Williams College
Williamstown, MA · Private · 2,076 undergrads
- Admit rate: 8.2% (11,465 applicants)
- SAT middle 50%: 1490–1570 (ACT 34–35)
- Undergraduates: 2,076 (8.8% international)
- Average net price: $17,716 (per year after aid)
- Graduation rate: 94% (within 6 years)
Deadlines
- Early Decision: Nov. 15, 2026
- Regular Decision: Jan. 4, 2027
Essays
Academic writing sample (optional) (No limit stated)
An optional academic writing sample on any topic; it does not need to be graded.
Editor's notes
- With no supplement and no interview, your file is your transcript, your three letters, your activities and one 650-word essay. That makes the personal statement carry more weight here than at schools that ask for four more essays. Spend the time you'd have spent on a Williams supplement making that essay sound unmistakably like you.
- Williams has one early round, binding, on Nov. 15. In the Class of 2030 cycle, there were 258 ED admits from 1,023 applicants. Apply ED only if Williams is your clear first choice; with free tuition for families at $200,000 or less, run the net price calculator before you sign the agreement.
- The optional writing sample is the one lever you control beyond the Common App. If you have a strong analytical paper, send it. If you don't, skip it; it's optional for a reason.
