Profiles in Admission: Williams College

Feel and Setting

Williams College is located in Williamstown, a small town in Western Massachusetts nestled between Vermont and New York in the Berkshire Valley. Its 450-acre campus in the “Purple Valley” has been changing beautifully with the seasons since the school’s founding in 1793.

 

“92% of students are involved in at least one extracurricular activity, which could include anything from sports to service organizations to a cappella groups and more.”

 

Williams is a very tight knit community; with 2200 undergraduates and a handful of graduate students, you get to know (or at least recognize) most people on campus. Classes are small, and it’s not uncommon for professors to invite students out for coffee or to dinner at their homes. The typical Williams student, nicknamed an “Eph” after the founder, Ephraim Williams, is highly driven and takes many things seriously – academics, sports, and having fun. 92% of students are involved in at least one extracurricular activity, which could include anything from sports (Williams is a D3 school for most sports) to service organizations to a cappella groups and more. If you walk around campus, you’ll tend to see students decked out in warm yet stylish clothes – L.L. Bean and North Face reign here, especially in the frigid New England winters.

 

“…You’ll be sure to overhear people discussing anything from their friend’s math colloquium to the latest game against Williams’ rival Amherst . . . you won’t hear, however . . . tales of the latest frat party or sorority bash…”

 

On a typical weekend, you’ll be sure to overhear people discussing anything from their friend’s math colloquium to the latest game against Williams’ rival Amherst to the state of their entries (residential groups of 20-30 first-years who live together with Junior Advisors). What you won’t hear, however, is tales of the latest frat party or sorority bash – Williams has outlawed Greek life since 1962.

 

“If a school with unique traditions like Mountain Day and a purple cow as a mascot seems enticing, then Williams could be a great fit…”

 

Williams is a top-notch school with a great community and plenty of Eph pride. If a school with unique traditions like Mountain Day and a purple cow as a mascot seems enticing, then Williams could be a great fit for you. Why Williams? Why not!

 

Getting Accepted

Applications to Williams are competitive – fewer than 20% of all applicants are accepted each year. We broke down a few of the most important statistics on admitted students below.

 

Williams expects a lot from its students, and SAT scores are no exception. Over 90% of admitted students for the class of 2018 received scores of 600 or higher per subject, with the majority of students receiving scores of 710 or better in each subject.

 

In addition to the SAT or ACT, Williams also asks for at least 2 SAT subject tests in any subjects.

 

The Williams Admissions Department summarizes the school’s expectations: “Applicants to Williams should pursue the strongest program of study offered by their secondary schools. While there are no absolute requirements for admission, competitive candidates typically study English, math, natural science, foreign language and social studies in four-year sequences and present a distinguished record throughout their secondary school career.”

 

Residency

Williams is a private school, and living in Massachusetts isn’t a significant advantage to applicants. However, it includes students from across the country and the globe.

 

Extracurriculars

Williams is interested in students for more than just their grades or SAT scores. Extracurriculars also play a huge part in the admissions process, as the college likes to see students who are not only involved in many activities outside of school, but excel or lead in them. We recommend that you find something you’re passionate about and pursue it to the fullest.

 

Summing It Up

Students considering applying to Williams will need put in hard work in high school. If you need help studying for standardized tests, navigating high school’s academic demands, or putting the final touches on your admissions essay, give us a call! We can help every step of the way.

 

Rebecca Comella
Associate Director
Georgetown Learning Centers