Alumni question/Chances of Admission

Colleges & Universities Williams College
1

<p>I currently have a cousin at Williams and was wondering if that would make any difference on whether or not I am accepted. Of the colleges I’ve visited, about half said that they consider a cousin currently enrolled in the school as an alumni connection.</p>

<p>Without the alumni connection I don’t think I have any shot at getting in. </p>

<p>Freshman Year: Top 15%, Weighted GPA 5.4 out of 6.0 (3.8?)
Sophomore Year: Top 25%, Weighted GPA 5.1 out of 6.0 (3.6?)
Junior Year: Top 35%, Weighted GPA 4.9 out of 6.0 (3.4?)</p>

<p>I go to one of the best schools in the midwest, and my class rank is something like 175 out of 620. I think Newsweek has us ranked as the 154th best school in the country, but they only look at how many kids take AP classes.</p>

<p>EC’s:</p>

<p>Editor on an award-winning newspaper
Volunteer Work
Library Page</p>

<p>I have take 4 AP classes so far, and will take an additional 6 Senior year. I have also taken 3 honors classes so far, and will take one more Senior year. </p>

<p>I’ve taken the SAT once, and received a 2060. 740 Verbal, 680 Writing, 640 Math. I received a 31 on the ACT with writing. I will be taking the SAT subject tests soon.</p>

<p>I expect to do extremely well on the essays. I’ve been told by my AP Lit teacher that I’m the best writer she’s ever had, and at a writer’s workshop at Ball State University I took home the “Most Talented Writer” award. I also expect my recommendations to be solid because the teachers I’ll be asking recommendations from have known me for 3-4 years.</p>

<p>So my questions are:</p>

<li>Does having a cousin currently enrolled at Williams help me?</li>
<li>If so, do I have a shot at admission?<br></li>
<li>If I do have a shot at admission, am I better off applying ED or regular?</li>
</ol>

<p>I expect my grades to go up significantly senior year. With our messed-up GPA system I just have to pull 2 A’s and 5 B’s to get a 5.4 because I’m taking so many AP classes.</p>

2

<p>I don’t think having a cousin at Williams has any weight in admissions. Williams would be a reach for you.</p>

3

<p>I’m not going to say not to apply - it’s possible you have a shot if you have a magical essay - but your class rank and downward trend in grades will not be to your benefit.</p>

4

<p>Having a cousin at Williams will not help you.</p>

<p>Applying ED probably will help you a little, but only do it if you’re sure that Williams is your first choice.</p>

<p>I think it’d be worth considering retaking your SATs- it sounds like you’re a strong writer which means you probably have a lot of room to improve on the writing section. If you can get your writing into the 700s and your math up to the high 600s, both of which I think should be very possible for you, you’ll be in much better shape for applying. As it is, Williams is definitely worth applying to for you, but it will be a longshot.</p>

5

<p>I’m sorry to say that Williams will be an enormous reach for you. Your class rank and downward grade trend are both killers. If you really want to apply, you should go for it, but gaining admission will be highly unlikely. Your cousin will not be considered an alumni, and thus, there is really nothing overly desierable about you as an applicant at Williams. However, don’t be discouraged by this. There are plenty of schools that are attracted to students like yourself. Williams is number one; with this in mind, it wants to be filled with students that will help bolster it’s already impressive image.</p>

<p>Many people who like Williams are also impressed by Colby. Your chances of gaining admission there are far more likely (still a lowish reach though).</p>

<p>Good Luck!</p>