<p>A friend recently received an Early Write letter of acceptance to Williams, and as a Junior, it is one of the colleges I'm considering applying to. He is an athlete (track and cross-country) and was a double-recruit; he also has excellent SAT scores and a nearly unbeatable transcript.
When I was reading through some of the "college guides" listing some aspects of the collges, I noticed they place a large emphasis on sports, something that is important to me. If I apply to Williams, I would want to compete on their track and field team and my ability would serve as somewhat of a "hook" for me.
My SAT scores, GPA, courseload, and athletics may not get me into the college, but if they do, I have a few questions. What's the atmosphere in Williams? It seems as though most of the people who go there are simply brilliant. I'm a reasonably smart kid, but rather than intuitively understanding material, I have to work very hard just to keep up with the top kids in my grade that are coasting. Is the atmosphere unreasonably competitive? Will a kid with some intelligence and a lot of drive be able to keep up with the rigor of the school? While I understand that everyone works hard to do well, is are all the kids simply out-of-this-world brilliant that an average student like me would not be able to keep up? Is the atmosphere cutthroat like JHU was described? Please describe to me the academic intensity and competitiveness of the students at the school. Thanks! :)</p>
<p>when I visited Williams this summer, everyone I talked to mentioned the lack of competitiveness, at least when it comes to getting better grades than the next person. Whether it's true or not, it's nice that it's such an important part of how the school sees itself.</p>
<p>Thanks for the reply, but I'm afraid I didn't make my question clear.</p>
<p>What I'm trying to say is, are all the students so smart that people who are just extremely hard working (rather than naturally brilliant) feel as though they are facing impossible competition for good grades?</p>
<p>Thanks</p>
<p>Suck up to your professors. Williams allows one-on-one encounters.</p>
<p>rhapsody: i was reading an article in the Record exploring the fact that most Williams students don't talk about grades or how much they got on a test...and it WAS really nice. after spending high school obsessing over being at the top of the class, i'm really looking forward to not having to face or ask that "So...what'd you get?" question too often!</p>
<p>when i visited overnight i heard the "what'd you get" question a couple times.. maybe this was just a fluke but idk because i've heard that williams students don't really talk about grades that much.</p>
<p>Jumper, If you are admitted and matriculate at Williams most likely you will graduate from Williams.</p>
<p>How good of an intellectual fit it would be for you depends on your personal expectations: if you would be disappointed in yourself if you didnt get all As, then Williams academics may be too intense for you. If, on the other hand, youd be content with a mix of As and Bs (and maybe even the odd C) then youll do fine. </p>
<p>At Williams you would be expected to keep up with a mountain of reading, write a lot of papers or lab reports, contribute to class discussion and articulate and defend your ideas. Theres a lot of emphasis on analytical and creative thinking. </p>
<p>The competition, however, is in no way cut-throat. The kids dont compare grades; they have a were-in-the-same-boat attitude toward the coursework. (Im sure the odd whatd you get? Happens, but its not cool to show off.) </p>
<p>The faculty are there for you and are nurturing and accessible. There are also a wide range of other support facilities if you run into a rough spot academically like the writing center, formal and informal study groups, conferences, counseling. Your professors will answer your e-mails. </p>
<p>Williams wants its students to be involved in a wide range of activities and to maintain a positive balance of academics, extra-curriculars and socializing. Most everyone is involved in one or two interests outside of the classroom and they take these activities equally seriously. The objective is to get a fine education, meet friends for life, develop career skills and leadership ability, have some fun. </p>
<p>Williams kids are very smart and are achievement oriented. I suppose some kids are naturally brilliant and others have to work harder for that B. The key factor is balance and confidence. Confidence, however, can be acquired and I think thats one of the hallmarks of a Williams education. Most every Williams student somewhere around the first 6 week point is convinced that admissions made a grave mistake and s/he is an imposter. Then the sun breaks through the clouds and s/he gets into the rhythm of rigorous academics, extensive sports or arts involvement and lively social activity. As a first year, your JA will help you understand that your anxieties are perfectly normal or if youre troubled, direct you to the next level of guidance. This is an extremely friendly and helpful environment.</p>
<p>In short, if they admit you they want to keep you and statistics show that theyve been successful at doing just that.</p>
<p>Momrath and I attended the same welcoming program for new parents back in 2003, and I distinctly recall Dean Nancy Roseman making the remark she cites (about admissions having "made a mistake"). I also distinctly recall President Schapiro saying that one of the college's challenges was to convince all of these supercharged high achievers that "it's OK to get a B now....you're in. Take some risks." Make no mistake--the intellectuality on campus is palpable. There is serious brainpower at Williams. However, it's not a stilted, show-offy competitive thing. It's just there, a given, and the students are friendly and mutually supportive.</p>
<p>wow momrath, everytime i look at comments like yours Williams keeps pushing Chicago away as my number one choice</p>
<p>momrath...you sure know how to present the best of Williams - and in all fairness, the college surely deserves those comments :)</p>
<p>posts like yours make me feel glad for having selected Williams as my first choice school, and more than that, incredibly lucky for having gotten in!</p>