early acceptance to the prestigious Harvard University.

Out of some 17,000 applicants to the Massachusetts-based Ivy League school, William was one of just several hundred to be accepted early. Some 1,650 students were accepted overall.

Aside from Harvard, William was also offered places at Oxford, Durham and Bath Universities, the Manchester Institute of Technology and the London School of Economics, but turned them all down.

Having studied in England for the past seven years, William decided on Harvard so he could "try out a different system''.

"It's closer to home and the US offers a wider range of subjects compared to the UK. England focuses more on specialising,'' he explained.

Starting in September, William plans to take a variety of general courses for the first year, majoring in economics afterwards.

"I'm really excited and proud,'' he said. "When I graduate, I hope to return to Bermuda and go into the business field, probably into accounts. But I'm not yet sure.'' William's dad, Harry Soares, a former Government minister, said he was "thrilled'' with his son's accomplishment. "The whole family is delighted,'' he added. "We are so proud of him and what he has done. It just goes to show that if you work hard you can make it.'' In the meantime William is staying focused on his studies at Harrow-on-the-Hills (an all-boys boarding school in England), from where he will graduate this summer.

Having earned a remarkable ten GCSEs (General Certificate of Secondary Education) -- five of which were A grades and five A plus -- William is now concentrating on passing his chemistry and physics A-levels.

He already has mathematics, advanced mathematics and economics A-levels in the bag.

Besides playing the important role of Head of House (similar to Head Boy or Girl) at school, William is also actively involved with the rugby and swimming teams as well as the orchestra and choir.

He even earned certification to become a scuba diving instructor while on the Island for a half-term break earlier this month.

William advises students dreaming of attending college to "get the best references possible''.

Extra-curricular activities and hard work are also important, he added.