Amherst regular decision thread - Page 4

Glaedr · 03-08-2012, 03:59 AM

^SERIOUSLY? You must have awesome extra-curriculars, I'm sure.

MisaMysa · 03-08-2012, 06:20 AM

@zambia: Huuuge congrats! And thanks, too, because you give us subSATers hope.

zambia123 · 03-08-2012, 07:10 AM

Thanks! And ya, it does get super discouraging when you see everyone posting their 2200+ SAT scores for this top scores. But I truly believe it is in the essays. Though my SAT scores were on the lower end of the spectrum I believe they realized that I suck at test taking since my other academic stats are good.

The reason I say it is in the essays is because my letter has a hand written note that says "we really enjoyed your writing. Well done!" ....even with my 8 on my SAT essay lol

DONT BE DISCOURAGED BY OTHERS WITH SEEMINGLY BETTER STATS! I do believe they realize that the SAT can be almost mastered or at least really learned well by some and that makes it less indicative of true academic potential. But they also know that SAT tests aren't for everyone. Since Williams and Amherst are about the same caliber, I think they take the same HOLISTIC approach.

@glaedr: my extra curriculars don't really stand out I have zero major science/math awards or anything wow, except for a medical program that I organized for high school students in my community (but that falls under community service), I have the normal student gov, tutoring, church service, student council, and a few others. Lol not really amazing, just passionate about what I do so no worries if you haven't found a cure for a disease LOL :P

But good luck to all and DON'T LET SUB SAT SCORES MAKE U LOSE HOPE!! my 1930 sat score would definitely have been an automatic reject if I had done a chance me thread...

huss182 · 03-08-2012, 07:16 AM

Hey zambia..were you a first generation to college student or urm? Also how much financial aid did you apply for at williams. Congrats by the way.

zambia123 · 03-08-2012, 11:14 AM

Nope, not first gen. My parents are a chemist and nurse. And for financial aid ya I did apply for it.
I am from Zambia but live in CT lol but I still have strong stats

4.65 gpa unweighted
1/200 rank since freshman year and I've had the highest gpa in my school since my junior year
My transcript also had no B's, every single course was btwn 90-100, which I think helped to make up for my SAT scores.

They really look at your essays though, so if you wrote unique essays then your chances will be greatly increased. GOOD LUCK!!!

gratefuldad · 03-09-2012, 03:34 PM

^Congratulations, zambia123...but I cannot help but notice your various posts on the Williams forum that clearly indicate you're heading there (or perhaps to Harvard).

zambia123 · 03-09-2012, 05:23 PM

lol my abundance of posts on the williams forum stems from the fact that 1. i got an unexpected likely from them, which shows that they really are interested in my attendance. And 2. I really want to go to a small school. But hands down i'd choose Williams over Harvard no questions asked

I still like Amherst and would consider it strongly if it gave me a better fin aid package than Williams though.
Since Williams and Amherst are pretty comparable schools, i just wanted to give some kids with lower SAT scores hope

cuz some of the other stats people post can be discouraging to many

.....oh and thanks

yaydis · 03-09-2012, 09:56 PM

Got an early write today! Yay! Got one from Williams too!!

gratefuldad · 03-10-2012, 10:21 AM

^Congratulations, yaydis. Could you tell us when the letter was postmarked?

yaydis · 03-10-2012, 11:37 AM

march second

leo118 · 03-11-2012, 11:33 AM

Congrats yaydis!
A general question to all those who got Early Writes- did your online applicaton status change?

seasmart · 03-11-2012, 07:11 PM

I received an early-write letter, and my account did not change, if that helps you.

leo118 · 03-12-2012, 08:11 AM

thanks =D

I'm wondering if internationals get a lot of writes anyway.

In either case...April 1st....2 weeks 6 days to go :/

mrvc · 03-12-2012, 08:36 AM

^March 30, I believe is when decisions will be available on-line, so amend your critical timeline. Respectfully, Mr. VC

leo118 · 03-12-2012, 08:52 AM

Aaah...those are 2 less days of torture, thankyou very much Mr. VC!

2 weeks 4 days!

Actually I'm still going to get mine on March 31st :/ Time zones UGHHH (never mind the fact I used them to my advantage to submit my application 3am on 2nd Jan here :P)