Hey thanks!! I really appreciate it! I’ll let you know how everything goes!
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@TennisParent My DS had to apply to all of his schools without test scores because he is high risk for severe outcomes during the pandemic (actually our whole house is unfortunately so no one has gone out in almost a year). That is why we are pretty sure in the big picture - his honors and AP classes, extra curricular activities, volunteering, sports, etc…still won’t get him into any of his schools because the schools are still trying to navigate what it means to be TO and how to truly compare the students (he did get into his safety schools though).
Got it, there is no reason to take a health risk for a standardized test in any situation.
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I wouldn’t sweat it too much, especially if this perfectly valid reason was provided in the apps. I doubt that not having a test score will be the thing that gets a rejection, since these are obviously unprecedented times! I am wishing you and your son the best of luck and I am confident that the right school will say yes! 
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Is Williams doing likely letters? Has anyone received one?
Frankly, I personally do not think the likely letter makes any difference for the application process.
A likely letter is essentially an early admit. If someone receives one, it is a very big deal! @jjfree1231 I know that Williams gives out likely letters in a typical year, though I haven’t heard anything about that for this application season.
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They have provided early/likely letters in the past; not sure if its a common practice now. The idea is to let a candidate that is a particular good fit or highly recruitable know ahead of time so that they can have more time to consider their options more fully, maybe visit the campus. With COVID, the campus is closed so not sure if it makes sense.
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Williams does give out likely letters. My daughter got one several years ago. She was not a recruited athlete. She got hers in February.
My son got a request to send in an additional writing sample, an academic paper. Anyone else get this?
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Did he submit an optional essay with his original application?
Yes he sent in a complete application with optional essay. Then about a week and a half ago he was asked if he could send an example of academic writing in.
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That’s really interesting! I didn’t get a request for that. Maybe this is a good indicator for your son!
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I would take it as a very good sign, seems like everything else must meet the mark, recommendations, grades, etc. They make every effort to be fair and respectful to each applicant and so this additional piece of information gives the applicant an opportunity to present his or her work.
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This may delay any possibility of prospective students being able to drive by campus in the near future… Williams to enforce consequences after dozens of people attended an indoor party, many unmasked. My DS was hoping to at least be able to drive around the campus but doesn’t look like they will open to the public any time soon.
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Since the campus is bisected by a public road and is bordered by Spring Street, which is the main shopping and eating drag “off campus,” I think it’s still worthwhile to make the trip once the college enters Phase 2. The college bookstore is on Spring Street and should be open to the public. You’ll be able to walk around the perimeter of the campus and should see students out and about on Spring Street. It’s not a gated campus set back from the town, unlike Amherst.
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Thanks for that info. He was afraid to go all the way up there and “get in trouble” with Campus Safety" and risk not being considered for admissions for being on campus when he shouldn’t. Might be worth the long ride on an upcoming Saturday or Sunday if we can do so on public roads.
If a museum visit appeals, and to make your trip worth the schlep, you can reserve tickets to The Clark (in Williamstown) or MassMoCA in North Adams (about 10 minutes away). The college art museum is closed to the public. We visited in late August, when students were starting to move-in, and strolled on Spring Street and around the edges of campus. It was nice to reacquaint ourselves with the area. My D visited in fall 2018 as a junior and hadn’t been back since she was accepted RD last year. (She’s taking a gap year.)
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Also, the Log, the Williams Inn and restaurants are all open; in the Spring Taconic Golf course will also be open.
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Has anyone gotten email announcing their release date?