<p>I've never seen this written anywhere, but I believe it was my counselor or friend who told me that Williams College reserves some spaces in their freshman class for those students that they would normally not consider, purely based on their academic record. Does anyone know more about this?</p>
<p>soberdrunk,
Its possible that your conselor or friend was referring to the use of "tips" by Williams as well as all of the other NESCAC schools for admission of athletes who would otherwise be denied. This topic has been extensively discussed in other threads, and you can probably do a search to find those discussions. You will also find that, like most top schools, academics is not the sole determinant for admissions for the rest of the candidates. Applicants who are outstanding artists, leaders, URMs, or fit a host of other criteria can gain admission over candidates with better academics. However, I am not aware of any formal program other than for athletes. Perhaps someone else can shed more light on this.</p>
<p>BTW, before we get into a long discussion about Williams and athletic admissions, please be aware that coaches have admissions input at most of the top schools in the country, including all of the Ivies.</p>
<p>They might also be referring to the old "10%" plan, in effect at Williams back in the 70's (but only then) and supposedly sponsored by the Ford Foundation. Under this plan, up to 10% of the class was admitted with stats less than the norm, and there was subsequent study as to how the 10% fared once at school. There has been some discussion on CC and ephblog about the 10%-ers.</p>
<p>jrpar;
Please provide info on the fate of the "10% er's".
Or at least a link.
I anticipate they do at least as well as the regular admission students.
Thanks!
Softball Dad</p>
<p>I doubt the 'average' have no passion for their ECs, which is really the only thing someone lacks out of their academic record.</p>
<p>I hope they still aren't using these tactics. For those 'spaces' could be going to other more qualified students.</p>
<p>rskibum: I'll see if I can find the ephblog reference... I'm not sure how the 10%'ers did, but I think you are right and they did better than expected. (I will say that they were not identifiable once at Williams.)</p>
<p>With credit to ephblog.com (7/26/05):</p>
<p>
[quote]
Back in the 1960s, President Sawyer implemented a program where 10% of the admitted students didn't always meet the academic metrics but had a drive and a twinkle in their eye that made them special. Phil Smith used to tell the story of President Sawyer saying, "I read that some high school student built a submarine in his basement. We need to get him!"</p>
<p>The Ford Foundation funded the program, and then tracked their success. Academically they were average at Williams, but they excelled at college leadership positions. Although I never heard the actual numbers, from the tone of the administrators when they told me about the results, they were surprised that these students did so well. It was along the lines of they thought this group of students would do well, but not THAT well.</p>
<p>I hope these students harken back to that time -- where students not necessarily from the admissions mainstream, but exhibiting drive and perseverance, bring some verve to the Williams community.</p>
<p>
[/quote]
</p>
<p>Has anyone consulted the almighty viewbook? I have an inkling of memory that tells me that I might be remembering this from their own information.</p>
<p>Yes, I'm aware of Williams' athletics admissions tips. It's kind of sweet; it makes Williams more of an Illinois than a Swarthmore, which is just my desire.</p>