Happy Thanksgiving

...a day early! Aaron and I are the only two counselors left in the office, but we'll each be heading out of town this afternoon to see some family and friends. Looks like we will all get into the thick of application reading upon our return to campus, so look forward to reading some of those great essays!

Since it is Early Decision season at admissions offices all around the country, I thought this article from Inside Higher Ed was well timed.

Safe travels to anyone driving, flying or catching a train over the next few days and looks like there will be some exciting college football, so three cheers for conference/state rivalries!

And they're off...

Cue the tumbleweed blowing through campus. It's going to be a dark week in good ole Lex Vegas as the students, of the undergraduate and law variety, have officially headed home for Thanksgiving. But have no fear, your loyal admissions staff is still here!

SATIIs: Questions Answered

From all the frantic emails and phone calls we've been receiving I gather that your undies are in a bundle over the SATIIs. Who knew that two little tests could cause such mayhem? Let's sort this out...

I've taken the ACT and the SAT, do you still need 2 SAT II Subject Tests?
Yes. Regardless of what tests you've already taken we require 2 SATII Subject Test scores.

I've taken 32 AP tests and scored 5's on all of them, do I still need to take 2 SATII Subject Tests?
Yes. We still need 2 SATII Subject Test scores.

The SATIIs aren't offered again until January. What do I do?
Sign up for the next convenient testing date. We can process applications, read applications and even make decisions on applications without these two test scores. We do need the test scores before you can enroll at W&L, however.

Will not having the 2 SATII Subject Test scores hurt my chances for admission?
No. However, they do give us a fuller picture of a student's potential so they can help students in the admissions process. Please let us know that you're planning on taking the tests (by emailing us or penciling in the test dates on your application) as this lets us know that you're going to follow through with all the requirements for the application.

Which tests should I take?
Pick 2 tests that play to your strengths. Are you a math whiz? Take Math 1. Currently acing AP US History? Take US History. But do NOT take Math 1 AND Math 2 as your 2 tests.

I'm applying for the Johnson Scholarship/Early Decision 2 and sitting for the January SATII testing date. Will you get my scores?
Hopefully! Make sure that you release them directly to us (our CEEB code is 5887) and we will receive your test scores within about 3 weeks. That should give us enough time to add them to your file.

Any other questions?

ED and $$

I was just asked a great question in an E-Mail about Early Decision and money. If you are applying Early Decision to Washington and Lee you must submit the CSS Profile by December 1st to be considered for need-based aid. If you are admitted, you will receive an initial aid package within a few days of your acceptance letter and you can look at you package before you are required to pay your deposit.

I want to reiterate that if you are concerned about need-based aid and applying Early Decision feel free to contact our financial aid office so they can counsel you whether or not ED is a good option for your family. Any questions or comments drop them below.

Still Standing

Well it's Tuesday, November 17th. And you know what that means? We survived Early Decision Deadline Day #1. I hope all of you survived as well!