@Mwfan1921
I’m not sure about outside the top 10%, but my school does quite well sending students to top schools, most of them being unhooked as we aren’t an elite private prep school. I do agree that I probably have a rosier perception of Williams than most, so I’m going to research other colleges. My family is fortunate enough that we’re able to fully foot the cost of Williams but my financial safety would be Pitt and my state school. I have match schools, mostly less selective LACs, but I didn’t list them above.
@BestOfLuckYall
I see what you mean, I’ll definitely try to reach out to some Williams alumni and ask about their experiences.
@kalons
There is definitely a different vibe at, say, Brown and Dartmouth. I think the main thing for me is a tight-knit community and a good undergraduate education which is why I’m a little more lax with the schools I apply to. If you don’t mind me asking, how’s your experience at Grinnell been so far? Grinnell is one of my top choices but I’ve heard things about there being a sort of “stress culture”. Also, would you say that most Grinnell students stay in the Midwest after they graduate, or do they go work in NYC/Boston area?
@ArtsyKidDad
I don’t doubt that my teachers won’t say good things about me, but this is to be expected of all LoRs of Williams applicants. But it’s quite difficult to legitimately be one of their best students in all their years of teaching when my school annually sends a few dozen kids to Ivies. Although I work hard in class, regularly participate, and make good grades, the pandemic made it kind of difficult to form bonds with teachers. I know these are just excuses but for now I’m a bit pessimistic. I’m still going to try my best to secure good LoRs.
@EricStratton
I agree, thanks for the advice! I’m applying to both UMich and UVA EA, and Pitt rolling so its kind of cool that recommended them to me. I suppose the plan right now is Williams ED, Bowdoin ED2, UMich and UVA EA, Pitt rolling, and the rest (including my matches and safeties) RD.