<p>Last year, I think, the acceptance rate was around 7%. That's crazy... and will depress any prospective transfer students. Do any of you know any info on successful transferring? Any stories or insights you might like to share?</p>
<p>I go to the UofM.
1900/2400 SATs in HS.
3.8 HS GPA.</p>
<p>I really don't know what my college gpa is going to be, at the end of the year... but I'm hoping for a 3.7+</p>
<p>Thank you.</p>
<p>They take so few because it is a small school (around 530 a class) and only has spaces by attrition, which doesn't happen much. They will want to know why you want to transfer and why you want to go to Williams. You will need to convince them why Williams needs you. The stronger your college record, the better off you will be, but they will be looking for things, skills, and attributes they don't have enough of in the current student body so even a stunning college record may not do it. </p>
<p>The only current transfer student I know of is a top member of the swimming and diving team. He has a rare skill Williams needed/wanted. Do you have a hook?</p>
<p>You'll find that many selective LACs, not just Williams, have extremely low transfer acceptance rates. For example, Middlebury only accepted 7 of 199 applicants last year. The schools are small to begin with, and attrition tends to be very low, so only a handful of slots will open up. And demand for those few available slots may be very high. From a transfer student prospective, it may be easier to get into the Ivies.</p>
<p>I've heard it suggested that Williams sometimes favors locals as transfers, possibly for the sake of community relations. For example, a student from Willliamstown, North Adams, Pittsfield, etc. with an outstanding track record at Berkshire Community College or MCLA might get special consideration in the transfer process.</p>
<p>Two 2007-08 transfers have posted here on CC within the last year (I don't believe either is an athlete). Maybe they will see this thread soon and respond to the OP's questions. One of this year's transfers was even profiled in The Record (the "One in 2000" feature) 2-3 weeks ago.</p>
<p>^Where can I see The Record?</p>
<p>It's the independent, student-run weekly college newspaper, linked to from the main page of the Williams website. I usually click on "Especially for: Students" -- and then it's in the right-hand column, under "Information."</p>
<p>It's online at <a href="http://www.williamsrecord.com%5B/url%5D">www.williamsrecord.com</a></p>
<p>OhGiraffe,</p>
<p>I am one of the transfers that was accepted last year, and if it makes you feel better, my stats were almost exactly like yours. I don't think that I had a "hook" or was "extraordinary." I am also not a a recruited athlete. I think the best thing you can do is be honest in your application about why you want to leave your school and why williams will be a better choice. I know this doesn't help much, but if you have some more specific questions, feel free and ask or pm me.</p>
<p>-Jimmy</p>
<p>Hey sorry I got to this thread kinda late.</p>
<p>I would definitely agree with being sincere. I've met with the admissions staff and I'm sure they've read/heard every story in the book so I would definitely recommend being completely honest on why you are not satisfied with your current school and why Williams is a good fit for you.</p>
<p>Secondly, and I personally feel this is extremely important, do NOT bash your current/old school. Whatever school you are coming from reflects you. Highlight why your current school is still a great school, but just isn't a good fit for you.</p>
<p>I have a lot of work at the moment but feel free to PM me and I'll try and get back to you as soon as I can.</p>