Information for International Applicants

The four year undergraduate college in the United States, of which Williams College is a preeminent example, is unique among the world's educational institutions in concentrating on excellent undergraduate teaching by talented faculty in small classroom and laboratory settings. In their Bachelors' degree programs, colleges in the U.S. differ from universities only in the fact that they do not also offer post-graduate or doctoral degrees. All their resources are dedicated to the education of students in their four undergraduate years, usually in an intimate residential setting. The small size of Williams College allows for significant interaction and discussion between students and faculty. Many students conduct original research either independently or in conjunction with faculty. This atmosphere encourages students to become independent thinkers and leaders in their academic and professional careers. The overall experience is recognized as an excellent foundation for graduate or professional study and careers.

Admission Procedures and Standards

International students follow essentially the same procedures as all other students in applying for admission to Williams. No special admission form is required. A candidate's cultural background and international experiences are highlighted positively in the selection process, as Williams continues its historic commitment to cultural diversity on campus. Williams is committed to a need-blind financial aid policy toward all applicants and will meet the full demonstrated financial need of all students. In addition to funding tuition, room and board, our aid packages include yearly travel, textbook and personal spending allowances.

Admission Process:

Each year the Williams Committee on Admission reviews over 6,000 first year applications, including approximately 1000 from international students for an entering class of 530. The admission process is highly selective, with less than 17 percent of an extremely talented applicant group being admitted. To be competitive for admission, applicants must have outstanding academic credentials.

Qualifications for International Candidates

1. Documented achievement in a challenging pre-college program or secondary school
2. English fluency
3. Superior performance on national and/or international tests or final examinations (admitted students typically score in the top 10% of all exam takers)

Applying

The Admission Prospectus contains full information on Williams College. Williams accepts the Common Application with the Williams College Supplement. If you do not wish to submit the Common Application on-line, you may download the application from our website. Application requirements include: admission application, with one essay by the student; letters of recommendation from two teachers plus one counselor or academic advisor; secondary school report, with official transcripts of grades or exam results; official results of the College Board SAT and two SAT Subject Tests or ACT and two SAT Subject Tests and an application fee of U.S. $60. A letter of reference from a peer or friend is optional. The application fee of U.S. $60 is routinely waived for students with significant financial need. If a fee waiver is required, students should enclose with the final application a letter from a school officer or legal advisor verifying limited financial resources.

For Regular Decision, final application requirements are due January 1 at the Office of Admission. If some material will be delayed, candidates should submit at least the personal application by this date. Official results from College Board exams taken in January will be considered if mailed directly to Williams. Financial Aid application materials are due at the Williams College Office of Financial Aid no later than February 1. Notification of regular admission decisions and financial aid awards will be mailed or faxed by the first week of April. All admitted candidates must respond to the decision by May 1. Students enrolled in secondary school programs which do not issue regular "transcripts" or grade reports should have any other official term or year-end evaluation, diploma or certificate results submitted with the Secondary School Report from the college counselor, advisor or headmaster. The Mid-Year School Report is required for Regular Decision candidates and deferred Early Decision candidates whosthe final year of secondary education is still in progress after the January 1 application deadline. Any previously unavailable grades, exam results, or comments from instructors and advisors should be submitted with the Mid-Year Report by mid-February.

For Early Decision, final application requirements are due November 10 at the Office of Admission. Notification of a student's decision will occur by December 15. Under this admission program the signatures of the student and his or her academic counselor on the application certify that the student is committed to attend Williams if accepted. Admitted Early Decision candidates must withdraw applications to all other colleges and not initiate further applications. An admitted Early Decision student who knowingly disregards these instructions may have admission to Williams revoked. Students not admitted under the Early Decision program will often be deferred for Regular Decision review. Only students who are very sure of their desire to attend Williams and who feel quite confident in their academic record, without the addition of final year grades or exam results, should apply for Early Decision.

Required Admission Examinations:

All international applicants must take either the SAT or the ACT (American College Testing Program Exam) plus two SAT Subject tests. Students are not required to submit the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), unless they are applying from a country without access to SAT or ACT testing. These tests are administered at many established testing centers around the world, including consulates, international schools, colleges and USIS offices. SAT and SAT Subject Tests are normally taken on two separate days. Test registration deadlines at many testing centers may be two months prior to the test date, so we urge you to obtain registration materials as soon as possible. Plan to take the SAT and Subject Tests by mid-November for Early Decision or mid-January for Regular Decision. (If a student cannot schedule both SAT and Subject Tests, Williams recommends taking the SAT.) Note that some students may be eligible for fee waivers on either the SAT or Subject Tests or both. Always request that official exam results be sent directly to Williams College; our institution code for exam reporting is 3965. Candidates are strongly advised to become familiar with the format of these tests. Two booklets for review and preparation are available in many guidance offices: Taking the SAT and Taking the SAT Subject Tests. For SAT registrations materials, telephone 609-771-7600, write: College Board SAT, Princeton, NJ 08541 or access their web site.

Degree Status for Admission:

International students may be admitted only for first year status. Williams does not accept applications from international students as transfer candidates. First year candidates will have completed the final year of secondary or pre-university studies but no higher education by the time of enrollment. Students who have successfully completed advanced secondary school studies, such as the International Baccalaureate, Advanced-Level courses, Abitur, etc. may be eligible to receive Williams degree credit or advanced placement credit for this work, as determined by individual academic departments. All students are enrolled full time. Williams does not enroll part-time degree candidates. Williams does not enroll students who wish to pursue some or all of the requirements for a second undergraduate degree. There is also no general admission program for "special" or non-degree students who wish to enroll for a few semesters or with part-time status. First year students enroll in September only. No summer classes are offered.