DD has great grades/ECs/scores/“story,” but attends a suburban private school. She is trying to decide if she has a chance at Williams ED. The only kids we know from the area who have gotten in and who aren’t legacies are varsity athletes who attend public school. Thoughts?
Hi. I’m a non varsity athlete that got into Williams off the waitlist RD (and got an early write from Amherst) so my stats should be somewhat comparable to your child’s. However, I graduated from a large public school in the Midwest, but I’m not sure how this variable changes things. I’m fairly certain being at a private school is more advantageous. Anyway, these are my stats.
Objective:
SAT I: 760 CR, 800 Math, 800 Writing
SAT II: 800s on Math II, Chem, USH
Unweighted GPAL 3.99 (A- in Algebra I and II from middle school)
Rank: top 10%
AP: 5s in Macro, Micro, Chem, USH, World, Euro, Calc BC (AB subscore 5), Lit
Senior Year Course Load: AP Physics C, Orchestra, Independent Study in Performing Arts, AP Government, AP Statistics, Latin V, Advanced Composition (college credit course)
Major Awards: National AP Scholar, National Merit Finalist, 2nd Place in National Econ Challenge, 1 Gold Key and 1 Silver Key in National Scholastic Writing Awards, 1st in Best Midwestern High School Contest, 1st in Brigham Young University Writing Contest, multiple orchestra awards (in contests)
Subjective
EC: Symphony Orchestra (Section Leader 11-12)
Orchestra Council (Treasurer 12; member 10-12; student council for orchestra)
Share the Music (Treasurer 11, VP 12; member 9-12; volunteer performance)
Martial arts (9-11)
Essay Workshop Club (President/Founder 12)
NHS
Econ Challenge Team (11)
Job/work: none
Volunteer: Share the Music,
NHS
Summer activities: Harvard SSP (2013)
Essays:
Common App–8/10
Supplement option B: 10/10 (won essay competitions with it)
Teacher Rec: both strong
Counselor Rec: idk
Additional Rec: generic, from orchestra teacher
Supplementary: Music supplement, good but probably not fantastic
Other
State: IN
School Type: Public
Ethnicity: Chinese
Gender: Male
Hooks: none
Reflection
Strengths: Test scores, grades, writing ability, decent EC
Weaknesses: little work/volunteering, competitive senior class (2 people went to Nat’l Chem Olympiad team, 1 to nat’l physics Olympiad team)
Why accepted: well rounded applicant (minus absence of volunteering)
D '18 was admitted early to Williams from a small suburban private school in NY/NE area. However, she was the first student in 8 years to be admitted to Williams from her school. Prior to her acceptance Naviance showed a 5% admit rate to Williams from her school compared to ~ 15-20% ranges for HYPSM etc. and 30-50% for other LACs. I don’t know if private school background makes acceptance more competitive but if your D is a good fit for Williams she should certainly visit and apply. A ‘story’ will carry substantial weight in her application.
Daughter admitted from Catholic private from NE, No. 1 in class, 4.0 UW , 2300 SAT, 800 Bio, 800 Euro, 780 Math 2, 5 x AP 5s, non-athlete, strong art and performance art background and community service. I think essays matter a lot when you’re splitting hairs among very accomplished students. I do think Williams looks for more well, rounded “renaissance” thinkers as opposed to the very narrow and deep superstar .