<p>I was accepted to both of these amazing schools and am having a hard time trying to decide. I am a prospective Math/Physics major or just some sciency type thing in general, and am fully dedicated to doing research as early as possible. I know that Williams is the best for research and these kind of majors amongst other LACs but Yale just emailed that they have two particle accelerators and that fist-fighting with grad students for research opportunities and professorial attention wouldn't be a problem. However, I still feel the small class size of Williams would enable me to get said attention more readily and their various research programs (SMALL, etc) would definitely get me into any grad school, like Yale, in the long run. I'm visiting Williams on the 16-17th and have already visited Yale, so hopefully whatever clicks the most will help me decide, but prestige is nagging me as well. Being from Louisiana, everyone shouts "OH LORD HAVE MERCY" when they hear of Yale where as when I mention Williams, I get back "Williams and Mary?". The constant clarification is annoying but certainly wouldn't decide where I go.</p>
<p>I just ask for some light and wisdom. Anyone who's been in a similar position or has just any advice, please help!</p>
<p>Calculi, I think you’ll have a better idea after you visit. Williamstown isn’t for everyone, but those who like it, love it, if you know what I mean.</p>
<p>My son is a Williams grad. He was in humanities, not science, so I can’t give you academic advice, but he was also very interested in Yale. He applied ED to Williams, so he’ll never know if Yale would have been a realistic choice, but if it had, he probably couldn’t have resisted its appeal. (He does have a real life friend, however, who chose Pomona over Yale and never looked back.)</p>
<p>As it turned out Williams was absolutely the best environment for him. He had a wonderful four years and would do it again in a heartbeat. He’s now in graduate school at a large Ivy – not Yale, though. :)</p>
<p>It is true that you have to get used to blank stares when you say you’re going to Williams. It helps to have a sense of humor about it, which it appears you do. Graduate school admissions and hiring managers will definitely recognize the name.</p>
<p>Yes, I understand! I’m feeling from previous comments that the beauty of Williams will probably attract me there. Also, seeing all their Physics/Math majors go to amazing grad schools just keeps assuring me that I’ll end up there anyways and will be able to attend two great schools in my lifetime.</p>
<p>Williamstown and New Haven might as well be on different planets, hard to believe they belong to neighboring states. Don’t know where you see yourself happier spending the next four years.</p>
<p>Both will do a great job prepping you for any career choice related to physics and/or math albeit in very, very different ways. </p>
<p>I agree that Yale & Williams are on different planets. But wow - what amazing choices. If you haven’t yet decided…allow me to weigh in…our son kisses the Williamstown earth every day that he is there. But Williamstown over New Haven was a no-brainer for him. Moot anyway since he was not admitted to Yale. For others, the pulse of city life and access to city- bound trains at Yale would be preferable. Another huge difference is the lack of Greek life at Williams (our son calls Frats “social lockdown).” Also…Williams is renown for its Math faculty. Either way, you are likely set for life. Good luck!!</p>
<p>You can’t make a wrong choice - Williams might not impress the “Have Mercy” crowd, but when you get into a PhD program at Harvard, Yale or Stanford - they’ll be okay with it. I saw go with which one you “feel” the most based on your visit. You’ll know.</p>