<p>Williams has been one of dream schools for a long time now, and I would really love some informed opinions on my chances at getting in Regular Decision (I am too much of a wimp to do ED). Thanks so much!</p>
<p>Caucasian Female
Seattle area, WA
GPA: 3.855 UW
Class rank: Top 10%
SAT: 2110 (730 CR, 650 M, 730 W)
ACT: Taking Oct. 27th!
SAT II: 750 Literature, 780 U.S. History
APs: 5 English Language (whatever it's called), 5 US History, taking five more AP classes this year</p>
<p>Super-intense courseload all four years, especially this year.
Senior Schedule:
AP Spanish 4
Piano (my fun time)
AP Calculus AB
AP Government/Politics
AP English Literature
AP Physics</p>
<p>Extracurriculars:
-Drama club: vice president 11 and 12, starring roles in many productions, wrote and directed an award-winning one-act play last year
-Energy Conservation Club: physics students that designed and built a device for conserving heat from machines that use hot water in your house (got featured in the Seattle Times and some other local papers)
-Key Club: member all four years, tons of community service, especially at a park that was almost torn down for apartments, but we raised enough money and awareness to prevent that
-Badminton: I, uh, play badminton in my yard pretty much constantly.
-Senior Slideshow: My friend and I compile hundreds of photos sent in by our senior class and create a slideshow (with music and effects and stuff) shown at graduation</p>
<p>Teacher recc's: Should be pretty sweet</p>
<p>Essays: Will be, if I say so myself, pretty incredible</p>
<p>Other stuff:
-National Merit Commended
-Rode horses for 9+ years
-Writer (nothing published, but a heck of a lot of stuff to send in)</p>
<p>Any comments you guys have about my chances would be incredibly appreciated!</p>
<p>whirly, your grades, rank and scores put you in the ballpark. Being white and (presumably) comfortable middle class is a crowded demographic but perhaps you'll get some credit for geographic diversity. </p>
<p>What you'll really need to do to push yourself over the edge is focus on a strong and clear persona and reinforce it in your essays, recommendations, resumes, activity lists etc. You have a lot of good things going for you: theater, environmental concern, writing, piano, riding. Think about how the person reading your application is going to see YOU: What will YOU bring to the campus community? </p>
<p>My guess is that theater would be your trump card, even if you do not intend to major in it. Williams has a big investment in theater and needs writers, directors and stage hands as well as actors.</p>
<p>Be sure to submit an arts supplement showcasing your involvement in theater. If your piano playing is serious, you might include that as well. My opinion is that for a Williams application package, more is good as long as it is thoughtfully presented.</p>
<p>Your commitment to environmental issues and your involvement in riding are also big pluses for Williams as they fit the outdoorsy-activist "personality." Because it's a small school, students are multifacted and it appears that your interests would fit well with the community. So, think about how to present yourself to your best advantage.</p>
<p>If you haven't already done so, try to visit as Williams values demonstrated interest.</p>
<p>Thanks so much for your response! Yeah, I was planning on submitting an arts supplement for theatre, and I sent an email about sending additional writing, and they said they were fine with it. I am glad you think theatre will be a big point for me, because no, I don't plan to major in it, but I do definitely plan on being very active in college theatre, probably more writing , but definitely some acting too. No directing. I never want to do that again, haha. </p>
<p>Unfortunately, my piano playing is nowhere near serious. It's just a hobby. I used to kind of play guitar, now I kind of play piano. </p>
<p>Yes, unfortunately I am white and "comfortably middle class", but I get the impression that applicants from my area are very few and far between. This is also the reason that I most likely won't be able to visit. I just don't have time with my crazy schedule to hop on a plane to Massachusetts. </p>
<p>Thanks again, and any other opinions are much loved.</p>
<p>I'd also add that environmental activism is a pretty good thing to play up right now. The college president, Morty, recently appointed the new dean of students from the environmental studies program and just announced the founding of an administrative position dealing solely with campus environmental and sustainability policies. Thursday Night Group, the campus environmental group, is arguably one of the most powerful student organizations on campus. As a member of this group, I can definitely say I hope you come to Williams!</p>
<p>Hmm, that's good to know. Thanks rhapsody. I feel like I should have discussed all that more during my interview, but we kind of got sidetracked talking about the English program and me submitting additional writing samples with my application. </p>
<p>But the application itself will definitely play on my environmental involvement. It is really important to me, and I'm glad to know that it will be well-received.</p>