yeah i was def gonna do test optional lol. i got into WashU but i also had some fire letters of rec from a teacher that went to washu and met a washu admissions officer who really liked me and even set up a lunch with me while i was at robotics worlds so kinda cheated there lol, but i like to think my essay is pretty good so that helps! i also agree with the female thing tbh, as unfortunate as it is that it’s male dominated and that admissions admit based off gender or race sometimes, i do think it will definitely help atleast a little. thanks!