When admitting students, we think about the range of talents, interests, experiences, perspectives, and backgrounds that will make this a dynamic place to call home. We want creative thinkers, diverse opinions, and people who embrace intellectual challenges. People committed to bringing as much to the community as they’ll gain from it.
That commitment can be expressed in interesting and varied forms—read on to learn more.
Deadlines
Quick Questions
Quick Questions
The following are some of the more commonly asked questions about the admission application process.
If you have a question not found here, please email us at [email protected]
Williams doesn't use interviews in its admission process. Interviews aren't offered on or off campus.
Williams is truly test optional, so it’s entirely up to you whether you submit exam results for the SAT and ACT. Regardless, rest assured that your application will be reviewed in a thorough, student-centered, holistic admission process that takes into account your achievements, talents, and life experiences; course selection and grades; letters of recommendation; and essays, to name a few. Scores are truly optional.
To decide whether or not to apply test-optional, we recommend you consult your college counselor as you would for all other questions about the application process. There is a question on the Williams application where you will be able to let us know whether you'll be applying test-optional or not. You may change your mind about whether you want us to use testing in the admission process up until the deadline for your decision program- QuestBridge Match, Early Decision, Regular Decision or Transfer. You can communicate this change by emailing [email protected].
Please note that the submission of SAT subject tests, AP scores, IB exams, A-levels, and language proficiency tests have been optional at Williams for many years and this will continue to be the case.
For testing to be considered, we require the full set of scores for the SAT or ACT. We superscore and will consider the highest section scores across test dates.
Williams superscores the SAT and ACT. This means that if you submit multiple test scores, we’ll consider your highest score when reviewing your application.
No, Williams doesn't require SAT subject tests.
SAT Subject Tests are not a replacement for the ACT or SAT, but if submitted, they will be considered as part of our holistic admission process.
Yes, Williams allows applicants to use the score choice feature of the SAT.
Williams doesn't award degree credit for Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, online courses or college coursework completed during high school. However, some academic departments may use this information for placement purposes.
The enrollment deposit is $200. If this poses a financial hardship, please email [email protected] to request a waiver.
If the application fee poses a financial hardship, you can request a fee waiver on the Common Application or the Coalition Application. You can also request a waiver for the CSS Profile. Williams actively seeks the most exceptional candidates regardless of financial need. Applying for a fee waiver won’t disadvantage your application in any way.
Williams offers only need-based financial aid, not merit scholarships. We're one of about four dozen colleges in the U.S. (out of 2,500) that practice need-blind admission for domestic applicants, including undocumented and DACA-designated students, and also meet 100 percent of every student's demonstrated need, every year. We view financial aid as money well spent—an investment in our community.
Students admitted under Early Decision are expected to accept our offer and to withdraw any applications submitted to other schools. In rare instances, when the financial aid package offered doesn't make attendance possible, a student may request to be released from the binding aspect of Early Decision. Thankfully, this is a rare occurrence, because Williams offers one of the most generous financial aid programs in the country.
Yes, each year between 15 and 20 students opt to defer their admission. If you wish to defer, please send your request, in writing, to Dean of Admission and Financial Aid, Liz Creighton.
No, Williams only admits students for the fall semester.
Yes, please email additional materials to [email protected].