it, though, it had a beautiful handwritten Christmas card from my admissions counselor, and she said how she enjoyed reading my application and appreciated my writing style! i would assume that this is a good thing. did anyone else get a similar card?

just wondering...i absolutely cannot wait until those letters come out. i got accepted to my safety yesterday, but am still holding out for wheaton!

By Rebeltide0024 (Rebeltide0024) on Saturday, December 13, 2003 - 08:49 pm: Edit

I really don't know what I will do if I don't get into Wheaton, probably be a bum for the next 27 years.

By Ineedsleeep (Ineedsleeep) on Saturday, December 13, 2003 - 09:08 pm: Edit

me too, rebeltide, I have no idea what I would do if I'm not accepted. I have a list of colleges that I'll apply to (Davidson is probably my #2...but by a long shot, I like the Honor Code a lot though). Wheaton is pretty unique, it's the only Christian college I know of that is academically intense.
Hey underqualified...that's awesome about the Christmas card, it must be a good thing! Sounds almost like a "likely letter" to me! And congrats on acceptance to your safety school. I was accepted to mine the other day...doesn't it feel nice to at least know you're going somewhere next year? But I'll be holding out for Wheaton also...at least we don't have too much longer to wait. The end of next week will be here before you know it!

By Rebeltide0024 (Rebeltide0024) on Tuesday, December 16, 2003 - 12:56 am: Edit

ACT: 28
GPA: 3.7
SAT: 1290
V: 730
M: 560

English IV (Honors)
Computer Science II (Honors)
Spanish III (Honors)
Physics (Honors)

EC:
Student Council Representative 11th
Student Council President 12th
Louisiana Boys' State
One of 5 on Regional All-Academic Team
Student Volunteer for Bobby Jindal For Governor 2003

Basketball
9th Freshman and JV -All Tournament Team
10th Varsity
11th Varsity
12th Varsity (Plan on trying out at Wheaton)
Baseball 11
Track 10-11
Quiz Bowl 9-12
Quiz Bowl Captain 12
NHS 11-12
Created and updated school basketball website
Assisted on main site
Regional and State Literary Rally
9th Grade (World History)
Regional 1st in Division 2nd Overall
State 4th
11th Grade (U.S. History)
Regional 1st in Division 1st Overall
State 1st
Active in Church Youth Group
Avid Military Historian
(WW2, Waffen-SS, and War Between States Favorite Areas)

Work:
Bagger at Market Basket (it sucked)
Electronics Boutique (rocks nicely)

Concerns:
School does not have any AP classes
Not very good in math (making Bs and Cs in Physics)
(24 on math section of ACT negated 31 + on everything else)
I took geometry in both my freshman and sophomore years, C first time and B second
8th in a class of 33

My two essays were of the sort that just flow out of you in the wee hours of the morning. I know my two recs (Academic and Pastor's) were super positive. I really don't want to waste a year of my life somewhere else so I can try to get in the following year, but it's whatever God wants not what I want.

I'm not sure if anyone on here likes Skillet, Blindside, Keith Green, or Relient K, but the new Skillet cd Collide will "rock your face off".

By Ineedsleeep (Ineedsleeep) on Tuesday, December 16, 2003 - 10:11 pm: Edit

well, while we're listing stats:
SAT's: middle of Wheaton range but nothing too spectacular, 4.1 cumulative weighted gpa, 3.7 cumulative academic non weighted, in top 5% of a class over 750 AP's: 5's and 4's on European History, Art History, US History, and English Comp (finished French at local college during the school year, but I really would like to take Latin or Hebrew in college)

My schedule this year: AP Gov, AP Econ, AP Bio, AP Psych, AP Eng Lit, AP ProbStat, Student Govt, and Jazz Choir after school 4.5 GPA so far..*crossing fingers*(planning on taking all 8 AP tests at the end of the year)

EC: Exec Secretary in Student Gov't(various awards, involved throughout HS), NHS Pres (treasurer last yr), leader at youth group, Mexico mission work during breaks (building houses, putting together water systems etc), organized a weekly women's shelter outreach program through volunteer org of which i'm on the board; classical and jazz choir (adv standing, individual awards...hoping to be a part of Wheaton's or maybe join an a capella group that likes singing jazz), student intern for kid's theatre program in the summers (40+ hour weeks); tap and voice teaching assistant for same program in the school year, serving as the student rep for philanthropic organization that divides money to be spent in the community on various projects

this is kinda random...but i also sing the national anthem quite often at baseball games (go Angels!), hs football games, and some political events (Republican, mind you, hehe)... and I just made it to semi-finals for Coke scholarship and won a few little mini awards at my hs...

and of course in my spare time I like long walks on the beach, getting lost in the rain, and drinking (virgin) pina coladas lol (jk!)

By Rebeltide0024 (Rebeltide0024) on Wednesday, December 17, 2003 - 12:26 am: Edit

I got a really cool message on my answering machine today from my Wheaton admissions counselor Peter Roman. He said they were in the process of calling applicants and that they should be getting back in touch very soon. He also said ,"I also wanted to let you know that you did a really good job on your application, so I hope you didn't feel as if you didn't put your best foot forward, because you certainly did."

I jumped like 40 inches when I heard that.
Hopefully everyone on this thread will get in, I've got a good feeling that it will happen.

I also got a call from Christian Heritage, my backup in El Cajon, California, kind of the polar opposite from Wheaton (in weather only!).

By Ineedsleeep (Ineedsleeep) on Saturday, December 20, 2003 - 10:34 pm: Edit

has anyone heard yet?

By Jalyons2004 (Jalyons2004) on Sunday, December 21, 2003 - 10:20 am: Edit

Nope, no word at all yet. Though I don't expect the news to be good, I do expect I should hear first, being in state, assuming they send good and bad news out at the same time. I'll be sure and let you know as soon as I do. Should be tomorrow, I would think.

By Jalyons2004 (Jalyons2004) on Monday, December 22, 2003 - 06:32 pm: Edit

Nothing here today. Sigh. Maybe tomorrow? ;)

By Ineedsleeep (Ineedsleeep) on Tuesday, December 23, 2003 - 01:16 am: Edit

thanks for the update! wow, i figured it would have been here by now...when they called i'm pretty sure they said towards the end of last week (that was a couple of weeks ago though)...i don't think i'll find out til after i'm back from vacation! lol...guess i better mail out those applications anyways! Merry Christmas everyone!

By Rebeltide0024 (Rebeltide0024) on Tuesday, December 23, 2003 - 02:19 am: Edit

No news from Wheaton to Louisiana either.

By Underqualified (Underqualified) on Tuesday, December 23, 2003 - 05:07 pm: Edit

Nothing in PA...I am expecting it any day now! Ineedsleep, I am in my school's acapella jazz choir, and I love it. I asked at Wheaton if they had anything like that, and I don't think they do. Maybe if we both go there, we can start our own group!

By Ineedsleeep (Ineedsleeep) on Tuesday, December 23, 2003 - 05:37 pm: Edit

yeah definitly! i sing sop2 and i think i would really miss jazz if i had to give it up...hehehe how fun... my friend who is in the choir with me saw their jazz concert when she visited this fall and said that the band was good, but vocally only some solos were showcased (with all the music majors im sure there's lots of talent at wheaton and starting a jazz a capella group wouldnt be hard at all!)

By Underqualified (Underqualified) on Tuesday, December 23, 2003 - 08:18 pm: Edit

i sing alto 2...that would be great! yet another reason to go to wheaton...

By Rebeltide0024 (Rebeltide0024) on Thursday, December 25, 2003 - 11:39 pm: Edit

Well hope you guys had a good Christmas, mine was interesting. I went to see Cold Mountain with my dad (without going to screenit.com first) and we had to walk out about halfway through (email me at rebeltide0024@yahoo.com and I will tell you why). It was a really good movie up to that point, just a warning if any of you guys were thinking about it.

I'm feeling something from Wheaton before the end of the week. Can't take much longer...........

By Ineedsleeep (Ineedsleeep) on Friday, December 26, 2003 - 01:44 am: Edit

maybe it's just taking a long time to get to everyone because it comes in a large thick envelope?? hopefully! I bet they did do bulk mailing (cheaper but takes more time to arrive)...well tomorrow is the 26th, the day that they predicted it would reach CA (that or the 29th)...so we'll see, but if no one who lives closer to IL has heard anything I doubt I will either! Merry Christmas everyone!
p.s. thanks for the cold mountain info, i was planning on seeing that one, but probably not anymore...my family saw mona lisa smile today and it wasn't very well made no definite conclusion and jumps around a lot, it might be a good one to wait to see on video though

By Underqualified (Underqualified) on Friday, December 26, 2003 - 05:09 pm: Edit

nothing today in PA

By Ineedsleeep (Ineedsleeep) on Friday, December 26, 2003 - 06:10 pm: Edit

nothing today in CA either... going on a cruise tomorrow, so i guess i'll find out next monday! (if it's in the mail at that time lol)...best wishes to all!

By Rebeltide0024 (Rebeltide0024) on Friday, December 26, 2003 - 07:06 pm: Edit

Nothing in Lake Charles, LA.
I think Mr. McFeeley from Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood will come and deliver at 11:45 pm New Years Eve.

By Ineedsleeep (Ineedsleeep) on Friday, December 26, 2003 - 07:13 pm: Edit

so if they sent everything out on friday or monday like they said, wouldn't a small envelope be here already? i hope so!

By Rebeltide0024 (Rebeltide0024) on Sunday, December 28, 2003 - 12:52 am: Edit

Our hope must lie in Monday........

By Rebeltide0024 (Rebeltide0024) on Monday, December 29, 2003 - 01:59 am: Edit

Is today the day?

By Underqualified (Underqualified) on Monday, December 29, 2003 - 12:55 pm: Edit

I just got my acceptance letter from Wheaton! Hurray! Good luck to everyone else waiting...

By Rebeltide0024 (Rebeltide0024) on Monday, December 29, 2003 - 01:44 pm: Edit

Good for you, I'm still waiting for the mail, what did it say?

By Underqualified (Underqualified) on Monday, December 29, 2003 - 02:00 pm: Edit

Dear ----,

I am pleased to inform you that you have been selected for admission to Wheaton College as a new freshman. Congratulations! I hope you will join our college family beginning the fall semester 2004.

There was more, that's just the beginning. It came in a normal size envelope, but was pretty full. Best of luck...

By Rebeltide0024 (Rebeltide0024) on Monday, December 29, 2003 - 04:25 pm: Edit

It's 3 pm, where's the mail?

By Jalyons2004 (Jalyons2004) on Monday, December 29, 2003 - 09:05 pm: Edit

rejected

By Rebeltide0024 (Rebeltide0024) on Monday, December 29, 2003 - 11:23 pm: Edit

I'm very sorry to hear that Jaylons.
I got back from work to hear that I got in. I was quite surprised. What did the letter say Jaylons?

By Rebeltide0024 (Rebeltide0024) on Wednesday, December 31, 2003 - 12:14 am: Edit

I read that 1200 girls and 700 guys apply.
They accept 557 guys and 567 girls.
560 actually enroll.
So if it's any consolation, there are alot of highly qualified girls that will not get in.

By Daniela5586 (Daniela5586) on Wednesday, December 31, 2003 - 01:30 am: Edit

That's little comfort for me! I'm a girl going on pure faith that God will get me in if I'm meant to go there. My S.A.T. scores were average and my grades aren't as good as some of you guys applying. I am involved in a lot of extra-curricular activities, so that should be in my favor. I wish my friend hadn't shown me this website because it only discourages me. Anyway, congratulations to those of you who are accepted! I am applying regular action so I won't know until the spring.

For those of you who already applied, what did you declare as your majors?

By Rebeltide0024 (Rebeltide0024) on Wednesday, December 31, 2003 - 01:45 pm: Edit

Yeah, this is a pretty scary site, no question about that. If I'm not mistaken, I think you have until the end of your sophomore year to declare your major.

By Jmom (Jmom) on Thursday, January 01, 2004 - 11:46 am: Edit

I'm the mom of Jalyons2004 and I'll step in here, since she's a bit too disheartened to post in this thread about now.
Rebeltide, I expect it was your standard rejection letter. The pertinent line was, "We received a large number of freshman applications. As a result, hundreds of applicants, most of whom we would have offered admission in past years, were not admitted this year." The more interesting part was the attachment, a FAQ sheet designed to help you figure out why you weren't admitted. Most of them are standard but I think this one may help Daniela know more about what she needs to do:

"What do you look for when you make your admission decisions? Each applicant's file is read by members of the Admissions Committee. The strength of the academic credentials and Christian commitment are primary factors in the committee's deliberations. We also look for students who will add special dimensions and exceptional abilities (musical, athletic, leadership, etc) to our student body."
Therefore, I think at Wheaton, a "hook" of some sort is very important, particualarly if you are a girl and in state. My daughter is a val, straight A's in all available honors classes, decent ACT, with a demonstrated, vital Christian commitment and was rejected flat out. No deferral or waitlist.
I'm really wondering about Ineedsleeep. I hope she checks in soon.

By Daniela5586 (Daniela5586) on Sunday, January 04, 2004 - 10:10 pm: Edit

Sorry, I didn't mean the declared major. I was just asking what any of you wrote for "desired" major.

And for Jalyons...I just got back from the winter retreat with my youth ministry and spent a lot of time in prayer with one my counselors about my getting into Wheaton. She told me a story about our preparing to go to Russia last summer on a mission outreach, thinking she was signed up to be with the adult team. Unbeknownst to her, she was assigned the responsibility of counselor on our high school team. She was angry and discouraged at first, but now she is so grateful for how God worked because she became a permanent high school counselor with the ministry and loves it.

I hope that's of some comfort to you. I know it was for me. I have no doubt that God has AMAZING plans for your life. My favorite verse, Jeremiah 29:11...You should look it up. God obviously has a school in mind for you, and I pray that He will bless you richly for being so faithful to Him, even when not getting what you want. You are in God's hands, and that is the best and safest place to be.

This message is longer than I intended, but I hope that's helpful for anyone who doesn't get accepted to Wheaton, or elsewhere.

By Ineedsleeep (Ineedsleeep) on Monday, January 05, 2004 - 12:31 am: Edit

hey guys...just wanted to say congrats to those of you that got in and i'm sorry to those who didn't...just got back from vacation, so my mail from the past week won't be here until tomorrow. I am in prayer for you guys, specifically for those who didn't get the news that they had hoped for. My prayer is that God will lead you to the college He has chosen for you where you will not only have an awesome time, but the opportunities that you need to best serve Him and His Kingdom. Since I don't know yet, my prayer is just that God will do His will...and He knows how much I want to go to Wheaton (so much that if I'm accepted I'll go there). Basically, if it's not the place where He wants me then my prayer is to be rejected (despite my wanting to go there, because His will wins out every single time over my wants). God bless and I'll let you know tomorrow!

By Ineedsleeep (Ineedsleeep) on Tuesday, January 06, 2004 - 12:15 am: Edit

i found out i got in today

By Underqualified (Underqualified) on Tuesday, January 06, 2004 - 09:27 pm: Edit

Congratulations, Ineedsleep! Hopefully, I will see you there next year. Jalyons, I am very sorry to hear that you didn't get in, but don't get too upset about it, because obviously God has other awesome plans for you, I am sure. You will end up where God wants you and His will is more awesome than anything we plan for ourselves. Try to find God's will for your life and you CANNOT go wrong. Good luck to you over the next few months finding that will

By Daniela5586 (Daniela5586) on Wednesday, January 07, 2004 - 06:46 pm: Edit

My interview is this Friday morning. Are there any particular questions they ask?

I'm excited to be able to talk more about myself with my counselor. They have such limited insight into what kind of people we are.

Hopefully all goes well! I'm not sure how articulate I'll be at 6:45 in the morning!

By Ineedsleeep (Ineedsleeep) on Wednesday, January 07, 2004 - 09:27 pm: Edit

wow! a 6:45 interview?? geeze, that seems really harsh (personally i am not articulate until about 8am)...from my interview i think they just want to see how you could fit in at the school so just be yourself and be ready (obviously) to talk about your faith and what role that plays in your life. The admissions counselors are a great source of info, so if you have any questions these people are good ones to ask. Best of luck,i'll be praying for ya!..btw, how did you end up with such an early interview?

By Daniela5586 (Daniela5586) on Thursday, January 08, 2004 - 07:06 pm: Edit

Millie told me that they like to get California interviews done as early in the morning as possible because of the time difference. The only free time I have in the mornings is before school. I actually have a pretty bad case of the flu, so I most likely won't be going to school tomorrow, which means I can go back to sleep. Thanks for your prayers...I'll be needing them!