Do I Have a Chance at ED for Class of 2019?

Colleges and Universities A-Z Williams College
1

<p>Hi Guys, if you can help me out it would be greatly appreciated! I'm a rising senior looking at my options, and I loved Williams ever since I visited earlier this year. It really stood out above all else. </p>

<p>GPA - 97.8 unweighted (out of 100 possible)
Rank - Most likely top 5% in class of over 425</p>

<p>SAT (superscore)= CR- 680 M- 690 W- 710 (2080/1370)
SATIIs - Bio (700) - taking more in October (US History, World History, Math I)
ACT - 31 ( E- 32 M-31 R - 33 S - 27) - one more shot in September, and thank God they superscore because my standardized tests are my weakest aspect of my application</p>

<p>According to guidance, all our classes are marked as "honors". I did the best with what I had. In fact, I even took AP tests on the side to prove to admissions officers that my work ethic was above par, and that the courses were intense. Results pending...</p>

<p>Extracurricular: </p>

<p>Speech and Debate (9,10,11,12) - (Captain) Had success in debate during all four years. Qualified for nationals all years. Highlights include being a semifinalist in the state freshman year, finishing as second seed sophomore year at states, all state debate sophomore, junior, senior year, and a top 32 in the country finish at nationals.</p>

<p>Orchestra (9,10,11,12) - String bass</p>

<p>Science Olympiad (11,12) - competitive in numerous events at regional and state level</p>

<p>Newspaper/Publication (11,12) (editor) - write articles for both in print and online version of the paper, promoted to editorship shortly after joining for skill and leadership ability.</p>

<p>Honor Society (all years available)</p>

<p>Work Experience:</p>

<p>Internship at State Senator's Office (Summer 2013) - 20 hrs a week for a month and a half. Great experience, he loved me. Probably getting a rec from him. </p>

<p>Internship at Cancer Genetics Research Lab at Columbia University (Summer 2014) - Along with helping the lab carry out its planned experiments, I am able to come up with my own experiments/hypothesizes and test them with the lab behind them. I will construct a pamphlet of my final findings and submit it to the app as a supplement. Everyone in the lab loves me, so I will most likely get a rec from the head PhD from the lab. </p>

<p>Summer Stuff:</p>

<p>Johns Hopkins CTY (Summer 2011) - Race and Politics Course at Lafayette College ( three weeks)</p>

<p>CTY Civic Leadership Institute at Johns Hopkins University (Summer 2013) - This program included 100 hours of service learning and 25 hours of hands on community service in the inner city of Baltimore. ( three weeks)</p>

<p>Do I have a decent chance? Please provide feedback. Thanks guys!!!</p>

2

<p>Hi, I’m also a rising senior who is also interested in Williams College. I’m not sure how helpful I will be, but your extracurriculars seem stellar, especially your summer programs! I think getting a recommendation from the state senator will be a lot more help than the Cancer Genetics Research lab. The app has a place to put your pamphlet, so I think one extracurricular recommendation will be necessary. As of your SAT score, you might want to study and at least break 2150 because Williams is so competitive. Because you’re so involved in the politics and humanities, a 750 in just reading comprehension only will strengthen this application an incredible amount. Williams seems to be a high reach, but Williams is one of those weird schools that accept unique people, so you never know. Hope this helped =)</p>

3

<p>Yeah, asdfghjkl64 is right–you’re doing everything right but those board scores aren’t doing you any favors. Getting them up will help.</p>

4

<p>Thanks guys, I’ll try my best</p>

5

<p>I agree your scores will need some serious counterbalancing. Make sure your essays are compelling and your academic recommendations glowing, then concentrate on how to get the strength of your ECs to resonate.</p>

<p>I think you really do have some terrific extracurriculars. That plus your rank and GPA will compensate somewhat for your scores. Early decision should give you a boost too, but don’t apply ED if you need to compare financial offers. </p>

<p>Four years of orchestra is a good EC for Williams, especially if you indicate that you will continue to participate on campus. Consider submitting a music supplement.</p>

<p>A recommendation from your state senator could be a positive if it’s personal. If the Senator’s busy, someone on his/her staff might be a better choice.</p>

<p>Think about how to weave your interests into your essays to get across who you are and what you can contribute to the Williams community. Enthusiasm and commitment are difficult to convey in essays – and even moreso in resumes. That’s your challenge.</p>

6

<p>@‌momrath On a similar note, I’ve been heavily involved in theatre and chorus in high school (7 plays / musicals so far and chorus / honors chorus all 4 years). I’m definitely interested in participating in acting on campus but definitely not as a career or anything. Do you feel it would be helpful to my application to send some sort of music / theatre supplement?</p>

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<p>Siyker, I would say yes include a theater and/or music performance supplement eith your application. You might also consider putting together a separate package that highlights your involvement in theater and a resume listing performances, awardz, accomplishments, courses; an additional recommendation from an instructor or mentor; one or two media articles. </p>

<p>Williams theater and music departments are small but lively with great facilities. There are plenty of opportunities even for non-majors. The Williamstown Theater is not run by the college, but its influence is significant. </p>