Anonymous wrote:W&M considers demonstrated interest so definitely show interest. My guess is he will get in.

This - - you need to show interest.

Anonymous wrote:so wait, a kid with just about perfect scores is only a maybe at an in-state public U? I don't understand--who is getting in anywhere?

My kid has 32 ACT and 4.0/4.7 and folks are telling me to shoot for state colleges. Really? I'm so confused.

You can shoot for many privates as well. Not an issue of state schools vs privates.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Another vote here gor demonstrate interest. They seem to really like that.

+1 Even in ED kIds. DS went to TJ with a kid who was rejected ED (and WM takes kids pretty far down into TJ’s class, esp for boys in STEM. Mine was accepted RD with B-/Cs in math but a proposed major that was not math heavy). He did no demonstrated interest and his mom was like: isn’t ED the ultimate demonstrated interest? Why would he bother to interview or visit? He was not even deferred to RD.

What major would increase chances for admission?

You don't apply to a specific major at W&M (unlike VT). For example, students apply to the business school during their sophomore year.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Another vote here gor demonstrate interest. They seem to really like that.

+1 Even in ED kIds. DS went to TJ with a kid who was rejected ED (and WM takes kids pretty far down into TJ’s class, esp for boys in STEM. Mine was accepted RD with B-/Cs in math but a proposed major that was not math heavy). He did no demonstrated interest and his mom was like: isn’t ED the ultimate demonstrated interest? Why would he bother to interview or visit? He was not even deferred to RD.

What major would increase chances for admission?

WM is really known for history, government, IR, public policy, Econ— and there is a lot of synergy among these departments because IR and public policy are huge and require classes from all these department. Kids in that area are a natural fit. Then again, they are starting a data science center and are glad to get good CS and STEM students.

But I think you are looking at it the wrong way. The best chance for admission is a major where you kid is talented and one they enjoy (and that has a path to employability). If WM os weak in that particular area, they should look for a different school.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Another vote here gor demonstrate interest. They seem to really like that.

+1 Even in ED kIds. DS went to TJ with a kid who was rejected ED (and WM takes kids pretty far down into TJ’s class, esp for boys in STEM. Mine was accepted RD with B-/Cs in math but a proposed major that was not math heavy). He did no demonstrated interest and his mom was like: isn’t ED the ultimate demonstrated interest? Why would he bother to interview or visit? He was not even deferred to RD.

What major would increase chances for admission?

Anonymous wrote:Another vote here gor demonstrate interest. They seem to really like that.

+1 Even in ED kIds. DS went to TJ with a kid who was rejected ED (and WM takes kids pretty far down into TJ’s class, esp for boys in STEM. Mine was accepted RD with B-/Cs in math but a proposed major that was not math heavy). He did no demonstrated interest and his mom was like: isn’t ED the ultimate demonstrated interest? Why would he bother to interview or visit? He was not even deferred to RD.

Another vote here gor demonstrate interest. They seem to really like that.

Another tip:

Drive there on a weekend without official campus tours. Go into the open foyer of the admissions office and fill out their contact form. Even if you are already on their mail list. This lets them know you are so interested you did another tour on your own. Handwrite a comment on the form.
DD wrote that sadly the info sheets for her intended majors were out already and she would love to get more info. She commented on the kind students she got to talk to on her own walking the campus. Affirming that this seemed like she found home.

Pay attention to the prompt. Even if you think there are way quirkier kids, find the something about you. DD wrote about her love for bright colored clothing without any words on it, any words. A fashionista she is not, but she is her.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:^^^ should say WGPAs .2 to .4 higher. She had 11 APs, but she has ADHD and spring of sophomore year (2020), she went off the rails. She had every opportunity to get work in and she just didn’t. Her counselor told us she was confident she would get in in ED but not RD. Nailed it.

My kid was the same but waited until spring of senior year. Luckily acceptance was not rescinded at VT. It seems the high school kids had the worst time of all with covid. Congrats to your DD on W&M. I am considering it for DC#2 so thanks for the info on demonstrated interest.

Definitely demonstrate interest. Their motto is “those who come here belong here” and they literally said at the admission session their ideal student was one who really excited about attending.

Their interviews are a golden opportunity. Be aware most of them happen in the summer before senior year and they fill up fast. So start watching for them to open in the spring. And have your kid visit campus first and be ready to discuss specifics about why WM appeals to them. DD LOVES it there and I am so thankful for the guidance counselor who said: this kid would be a great fit for WM, but it won’t happen if she doesn’t apply ED.

Anonymous wrote:^^^ should say WGPAs .2 to .4 higher. She had 11 APs, but she has ADHD and spring of sophomore year (2020), she went off the rails. She had every opportunity to get work in and she just didn’t. Her counselor told us she was confident she would get in in ED but not RD. Nailed it.

My kid was the same but waited until spring of senior year. Luckily acceptance was not rescinded at VT. It seems the high school kids had the worst time of all with covid. Congrats to your DD on W&M. I am considering it for DC#2 so thanks for the info on demonstrated interest.

^^^ should say WGPAs .2 to .4 higher. She had 11 APs, but she has ADHD and spring of sophomore year (2020), she went off the rails. She had every opportunity to get work in and she just didn’t. Her counselor told us she was confident she would get in in ED but not RD. Nailed it.

RD OOS? It’s probably a high reach. ED as a male, he’d have a good chance. If he wants it, he should ED2 and demonstrate interest. Unfortunately it’s too late to interview or do a fall focus day.

My Unhooked DD applied ED last year and was admitted. She had several female friends and peers with WGPAs, similar rigor, same level of ECs, similar test scores, unhooked. All were denied outright. Not even a WL in the group.

Do not underestimate how much ED and demonstrated interest matter to WM. I think they are tired of admitting kids who ultimately choose UVA and want kids who really want to be there.

Sorry, just read that he will be applying RD. Things are so unpredictable now that I couldn’t say that acceptance is a sure thing. Sorry.

I will assume that this is a current junior. Make sure he applies ED1 and interviews if it’s his first choice. Male applicants have an edge.

Anonymous wrote:Does an MCPS/W cluster boy with a 4.0/4.7 GPA and 1570 SAT, good but not amazing ECs and no other hooks have a chance of getting in RD at William and Mary?
Thanks.

I would certainly hope so.