<p>Hello:
Is it a big deal to make it to the Dean's list at Williams? My son made it to the Dean's list in the first semester and there seems to be no notification of this achievement from Williams in any way? Am I supposed to look for it somewhere? Thanks</p>
<p>I live near Williams College and I think its posted in the North Adam's Transcript. However, I think the Dean's List is similar to High School Honor Roll.</p>
<p>I could be wrong, though.</p>
<p>Probably not. Its seems more like a pat on the back... most of us probably don't even know what you need to get on that. I'd assume something like a 3.5 GPA, but thats just a guess.</p>
<p>Yeah. It's 3.5 for the semester. That's probably just under half the college. I think the average GPA is a 3.4 something.</p>
<p>I don't think there is a formal notification for this - there wasn't back in my day either. The Williams website says everyone who gets a 3.5 or more while taking 4 classes is named to the Dean's list: </p>
<p>It's a nice thing to list on your resume or grad school applications. Special kudos to your son for achieving this first semester freshman year.</p>
<p>interesteddad, you are right. That is what my son told me 'Dad, everybody in Williams is smart. I am sure almost everybody makes it to the Dean's list'. :)</p>
<p>Thank you very much, jrpar.</p>
<p>PDad:</p>
<p>Hey, it's still better to have son on the Dean's List than not on the Dean's List!</p>
<p>It's always a relief, even if unspoken, for all involved to know that the academics are do-able. You should be happy!</p>
<p>I recall reading somewhere that the college does not send out dean's list notices.
A quick search of the North Adams Transcript showed listings from other colleges, but nothing from Williams.
Congrats to your son!</p>
<p>PDad,
I agree with idad. You should be very happy and proud.</p>
<p>Although you won't receive any special certificate or notification for Dean's list, you should be aware that a 3.5 GPA seems to be a magic number for several things at Williams and beyond. If your son wants to get honors in his major, 3.5 (in his major) is the cutoff. Beyond Williams, although not necessarily specifically stated, 3.5 appears to be a cutoff for some prestigious internships as well as employment opportunities after graduation. </p>
<p>As your son said, "everybody at Williams is smart." Getting on the Dean's list shows that he is among the smartest and most capable of the smart. Congratulations to him and good luck for the future.</p>
<p>Many of us parents of academically successful high school students worry a bit about the transition to college. I certainly knew a lot of students who stumbled as first-year college students. A 3.5 or better average at Williams indicates that your child has made the academic transition successfully. It doesn't matter whether half of the class has a 3.5 or higher. The benchmark is still significant (and will continue to be, for all the reasons Clayleas mentions).</p>
<p>Take a big sigh of relief. Congratulations to you and your Eph.</p>
<p>Thank you all for sucn wonderful words of encouragement. I am so glad that I registered myself in this forum.</p>
<p>PDad;
We share your pride!
You won't see any notification, etc. from Williams.</p>
<p>The number of times a student gets on the Dean's list is a big plus for the r</p>
<p>The average gpa at Williams is 3.3</p>
<p>Damn... I'm below average...</p>
<p>Sad face.</p>
<p>eph-</p>
<p>I'll give you at least a half point for having the best name on the board. There, it's fixed and all the children are above average again.</p>