Questions from an Anxious Applicant!

Colleges and Universities A-Z Williams College
1

<p>Hi everyone, this is my first time posting, I'm hoping to get some help!</p>

<p>One week ago I had my heart dead set on Williams. I had visited over the summer during the Open House and I thought that I had found MY SCHOOL. I was going to apply ED. However, I have heard some pretty disturbing rumors about an alumni from my school feeling really isolated and unhappy at Williams. As an applicant from an international school, this makes me really nervous. I had always thought that the "preppy, white, athletic, segregated" stereotypes, were precisely that, just generalizations. However, it seems that there may be more than a grain of truth in them.</p>

<p>I am an Asian American living overseas. Although I am not super athletic I am fit and I am a huge sports fan. One of the main things I am looking for is a close-knit, supportive community with a lot of school spirit. I guess I could be considered an intellectual. I love to read and write for fun. I want to be in a stimulating environment and to be able to have "intellectual conversations" outside of the classroom. At the same time, I also want to have fun with more "light-hearted" pastimes (I do not drink though). Currently, I am looking at a double major in biochemistry/molecular biology and philosophy. </p>

<p>I am now starting to think that what I loved about my visit to Williams was the college experience. I loved the classes I took there, the chance to interact with brilliant professors. But was it really Williams, the college itself, that I loved? I was hoping that the members of this forum could give me some insider's information on what the Williams community is really like, before I commit to ED. As some one who is "intellectual", non-white, and a non-drinker, will I be able to find like-minded individuals at Williams? How prominent/obvious is the racial segregation at Williams?</p>

<p>I would really appreciate any feedback! Thanks (:</p>

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<p>I heard the stereotypes too before dropping off my D to Williams last year. On her dorm, I met an African American man who was sending his third child to Williams. I know his daughter is athletic but does not play any sports and was one of D’s best friends. But, I don’t live on campus and know anything first hand. There is an office for cultural diversity which I hear is very responsive. Perhaps they can get you in touch with another asian-american?</p>

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<p>I’m a frosh here now, and I can say that my experience has been nothing like what your concerns are. Williams is incredibly diverse - one of the most diverse schools to which I applied. People here do sports, but I think that’s more of a reflection on how active people are here and the focus on living healthy lives that we all share rather than pure competition. That being said, it has never felt to me like a “jock school.” The people here I talk to are incredibly intelligent, so if you’re looking for a student body that is intellectually engaged and extremely smart, then Williams should fit right in.</p>

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<p>random, We are an international family too, not Asian ourselves, but have lived in Asia for decades. For my son going to college in America was an unknown experience. Like you he fell for Williams on first sight and applied ED. He also had reservations (will they get my humor?) but ultimately he had a wonderful four years. Made “friends for life” and started on a fulfilling career path.</p>

<p>I have no doubt that there are some miserable people at Williams – both those that make others miserable and who make themselves miserable, but having said that in my several campus visits I was delighted to find my son surrounded by happy, upbeat, extraordinarily smart and talented kids. There is certainly no shortage of intellectual vitality. The academic pressure is enormous, but the professors are there for you. And the natural beauty of the surroundings adds a measure of serenity.</p>

<p>I would say that drinking is a non-issue. Some drink more than is good for them. Some don’t drink at all. </p>

<p>For international students whose families may be on the other side of the planet, establishing a close knit group of friends is essential. Knowing my son was happy at Williams and among people who cared about him, made a huge difference.</p>

<p>Is Williams “preppy, White, athletic segregated?” Preppy is an antiquated tag. Even the prep schools aren’t preppy any more. There are a fair number of privileged kids at Williams (as there are at all selective colleges) but there are also a fair number of kids receiving financial aid. Money just isn’t a topic of conversation and there’s not a lot of spend in Williamstown. </p>

<p>Williams does as well as any small LAC on recruiting and supporting diversity of all kinds, but Western Mass IS predominately White. If you want to experience America’s melting pot, choose an urban campus.</p>

<p>Athletic? See the many other threads on this board. Yes, there are plenty of athletes, but the majority of Williams students are not involved in team sports, though they are often active and involved in something. These are high energy multi-faceted kids.</p>

<p>Racial segregation is again a rather weighted phrase. Kids tend to hang out with their friends, people who share their interests, and it’s certainly possible that some one at some time may feel left out, but it seemed that everyone was accepting and activities were inclusive. Opportunities to engage are there; you just have to seek them out.</p>