<p>a 6% increase from last year would not be in line with what other colleges of this caliber did. Some were as low as 2%. Now could they jump 8% next year? Yep. But from 2008-09 to 2009-10 the increases were unusually low compared to historical numbers.</p>
<p>The announced increase for next year is 4.9%</p>
<p>[Williams</a> College :: Office of the President - Letters from the President and Trustees](<a href=“http://www.williams.edu/admin/president/letters/090324_tuition.php]Williams”>http://www.williams.edu/admin/president/letters/090324_tuition.php)</p>
<p>The 4.9% number demonstrates the fundamental problem colleges face. They point out that 4.9% is holding the line or falling under the historical trend, when in fact it is still above the inflation rate (CPI), and the historical trend has been well above the inflation rate in my entire adult life. See the current Fortune magazine for an interesting piece on the subject. </p>
<p>I assume that Williams and its peers will still be above the CPI in the time horizon for incoming freshmen, and my speculation was how much above the CPI. The long-term trend is of great concern, but not immediately as we decide whether to send S to Williams or not. I’m thinking of whether Williams might be $60K or $62K or $65K in a couple of years, and not that 6% compounded for another 12 years would put Williams and its peers at $100K…</p>
<p>Colby was 7%.</p>
<p>To stray a bit from the parents’ financial discussion, my experience at the Preview:</p>
<p>My host didn’t show up the first night, but that’s okay because I just crashed in someone else’s common room (words “I’m a pre-frosh, can I crash here?” worked like a charm). Dorm set-up is excellent, pretty revolutionary.</p>
<p>The Jamboree was awesome! I thought the hosts (future JAs) did a great job directing the proceedings. The a cappella groups were great too, hard to think they are all student-run (except maybe the mockappella one, I believe that is what it was called?).</p>
<p>I went to four classes on Monday, it was crazy!! Anyone else try Microbiology, tectonic plates geosciences, Metafiction or Reading and Writing Science Fiction??? They were awesome! Then I went for Astronomy on Tuesday, that was pretty great too. </p>
<p>What were everyone else’s opinions?</p>
<p>I thought Previews were great, but maybe not as wonderful as I expected. I think a lot of how you perceive the experience has to do with your own mood at the time. I mean, I got almost no sleep the night before, so at 2 am at the party in Paresky, I definitely wasn’t in the best shape. I thought the classes were great; the teacher’s were super engaging, and everyone there was extremely nice and friendly and open to help lost, little pre-frosh like me. Everyone I spoke with loved Williams and could only say good things about it. I thought the Jamboree was awesome, though there were some kids being disrespectful near me. Everyone seemed to be super social and outgoing at Williams, which is great of course. But my only concern is how someone more quiet and reserved like me would end up fitting in. Many of the pre-frosh made close friends so quickly that I felt a bit as though cliques had already started forming, and they weren’t as open as I’d hoped they would be. But then again, this is totally just my opinion, and like I said earlier, I am a rather reserved person to start off with, and at the time, I was severely lacking in sleep as well. Overall, though, it was a positive experience, and I’m looking forward to next fall at Williams College!!!</p>
<p>Don’t worry whitelily, I am reserved and quiet like you and il be your friend.</p>
<p>I agree that the “cliques” were forming pretty quickly, since I seemed to be in one. But we had a quite a few people see a group of pre-frosh (those purple bags were a huge giveaway :P) and join in, and the group wasn’t snobby and we all chatted like normal. I do feel like half the pre-frosh in my entry were already friends before we met our hosts and were pretty exclusive, so I guess it all depends on who it is.</p>
<p>I’m rather quiet and reserved at times too :]</p>
<p>My S and his GF are both quiet and reserved kids having a wonderful time at Williams. One is a soph, one is a frosh.</p>
<p>Ha, ha, ha, ha!</p>
<p>Such sweetness, my GOD!</p>
<p>Welcome to WILLIAMS COLLEGE.</p>
<p>^
<em>in the voice of Janice from Friends</em>
OH. MOYYYY. GAWDDDDDDDD.</p>
<p>Previews were amazing, i think it definitely made an incalculable impact in terms of helping me finally decide.</p>
<p>I think the part i loved the most where the people: everyone was incredibly friendly-from the pre-frosh to the regular students. Everyone was also incredibly diverse but there was never any awkward moments as we all shared the similar passion for learning. I didn’t feel like there was any problems meeting people, talking to the professors or getting around to places. The campus was beautiful, and i think the atmosphere was just tremendous in terms of creating a fun, flexible environment in which to study, work, and play.</p>
<p>Also integral to my affinity was the classes and professors. They were great! The food was also another major factor- laugh but it was important to me. Paresky’s snack bar option (in which you can opt out of a dinner for a midnight-time full on meal (like a pizza with drinks)) was awesome and is a great way to meet people.</p>
<p>The entry system caught my eye was well. I think its cool how they put 2 international students in each entry so that there will be a diverse group in each entry so theres someone you will be able to connect with.</p>
<p>FUTURE EPHS! WHOOOOOOO! :D</p>