Williams College campus
    Williams College logo
    Photo: Daderot · Public Domain · via Wikimedia Commons

    Williams College

    Williamstown, MA · Northeast

    Acceptance rate
    8.3%
    SAT mid-50
    1490-1570
    Cost after aid
    $17,716
    Graduation rate
    94%

    About Williams College

    Williams College is a very small private university in Williamstown, MA, in a city setting.

    What Williams College looks for

    Williams College accepts roughly 8%, which means a strong application is necessary but not sufficient. Most admitted students are at or above the mid-50 in test scores and have at least one extracurricular thread that AOs read as substantive. The supplements matter. The "why us" essay is where many otherwise-strong applications fall apart, because it reads as a Mad Libs of the school's website rather than a real plan.

    Frequently asked

    • What SAT score do I need for Williams College?

      Williams College's middle 50% SAT range is 1490 to 1570. A score in or above that band keeps you in the conversation; below it, the rest of your application has to do more work.

    • What ACT score do I need for Williams College?

      Middle 50% ACT range is 34 to 35. The top of that range or above is what most admitted students submit when they choose to send a score.

    • What is the acceptance rate at Williams College?

      Williams College admits roughly 8% of applicants. That makes it a reach for nearly everyone, regardless of stats.

    • What does Williams College actually cost after financial aid?

      Average net cost (after institutional aid) is about $17,716 per year. Net cost varies enormously by family income; run the school's net price calculator for an estimate that reflects your situation.

    • Is Williams College a reach, match, or safety for me?

      Compare your stats to the middle 50% above. If you are at or below the 25th percentile, treat Williams College as a reach. If you are in the middle 50%, it is a match. Above the 75th percentile and the school accepts above 25% overall, it is closer to a safety. Selectivity below 20% should be treated as a reach for everyone, period.

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