<ol>
<li><p>Is this a good school for sciences and math?</p></li>
<li><p>What is the campus/surrounding town like? Social life related things?</p></li>
<li><p>Do they have an honors college. And if so how hard is it to get into the honors college and what is that like?</p></li>
<li><p>What are good stats to have to have a good chance at getting in?</p></li>
<li><p>Any cool things to know about the school?</p></li>
</ol>
<p>Williams is very strong in the sciences, arguably has one of the best undergraduate math programs in the country (math is a very popular major). “Honors” colleges are usually special programs within large, state universities (e.g. Maryland, Arizona, Michigan State, etc.) and elite LACs and universities (Williams, Amherst, Harvard) don’t need to have them. The town is naturally beautiful (surrounded by mountains and forest), culturally vital (especially in the arts) and is rural (more like Dartmouth or Middlebury); if you want to be in or near a major city, a suburban school like Swarthmore or urban school like U Chicago or Columbia might be more your thing. Stats: most successful applicants are in the top 10% of their graduating class (lots of valedictorians and salutatorians), middle point of SAT’s hovers around 2150. The school has an extensive and loyal alumni network and has produced highly successful and prominent citizens. They also have a year-long exchange with Oxford University, which is popular. Williams is the second oldest college in Massachusetts (founded in the 1790’s).</p>
<p>Good description Dad2. Realize that the SAT score of 2150 would be low for a non-hooked, non-athletic recruit.</p>
<p>Agreed. Strictly academic/generally rounded matriculants are often >2300.</p>
<p>One “cool thing” would be winter study - details abound on the school website - but students choose a mini course on a pass/fail basis, ideally outside their current comfort zone. Older students can also go abroad or pursue internships. The options are varied: one can study the mathematics of the rubik’s cube, public health policy, mars, dance, literature, etc. The entire campus also reads one book to foster community discussion. The workload is much less intense and provides ample opportunity to enjoy the mountains or play broom ball or whatever. “Mountain Day” in October is also something unusual - one Friday in October is delcared Mountain Day and classes are cancelled and there are hikes of varying lengths, a capella performances on the lawns, and other outdoorsy events.</p>
<p>To add on to math, there are about 40, maybe up to 50 math majors per graduating class.</p>