<p>He is a home-schooled math/science/language guy from midwest; most classes taken at local 4 year university. Pretty good test scores (35 ACT; 770 - 800 on 3 sat 2's science/math2; 5 on multiple sci/math AP tests). Did 6 months study in Asia. Some good work and research experience, state awards, no big national wins but lots of competition at national level.</p>
<p>He had been aiming at MIT/CMU/Stanford and a few weeks ago added Williams and seems to be increasingly enthusiastic about this school. We are surprised but supportive; knowing little about the school thought I would ask before he presses "submit":</p>
<ol>
<li><p>Anyone know how Williams views home schooled students? Not a whole lot I could find on the site.</p></li>
<li><p>What is the best way to submit the science and math research information? The site mentions this can be submitted as a supplement; best just to put in pdf under additional information? Can he contact admissions at this late date or just proceed with manner he thinks best?</p></li>
<li><p>What is it like to study Comp Sci at Williams? </p></li>
</ol>
<p>Thanks for any feedback. We have been leaving the app process to him, so it feels a little strange to write and ask these questions; I guess I am having last minute parental jitters!</p>
<p>Williams has a strong science and math programs. Most students shift their proposed field of study–some a little and some a lot-- during their college experience so it is not as important IMHO about a particular department (i hope someone else on the board can be more specific about CS …) but rather the approach.
As a homeschooler he might find the size and lack of personal attention at an MIT to be a bit daunting (although many have thrived) and Williams’ collegiate environment might permit him an easier entrance socially/academically to the structured classroom.
Aside from Williams has he looked at either Cal Tech or Mudd? Both are small student bodies with lots of interaction with faculty…I think that he would find Williams more than able to challenge him intellectually.
From what I have seen Williams likes homeschoolers.</p>
<p>I have spoken with some friends as well as w my D who have told me that Williams is quite friendly in the admissions process to homeschoolers. One of the questions that I didn’t raise in my last posting is how much does your son want to be in an environment which is primarily or exclusively devoted to science? If that is of importance to him then he might not find Williams suitable as there are a variety of different types-- from artists and writers to mathematicians–at the college. Again, especially as he has been home schooled he might find the opportunity to stretch his intellectual wings exciting–but if he wants a narrowed focus-- then he should perhaps concentrate his efforts elsewhere–seriously, he should look at Mudd-- great school with very bright kids that doesn’t the recognition it deserves bc it is in the shadow, almost literally, of CalTech.</p>
<p>Good luck to him. I hope he applies to the College.</p>
<p>Thanks for your replies and thoughts Etondad!</p>
<p>He (ds) entered the college search process thinking high powered science and math schools were a natural fit, but he has started to question if that is what he really wants. I think that he is looking for a more balanced atmosphere, but still with intensity of learning and academic excellence. Those, of course, are my words. He would probably phrase it quite differently!</p>
<p>He had ruled out Mudd early on…due to location, I think. I don’t think he would look again at this late date, but I will mention your thoughts to him.</p>
<p>He is applying to Williams for sure, and at this point I would say it is the school he speaks of with the most enthusiasm. If he gets in, then I guess he will try to get there and make sure it feels as good “in person” as it looks on paper/computer.</p>
<p>last, I can’t answer your specific questions – except to say that I wouldn’t worry about the format of the supplemental materials that your son provides. Williams adcom appears to read everything that is submitted and a little extra is okay. </p>
<p>At Williams – and many small LACs – fit is an important consideration in admissions. If your son hasn’t had the chance to visit, then he should be sure to communicate in another way why he feels Williams is right for him and he is right for Williams. Along with academic interests, essays, resumes and recommendations are a good way to get across a three dimensional picture.</p>
<p>My son who graduated a few years back had a wonderful experience there – academically, socially, intellectually – but the insular mountain village environment isn’t to everyone’s liking.</p>
<p>Thanks again for all the replies. He applied and I guess soon enough he will know more.</p>
<p>Not sure how he can demonstrate interest other than what is on his app, resume and recommendations. I do wish he had a chance to visit, but small LAC was not on his radar until late fall. We may be in Albany in February so he could possibly swing a visit then- I see that they offer visits into February but does anyone know if that is more for accepted students?</p>
<p>One more quick question: when ds checked the Williams admission site there is a notation that he is missing recommendations and transcript despite these sections showing as “downloaded” on the common app site. Is this something to pursue or best to just wait and see if they catch up during January? He had not run into this at any of the other schools, but had applied to them earlier.</p>
<p>There is often a lag time between the materials being received, even electronically and the posting changing on the admissions site reflecting their receipt. I think that the admissions status page is manually changed so it depends on the number of posts the office has to make. I found with my D that it can take up to a week before the receipt was noted. What matters is that the office indeed has it-- not what the site says.<br>
The Office is very helpful and sometimes they will check for you if they aren’t being crushed. Good luck.</p>
<p>Visiting after acceptances come out is fine; a lot of kids do that. However, if your son does manage a trip to Williamstown in the next couple of months, he should drop a note to the Adcom and let them know that he made the effort. A few words on what he liked wouldn’t hurt.</p>
<p>^bump. Williams like many LACs takes into consideration the level of interest shown by the applicant, especially as evidenced by visiting. On a more personal note, Williams is unique in its location–Williamstown is really rural–no kidding, it is pretty much on its own and for some kids that is stifling–for others it is nirvana. Make sure that that type of environment works for your child–if it does, there is no better place to be-- if it doesn’t then you–and the College-- will have an unhappy student and neither of you want that.</p>
<p>Thanks for the tips. He signed up for a visit in February, although that seems late to show interest, I guess it is better than not at all. No options until feb 8 maybe because of January term? </p>
<p>Do you think that he should email the admissions officer to let them know, or will they match the request with his app?</p>
<p>Rural? Probably not compared to here! We are pretty much in the middle of nowhere to start with, and the thought of east coast and mountains sounds cool to him. Probably another reason to visit there and make sure it is as cool as he pictures. But of course, then he has to get in!</p>
<p>Thanks again! Anyone know what Williamstown is like?</p>
<p>Williams is rural and insular but not as isolated as some colleges that we visited, like Kenyon or Hamilton.</p>
<p>Williamstown is a mountain village with the college as the main event. Charming and compact, but unless you’re mall addicted it has what you need within walking distance: drug store, book store, watch repair, laundry, a few restaurants, a few antique shops. Two worldclass museums plus the one in nearby North Adams. </p>
<p>Aside from a Subway, The town has mananged to stave off food and coffee franchises, so the shops and restaurants are quirky. </p>
<p>The Berkshire area is actually quite sophisticated – a weekend playground for Boston and New York – with several resorts, retreats and performing arts venues in nearby towns. In Williamstown itself the Clark Museum and Williamstown Theater are popular destinations.</p>
<p>What really defines Williamstown, however, is the natural beauty of the surrounding mountains, in all four seasons. The location encourages participation in all sorts of outdoorsy activities, especially winter sports, which may or may not be appealing.</p>
<p>Kids do manage to get to Boston and/or New York once or twice a term, either on their own or as part of a social or academic excursion. My son was always happy to get back to the purple bubble of Williamstown. It really depends on the kid.</p>
<p>I’d suggest your son let admissions know about his plans to visit. In my opinion, any positive communication is a plus. It’s not just demonstrating interest; it’s demonstrating fit.</p>
<p>When we visited Williamstown I was surprised with just how rural it was. My daughter loved it and applied ED this year and got in. I would definitely say the area is not for everyone as I could not have gone there no matter how great a school it was academically. I will say however, that the area is extremely beautiful.</p>
<p>I wish your son the best of luck in the admissions process.</p>
<p>Momrath has it pretty well nailed about Williamstown–there’s a good coffee shop that my son studies at a lot, a couple of quirky little restaurants, a T-shirt/hoody sort of store. Son seems to feel a little isolated after he visits friends in school in Boston/Philadelphia, but nothing of any major consequence.</p>
<p>Son never did visit (life became too complicated!) but did get an “early write” admission. Looking at visiting in early April as preview day dates are not that good for him. I will probably go with him- any thoughts regarding an easy access to campus place to stay (he will try to do a campus overnight, but I would be interested in exploring the town and seeing campus as well.) </p>
<p>The Williams website has a lot of hotels listed and it will list those within walking distance. There are low cost ones with just simple accommodations. Williams Inn is nice but pricey. It won’t take you long to check out the town, about 15 minutes! Lately I’ve enjoyed staying at a bed and breakfast in Adams as I enjoy the hiking in the surrounding area. Feel free to PM me for more info.</p>
<p>Wonderful news. If you look up hotel/B&B Williamstown in Google they will have a number…I would book your rooms now as they should get crowded quite quickly once D Day come around and everyone is descending upon Williams town for admitted student days.</p>