Hey, does anyone know what the Early Decision acceptance rate is at Williams? I'm thinking about applying ED, but want to make an informed decision. Any insight is appreciated.
Applying early decision (ED) can indeed influence the likelihood of being admitted to various colleges, but it's key to remember that factors like academic fit, personal fit, and financial considerations should first orient your decision.
Now, coming to the numbers, Williams College doesn't publicize their separate early decision acceptance rates, as many colleges choose not to. The overall acceptance rate for Williams, as of the 2024-2025 application cycle, was about 12%. Please do note that typically, the early decision acceptance rate would be higher than the overall rate due to the competitive advantages that come with expressing definitive interest in the college through an ED application.
The boost of applying ED is lower at top tier schools like Williams than at less selective schools. On average, applying ED yields about a 1.6x, or a 60% increase in your chances, but remember these are just estimates. Given that the impact of ED varies among schools, this boost might be lower at Williams. Also, consider the binding nature of an ED application. Before applying ED, ensure that Williams is your top choice, and the college is likely affordable, as determined by the school's net price calculator.
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