So my grades are pretty strong but I don’t know if they’re good enough for Williams College (it’s around a 94 unweighted) , my strongest point is my curriculum (earth sci & algebra in 8th grade, all honors 9th grade, almost all honors 10th grade, 3 AP’s and 1 honors 11th grade, and 4 AP’s 12th grade with all core classes, spanish, and orchestra all four years) but my SAT, a 2000, is 40 below the 25th percentile, a 2040. How is my chance of getting accepted?
The standard testing is just one component. And 40 points isn’t THAT much–if you like Williams, it’s worth a shot.
I think a better question is how much are you interested in Williams? As was pointed out, standardized tests aren’t that big of a deal. If you’re passionate and that shines through in your application, you certainly have a shot. Best of luck in wherever you end up!
Standardized test results ARE a big deal. The Williams common data set identifies standardized test scores as a “very important” factor in admissions decisions. The OP’s chance for admission, unless there are special circumstances (recruited athlete, first generation, ex military, etc), is low.
@CodyChesnutt I’m not saying they’re insignificant. For example, someone with a 1700 would be way less likely to get in. But 40 points is NOT a red flag. After all, their 25th percentile surely encompasses that range. If the OP has great recs and ecs and seems like a good fit they stand a chance.
Everyone who applies to Williams has a “low” chance. I myself am applying without being first gen, recruited athlete, legacy, etc. which puts me about 14%. But if you DON’T apply, the likelihood of you being accepted is a big ol’ 0.
@Seniors.yikes.us Williams and its peer institutions would have you believe their approach to admissions is “holistic”. The truth in my opinion, based on discussions with people in a position to know, is that an academically marginal candidate (near or below the 25 %ile) has NO chance at admission unless he is a recruited athlete, URM, veteran, or legacy. Sorry, but a compelling essay, interesting extracurriculars, and volunteer work are not going to save the day for a middle class white guy from New Jersey.
@CodyChesnutt is right on this one. My counselor explained to me that, unless you are recruited/legacy/minority, you need to be above the 50th percentile to have a shot; everyone under that is there for some other reason. In fact, I got deferred with a 35 (above 75th percentile) and a competitive GPA. Williams is incredibly competitive and they have plenty of very smart and qualified kids to choose from, and, unless you have something else special, it is nearly impossible to get in with low test scores and grades.
Not doubting, but have you sourced your numbers thoroughly? Extrapolating from the current USNWR, the 25th percentile SAT for attending Williams students would appear to be ~1995.