What Does it Take to Get Into Williams College?

Located In Beautiful Williamstown, Massachusetts, Williams College Draws Students From All Around The World To Its Unique Liberal Arts Experience...

From the beginning of the day to the very end, students at Williams college are encouraged to explore themselves and the world around them while following their passions. This prestigious school is known for its high-quality education as well as its enriching experience.

If you’re ready to explore everything Williams College has to offer, read on and find out how to write the perfect college application to get into this prestigious school!

What You’ll Find In This Article

• Williams College’s Ideal Student
• What You Need to Get Accepted Into Williams College
• Williams College’s Campus Life
• From Application to Career: What You’ll Experience at Williams College
• Your Future at Williams College

Williams College's Ideal Student

As far as picturesque liberal arts colleges go, Williams College is one of the most well-known and respected on the East coast. The ideal Williams student is driven by their deep ambition to go beyond their own limits. A diverse collection of students from around the world make up this college’s exceptional student body.

Williams College goes beyond your test scores to view all aspects of your background, both academic and extracurricular. However, the average scores of incoming Williams students are still an important consideration for students who choose to apply:

• GPA: 4.07
• SAT: 1479
• ACT: 33

While your academic record is extremely relevant to your chances of admissions, Williams also looks for students who embody their core values. While the students on campus may come from a variety of backgrounds, many of them share similar qualities that make them ideal Williams students.

TRAILBLAZING

If you’re the type of student known for carving your own path, your trailblazing spirit will find a home at Williams College. This spirit is captured on the gates outside the West College dormitory, where one of the college’s core messages is inscribed:

“Climb High, Climb Far

Your Goal the Sky, Your Aim the Star.”

AMBITIOUS

While one may argue that a trailblazing spirit is the same as ambition, many ideal Williams students hold both values dearly. Even if a student has yet to blaze their own trail, they can still hold high ambitions. Your ambition is what will drive your desire to forge new paths, make new discoveries, and introduce new ideas to the world.

PASSIONATE

At Williams, students are encouraged to follow their passions and explore the world around them. If you’re driven by your interests, finding yourself constantly in the pursuit of new knowledge, you’ll find great company among your peers at Williams College.

EMPATHETIC

As your worldview widens and expands during your time at Williams College, your empathy and understanding of those around you will grow. If you’re already compassionate and willing to do whatever it takes to help serve your community, you already embody the empathy that all ideal Williams students have.

WHAT YOU CAN ACHIEVE: WILLIAMS COLLEGE’S PROGRAMS

Williams College offers a diverse selection of 36 majors for students to choose from, with the opportunity for students to double major or design their own majors. The college offers the support foundation needed for every student to succeed, regardless of their background or ambitions. Some of the most popular majors at Williams College include:

• Art (Ranked 10th nationally)
• English (Ranked 11th nationally)
• History (Ranked 11th nationally)
• Economics (Ranked 27th nationally)

IN SUMMARY: WILLIAMS’ IDEAL STUDENT

Williams College looks to support and guide ambitious students to reach for the stars. Using a holistic approach to admissions, the college takes all factors of your application into consideration, not just academics. Students who are unafraid to tackle whatever life throws at them through innovation and forward-thinking will find themselves at home on this charming mountain campus.

What You Need To Get Accepted Into Williams College

The quality of their education and the prestige of Williams College lends itself to a competitive admissions rate. For the class of 2023, there was a 13% acceptance rate. Therefore, students should spend time polishing every aspect of their college application to increase their chances of admission to this competitive school.

COMMON APPLICATION OR COALITION APPLICATION

Williams College accepts both the Common Application and the Coalition Application. You should begin working on your application early, as it takes time to become familiar with the online applications, especially the Coalition App. For many students, the Common App is much more user-friendly and easier to become comfortable with. Regardless of how you apply to Williams College, the deadlines are the same.

For early decision applications, the deadline is November 15th. For regular decision applications, the deadline is January 1st.

SAT OR ACT SCORES

Students are allowed to self-report their scores to Williams College until they are admitted, when they will then be verified. Additionally, Williams is one of the few schools that superscores both the SAT and ACT tests.

Note: Superscoring refers to only considering your highest test scores regardless of whether they came from one test or not, allowing you to show off your best work.

HIGH SCHOOL TRANSCRIPT

You’ll be required to submit your school report along with your application. Additionally, you will need to submit your updated Mid-Year grades, which are due February 6th for most schools.

LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION

Williams College asks that students submit letters of recommendation from two teachers and your counselor. These letters are often passed from the writer to the college without the student ever seeing what was written. This process allows admissions officials a deeper look at who you are as a student that a college application simply can’t provide.

APPLICATION FEE OR FEE WAIVER

There is a nonrefundable $65 application fee to apply to Williams. However, a fee waiver can be obtained by students who would face financial hardship to pay the fee.

OPTIONAL SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIALS

These supplemental application materials can help you present your story and passions to the admissions office. Students are encouraged to submit a supplemental essay on one of the three prompts provided. Additionally, students can submit art or performance portfolios. Students with experience in research can submit scientific research abstracts as well.

“DO I HAVE A CHANCE?”

Due to Williams College’s holistic approach to admission that considers more of your background than simply your grades, your chances of being admitted will depend on your entire application. While your grades and test scores are essential parts of your application, you should place an equal focus on improving your essays and showcasing your extracurricular achievements.

If you’re worried your scores aren’t quite high enough, don’t worry; you still have a chance of being admitted by showing off how you embody Williams College’s core values!

Williams College's Campus Life

The historic Williams College campus is home to more than 2,000 students. Here, students learn the importance of setting the bar high and letting themselves be driven by their ambitions. No matter what students are interested in, there are ways for them to explore them throughout Williams’ campus.

CAMPUS

Located in scenic Williamstown, Massachusetts, Williams College is a traditional residential college with plenty for students to get involved in beyond the classroom. From the award-winning Williams College Museum of Art to the never ending list of on-campus events, there’s something for everyone on campus. A wide range of outdoor programs keep the students outside and active as well, taking advantage of the college’s beautiful scenery.

HOUSING, FOOD, AND TRANSPORTATION

For all but a few exceptions, students are required to live on campus at Williams College for all four years of study. There are a variety of different residence halls, from first-year dorms to community-style living in the upperclassmen residence halls such as Agard or Spencer houses. There are plenty of food options throughout this historic campus as well. For many alumni, Driscoll Dining Hall brings up fond memories, while others remember the ‘82 Grill more fondly.

Williams’ scenic campus causes many students to choose walking and biking as their main methods of transportation, though some students choose to bring their cars to campus as well.

SPORTS AND ORGANIZATIONS

There are over 200 different student-run organizations for you to get involved in at Williams College. From dance clubs to student unions, there are organizations for almost every interest on campus. Additionally, the college places a large focus on promoting healthy bodies along with active minds, and many groups take full advantage of the campus’ beautiful location.

Athletic students may choose to represent Williams College on of their 32 NCAA Division III varsity sports teams. From soccer to snowboarding, there’s a sport for every student to get involved in or cheer on.

MOUNTAIN DAY

Every year, the school holds a tradition on one of the first three Fridays in October. On Mountain Day, the president will cancel classes, and students will enjoy hiking, a giant campus picnic, and many other outdoor activities!

From Application To Career: What You'll Experience At Williams College

At Williams College, students are inspired to think beyond what they believe is possible. While reaching for the stars, you’ll be challenged to better yourself every day. This process starts with your college application, and you’ll find yourself holding on to this mentality long after you leave campus.

YOUR APPLICATION

On your application, you should focus on times when you followed your passions or let your inner ambition drive you. Tying this together with your commitment to your grades and extracurricular activities helps paint a clearer picture of who you are and what you’d bring to the Williams experience.

YOUR ESSAY

Although Williams College’s essay is supplemental, students looking to maximize their chances should spend some time refining their responses. A strong response is one that is unique to you, and as honest and authentic as it is neatly written. Make sure you bring in outside advice while revising your essay to spot any weaknesses you may miss.

YOUR COLLEGE YEARS

During your four years at Williams College, you’ll constantly be working to improve yourself and live each day fully. From waking up and working in one of the campus gardens to ending the night studying in one of the libraries, you’ll never find yourself bored while you study at Williams College.

YOUR FUTURE

As a Williams alumnus, you’ll be ranked among people such as news broadcaster Erin Burnett, speechwriter Jon Lovett, and President James A. Garfield. Students have access to the extremely resourceful ‘68 Center for Career Exploration which can help them land a job soon after graduation.

Your Future At Williams College

Those who enroll at Williams find themselves among like minded peers who are reaching for the same lofty goals. Whether you’re driven by a need to innovate and blaze new trails or by a strong desire to follow your ambitions and help others, you’ll find the education and support you need at Williams College. Above all, this college is focused on providing the structure and support students need to succeed.

Naturally, admissions into this comprehensive liberal-arts college experience are competitive. Therefore, Williams College uses a selective admissions process, and a student’s application is critical to their success in this process.

Fortunately, our WeAdmit counselors can help you polish your Williams College application to showcase your talents, passions, and ambitions while still highlighting your academic record. From the first essay to the final draft of your application, our counselors know how to help you increase your chances of admission while staying true to who you are. If you’re enamored by the unique Williams College experience, investing in an experienced team of college counselors can help improve your chances of being admitted.

Are You Ready To Reach For The Stars At Williams College?