Mailing Address: Bascom House, 33 Stetson Court, Williamstown, MA 01267
2008 Rank: 24
2006 Rank: 24
Matriculation Rate of African Americans: 86%
Average GPA: N/A
Total Enrollment: 2,000
African American Enrollment: 193
Number of Applications: 6,448
Acceptance Rate: 18
*Average SAT Scores: Reading 660-760; Math 660-760; Writing: N/A
Black Student Group: Williams African Students Organization
Application Deadlines: Regular Decision: Jan. 1; Early Decision: Nov. 10
Acceptance Letters Sent Out: Regular Decision: April; Early Admission: Dec. 15
Financial Aid/Deadlines: Early Admission: Nov. 15; Regular Decision: Feb. 1
Costs: Tuition & Fees: $37,640; Room & Board: $5,030; Books & Supplies: $2,000
*25th Percentile-75th Percentile
ADMISSIONS Q&A
What are you looking for in a student?
Williams is looking for students who have both potential and drive, that aren’t afraid of academic challenge, and that learn best in small classroom settings. We seek to educate leaders from all segments of society.
What advice do you have for students who might fall short of minimum requirements, but still want to attend?
The most important thing is to choose challenging courses and to demonstrate excellence in those classes.
What advice do you have for applicants?
Don’t let “sticker price” discourage you from applying to the top colleges in the nation. Williams has an extremely generous need-based financial aid policy which allows students from all income levels to attend and often pay less than they would at a state university. Also, Williams’ “no loan” financial aid policy allows students to graduate debt-free.
What kind of opportunities do you have for non-traditional — transfer, international, students?
We are need-blind (and meet 100% of demonstrated need) for all international students as well as domestic students.
How does the university weigh GPA, SAT scores, extracurricular activities and college essay and recommendations during the application process?
All of these factors are taken into consideration in the admission process.
What is the student-teacher ratio?
8:1
What is the university’s housing situation like? Is it difficult for freshman/sophomores to get housing?
Housing is not exclusive – no fratrnities , sororities, theme houses, etc. Housing is guaranteed all 4 years. More than one half of the first year rooms are singles, usually with a shared common room.
First year students live in divisions of a dorm called an “entry” (20 first years with 2 juniors, called “junior advisers,” or “JA’s”. Over 90% of upper class housing is singles, again, usually with a common room.
Are students guaranteed housing freshman year? How difficult is it to secure on-campus housing for freshman? How many students live on campus, near campus, commute?
The student body is 2100. Less than 100 live (by choice) off campus.
How active is the college in helping students find internships and full-time jobs?
We have a very active summer internship program (about 150 paid summer internships per summer) as well as one of the largest summer science research programs (about 200 stdents) for undergraduates in the country.