<p>I don’t think I could improve on @mynightowl’s thumbnail descriptions, so I won’t catalog. Our impression of Hamilton was more positive: the location is quite remote, but very beautiful. The Greek system is less influential than it used to be (they abolished houses some years back) and the arts program is strong.</p>
<p>As the parent of a Williams graduate, I think you’d find everything you’re looking for there. Several of the others on your list were on my son’s shortlist (Amherst, Hamilton, Skidmore, plus Wesleyan which is a little different in environment, but has overlaps in student type).</p>
<p>What drew him to Williams was the profoundly beautiful natural surroundings and the daily access to nature. Even though he grew up in the tropics, he became a dedicated snowboarder in no time. He’s a light drinker and found his social group of outdoorsy, quirky and intellectually curious friends immediately. The orientation backpacking trip and the entry system is a good way to start off. Winter study is a month of hitting the slopes, socializing and taking one off-beat course.</p>
<p>My son majored in the humanities, but his friends were pretty well balanced across the academic spectrum – arts, sciences, social sciences. They all ended up at excellent graduate schools. All of these LACs have very good humanities and social sciences. I’d give Williams the edge for overall math/science.</p>
<p>If your interest in piano is serious I would add that Williams has excellent music performance opportunities, even for non-majors, and music (and arts participation in general) is an EC that they value. You should consider submitting a performance supplement with your application.</p>