Getting Into Williams

Colleges and Universities A-Z Williams College
1

I was just rejected from Windows On Williams so I was wondering what my chances are for actually getting into the school.
I have a 1560 SAT and 35 ACT
My grades aren’t too good as I’ve gotten a few B’s in some of my APs
For my AP scores, I have 5s in Human geography, World History, European History, Stat, and Psych.
My extracurriculars aren’t that strong as I haven’t won any major awards but I’ve been doing rowing for 4 years, even though I’m not that good. I’m also the president and founder of my school’s Vex Robotics club and I volunteer regularly at my local library.

I just want to know if I had a decent chance of getting into Williams ED and if it’s too late to do something like History Fair because I’m actually pretty good at history and am very passionate about it. Thanks for any help

2

Windows on Williams is extraordinarily competitive so do not let that result deter you, your test scores are very competitive, 35 ACT is a great score. You are definitely within the ranges for Williams. Also, grades are viewed in the context of the school and the class difficulty. If your school is pretty rigorous and the academic profile of the student body is strong, Bs will not hold you back.

3

Based on your ACT & SAT scores, you certainly should receive strong consideration from Williams College admissions if you apply ED. No guarantee, however. Plus one needs to read the entire application before offering specific advice.

4

Haha I can definitely relate. I was rejected as well, have the same test scores, have been rowing for four years, and really want to get in ED.

5

Elite schools like Williams expect the full package. In other words, your tippy top test scores are not enough to get you in. You say that your grades “aren’t too good” and your EC’s “aren’t that strong.” If that’s true, you will not get into Williams without a major hook.

6

@TheBigChef: OP may be downplaying his qualifications. A few Bs in AP courses can still leave one with an unweighted GPA above 3.7, and OP has rowed for 4 years but laments not winning any major awards.

7

@Publisher Thanks for calming my nerves a little. Ill just put my nose to the grindstone and try to win a robotics or nhd prize.

8

Some applicants rejected for WOW still do get into Williams when they apply for admission. One such applicant I was communicating with via PM on CC a couple of years ago was rejected from WOW, so she made sure her list included some good targets and safeties… but then she was admitted to Williams… and then a couple of weeks later she was admitted to Yale! (She chose Yale.)

Getting rejected from WOW does not mean you won’t have some nice acceptances to celebrate by next April.

Keep working hard with your schoolwork.

In terms of extracurriculars, do what you love with dedication. Do it because you like doing it, not just to pad a resume. Authenticity shows, and besides, you only get to go to high school once, so you should make sure you enjoy what you do in your free time!

And you don’t need to win prizes. If it happens, nice. But mostly your extracurriculars help add to the picture of who you are as a person and how you’ll contribute to campus.

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