<p>Hi folks!
So, I guess there's no need to explain why Williams is 'my first choice', but I'm one of those extremely ambitious, high-flying, and severely cash-strapped international applicants who'd genuinely appreciate your advice on applying ED to Williams.</p>
<p>My background's a bit complicated and confusing, but long story short, I've got:
- Strong academic credentials (some international recognition there, but I'm told US universities don't value distinctions in Cambridge examinations much, or is that wrong?)
- Passable ECs (writing, journalism, jobs in media, community work...but nothing extremely unique or large-scale, like I wasn't written about in the local paper or something LOL!)
- SAT Scores: SAT 1- 2260 (730 M 760 CR 770 W), SAT IIs- 790 Math, 720 Chem, 700 Phy
- TOEFL- yet to be given (but do these scores matter much? I excelled in English throughout HS)
-Currently taking a gap year, and working on building some credentials here but no promises</p>
<p>That's the overall sketch. The catch is, I need significant aid and I do realize Williams is need-aware to internationals. But will applying ED significantly affect my chances of both being admitted AND getting significant aid? The statistics look good (40% admit-rate ED cycle!), but I couldn't find anything specific on intls.</p>
<p>From what I have heard, the international applicant pool at Williams is quite brutal. This may be hearsay, but because of the school’s financial aid policies, I think it may be true. Regardless, you yourself know you have strong stats, so if you want to go for the ED, go for it. After all, no matter the difficulty for international applicants, many (obviously) get in.</p>
<p>Williams is need-aware, but from my former students’ experience (in Asia), it’s possible to get FA, even if you apply ED. Your qualifications are quite strong, btw. I hope you’re making great use of your gap year, though…</p>
<p>If it is your top choice, certainly apply early. Your stats are very strong, good enough to stand a solid chance, although of course there are no guarantees at any schools at the level you are likely looking at. If you get in, don’t worry about financial aid, they are extremely generous and give full aid to all internationals who are admitted; the aid policies, once you are accepted, are the same whether domestic or international. But as you correctly note, they are need-aware for international students, so if you are a borderline admit, your odds of acceptance are lower applying for aid. I do think applying ED will help compensate for that, by signalling that Williams is clearly your first choice, a lot probably depends on what the international ED pool looks like, something totally out of your control. What you can control is working hard to craft essays that convey how your unique personality, background, attributes and interests would be a good fit / contribute to the Williams community. But if Williams is your first choice, by all mean, apply ED, it can only help, particularly in your situation.</p>
<p>This might be coming a bit late, but thanks a lot for all your advice guys! It’s both very objective and encouraging! Williams is definitely my first choice, I think I’ll be going ahead with the ED application. Good luck on your own college app journey! =D</p>