SAT 1590 (first and only time sitting for exam)
(Have not taken SAT II tests yet)
Unweighted GPA in core classes: 3.94
Super competitive private school.
School does not calculate class rank, except for the purpose of determining the recipient of the award for finishing a year with the highest academic standing in each grade. (I’ve received this award a couple of times.) I’m currently in a 3-way race to graduate 1st, 2nd, or 3rd in my class of 140.
Heavy course load with advanced core classes and no fluff. Planning same for senior year. Since I’ve already completed 4 years of a foreign language, I may replace foreign language next year with an additional advanced science class (unless you guys jump on me and tell me it’s a terrible idea).
ECs: Nationally-ranked athlete for last 5 years, including winning 4 national titles; multi-year internship with magazine; published several articles and photographs over the course of last 3 years; plus other ECs that are likely run-of-the-mill for highly selective colleges–tons of community service; model UN, debate; school paper; founded new school club for additional academic enrichment; student tutoring; various academic awards at school; intensive 10-week bio-research internship at university for upcoming summer.
Demographic: Female, Caucasian, south central region of U.S.
I’m in the midst of college visits and tours, but would really love it if you guys would chance me.
Regardless of that, you’re a very competitive applicant. I would call it a low reach, only because without a hook, I would not put Williams in match territory for anyone.
No student, parent, or alumnus posting on CC holds a crystal ball and can tell what admissions officers will think of your complete application in comparison to those of other applicants, so no one can really predict what will happen. But you sound like a very strong student whose achievements are in line with those of others accepted to Williams. See if you can get recruited to Williams as an athlete. Congratulations on your accomplishments to date! Good luck!
Regarding your FL question, you could contact your regional admissions rep at Williams and ask them what they think, as well as your school GC. My first instinct is to tell you to continue with your language because colleges like Williams tend to want to see a language class each year of HS, regardless of your level. But it’s worth asking the question.
About the language, I was just admitted ED to Williams and I only had 3 years of German, I opted to take 6 AP’s senior year and not a language. My school also doesn’t have a German 4 so I would be taking German 3 again with special attention, though Williams probably didn’t know that. So, I would guess it depends on why you decided not to take the language; if they can tell you did it for a decent reason and not just because you didn’t want to take the class then you may be okay.
Recruitment is the golden ticket. Re: foreign language - both my kids were admitted ED to Williams (no athletic or legacy hooks) with only 3 years of FL, daughter with French and son with Spanish. Our school had 5 years worth of study, but it was the weakest department and with a small public school/fewer classes, choices had to be made. It was virtually impossible to schedule advanced language with AP STEM courses. So they chose, still completing 10 AP classes/tests. Didn’t seem to hurt them in the least. Just make sure your replacement classes are worthy. Son was the ‘physics kid,’ daughter was the ‘music kid,’ both with lots of other activities that made them a great fit, but again, no athletics, no legacy and only 3 years of language. Contrary to popular belief, admissions is not about cookie cutters. You sound like a great candidate. Good luck!
My son was just admitted ED with athletic hook and decided not to take FL his senior year. He plans to start another language while at Williams. Ultimately, you should take the courses that you want to take and not worry about what others think - which is the advice that is given to Williams first year students if you watch some of the videos on the Williams site. Your geography should also help your application. Best of luck.
It’s hard to know without a hook because its such a small school with few spots. But you are in the right geography to give you an edge. Better chances if you come from Questbridge or are applying thru diversity weekend.