Williams ED Chances!

Colleges and Universities A-Z Williams College
1

I know, I know. I despise these threads as much as the next guy, but I’m a bit antrsy and figured that it couldn’t hurt. I applied ED1 to Williams, and I plan to apply to Bowdoin ED2 if (when) I don’t get it. As well, I will apply to Vassar, Colby, and Amherst regular. I attended a semester school for one semester of junior year. Finally, I am a photographer (taken photography every year, “AP” this year), and I have/will submit photography supplements to every school that will accept them. Subjectively, I think my photography is good. I’d be happy to send the portfolio to anyone who would like to take a gander. I wouldn’t mind chances for the other schools, as well!

Demographics: White, Male, California
Intended Major: STEM
ACT: 36 Superscored (35.25 Composite, 35.5 Superscored. 36/36/35/35)
Unweighted GPA: 3.93
Weighted GPA: 4.55
Class Rank: N/A (my school does not rank)

Junior Year Classes (we have quasi-APs, but I’ll just say AP here for the sake of it. No AP tests): AP Calculus BC, A. AP Spanish, A. AP Organic Chemistry, A. Honors US History (no APUSH available), A. Honors English 3 (no AP available), A. Photography 3, A. Yearbook (I was the Photo editor), A.
Senior Year Classes (I am a year ahead in math, and there are no classes left for me to take. I took an additional “AP” science): AP English, A. AP History, A. AP Biology, A. AP Physics, A. Spanish Literature, A- (no AP available). AP Photography, A. Yearbook (I am Co-Editor In Chief), A.
I have taken the most rigorous courses my school offers (other than non-honors for the first semester of US History and non-honors Spanish Lit senior year—I hate Spanish). As well, I have nearly perfect grades; only Spanish brings me down.

Extracurriculars:
3 Years in Yearbook, Editor in Chief this Year
Graphic designer and organizer for a local TEDx event
Medical volunteering in ambulances in Israel (and a long training course)
Team Captain of my sport team
Considerable, continued dedication to the outdoors and outdoor leadership
Semester school
Outdoor club leader

Some random questions: How mediocre are my extracurriculars? Do you think they weigh me down? Do you think the photography will be enough of a “hook” at Williams? Bowdoin ED2—is it a possibility?

Thank you all in advance!

2

Welcome to College Confidential, @scwoopz .

At this point, already you have submitted your ED application and it is out of your hands. Do not drive yourself crazy with chance threads!

Congratulations on your achievements. Clearly you are a strong applicant, with statistics not atypical of those of students accepted to Williams. So, yes, you have a good chance. But no poster here has a crystal ball and call tell you what the admissions officers will think of your entire, complete application in comparison to those of other applicants.

So, now, all you can do is wait. You will hear in about two weeks.

The RD/ED2 schools you listed are great colleges (and you would meet many fellow art lovers at Vassar, where men have slightly better admissions odds than women), but you also need some low matches or safeties. Spend some time thinking about these, preparing applications, and getting excited about these alternatives. (If you still need low matches, you might consider Skidmore or Connecticut College or Bard.) Also, if you already got into a college by rolling or EA admissions, celebrate and start picturing yourself there. Then, if you are accepted to Williams, you still will be delighted, but if you are not, the blow will be cushioned by your excitement about your other potential options.

Good luck!