First-Year

Early Decision is binding, meaning you’re committed to enrolling at Williams. The Early Decision application is the same as applying as a first-year student under Regular Decision, with just two exceptions: Be sure to sign the Early Decision Agreement Form and submit your application package by November 15.

If you want to apply to more than one school and consider your options, we recommend applying under our non-binding Regular Decision program. The deadline for Regular Decision is January 5, and applicants will receive notice of a decision by April 1. If admitted, you’ll have until May 1 to accept your place in the class.

An important note about QuestBridge: Williams is proud to be a longstanding QuestBridge College Partner. If you’re considering applying to Williams through QuestBridge, please visit the QuestBridge website for all the information you’ll need.

You can apply to Williams using one of three online platforms: Common App, Apply Coalition with Scoir or QuestBridge Application. We don’t prefer one platform over another, but each option has benefits for different types of students. Choose the one that lets you best tell your story.

• First-year and transfer students can apply using the Common App
• First-year students can also apply using Coalition on Scoir
• With its own process and timeline, QuestBridge is an option for high-achieving students from low-income backgrounds applying as first-year students

Transcripts sent by your school can arrive shortly after you submit your completed application.

Mid-year reports are due February 6 or, for schools on a trimester, when second trimester grades are available. Don’t worry if your counselor can’t submit mid-year grades by February 6. Just email us at applicationmaterials​@williams​.edu to let us know when we can expect them. A late submission will not disadvantage your application in any way.

Williams requires three recommendations: one from your school counselor and two from your teachers. Letters of recommendation sent by your school can arrive shortly after you submit your completed application.

Applying to Williams requires a $65 application fee, but if this cost is a financial hardship, you can request a fee waiver. Applying for a fee waiver won’t disadvantage your application in any way.

On the Common App, select “Applying for a Williams College Fee Waiver” in the Williams-specific section to have your application fee waived. If you use Apply Coalition with Scoir, you will be able to request a fee waiver at the end of the Williams supplement (part 2).

You can also request a waiver for the CSS Profile.

Williams is truly test optional. The decision to submit exam results for the SAT and ACT is up to you, but we recommend consulting with your college counselor. You can submit your SAT/ACT scores in any of three ways:

1. Enter them in the testing section of your application.
2. Email a screenshot of your score report to applicationmaterials​@williams​.edu.
3. Have them sent to Williams directly from the testing agency. The Williams SAT code is 3965 and ACT code is 1936.

We superscore the SAT/ACT. This means that if multiple test scores are submitted, we’ll consider the highest section scores when reviewing your application. If you submit ACT results, the science section is optional for those taking the enhanced ACT, and we will superscore across the legacy and enhanced ACT exams.

You can change your mind about submitting scores at any point before your application deadline; just email applicationmaterials​@williams​.edu to let us know.

Additional writing supplement: Williams does not require a writing supplement, but we recognize that some students feel they do their best writing in an academic context rather than a personal narrative. If you would like to submit an example of your academic writing, you may share a 3- to 5-page paper (excluding citations) written in the last year. The paper may be creative or analytical, can cover any topic and need not be graded or include teacher comments. Please include a description of the assignment or prompt, and do not submit lab reports.

You can submit this optional writing supplement using any of the online application platforms.

Studio/performing arts portfolio: If you have a well-developed talent in the visual or performing arts, our faculty would be happy to review your portfolio and provide their feedback as a factor in our holistic admission process. Learn more about submitting an arts supplement, including specific deadlines and how to send your portfolio using SlideRoom.

Scientific research abstracts: If you’ve pursued significant scientific or mathematical research and are considering a research or academic career, we welcome a brief description of your past work. Please include this information on your application or email it to applicationmaterials​@williams​.edu.