Williams College is one of the top 50 most competitive colleges in the world for undergraduate admissions, according to admissions statistics. Williams College’s acceptance rates have decreased over the past eight years and are almost certainly going to continue to do so in the future, following the trends at all top universities.
One of the most difficult classes to get into Williams College was the Class of 2023. Williams College received 9,715 applications for the Class of 2023, and 1,205 of those applicants were accepted, for an overall acceptance rate of 12. 4%. Overall applications increased by 1. 6% over last year (2022 to 2023) from 9,559 to 9,715
Williams College ED Acceptance Rate – Class of 2026
For the 2021–22 admissions cycle, Williams accepted 255 applicants in the early decision round. This 31. 3% acceptance rate far exceeds that of the regular round.
Williams College Acceptance Rate – Class of 2026
A look at the Class of 2026 reveals that only 1,303 of the 15,321 applicants were accepted. This indicates that Williams College only accepts 8 applicants per year. 5%. The previous year, the acceptance rate was 8. 8%.
Williams College Admissions – SAT, GPA, and Class Rank
For Class of 2025 members, the mid-50% SAT range for enrolled freshmen was 1470-1550; the ACT range was 33-35 Mean scores were 1500 and 34, while 1510 and 34 served as the median scores. Among enrolled 2021-22 first-year students, an impressive 90% hailed from the top 10%, while 100% earned a place in the top 25%
Admissions Trends & Notes – Class of 2026
- 10,959 applicants were rejected, while 2,241 were added to a waitlist.
- For the Class of 2026, there were more applicants—from 12,452 to 15,321—than before.
- Williams has stated that COVID-19 will prevent the high school class of 2023 from taking the test. In the winter of 2023, they will make a long-term choice regarding test-optional admissions.
- 35% of incoming students participate in intercollegiate sports.
- 41% of the Class of 2025 were admitted via early decision
How Williams College Rates Applicants
Williams College identifies five aspects of the admissions process as “very important,” including the difficulty of the high school curriculum, class rank, GPA, recommendations, and character/personal qualities. First-generation status, essays, talent/ability, extracurricular activities, legacy status, racial/ethnic status, work experience, and volunteer work are all “important” factors in the admissions process. Factors that are “considered” are: geographical residence and religious affiliation.
“Williams uses a holistic admission process that focuses on gaining a deeper understanding of an applicant’s academic achievements and personal character…While the academic record is the most important factor in the admission process, we seek students who will serve as leaders not only in the classroom but also in the community at large,” the admissions office at Williams directly states. To that end, we also take into account each candidate’s extracurricular activities and community service accomplishments. A strong co-curricular record may showcase a variety of skills and accomplishments or stand out performance in just one or a few areas. ”.
Williams wants to see success and leadership both inside and outside of the classroom, so it’s critical to understand what criteria highly selective colleges use to assess extracurricular activities. Visit our blog post How Many Extracurricular Activities Do I Need for College for more information on that subject.
Williams College Demographics
Let’s examine the demographics of the undergraduate student body at Williams College. The following states send the most students to the college:
These nations account for the largest proportion of international students:
In terms of ethnic identity, the breakdown is as follows:
- White: 46%
- Asian: 14%
- Hispanic: 13%
- African American: 7%
- Two or More Races: 6%
- International: 9%
Gender analysis reveals that roughly equal numbers of men and women enroll in universities.
One recent incoming class had students from the following high schools:
- Public: 55%
- Private: 32%
- Parochial: 11%
Williams College’s “Yield Rate”
Williams College%E2%80%99s yield rate%E2%80%94the percentage of accepted students who elect to enroll, divided by the total number of students who are admitted is 52% For comparison, other top liberal arts schools have the following yields: Swarthmore College (45%), Pomona College (45%), and Amherst College (35%)
Tips for Applying to Williams College
If you intend to be one of the 15,000 applicants to Williams College for the upcoming admissions cycle, you should be aware of the following:
- If Williams is your top choice, you should seriously think about submitting an ED by November 15 The first week of January marks the Regular Decision deadline, but acceptance rates are much lower in this round.
- Interviews are not used as a part of the evaluation process at this school.
- You won’t be evaluated based on whether you visited the campus, spoke with an admissions officer, or anything else because Williams College does not take “demonstrated interest” into account.
- Potential Ephs can submit an application using the Coalition Application or the Common Application.
- Remember to maintain those grades throughout your senior year of high school as you will be required to submit a Mid-Year Report in late February.
- Lastly, be sure to give the Williams College Optional Writing Supplement enough time and effort:
Williams Writing Supplement 2022-23
Williams does not require a writing supplement. However, students who wish to share a sample of their writing can do so by uploading a recent academic paper, ideally one that is between three and five pages long. The essay can be creative or analytical, and it is not required to be graded. Typed is preferable, but we will accept handwritten pieces. Please do not submit lab reports. When turning in this optional paper, kindly include a summary of the task or prompt.
Should I Apply to Williams?
Eighty percent of those accepted into Williams possessed an SAT score of 1400 or better; 90% earned an ACT score of 30 or higher (this does not include the last application cycle when the school became temporarily test-optional) Almost everyone graduated from high school near the top of their class or at the very top. You’ll be a competitive applicant at Williams if you check these boxes, but those with additional qualities and skills will do best. According to the school, “We want people who embrace intellectual challenges, have diverse opinions, and are creative thinkers” People who are dedicated to giving to the community as much as they will receive in return ”.
Any applicant to a university of Williams’ caliber should also have a balanced list of “target” and “safety” colleges. You can learn more about how to make a balanced college list here.
Williams Admission 101
FAQ
Is Williams as good as Ivy League?
Williams College is one of the best non-Ivy colleges in the country, despite its less well-known status as a liberal arts institution. Williams offers majors in everything from economics to political science, government, and history.
Is it harder to get into Williams or Amherst?
As a result, the acceptance rate alone does not necessarily indicate that Amherst College is a better institution or that it will be more difficult for you to get accepted there. On the other hand, Williams College is simpler to enter based solely on acceptance rate.
Is Williams College better than Harvard?
According to Forbes’ annual Top Colleges ranking, Williams College is the top university in America, with Harvard University coming in at number seven this year.
What GPA do you need for Williams?
You should aim for the 75th percentile, with a 1550 SAT or a 35 ACT, to have the best chance of getting in. You should also have a 4. 07 GPA or higher. If your GPA is below this, you must make up the difference with a higher SAT/ACT score.