<p>ichabod- Your post was very thoughtful and in the end you should do what you and your family feels is best. My two comments are (1) be absolutely positive that you will retain your scholarship at StO if you defer for a year – get it in writing if at all possible and (2) unless you do something that drastically changes your application, I would personally not apply to Williams ED and in essence over-reach a second time – I’d use the ED to be sure you get into a school that is a strong match this time around. Just my two cents. Good luck whatever you decide.</p>