<p>DD is at Stanford, but was also trying to make the very tough decisions of Williams vs. Stanford. First the thing that she loved about Williams was its location, the 4-1-4 calendar and that she could have played d-3 sports. But she chose Stanford because at the age of 17 it was closer to home and all the other reasons that have been mentioned.</p>
<p>I want to point out a few things however that haven't been pointed out: class size...in three years she has had 3 large classes. Most of her classes have had between 12 and 24 kids. If Africa is a place you are interested in, there are a few programs on campus that provide opportunities to work/visit. DD is actually working at a refugee camp in Zambia this summer through a program started by a Stanford student called FORGE. Also, in terms of intensity...the kids she go to school with work hard, but they also play hard. Intense is not a word I would use to describe them; fun, smart, focused and really funny are words that come to my mind first.</p>
<p>The best thing about this decision is you can't make a bad one. Best of luck to you.</p>
<p>Should I take into heavy consideration about how my decisions will affect my parents, in particular my mom? I mean, obviously they want me to go Stanford. I'm first generation, and I have four older brothers and sisters who all went to college in southern California. My mom's telling me that she'll support me wherever I go (my dad's a different story), but I can sense that she'll be really sad. </p>
<p>But I guess this is the whole point of growing up right? I don't know. Somehow I think being first-generation is different when you talk about "flying away from the nest".</p>
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Intense is not a word I would use to describe them; fun, smart, focused and really funny are words that come to my mind first
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Yep, me too. I did really like Stanford. I just wish I attended the Williams preview. Sighs. I visited back in September, and while I liked (not love) it, some of the freshmen I encountered seemed really...mute? Definitely not as outgoing as the people I met at Stanford. But that's probably just because it was the first month and school and everybody was still adjusting. And the fact that my host was kind of dull.</p>
<p>daikon, It IS a tough decision. We know a boy who made a similar decision in the opposite geographic direction: turned down Yale for Pomona. Think of it this way, you can go to Williams for undergrad and Stanford for graduate school, but you can't do the opposite. :)</p>
<p>Williams kids are definitely as outgoing as Stanford kids. I wouldn't worry about that aspect. I'd say what your decision comes down to now is which choice would result in the LEAST regret. For you not your parents.</p>
<p>I think that your mom is sweet to worry about you leaving but it's really not that much farther. With phone, email, webcam, etc., you can be in contact as often as you like. Moms everywhere have been dealing with the same happy/sadness when their kids go off to college for a long time. But it's good for them too as you are growing up and can come back for breaks, etc. It gives them and you a chance to get used to your both being adults.</p>
<p>I came all the way from Hong Kong to Williamstown for HS and only went home once a year. I had to deal with the culture shock, the language....blah blah yet really enjoyed my time there. I still miss the beauty of Berkshire. You and your parents will be fine.</p>
<p>Ok, so I was about 80% leaning towards Williams, and then I went online to a site and read about how it isn't uncommon for minorities to be alienated, and how they stick together, the non-minorities stick together, and the international students stick together. I also read that the sports people pretty much dominate the social scene, and with less than 2000 kids, it is alot like high school. I mean, I love high school (probably because I was a part of the sports culture and scene), but I want something different. </p>
<p>Any minorities going to Williams or just parents that can confirm if this is generally true?</p>
<p>daikon, Anonymous posters can be severely misleading as you have no way of knowing what chips they're carrying around. I'd suggest that you post your questions on the Williams site so that you will get replies from actual students and parents of students. I'd also suggest that you ask someone in the admissions office to put you in touch with current student by e-mail or telephone. Obviously, they really want you as they have given you a prestigious scholarship. You should put your concerns on THEIR table and see what they come back with.</p>
<p>My son is not a minority so I can't offer his personal experience, but my observation is that social groups are reasonably integrated by race, ethnic background and economic status.</p>
<p>There IS a pervasive emphasis on sports, health and physical activity in general. Williams kids are active kids, period, but I wouldn't say that competitive sports dominiate the social scene. There are a lot of other options, like art/music/theater related activities, community service, campus politics.</p>
<p>Small LACs are, well, small. That's the point. Williams is not, however, like highschool.</p>
<p>First of all, congratz on getting into 2 great colleges! You must be proud of yourself ;)
If you want network, go to Stanford. It will greatly reduce your hardship in the future when you're looking for a job; Stanford graduates are everywhere. Also, personal attention from professors attests to your ability to attract them. If you just sit in class and sleep, you will never be able to even talk to the prof; however, if you actively participate in classes and stay behind in order to ask the prof a question, you will be able to build relationship with him/her. I don't know.. Both are great schools. But to me, Stanford seems to be the choice majority of the people will pick, that is, including many international students/ myself.</p>