<p>AliB, All of the colleges on your list share a similar personality except for Reed, which attracts a different kid of student. My son goes to Williams so Ill concentrate on that one, but I could say that my answers would be similar for Bowdoin, Bates, Colgate and Middlebury. Id suggest that you add Hamilton to that list. </p>
<p>Williams shares characteristics with many of the schools that youve visited, but isnt exactly like any of them. It has a lot of overlap with Amherst and Dartmouth in student type, except that Williams offers more arts related opportunities. In that way its similar to Brown and Vassar, but Williams the kids are more active and extroverted, more middle road politically.</p>
<p>In answer to your questions:</p>
<p>-what is the general atmosphere? -campus life?
Small town, a village really, very close knit community, friendly, active kids with multidimensional interests. Study hard, play hard philosophy.</p>
<p>-what is a typical school-week like, including work load?
Kids put a lot of energy in their classes and their ECs. Academics are extremely rigorous with intensive reading and writing assignments. </p>
<p>what do students do on weekends?On weekends kids mostly stay on campus. There are a LOT of sports and social events as well as arts focused activities. Williams has a strong commitment to the arts music, museums, dance, theater and actively recruits kids who can contribute, I think more than the other schools on your list.</p>
<p>-what are classes like? (i.e. small? good profs? engaging discussions?, etc.)
Small classes taught by brilliant, accessible professors who are teachers first.</p>
<p>-are there nearby cities that are accessible by bus/train? and do students go there occasionally?
There are buses to Boston and New York, but they are several hours away. Most kids get off campus once or twice a term, either for a social event or a school organized event.</p>
<p>-what are the typical students like?
Smart, extroverted, energetic, confident, friendly</p>
<p>-are the dorms nice?
Very</p>
<p>-how’s the food?
Very good</p>
<p>-I’m from MN, so I do a lot of outdoor/winter sports, like skiing… how popular are these types of activities?
Williams is surrounded by mountains and gets plenty of snow. Being involved in winter sports is a huge plus. During Winter Study period (more on that below) no one does much else.</p>
<p>-is the campus really as beautiful as it looks in pictures?
Yes!</p>
<p>-overall, how would you rate the undergrad. experience? are the students happy there?
Excellent and yes, very.</p>
<p>-any other interesting and/or insightful things you might know from personal experience, good or bad… I really want to find out more about the pluses and minuses of these colleges!
Aside from the excellent academics and faculty and wonderful kids, I think the points of differentiation at Williams are
- The tutorial program
Two students and one professor explore a topic for a whole term.
- Winter Study
The month of January, everyone takes one fun course and parties non-stop, including a lot of skiing and snowboarding.
- Freshman Entry system
Students are assigned to a dorm with about 20 kids overseen by two junior advisors. Its an instant social group.
- Career and grad school counseling
Williams has an excellent track record for grad and professional school placements and an active alum support system. Also being a small school you really get to know your professors so its easy to ask for recommendations
- Focus on the arts
Williams has three excellent museums and has just opened a $50 million performing arts center. There are many opportunities to get involved in arts related activities even if youre majoring in something entirely different.</p>