<p>I've posted here about my chances before, but not specifically with regard to ED.....how much of an edge does ED give you at Williams, especially if you're an international student? Also, how much of an edge does an alumni reference give you?</p>
<p>An alumni reference gives you no edge, unless the alum is very important, like a trustee or major donor. Even then, it probably wouldn't matter at all unless the alum was really going to bat for you.</p>
<p>Applying early decision at Williams is a significant advantage. Think of it as around 100 combined SAT points. Now, how much that matters depends on who you are. If you're a lousy applicant, you'll still be rejected ED. If you're a great applicant, you'll get accepted either ED or RD. See <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Early_Admissions_Game:_Joining_the_Elite">The Early Admissions Game</a> for details.</p>
<p>According to data given by our college admissions office, the ED acceptance rate for Williams was 38% and RD was 17%. It doesn't say for what year, and it is not clear that the applicant pools were similar.</p>
<p>thanks for the info...well i can safely say im not a lousy applicant! but yes im not the best....in the category of "very good" but not amazing lets say. lets see what happens :)</p>