Student Reviews

Williams College Reviews

Check out reviews left by other students, or leave your own review. You could win a free scholarship!

• Marsha from belmont, MA

  07/17/2009

  Reviewer is A current student here.

  15 out of 15 people found this review useful. 1 of 11

  Categories	Comments
  Great for these types of students	It's great for students who are outgoing and prepared for academic challenges and living in an isolated town. It also has an active Outdoors club so it's a great choice for students who like to hike and do outdoor activities.
  Tips for prospective students	Try to meet as many people as you can the first couple of weeks of freshman year. People are friendlier during this time and more likely to want to make friends with other freshman. Don't just stick with your entry or you will miss out on meeting other people. Get help on subjects before it's too late: there's the Writing Workshop, Math science resource center, help from professors, and peer tutoring.
  Bang for the buck	Yes, it's very affordable! Don't be scared off by the sticker cost. They try to make the school affordable so there's no need for loans. The school gives out a lot of scholarships/grants for financially needy students and there's work study too to complete your financial aid package, plus federal grants if needed.
  Am enjoying being here	I like the rigor of the classes, but the location is very isolated and rural. On the weekends, there is not much to do and the non-school sponsored parties are often broken up. Every First Fridays of the month, there is a college sponsored party at Goodrich Hall, which is fun most of the time, especially when there is a good DJ playing music. Due to the amount of homework, most of the time during the week and a good amount of time in the weekend is spent studying. Lab writeups take up a lot of time in particular and I spend most of Sunday night at the Math Science Resource Center. Additionally, my family lives 3 hours away so I get homesick occasionally. It's also a little hard to meet friends. If you don't click with a lot of people in your entry (the people that live on your floor), it's not easy to meet people from classes that will become your friends. Meeting people through clubs on campus is another option but usually most people have a lot of work and don't have time to be substantially involved on campus.
  Am learning a lot	The classes are fast paced and challenging, particularly the math and science courses. If you keep up with the coursework, reading, and go to office hours, you definetly learn a lot. English classes are not much different than high school. You have a small discussion class and are graded heavily on participation. Depending on your teacher, you can become a better writer by constructive criticism. However, one teacher loved my writing and I got As on all my papers, while my other English teacher never gave me more than a B and always remarked that my writing was convoluted. In my biology class in the spring, I never did too well on the tests, despite my best efforts to go to office hours and study. I recommend reviewing the material over the summer to be more prepared for the material when the school year starts. My introductory anthropology class did not teach me a lot, I mostly got information from the readings, which were very dry, long, and oftentimes boring. I recommend taking a higher level anthropology class to learn more about specific topics.

  Login to rate or flag the reviews

• Natalie from Austin, TX

  05/29/2012

  Reviewer is Researching this school. Reviewer has been to campus.

  5 out of 5 people found this review useful. 1 person found this inaccurate. 2 of 11

  Categories	Comments
  Campus Safety	Very good, since it's a tiny town and tiny campus and all. The campus is the town, so there are basically only college students around.
  Greek Life	None.
  Great for these types of students	(from my impression when visiting during the school year this spring and from talking with a close friend who is a current student) There are a lot of wealthy, preppy, white people (the main feeder schools to Williams are preppy, elite, wealthy boarding schools like Exeter). There are a lot of jocks. There are not a lot of weird people.
  What to do for fun	Williamstown is very isolated. The Berkshires provide well for outdoorsy, hiking type people and the next town over, just a few miles away, is a bit bigger than Williamstown. Williams itself has a sizable art collection and museum.
  Food and Dining	As at any college, after a while the food gets boring and repetitive. There are a fair number of vegan/vegetarian options. The town doesn't offer much in the way of alternatives, though.
  Dorm Life	Have heard from a close friend and current Williams student that there is a huge party and alcohol culture. Sometimes even in the entries, there is peer pressure (from fellow students and from the resident advisor) to drink, often as the only social activity. Perhaps partly because of Williamstown's isolation, there are few (non-lame) alternatives to alcohol-based partying. Entries can help form diverse friend groups (the college makes an effort to place together people with different backgrounds and interests), but they can also isolate people.
  Academic Rigor	Very fast-paced, very challenging. Has a special tutorials program, where two students work with a professor, often in a back-and-forth, almost debate-style setting. Tutorials help you to think critically, examine and support your own and others' beliefs and points of view, write and orally communicate better, better understand the subject. Most of the classes are very small, often seminar-style rather than lectures.
  Tips for prospective students	Visit. I was accepted and almost attended, but visited and found out that I didn't like the atmosphere/student body at all.
  In three sentences	Williams is preppy, wealthy, white, and isolated in a tiny town in the middle of nowhere in Massachusetts. It is academically competitive, but doesn't especially concentrate in any specific area (it's liberal arts). There is quite a bit of research going on, which is especially easy to get in the sciences, and it graduates a lot of people who go on to get graduate degrees.

  Login to rate or flag the reviews

• Tiffany from Cupertino, CA

  12/31/2010

  Reviewer is A current student here.

  3 out of 3 people found this review useful. 3 of 11

  Categories	Comments
  Tips for prospective students	Be sure to visit the school before making the decision to go to Williams, but the visit experience should not be the entire determining factor of whether or not you choose to attend Williams. Connect with people (especially people from your area) who are also going to Williams and get to know them before going off to college.
  Bang for the buck	The tuition is pretty high, but the intimate academic environment is pretty worth it.
  Am enjoying being here	The entry system definitely may feel limiting sometimes, but if you get along with your entry, hanging out with your entry mates is a blast! However, if you don't get along with them, you share a bathroom with people from the neighboring entry if you live in frosh quad, and you can get to know them. Unfortunately, it is really hard to meet people in classes.
  Am learning a lot	The professors I've had so far have been very accessible. Definitely take advantage of their office hours, for it's a great place to get all your questions about the material answered. Even when professors' office hour schedules are not compatible with you schedule, it's quite easy to email the professor and set up a different time for you to get help. Since the campus is relatively small, the libraries are conveniently close by, and they stay open pretty late for people who want to stay up late doing work. Even though I'm taking all large lecture classes, my largest class has 40 students. Williams College is a great place for learning.

  Login to rate or flag the reviews

• William from New York

  01/23/2012

  Reviewer is A current student here.

  3 out of 3 people found this review useful. 4 of 11

  Categories	Comments
  Campus Safety	this is an incredibly safe campus, and if ever you have a problem or feel unsafe there are several places you can go to or call for help.
  Food and Dining	there are some nights that are better than others, as at any school, but generally williams dining does a great job. the have relationships with many of the nearby farms that provide us with fresh, local fruits and vegetables which are great.
  Dorm Life	the entry system was one of my favorite parts of my first year. while you need to be sure to expand out from your entry a little bit on your own, which can be daunting at first, you'll find that people here are incredibly friendly and willing to meet new people.
  Academic Rigor	classes at williams are tough, but when you get through all of the work you're rewarded at the end with a deep understanding of the course material. professors aren't shy about piling on the work, but they're also extremely approachable and always looking to help students out. there are also numerous academic resources for students to help you with problem sets in math and science course,s and writing workshops to help you polish papers.

  Login to rate or flag the reviews

• Jennah from Westport, CT

  08/02/2012

  Reviewer is A current student here.

  3 out of 3 people found this review useful. 5 of 11

  Categories	Comments
  What to do for fun	No matter what scene you're in, there will always be something for you to do. Williams isn't a big party school obviously, but once in a while there are some good dance parties and you'll always find someone to go drinking with. If you're not into the party scene, you'll find something to do with friends like watch movies, go out to eat. And honestly, some weekends you're just gonna have to stay in and do work.
  Food and Dining	Some dining halls are definitely yummier than others. But overall, the food is better than decent. Not homemade, but good. There are always choices for vegetarians and vegans as well. They have special nights when they serve just indian food, breakfast for dinner, etc.
  Dorm Life	Dorms are small, but cozy. If you're lucky, you'll get a big room. There's always heat in the winter and enough space for a fan. If your room is small, like mine was freshman year, you'll definitely have a common room to decorate, put stuff in, have parties in, etc.
  Academic Rigor	The work load is heavy but it's reasonable. Like I said before, don't be afraid to use your resources because there are so many available here at Williams. For example, there is a Math and Science Resource Center (MSRC), Writer's Workshop, tutors, etc. Just don't kid yourself and save everything for the last minute or try to BS your work. Smaller school means smaller classes mean professors are very meticulous about work.
  Tips for prospective students	Don't be afraid to try new things and don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zones when choosing classes and extracurriculars. But please don't overwhelm yourself by joining too many clubs on campus. Most importantly, talk to professors and talk to the deans. The faculty on this campus want to help you so don't be afraid to use resources.
  In three sentences	This school provides a very diverse but tight-knit community. The professors are so passionate about what they teach and are determined to make you fall in love with their material. The opportunities are endless here because the school is always willing to fund for students' projects and turn ideas into reality.

  Login to rate or flag the reviews

• Anna from Chester, VA

  12/23/2011

  Reviewer is A current student here.

  2 out of 3 people found this review useful. 6 of 11

  Categories	Comments
  Great for these types of students	Intellectual, athletic, well-rounded, curious, artistic, environmentally-aware, witty, sarcastic... anyone
  Tips for prospective students	When applying to Williams, please visit it and express as much as you can how much you want to go here.
  Bang for the buck	Even Forbes agrees with me. Williams provides a phenomenal education and exhilarating experience that is worth every penny.
  Am enjoying being here	Adapting to being a college freshman anywhere is kind of weird, but I've really liked Williams so far.
  Am learning a lot	Outside the nurturing and exceptional education provided in class, the entire student and staff population of Williams has taught me so many lessons in my short time being here.

  Login to rate or flag the reviews

• Demarius from Calumet City, IL

  06/16/2012

  Reviewer is A current student here.

  2 out of 2 people found this review useful. 7 of 11

  Categories	Comments
  Campus Safety	The campus is really safe. People sometimes feel comfortable enough to leave the belongings sitting around, and no one touches it. Security is always on-call and cooperative.
  Greek Life	There is no Greek life at Williams.
  Clubs and Activities	There are many social spaces at Williams College. The clubs and activities are all-inclusive, and if there is not a club or activity that suits your needs, you can create a club.
  Great for these types of students	Great for students with a passion for learning and succeeding. Intelligence, hard work, and perseverance thrive in this environment.
  Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus	Mountain Day is held in October. Classes are cancelled and most students hike the mountains of Williamstown and sing songs and drink apple cider!
  Bang for the buck	Ranked #1 in the Princeton Review for Best Value Colleges over Harvard, Princeton,Yale, and all of the other Ivy League favorites. #1 in Forbes for Colleges that will make you rich.
  What to do for fun	Williamstown has many opportunities for fun. From attending athletic competitions with your fellow schoolmates, partying on the weekend (despite copious amounts of work), to exploring the great outdoors. The outdoors scene here is great with many mountains to hike. During the winter time, students may go to nearby ski resorts. Many fun things to do at Williams!
  Food and Dining	Williams has three main dining halls with other smaller cafes for breakfast. The options are very accommodating for vegetarians. Salad bars, ice cream machines, deli stations, pasta stations, desert stations. Occasionally, there are times where the food choice isn't the most appealing. The restaurants (Sushi Thai, Spice Root, Subway, Spring St. Pizza, Papa Charlie's) are also great options.
  Dorm Life	The dorm life at Williams can suit your needs depending on what you like. Many rooms on campus are singles and there are a substantial amount of double room. After the first-year, students can choose to live with their closest friends. There are no RA's so the dorm life overall is pretty lax.
  Academic Rigor	Most courses at Williams are rigorous. The work load may seem impossible, but that's what makes Williams such a valuable institution. The rigor challenges the students beyond measure and it is up to them to embrace the challenge and reap the benefits.
  Tips for prospective students	Be ready to hit the ground running if you're considering Williams. Williams is definitely a place that breeds an intellectual environment for everyone. The discussion-oriented courses are key as you develop relationships with your professors. Here, we take advantage of academic resources (tutors, writing workshops, math and resource center, office hours with professors, etc.). Every second of life at Williams is a learning experience that's makes your time well worth it!
  In three sentences	Williams College is a really fruitful environment where intelligence and hard work thrives. The interactions amongst students and professors breeds an environment in which ALL learn and benefit. The opportunities that this institution presents are innumerable.

  Login to rate or flag the reviews

• Samantha from Chapel Hill, NC

  08/21/2012

  Reviewer is A current student here.

  1 out of 3 people found this review useful. 8 of 11

  Categories	Comments
  Tips for prospective students	Keep good grades, and take the admissions essay seriously.
  In three sentences	Best Liberal Arts College in the country and the world! I love this school. Go Ephs!

  Login to rate or flag the reviews

• Paige from Bonita, CA

  11/06/2012

  Reviewer is A current student here.

  1 out of 1 people found this review useful. 9 of 11

  Categories	Comments
  Campus Safety	Campus security is extremely nice and helpful. If someone is drunk and needs to be taken to the hospital or something, they are never mean or cruel; they are not there to get you into trouble, only to help. They are really good about protecting our campus, even though, overall, it is a very safe place.
  Greek Life	There is none.
  Clubs and Activities	There are hundreds of clubs throughout campus on pretty much everything imaginable: from radio to gospel choir to debate to glass blowing.
  Great for these types of students	If you want a well-rounded education at a top-tier school in an isolated environment without the cutthroat environment of some top level schools, Williams is definitely the place to be.
  Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus	Mountain day is one of our best traditions. One of the first three Fridays in October is Mountain Day, decided by the Dean as well as Williams Outing Club, and is kept a secret until the morning when the bell is rung and school is canceled. Then, everyone does hikes up some of the mountains nearby for apple cider, donuts, and a Capella. It is a magical day.
  Bang for the buck	It is expensive, but well worth it. It has great financial aid programs and graduates from Williams have the highest average earnings of any college in the country.
  What to do for fun	Extracirricular activities are big. Everyone is active in life outside classes here. Whatever your interests, there is probably a group of like minded individuals for you to join. There are also parties on weekends. Also, there are speakers, performances ( both professional, like the New York City Ballet which comes every year, and school done, like the musical written by a student), and so much more.
  Food and Dining	The dining hall food is excellent. It is so good and there is so much of it. The only problem is watching out for the freshman fifteen!
  Dorm Life	As a freshman, you live with an entry. This is a group of varying people who you live with for a year. Your entry gets really close and it is a way to have friends right off the bat starting in a new place.
  Academic Rigor	Williams is an extremely rigorous school. The focus is definitely on education and it turns out some very well-rounded, weathered students on the other side. There is always lots of work to be done, but the learning and quality of teaching is definitely worth the effort. This is definitely a place of quality education.
  Tips for prospective students	Work hard to get in, because if you do, it is an amazing experience.
  In three sentences	Williams College is a quiet giant. So few people outside the northeast seem to have heard about this amazing school that is the number one undergraduate education in the country, and yet some of the wealthiest, most successful people are Williams graduates. It creates a close-knit, warm environment of learning that is an absolutely amazing place to be with so many opportunities.

  Login to rate or flag the reviews

• Clare from Williamstown, MA

  03/29/2013

  Reviewer is A current student here.

  10 of 11

  Categories	Comments
  Campus Safety	Some problems with sexual assault, but isolated location makes it more safe than most cities.
  Greek Life	None.
  Clubs and Activities	All kinds of clubs are available--great opportunity to explore your interests!
  Great for these types of students	Those interested in a broad education and tight community.
  Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus	Every October, a random Friday is declared Mountain Day--no classes, and students go hiking.
  What to do for fun	There are events like movie screenings, free food, and parties every weekend. There are also some good restaurants in town.
  Food and Dining	Standard cafeteria fare. Themed dinners are especially good. There is always a salad bar and ice cream bar.
  Dorm Life	Most dorms have common rooms and TVs. Some have kitchens, which really improves the dorm. Students get to choose to live with their friends.
  Academic Rigor	Classes are usually quite difficult. Professors are very helpful and friendly in general. There is some grade inflation, like most liberal arts colleges.
  Tips for prospective students	Take 100 level classes your first semester, and work on your divisional requirements and PE early. Meet a lot of people, and try to make friends outside your entry.
  In three sentences	Williams is full of passionate, diverse, intelligent people. This community is one of the most valuable things about it. There are also a wealth of on-campus activities, and the town is picturesque though small.

  Login to rate or flag the reviews

• A Willy Junior

  05/02/2013

  Reviewer is A current student here.

  11 of 11

  Categories	Comments
  Campus Safety	They are quick and helpful!
  Greek Life	None. We no longer have fraternities and sororities.
  Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus	Mountain day! It is one Friday in October (that is randomly chosen) where students and teachers have the day off to climb the mountain. When we reach the top, there are all types of donuts and cider along with singing and much picture taken.
  Food and Dining	We have three dining halls which still does not say much because food can sometimes be awful. There's nothing to complain about in terms of breakfast and dinner because they can sometimes be decent, but I cannot remember having a good lunch.
  Dorm Life	Even as a freshman, it is not difficult to have good housing, whether you want a double or a single. Most students choose to stay on campus because it is more convenient and dorms offer more than enough incentives such suites, kitchens, large common room space, etc.
  Academic Rigor	I have had many rough nights at Williams. While it depends on your majors and the classes you choose, just remember that Williams is no longer high school. Good grades will not come easily; work for it. After all, you are competition with other students who might have also been valedictorian in their respective high schools.
  Tips for prospective students	Be prepared to study hard and become close to the relatively small population of students. Also, take advantage of all the small activities the campus has to offer because without it, Williams life can become mundane quite fast.
  In three sentences	Williams is not a college fore everyone. I have realized that unless students are willing to accept and live in the purple bubble for four years, it will be a difficult adjustment. With that being said, I love Williams because without the experience it provides, I could become the person I am today.

  Login to rate or flag the reviews