How to Apply

Williams doesn’t conduct interviews in its admission process.

Williams is truly test optional, so it’s entirely up to you whether you submit exam results for the SAT or ACT. Regardless, rest assured that your application will be reviewed in a thorough, student-centered, holistic admission process that takes into account your achievements, talents and life experiences; course selection and grades; letters of recommendation; and essays, to name a few. Scores are truly optional.

To decide whether or not to apply test-optional, we recommend you consult your college counselor as you would for all other questions about the application process. There is a question on the Williams application where you will be able to let us know whether you’ll be applying test-optional or not. You may change your mind about whether you want us to use testing in the admission process up until the deadline for your decision program—QuestBridge Match, Early Decision, Regular Decision or Transfer. You can communicate this change by emailing admission​@williams​.edu.

Please note that the submission of SAT subject tests, AP scores, IB exams, A-levels and language proficiency tests has been optional at Williams for many years, and this will continue to be the case.

For testing to be considered, we require the full set of scores for the SAT or ACT. You cannot submit scores for particular sections of a test.

Williams superscores the SAT and ACT. This means that if you submit multiple test scores, we’ll consider your highest score when reviewing your application. Applicants can also use the score choice feature of the SAT.

We don’t require SAT subject tests. SAT subject tests are not a replacement for the ACT or SAT, but if submitted, they will be considered as part of our holistic admission process.

Williams doesn’t award degree credit for Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, online courses or college coursework completed during high school. However, some academic departments may use this information for placement purposes.

If the application fee poses a financial hardship, you can request a fee waiver on the Common Application or the Coalition Application. You can also request a waiver for the CSS Profile. Williams actively seeks the most exceptional candidates regardless of financial need. Applying for a fee waiver won’t disadvantage your application in any way.

The enrollment deposit is $200. If this poses a financial hardship, please email admission​@williams​.edu to request a waiver.

Williams offers only need-based financial aid, not merit scholarships. We’re one of about four dozen colleges in the U.S. that practice need-blind admission for domestic applicants, including undocumented and DACA-designated students, and also meet 100% of every student’s demonstrated need, every year.

Students admitted under Early Decision are expected to accept our offer and to withdraw any applications submitted to other schools. In rare instances, when the financial aid package offered doesn’t make attendance possible, a student may request to be released from the binding aspect of Early Decision. Thankfully, this is a rare occurrence, because Williams offers one of the most generous financial aid programs in the country.

Yes, each year between 15 and 20 students opt to defer their admission. If you wish to defer, please send your request, in writing, to Director of Admission Steph Gonzalez.

No, Williams only admits students for the fall semester.

Yes, please email additional materials to applicationmaterials​@williams​.edu.