My daughter is very interested in Williams. I’m wondering, does the student body stereotype of leaning Athletic/Preppy/Future HedgeFund Manager hold true? Is this an outdated idea? Any thoughts are welcome. thanks!
All types! I was a total nerd (not at all athletic) who went to Williams, and I was very happy. You’ll find friends. The freshman entry system is great for meeting people from all walks of life and having people to hang out with and dine with initially. Some of them may become your closest friends, or you may find like-minded peers in your classes, a club, a music group, or a team. Yes, you can find many people to reinforce the stereotype you named, but you can find many other ‘types’ as well-- and the glory of the freshman entry system and small classes means getting to know people as individuals not as ‘types.’
I found plenty of variety when I was at Williams, and I didn’t hang out with many preppy future hedge fund manager types.
I would characterize Williams students as active and energetic, rather than athletic. A lot do participate in sports, both organizedl and casual and lot like the outdoorsy activities that the mountain environment encourages.
Preppy? Eastern prep schools are well represented (as they are at all selective schools in the Northeast) but so are public high schools from all over the country. It’s an inclusive and friendly culture. 50% receive financial aid.
Some Williams students do end up on Wall Street or in consulting (again, as they do from other selective schools) but graduates pursue a wide range of career paths. Friends of my son have gone into law, medicine, architecture, environmental advocacy, development economics, art history, urban planning – a Williams degree prepares you for a whole host of professions.