<p>Hey everybody,</p>
<p>So I'm graduating high school next year and I'm looking to apply to some American universities. I'm a Canadian, but that won't deter me from applying to some schools anyways. Williams has been on my short list for some time as it's considered one of the best LACs in the world, and that the school is very well respected in big financial firms. (I'm looking to go into Economics or Finance and then find work in the financial field. ie: Wall Street/Bay Street)</p>
<p>The problem is, from what I've gathered Williams is very "outgoing". It's located in a tiny town, in the middle of some very nice scenery, and the students use that to their full advantage by going on all sorts of hiking trips and such. That's a huge contrast to how I spend most of my days. I never played any sports as a kid, and I barely go outside for the fun of it. I'm one of those people who would much rather stay indoors the entire day reading a book or browsing the internet. </p>
<p>Long story short, I'm just concerned that I won't fit into the lifestyle at Williams. Everything else about the school seems fantastic, and if anybody could let me know how someone like me would fit in I would be very appreciative. </p>
<p>Thanks in advance!</p>
<p>I’d say your assessment of Williams is correct, but people overemphasize the prevalence of this culture. Sure, most people like being outside (considering that 50% of the college is made up of active athletes), but excluding Winter Study you are either in class, doing your work, or taking care of other business all day, every day. (This may sound terrible to a high school student, but when you take fascinating classes with world-class professors, you learn to love the work you do.)There are organized hiking trips during school breaks and such, but they are attended by only a few dedicated outdoorsmen/women. People enjoy the outdoors when they’re walking to and from classes and maybe while they eat lunch. The weather is cold for more than half the school year, so people who aren’t into winter sports stay indoors then anyway. Most people save up their free time to use on Friday and Saturday nights, not for 4am kayaking excursions. </p>
<p>It’s not as much as a lifestyle thing per se as it is simply an appreciation of natural beauty that gets many people through the day when they’re walking around campus. (Living in the Northern Berkshires is a particularly awesome aesthetic experience.) You’ll fit in fine…because you like to read and you’re interested in finance!</p>
<p>The Ephs I know have a lot of energy that they channel into a range of endeavors. They can be active physically, mentally, or both. They also can be both intense and laid-back.</p>
<p>As for “outgoing,” I think you’d find Ephs that are literally and metaphorically outgoing. Even someone, who would not think of him or herself as stereotypically outgoing, could be through some interest or endeavor they care deeply about.</p>
<p>And, as FoxboroPiper noted, to which my child, a Williams alum, can attest, the natural beauty of the place inspires and can can provide a respite. Quiet moments of restorative contemplation can nurture creativity.</p>
<p>Lol it’s freezing from the middle of October to the middle of April. Odds are, you’re going to be inside most of the year anyways. It is a beautiful place (but mostly from September to November). Williams kids do a lot of outdoors activities because there’s nothing to do in the area. You can only visit the Clark Art and Mass MOCA so many times in a year. </p>
<p>The academics and professors are amazing, but make sure this social/environmental scene is something you like, otherwise you’ll be miserable.</p>