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i want to do comp sci major and comp engineering minor

main ec is orchestra. i'm in all-state

http://pr.damnsw.net/display.php?user=justinfiddler

By Chen (Chen) on Thursday, December 04, 2003 - 12:19 am: Edit

No kidding, yeah.

By Almostdone (Almostdone) on Thursday, December 04, 2003 - 02:48 am: Edit

omg... are u in NY? i just got back from conference all-state today, string orchestra. maybe i know u. were u there?

By Justinfiddler (Justinfiddler) on Thursday, December 04, 2003 - 10:06 am: Edit

i don't live in NY.
i live up north in new england

By Senior2 (Senior2) on Monday, December 22, 2003 - 10:26 am: Edit

I reallly want to get into Washington University...but i don't think i have the stats to get in. The reason i want to go here, is because my dad's company got transferred to st. louis 2 years ago, so now he commutes mon-thur and comes back to NJ friday.
My status are
SAT- 1270
took the dec SAT (so im waiting for that)
gpa-3.5
3 AP's rest honors
President of Model United Nations
Varsity tennis
Varisty Track
Columbia University summer program for biomed engineering/ molecular biology
involved in lot of volunteering organizations
piano/ballet 12 years
--thanks

By Pdragon17 (Pdragon17) on Monday, December 22, 2003 - 01:54 pm: Edit

Senior2, are you applying ED II or regular? I can tell you from experience that the best way to get into WASH U is to convey a strong enthusiasm and interest for the school.

By Senior2 (Senior2) on Monday, December 22, 2003 - 02:33 pm: Edit

pdragon17
im applying regular..
i've been getting a lot of mail from them these past few months..They must have an excellent advertising agency! I also got a letter telling me of an interview in NY
DO you think my stats are too low?

By Emily00 (Emily00) on Monday, December 22, 2003 - 03:45 pm: Edit

Hi, i am an international student from China.
I would like to apply to St.Louis(I know it's really tough school) for their art program. (School or Art)

I have a very excellent portfolio but very very low SAT score. I am gonna retake it and try to get 1300. Can you guys please give me any suggestion please?

Here is my stats

SAT I: 420(Verb) 700(Math)
GPA: 3.6(W)
Portfolio : A representative of ST.Louis was very impressed with my portfolio

Activities:

Treasure of Multicultral Club
President of Multicultral Club
Official of Student Government for two years
4 years of Tennis and Basketball
( 3 years of Vasity team)
1 year Vasity Captain of Tennis
3 years of community service club
3 years of Lit/Magazine Club
4 years of achieving art awards
1 year of achieving scholarship for art

By Pdragon17 (Pdragon17) on Tuesday, December 23, 2003 - 01:07 pm: Edit

Senior 2, your stats, mainly your SAT's, are lower than Wash U's average, but I wouldn't worry about it too much. Wash U has one of the most personal admissions processes for an elite school. I think the fact that you are applying regular might hurt you a little though. You are going to be in the same applicant pool as all of the 1500+ kids who get rejected from Ivy League schools. However, if you can convey a sincere interest in Wash U through an essay or interview, I think you have a good shot. Wash U, and most schools nowadays, do not want those students who think of their school as a mere "safety", if there is such a thing today.

I hope to see you there next fall!

By Meizemouse (Meizemouse) on Saturday, December 27, 2003 - 04:33 pm: Edit

hi,i have a pretty much perfect grades and scores (GPA 4.0, SAT: 780v 780M) but I don't have a lot of extracurricular activities. I've had heaps of volunteering, and work experience but I moved from australia so I never really got involved in a lot of clubs or anything. I've done bits of things here and there but nothing fantastic..will that affect my chances of getting in to washington?

By Pdragon17 (Pdragon17) on Saturday, December 27, 2003 - 10:07 pm: Edit

Meizemouse, I think you have a good shot of getting into Wash U. If there are any special circumstances to anything you feel is weak, I would write a letter to the admissions office explaining your case.
Overall, your academic stats are above average. I think the average SAT score is around 1400. You have not mentioned the courses you are taking. You should be taking the most rigorous schedule available at your school, whatever that may be. A 4.0 GPA is nice, but is it weighted or unweighted?
To tell you the truth, EC's aren't everything. It's your EC's compared to your academic credentials. If you have a really high GPA and SAT's, you don't need to have particularly strong EC's. EC's will make or break someone with average academic credentials. If you have decent EC's, you should be fine. Colleges like quality of EC's, not quantity. After reading a lot of posts on this conference, I see that a lot of people joined every single club available at their high school, but have serious involvement in each. They are not president of these clubs nor have they received any recognition for these clubs. If you have 2 or 3 EC's, but you are dedicated and/or exceptional in those activities, you will be fine. In addition, if you have had any unique experiences - you said you lived in Australia - write about it in your essay. Have you had any special internships or jobs, or have you done any other traveling? If so, share about that also. Make sure you come across to colleges as interesting and unique. After reading many other posts where people just list all there EC's, these people just seem like machines. So what, you are a member of the German club or of NHS. So is every other student.
Now, let's talk about Wash U. If it is one of your top choices, I suggest applying ED II. Wash U seeks students that are enthusiastic about their school, and a good way to express your enthusiasm is by applying Early. Yes, you have to go if you are accepted, but that shouldn't be a problem if Wash U is one of your top choices. Admission to Wash U is extremely competitive, especially in the regular pool. Wash U gets over 20,000 applicants, most of whom apply regular. My experience with Wash U, at least at my school, is that it is very beneficial for you to make contact with your admissions representative for your area and express to them your sincere interest in the school. People at my school who expressed an interest in the school were accepted over other people with higher stats but didn't care about Wash U.

By Meizemouse (Meizemouse) on Monday, December 29, 2003 - 03:25 pm: Edit

Hi Pdragon17, thanks so much for your reply to my message and your advice, it was very helpful. It's a little intimidating reading about everyone else's ECs, they all seem to have huge lists. Yes, Washington University is definately one of my top choices, I would LOVE to attend but I'm concerned about applying Early because of the cost. I'm still considered an international student so i'm not applicable for much financial aid. Also, my parents work at Penn State and it'll practically be free if I go. Of course Washington is a much better school, but it would be really tough for my parents if I am forced to go there without much aid. I am applying for the scholarships, but they seem extremely difficult. I will, however, try to contact the admissions representative ASAP.
The classes I'm taking : AP Computer science, AP B/C Calculus, Advanced Chemistry 2, AP English 12, AP European History, Advanced Readings (social studies). I am taking the most rigorous course load, I always have and I'm quite sure I'm academically prepared for Washington but it seems that they want more than just grades and scores and many applicants have the same grades/scores as me. Do you think expressing my desire to do more ECs in college would be helpful?
Yes i did live in Australia but I was born in China. I wrote my optional essay about my Chinese/Australian roots. I also have an letter of recommendation from a Penn State biology professor because of a research experience I had with him. One more question: how important is it to be a legacy? In our school, a lot of talented and smart students didn't get into their ED colleges whereas legacies or athletes did. My my uncle attended Washington for his PhD, would that help?
Once again thanks for your help!

By Kingdvl (Kingdvl) on Monday, December 29, 2003 - 03:33 pm: Edit

I hope I can get in..im just scared they'll reject me thinking I'm applying there as a safety, even though its my number 1 choice.

1500 (710v, 790 m)
sat2's average to 750
4.5 gpa weighted, rank 1/30
plenty of ec and stuff
amazing rec
good essay (i hope its good at least)

I met with them when they came to my school, and my family is friends with a professor there who is writing me a rec letter too.

By Meizemouse (Meizemouse) on Monday, December 29, 2003 - 03:53 pm: Edit

Oh sorry, one more thing, my 4.0 is unweighted. my weighted is about 4.5.

By Pdragon17 (Pdragon17) on Monday, December 29, 2003 - 09:55 pm: Edit

Meizemouse, I would try to contact the WASH U admission office sometime and just try to explain to them your family situation. I know a friend that was recently accepted to an ED school, although it was not Wash U, that did not receive sufficient financial aid. He and his parents contacted the school and explained the fact that they had two other children besides my friend to send to college and asked for a little more aid. He and the school worked something out. By the way, why are you considered international if your parents work in the states? Do you go to school abroad?

If I were you, I would just apply regular decision, but submit an extra essay saying that Wash U is my number one choice, but for financial reasons I can't apply early. I would then list the reasons why you like Wash U so much.

Again, I think you are worrying too much about the Extracurriculars. You don't need to tell Washington University that you will participate more in college. Experiences with myself, friends, and siblings have shown that EC's are really not that important. Don't get me wrong, they count for something, but academics are still the first priority. If someone has a 1560 SAT and a high GPA like yourself, you only need minimal EC's. And you say that you have done research at a college and have done community service. I think that's sufficient. In addition, I think doing research about something that interests certainly beats member of the trivia team and president of the Spanish club.

Again, I would try to contact your local Wash U admissions representative and explain your circumstances. And then I would submit that extra for the admissions committee.

You sound like a really interesting person with your Australian/Chinese roots, someone I would like to learn about. It would be great if you could join us in the Wash U Class of '08, but if you can't from your circumstances, I certainly understand. Best luck in the college process and let me know how things turn out.

Cheers!

By Pdragon17 (Pdragon17) on Monday, December 29, 2003 - 10:17 pm: Edit

Hey Kingdvl. I think you have a good chance of admission. Are you applying ED II or regular? Applying ED II is the best way to convey your sincere interest in a school, but if other factors, primarily financial reasons, prevent you from doing so, that's okay too. If you've visited the campus (if you could afford to), had an interview, met or followed up with a Wash U rep at your school or college fair, and have established contact with your Wash U rep, they will know that Wash U is not a "safety" to you. I have friends with similar stats applied to Wash U in previous years that did none of the above, and nevertheless they did not get accepted.

What are your EC activities? What is your essay about? If your "true" personality shines through in these, I think you will be fine. Out of all the very selective universities, Wash U is known for having one of the most personal and accomadating admissions processes.

Good luck with the college process.

By Cantwait4colleg (Cantwait4colleg) on Tuesday, December 30, 2003 - 12:30 am: Edit

4.0, 1390 SAT, 800/690 SAT II's, taking 9 classes this year (6 AP's, 9 AP's by graduation). I have good EC's, essays, and recs. Do I have a shot here? I have visited and had an interview, and my cousin went to the school and worked in the admissions office a couple years ago. THANKS

By Meizemouse (Meizemouse) on Wednesday, December 31, 2003 - 04:32 pm: Edit

hi Pdragon17, thanks again. I'm considered an international student because I am not a US citizen or permanent resident I have been living in the US for the last few years. I feel much better after hearing your comments, are you a WU student/faculty? You seem very informed and I'm pleased to hear your comments. Would you be able to tell me if the fact that my uncle is a legacy will affect my chances?

By Pdragon17 (Pdragon17) on Wednesday, December 31, 2003 - 08:32 pm: Edit

Meizemouse, I was actually accepted Early Decision and will be going to Wash U next year. I have done a ton of research of Wash U, including a couple visits, and just read a lot about the college process. My greatest asset of Wash U information would have to be my friends who are currently there.

Now to your question. I don't think that having an uncle helps that much. At most schools, the only legacy that will affect the student's chances is a parent. However, Wash U might be different, but I don't think an uncle has much significance. The one exception is unless your uncle has worked at Wash U or donates a significant gift. Unfortunately in the society we are in today, colleges "value" your legacy by how much your parents give to the school. Most colleges thrive off of alumni contributions. And at most schools, mainly the highly competitive ones, a legacy will only help get someone if they are already academically qualified. It's the extra "hump".

So anyway, I don't think the uncle is significant. Your chances at Washington Univ are great anyways with all of your academic achievements.

Well anyways I have to go now. I'm going to celebrate the New Years with a few friends. I hope you as well as all the other posters have a safe and happy New Years!

By Meizemouse (Meizemouse) on Sunday, January 04, 2004 - 04:58 pm: Edit

pdragon, congrats for being accepted into washington! i've just submitted my application (and I wrote that letter as you suggested), now i'm applying for the scholarships. I don't think i have a great chance of getting them but I don't know if I can go without them. Do you know anything about the scholarships, like how hard they are to get etc? What can you tell me about Washington that isn't apparent from it's website or brochures?

By Soccer09 (Soccer09) on Sunday, January 04, 2004 - 08:59 pm: Edit

what are my chances?

white female from all-girls school in StLouis
32 ACT
4.17 GPa weighted
3 out of 135 rank
AP US History-5
Taking 4 APs this year
varsity CC, captain
2 yrs varsity track
youth in government
class secretary jr. year
honor societies- NHS, Mu Alpha Theta, Beta Chi Pi
duke leadership camp over summer
volunteer at church as reader at mass all 4 years
few other random volunteer stints
lifeguard during summer
after school job
holy cross university book award
newspaper 3 years, sports editor now

By Soccer09 (Soccer09) on Sunday, January 04, 2004 - 09:00 pm: Edit

i forgot to mention, ... i didn't visit w/ the wash. u. rep when they came to my high school, but i have visited twice i am just concerned i haven't shown enough interest

By Mafmaf22 (Mafmaf22) on Sunday, January 04, 2004 - 09:15 pm: Edit

well the only interest i have shown was visiting 4 years ago when my sister first moved in there, but that was like a 3 day visit. unfortunately they have no record of the visit, so i don't think that'll hurt you, plus our stats are pretty solid

By Mafmaf22 (Mafmaf22) on Sunday, January 04, 2004 - 10:12 pm: Edit

change the "our" to "your"--your stats are good is what i was trying to say, not ours

By Pdragon17 (Pdragon17) on Sunday, January 04, 2004 - 10:20 pm: Edit

Meizemouse, Wash U merit scholarships are fairly hard to get. The problem with them is that there are no general merit awards, except for the Danforth Scholars thing. You have to be nominated for that by your school and write a few additional essays. I think there are 10 of them or so that get full scholarships and another 20 or so get half scholarships and they are all housed together on a floor, which is nice. From what I hear, getting chosen to be a Danforth Scholar is extremely, extremely difficult.

A lot more scholarships are given in more specific academic areas. I know that Arts and Sciences gives out a few full scholarships. One is for the humanities, another for the physical sciences, etc. Business also gives out one full scholarship and I believe the other schools, engineering, art, and architecture do about the same. From again, these scholarships are really hard to get.

They also have scholarships for minorities.

Your best bet, though, might be the Enterprise scholarship. They are merit based awards given to students in the St. Louis area and students who have demonstrated financial interest. I think these might be easier to get. I don't know whether or not they are full scholarships.

Overall, Wash U gives out a 100 or so merit based scholarships. Competitition for them is fierce.
I think you have a good overall shot for getting something because you are unique, but a lot of amazing people apply for the scholarships and to the University. Good luck man.

And by the way, I heard from some people that Wash U gives out good financial aid. Not amazing, but fairly good, better than most schools. I know some of the money they are raising is going to improve finacial aid.

Hope things work out for you and you get to go to Wash U.

By Pdragon17 (Pdragon17) on Sunday, January 04, 2004 - 10:32 pm: Edit

I mean financial need, not financial interest. Geez....

By Soccer09 (Soccer09) on Sunday, January 04, 2004 - 10:53 pm: Edit

Mafmaf- are you saying they don't record it when you visit Wash. U? That seems weird.... In regard to those wondering about scholarships, I know just from my neighbors about 10 people at Wash U. and a good number of them are there on merit scholarships or some financial aid package. My friend's brother got a 34 on his ACT and is there on a full ride. He was valedictorian of his class, but nothing else outstanding. Also the director of financial aid goes to my church and is very nice. All the people in the offices are good about negotiating. I am working on applying for scholarships there myself right now....

By Mafmaf22 (Mafmaf22) on Sunday, January 04, 2004 - 11:18 pm: Edit

no i am saying that they did not record my visit because it wasn't official, i just went there with my parents to drop my sister off there like 4 years ago. i kinda just walked around by myself and stuff cause it was during my sister's freshmen orientation. i'm sure they record visits.

By Meizemouse (Meizemouse) on Monday, January 05, 2004 - 01:09 pm: Edit

Hey Pdragon, I haven't heard anything about the types of people who have actually received the washington merit scholarships cept just looking at the number of scholarhips, there are about 50 that I'm interested in and there are like..tens of thousands of people who apply to washington right? to be honest, i really don't want to do those essays right now, i've just finished all my college apps (argh) and I feel so bad asking my teachers/counselors to do like two more. i guess i'm different but i haven't done any like huge independent research projects which i'm supposed to write about in the essays. i'll have to write them about like.. my fruit fly lab or something pathetic :D I know that nobody can tell me for sure if i will get them or not, but I guess I was looking for a general idea. i was reading the washington website over and over to see what kind of students they want for the scholarships and it's really ambiguous like "talented" students in "top ranges" of standardized tests. so i'm confused. i was looking at these Rice U scholarships before and they said winners were usually published writers, international science fair winners type thing so i definately knew I shouldn't apply. I just don't want to look back later and be like "I really should have applied for those washington scholarships". I think Washington gives 100% aid for us citizens..not sure about international. Thanx

By Justinfiddler (Justinfiddler) on Monday, January 05, 2004 - 02:17 pm: Edit

lol let's just take over my thread.

By Stripe (Stripe) on Wednesday, January 07, 2004 - 12:21 am: Edit

What do all of you think are my chances of getting in?

From South Bend, Indiana
18 white male
GPA 3.812 unweighted
SAT-1430
Hardest classes possible all 4 years,
APs-English, Calc, Bio, Chem, U.S. His---only ones offered at School.

Special Awards or Recognition:

High honors all 4 years
Indiana University of South Bend Math Competition team winner freshman year, individual winner sophomore year, 5th place junior year/ 2nd place team
Best Witness (perfect score) regional mock trial competition junior year, first team all conference tennis senior year, honorable mention junior year, state runner up senior baseball, AIME qualifier junior year, corporate "bag-off" winner (bagging groceries)-nationals qualifier (Las Vegas, Nevada), Who's who among high school students last 3 years, tennis MVP senior year, Kiwanis-award tennis, and First Team All State Academic for Tennis still pending (AD sent info to wrong place, now I have to hope they will still consider me)

Extracurricular, Vollunteer, and Leadership Activities

Baseball 4 years, varsity 3, Tennis for 4 years, varsity for 3, captain junior and senior year, NHS-vice president, Student Council 4 years-executive board senior year, Math Club for last 3 years-cofounder and vice-president, Mock Trial soph and junior years, Student Athletes for Education last 2 years, Drama Club freshman year, Service Clerk at grocery store for past 20 months-avg. 18 hours per week.

Vollunteerism
Holiday food drive collection for four years, Math-tutoring, tutoring at downtown library, guide for Halloween Haunted Trail, Mad Dash for Cans-go around the city collecting cans, past 4 years, Stuff the Truck last 4 years, part of school's VIP program-befriend handicapped students.