We’re eagerly awaiting decisions from the remarkable
students admitted to Williams' Class of 2021, but I know your work with rising
sophomores, juniors, and seniors is already well under way. Thank you for your
support of students and their families. Here are some important updates from
Williams.
Windows on Williams: All-Expenses-Paid Visits for High
School Seniors
The application for the 2017 Windows on Williams (WOW)
program is now available! Through this program we provide more than 200
high-achieving high school seniors the opportunity to spend three
all-expenses-paid days on campus. WOW is a selective program, and preference is
given to students who couldn’t otherwise afford to visit. If you have questions
about any aspect of the WOW program, please email us.
Quick Cost Calculator: Take Two Minutes to Learn How
Affordable Williams Is
Check out MyinTuition, our Quick Cost Calculator. Unlike
traditional net price calculators, MyinTuition takes less than two minutes to
complete and asks just eight simple questions to generate an expected family
contribution. I hope this tool will be useful as you help families move beyond
sticker price and better understand just how affordable Williams is. Try it out
and see for yourself!
Application Fee Waived for All First-Generation Applicants
Williams has long granted application fee waivers to any
applicant who requests one. Beginning with the 2017-2018 admission cycle, we
will also waive the application fee for all applicants who are first-generation
college students. To apply to Williams at no cost, students should simply
select the “Williams Fee Waiver” option on the Common Application or Coalition
Application. We know, of course, that supporting students once they enroll at
the college is just as important as making their initial application possible.
All textbooks, course materials, art supplies, and music lessons are FREE for
Williams students who receive financial aid. Additionally, the Career Center's
Access Fund supports financial aid recipients with funding for
interview-related travel, graduate school examination fees, and other
out-of-pocket expenses like interview attire, portfolios, and business cards.
Reflections on Our First Admission Cycle Without SAT Subject
Tests
Last spring, Williams eliminated SAT Subject Tests as an
application requirement. We’re thrilled with the results of our first cycle
since the change. Thirty percent of students admitted to the college did not
submit Subject Tests. But we’re also aware that some prospective students
remain anxious about the role that Subject Tests play. I want to reiterate that
there is absolutely no advantage given to applicants who submit Subject Tests
scores; your students should feel at ease applying to Williams with only the
SAT or ACT and can always contact us with specific questions about our testing
policy.
An Important Note About Williams’ Commitment to All Students
Many of us head into this summer eager for some (relative)
downtime, but we’re also wondering how recent political developments in the
U.S. might impact students engaged in the college process in the months ahead.
Read President Adam Falk’s full message to the Williams community here, but, in
short, please know that Williams remains as committed as ever to admitting,
enrolling, and supporting all students, regardless of nationality, citizenship,
geography, or religious background. This longstanding and unwavering commitment
is a hallmark of Williams, and I hope your students will reach out if they have
any questions.
Visit Williams
Lastly, if you’re planning a college tour and are interested
in including Williams in your itinerary, please be sure to let us know. We
welcome visits at any time, and we’re especially thrilled to be able to provide
travel stipends to help offset costs for high schools that serve students for
whom visiting campus is cost-prohibitive.
Until then, thank you, as always, for all that you do. I
wish you all the best for a restful and restorative summer.
