<p>The academics in general and art history in particular at Williams are almost beyond compare; it seems unlikely that Lafayette would present a superior option. My son, not an athlete, graduated from Williams several years ago; he enjoyed attending football games, occasionally played tennis recreationally,and obviously appreciated the extraordinarily beautiful setting, but athletics definitely were not the defining aspects of life at Williams (though they did add to the experience). One of the benefits of attending a great LAC (not just Williams) is the discovery, not always made in high school, that being a good athlete doesn't mean that's all you are, any more than being a gifted musician or writer means you are one-dimensional; small schools need people to fill all sorts of niches, and many people fill more than one niche. This discovery is in itself part of the educational process, I think. As you probably know, Williams does have a PE requirement, but it can be satisfied in many ways, including the always convenient "independent running"--or, I believe, setting up chairs at graduation if you don't fulfill the requirement in a more conventional and timely manner. </p>
<p>If your son would be uncomfortable at a small school in a small town in a a rural setting some distance from any real city, then Williams would of course not be a good choice, but I imagine he has already considered that or would not have applied. I wouldn't say Williams is for everyone, but in this case it sounds like the better choice, at least so far.</p>
<p>NPI-
I'm getting the impression that you haven't visited Williams yet. If so, once you see the two art museums up there, visit the department, get a feel for the students and the community....I don't see how you turn down an early write there with generous financial aid, as an art history major. You've found Nirvana. Of course, Lafayette's Marquis scholarship can go anywhere from half-tuition (minimum) to full ride, if the financial need is great enough, but unless that is an overiding issue, I think it's a slam dunk for Williams (sorry.....sports analogy) :)</p>
<p>Lafayette was my daughter's safety as well, and I'm a firm believer in the "love your safety" axiom. She liked the campus, and would have been happy and well served there with her math/science/engineering interests. It's a great school. However, I've found the students at Williams to be a truly remarkable group of individuals, and their personalities and attributes have much to do with the overall feel of the place, which is vibrant. Lafayette is really no less "isolated" than Williams, and the scenery at Williams wins hands down. It may be an hour further from your house than Lafayette, but it will be an exceptionally beautiful hour as you drive up the scenic Taconic Parkway and then slip in to town through the mountains. It's become one of my favorite destinations, and not just because my daughter's there.</p>
<p>I don't understand what is meant by match/safety. are you saying it is a safe bet he will get in? I'm sorry for not understanding the jargon. my concern with lafayette, if you are meaning the one in Easton pennsylvania, is that Easton is not one of the "safer" areas of our state. It is pretty downtrodden, despite there being some major universities in the area, (bethlehem). just a consideration.</p>
<p>No contest between Williams and any other LAC for art history. (Between Williams and a major university is a tough one. Depends on the style of education and environment youre looking for.)</p>
<p>To add to Drivers comment, there are THREE major museums in the Williamstown area, The Clark, The Williams College Museum on campus and MassMoCA in nearby North Adams. Although were pretty knowledgeable about museums, we had never even heard of MassMoCA and it was a pleasant surprise. Its one of most active centers for contemporary arts in the country.</p>
<p>To second Elleneasts comment, my son escapes to New York or Boston once or twice a year to recharge his batteries. The college sponsors academically related or just-for-fun excursions. Hes always happy to get back to sleepy Williamstown.</p>
<p>To add to Mattmom and Driver on sports, etc: Athletics definitely were not the defining aspects of life at Williams. Kids do support the teams, but they also support everything their friends are involved in, be it art shows, plays, concerts, planetarium events, dance performances. In my sons inner circle there are two varsity athletes (girls) but there are also an artist, a dancer, an actor, a classical musician, a jazz musician, a campus activist and probably more that I dont know about. As Mattmom says many people fill more than one niche. The college does a pretty good of matching up roommates and suitemates so most likely your son would find an instantaneous group of like personalities to hang out with.</p>
<p>And to heartily endorse Drivers comment: "I've found the students at Williams to be a truly remarkable group of individuals"These are the kind of kids you want your child to be around. Their energy, curiosity, warmth and enthusiasm are infectious.</p>
<p>Williams for sure isnt for everyone. Its isolated. Its cold and snowy. But those that like it tend to love it.</p>
<p>I keep forgetting to see the museum at MassMoCA...."one of the best museums you've never heard of," in the words of a friend of mine. Next time! I also agree that Mattmom's comments re LACs in general were particularly spot-on...lots of people filling all sorts of niches, sometimes to their own surprise. Lots of self-discovery.</p>
<p>Thanks driver and momrath. My s probably won't be impressed by the museums as he has an internship at the Met and compares everything else to what is available in NYC. He wanted to go to Oxford for Art History but was accepted to St. Andrews and Edinburgh. He loves medieval art so I don't know if Williams will fit the bill in that regard but will will be visiting there in a few weeks. He has also applied to the long shot school (Princeton) an hour and 1/2 away and a wonderful museum but we have no great expectations for being accepted. He just might have to trade in his wingtips for a good pair of snowshoes. :)</p>