<p>Seriously, how's it like at Williams? Are there like really good parties or is it some "ooh, let's go study -type party" stuff. Is it like competitive or is it laid back and easy (w/ grade inflation, maybe!)</p>
<p>Come on, don't be shy, be honest</p>
<p>The party scene at Williams is definitely tamer than that of other, bigger schools. However, that's not to say we don't have one. Almost every weekend, there are at least one or two larger parties, usually sponosored by ACE or some other student organization. These parties tend to be themed and are more often than not dance parties. There are also plenty of parties thrown by sports teams during the weekends, certain houses that are almost always partying during the weekends (aka Gladden in the Greylock quad), and smaller gatherings going on in other houses. If you're worried about finding a party, don't-- look for them and you'll find them.</p>
<p>And Williams is far from competitive. Many students come from cutthroat academic backgrounds, yet are astonished at the laidback atmosphere of Williams. But don't get your hopes up about grade inflation. If anything, Williams has grade deflation. The good news about that, though, is most major employers and grad schools know this. Thus, lower GPAs will still look rather impressive, and anything above a 3.5-3.6 will look pretty phenomenal.</p>
<p>Would you say Williams is cliquey a la high school? Are most kids really wealthy from private high schools? Thank you!</p>
<p>To be frank, some have decried the supposed separation between athletes and non-athletes on campus, giving rise to two separate subcultures, as it were. However, speaking as a non-athlete, that's not as bad as it sounds. First off, if one is willing to reach out and make those connections, then something as insubstantial as being on a sports team or not is no reason for social isolation. Secondly, there are plenty of alternatives to the typical weekend party scene to those inclined. </p>
<p>I also wouldn't be too worried about the rich, white, elite stereotype at Williams. Though a good portion of the students are from that sort of background, Williams is becoming increasingly more socioeconomically diverse. And most kids who do come from money do not flaunt their wealth. Money is no barrier between friendships.</p>