In love, but not completely sure

Colleges and Universities A-Z Williams College
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<p>Thank you so much, farmfresh. I've been looking elsewhere for Williams info. </p>

<p>I guess my main point in posting here was to point out the damage to first impressions this thread accomplishes. </p>

<p>Coach F has contacted my d a number of times, and I have nothing but respect for the distance running program at Williams, based on the team's record, and the coach's conversations with D. What I was looking for here was a more general idea of Williams: what kinds of kids are most comfortable there? are westerners welcomed? Is there much opportunity to come to town, or is this strictly a rural experience? how do kids fare as they apply to grad schools? </p>

<p>The part of Williams I'm most comfortable with is the running part!</p>

<p>Since the thread is titled "In love, but not completely sure" maybe I'm dragging us back on topic.</p>

<p>Thanks, all.</p>

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<p>riverrunner, My son has two close friends (both female) who were involved in varsity field and track at Williams. They were both from middle/working class families, one near Williamstown, one from "outwest." [EDIT: Actually, rr, I think from the same state as you.]</p>

<p>I spent quite a bit of time with them and their families at graduation and I can attest that both had profuse praise for their experiences.</p>

<p>
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are westerners welcomed?

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Williams is interested in geographic diversity and admits kids from all over the country, all over the world really. A Westerner wouldn't be out of place.</p>

<p>
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Is there much opportunity to come to town, or is this strictly a rural experience?

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I think you need to visit to get a better understanding of the physical layout. Williamstown is a pristine New England village, surrounded by profoundly beautiful natural scenery. It has everything you need -- cleaners, movies, drug store, restaurants, bookstore. (I mention this because some rural colleges, like Hamilton and Kenyon, really don't have a town within walking distance.) If you want big city buzz -- shopping, clubs, a different restaurant every weekend -- then Williamstown isn't going to fit the bill, but the Berkshires offer a highly sophisticated arts and intellectual community. </p>

<p>Boston and New York are accessible for weekend trips. My son would usually get to one or the other once or twice a term, either for a social event or an academic field trip. Most kids, however, really like the campus community at Williams and want to stay on campus on weekends. There is plenty to do, especially for a varsity athlete.</p>

<p>
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how do kids fare as they apply to grad schools?

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Excellent. On a par with any other college in the country. Aside from being well respected by professional and graduate school admissions, the plus is that the professors really get to know the students and can write very personal recommendations. The office of career counseling is also very strong and opportunities for internships abound. The alumni/ae network is incredible.</p>

<p>
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what kinds of kids are most comfortable there?

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</p>

<p>Some adjectives that I would apply would be multifaceted, bright, active, friendly, driven, confident. The most important factor, though, is that they have to want to be there and choose Williams because of its environment, not because of its ranking. Williams -- Williamstown, the Berkshires -- isn't for everyone, but those that find it a good fit are wild about it.</p>

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<p>Thanks momrath. We will give W a good hard look this weekend, online, and in the viewbook. You make it sound like paradise.</p>

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<p>I have to second momrath. For my middle class son who is not into athletics and is not preppy, it is paradise. He has found like minded folk who share his interests in music (of the Bach variety) and Classics (of the Iliad variety) and of movies. He does not drink and has found something to do with actual people every weekend: climb roofs, walking by a river, and attending parties to make sure people don't get too drunk. He hopes be a doctor after he studies music. Yes, he has a plan. He has friends, interesting classes -- all a mother could want for her son. He loves Williamstown and has grown up near NYC visiting all the time. Many of the boys in his entry are actually from Manhattan, and all seem to be enjoying the ambience of Williamstown.</p>

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<p>Sounds like your runner doesn't need to talk with runners after all so much as with other students. If you read around on the website and the Record and see the names of students involved in other activities and academic interests that interest your child, they might be good people to contact. You could also ask the Admission Office for the contact names of students from your area, or of rural western students in general, who are willing to talk with applicants. I don't know if they supply that sort of information, but it is worth a try. Sometimes it's hard to crack inside of a school (or at least through to someone who isn't on the team you're seeking o join), but it is well worth trying.</p>

<p>Good luck.</p>

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<p>ccfaithful: I know this is off-topic on this thread, but did you notice that the thread we both recently commented on has disappeared (along with all the posts of the one who asked the question to which we responded)?</p>

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<p>onemoremom: Interesting......</p>

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<p>i think I was on that one too....</p>

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<p>I wonder why CC is censoring/deleting certain threads.</p>

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<p>I know that cc deletes threads violating copyright laws(buying and selling sat exams etc).
But I was surprised at this case.
By the way, the student's thread was obviously inappropriate and caused serious damage to the college.
By the way, I think, ours are off topic posts. So, let's leave it here, and discuss it later when we feel it's necessary.</p>