lcklssmind

Hello,

I'm an Korean who had been studying in South East Asia for 5 years.
Having wanted to study various liberal arts such as philosophy or history freely, I decided to join LACs instead of regular big schools.

Here are my stats:
GPA 3.42 (rank 34/112)
Despite upward trend, GPA of G9,10 is basically too low. (3.07,3.21)
I took/am taking 3 AP classes : AP stats, AP cal, AP Econ

SAT CR-740
SAT MA-770
SAT WR-580 (=p)
I'm planning to take again SAT 1 on January.
Total=2090

SAT 2 (My expectation of scores. December 1st is the test taking day)
Math 2c=750+
World history=800
US history=800

EC:
-Band (clarinet) G9-12.
-Several concerts at foreign culture centers and schools.
-Free playing at some cafes and bars.
-Various voluntary acts such as raising funds, introducing some Korean cultures, and so on.
-JV Basketball G9
-Library Assistant G11,12
-Being a secretary (G11) at Club that was set up to help others at school.

Recommendation letters: My teachers wanted to write for me. Letters should be good enough.

Essay: On progress

Well..except being an excellent clarinet player who had been playing for nearly a decade, I am just a type of a person that can be easily noticed in groups.

However, I really do have penchant for history and philosophy. To learn them until my dying days is the dream.
As a stepping stone, will I be able to get into Williams?

Thank you very much for reading.
Wish Best Luck

lcklssmind

Ah! I'm applying for financial aid too

momrath

lcklss, I believe that Williams would find your background interesting. Your scores are fine; I wouldn't focus on that aspect of your application.

Your main objective is going to be how to overcome a relatively low GPA and rank. If there was a reason for your lower GPA in 9 & 10 -- e.g., language adjustment -- perhaps your counselor could elaborate in his/her recommendation.

Music is a good EC for Williams. You should submit a performance tape even if you do not intend to ultimately major in music. You could expand that into an activity package which would include your tape; a resume covering classes, performances, achievements, awards; a supplemental recommendation from an instructor or mentor; a personal statement; one or two (maximum) media article about you.

Living in SE Asia is in itself a major extracurricular, and, depending on the country, I would even call it a hook. Make sure that your essay reflects what it's been like for you to be an outsider in a country with a different culture -- possibly religion -- from your own heritage. Don't underestimate this.

Williams uses international students to increase their racial and cultural diversity. You have the advantage of exposure to two cultures. Think about how your experience can contribute to the campus community, how your experience make your contributions in those philosophy and history classes more meaningful. (Of course, you can't just come out and say that; you have to imply it.)

Williams is very selective. Make sure you have a well balanced list of safeties and matches.

Good luck and let us know how you do.

lcklssmind

Thank you momrath. Your advises are invaluable to me.
I hope williams will answer back my passion for it.