ED Chances, plz!

Colleges and Universities A-Z Williams College
1

<p>Williams is by far my #1, and I'm going to apply there in November.</p>

<p>Stats:
Public in suburban NY (sends about 10 - 20% to top schools each year).
GPA: 3.98 UW (we don't weight)
Rank: We don't do this either, but in the school info that colleges get, it would be easy to deduce that I am just barely in the top 10% of around 370 students.
Courseload: Most demanding - 9 APs by junior year, with another 7 in my schedule for this year.</p>

<p>Standardized Tests:
SAT I: 730 CR, 800 M, 770 W (2300 Total) (first time taking it was 2190, with all sections a bit lower).
SAT II: Math II 800, Physics 790, Chemistry 720, World History 640 (don't ask)
AP: All 5s on Calc BC, Stats, Physics C EM, Physics C Mech, Physics B, Chem, US Hist, World Hist, English Lang</p>

<p>ECs:
Crew 4 years (awards)
Debate 3 years (very accomplished, many awards)
National Honor Society 2 years (pointless)
Volunteer at free health clinic ~2 hrs/wk 3 years
scioly 2 years (awards)
newspaper section editor 3 years</p>

<p>Summers:
SSP 2007
National Symposium for Debate 2006
Research that went nowhere at a local university 05 - 06
CTY 04</p>

<p>Misc Awards:
National Latin Exam awards for 3 years (school doesn't offer 4th year latin)
national french exam award 1 year
tons of debate awards
national merit finalist (score well above cutoff)
ap scholar 2006
ap national scholar 2007</p>

<p>Any input would be greatly appreciated. What worries me is my rank - most students from my school who go to Williams (1-3 / yr) are in the top 5% or so, but my courseload is much more difficult then theirs and my standardized test scores are higher (if that matters).</p>

<p>Thanks.</p>

2

<p>Since your school doesn't rank, don't worry about it (even if it did, there's no reason to lose sleep over it). </p>

<p>Your essays will be key. How will Williams benefit from accepting you/what can you add to the community?</p>

3

<p>Since you have done crew for 4 years, you should probably contact Peter Wells, the crew coach (<a href="mailto:pwells@williams.edu">pwells@williams.edu</a>)</p>

<p>IF your ergometer splits are right on the mark, you will have a great leg up in admission.</p>

4

<p>Or Justin Moore if you are female.</p>

<p>It's not clear how much crew helps with admission, but it certainly helps to have an advocate.</p>

5

<p>thanks guys...</p>

<p>one more question:
for the essay, do you think Williams would prefer a rather personal essay or an offbeat one with subtle links to myself?</p>

6

<p>I don't know what Williams prefers. I will tell you that my son wrote a quirky personal essay and was accepted. It did show a lot about him and his intersts.</p>

7

<p>You have a lot of strengths, both academically and extracurricular. I would make sure your passion/s were addressed in your 150 word common app essay and in your list of 'activities in order of preference', and then give something of yourself/personality in your essay. Your essay can be quirky/understated as long as it rings true. My son's stats were lower in general than yours, but he wrote a great-I think- essay. He also went to the Williams open house that was offered the summer before his senior year, which I think showed his genuine interest in the school. He will be a freshman this fall. Hope this is helpful</p>

8

<p>crew actually helps with admission, if you are good. Like all other varsity teams, the crew coach has a few tips each year (i think 3)</p>

9

<p>Crew should help. For some applicants, results and coaches' recommendations may be more important than erg scores, depending on applicants' rowing background.</p>

<p>I have been told that it isn't an exact allocation and the tips in the non-helmet sports vary year by year. My understanding is that there usually is about one genuine tip a year available for the men's team and one for the women's team. Where crew experience (esp. for someone who is really good) would help the most people will be for candidates who are very well qualified academically without a real tip but are a dime a dozen but for the crew. It becomes something approaching a "hook."</p>

10

<p>I agree with the above. You need a "hook." The crew coach can provide a tip that may allow the average applicant to be accepted.
He will have 1 tip to use.
The coach will want to know what other colleges you're interested in.
Mention a variety of colleges of equal (?) standing, including a D1 and D2 or two that you are interested in.
Visit Williams and coordinate your visit with the crew coach.
You'll stay overnight with a crew team member, attend a class or 2. Your chances are best if you apply ED.
Also, directly ask the coach if he would be willing to use a "tip" on you and also ask where you stand. Get recs from coach's, teachers and write a great essay.
Make your essay a personal statement, not rehashing your accomplishments but picking a moment, perhaps, that defines your spirit or something unique...
Also, before you submit your app, ask for feedback on your essay on this site. You'll get brutally honest feedback.
CC is a great resource since many respondents have been through the process and are happy to help.
Good luck!</p>