I am a domestic student transferring from a community college. I was admitted to both Williams College and JHU. As someone who wants to double major in Economics and Political Science, I was initially set on attending Williams; however, I am a bit skeptical about the isolation aspect of the Berkshires.
It seems that JHU is ranked higher than Williams College, but then again I can’t seem to find a ranking that mentions both colleges. As far as financial aid goes, both schools offered me institutional grants that would cover the entire cost of attendance, though Williams appears to offer a few extra things that JHU doesn’t.
That said, I was wondering if anyone would be kind enough to list some of the pros and cons of attending each college, as well as mention which college would be best for a Poli Sci and Econ double major.
The remoteness will definitely be a factor, but I’m guessing it wouldn’t really be an issue if I make friends and keep busy. The Williams tutorial is an academic experience I definitely look forward to. Would you say Williams is more prestigious in the fields of Political Science and Economics? I just want to get the best education possible, and if that’s at Williams, then I’d be willing to ignore other smaller things.
Both excellent schools. You will not go wrong with either, but they will likely be very different experiences. Rural vs. Urban. Small vs. Large.
I am a firm believer in the LAC’s and that you only have one chance to have that sort of experience. You can always apply for graduate school to a larger university. At a school like Williams, undergraduates are the focus. You will be in a pool of 2k undergraduates, compared to Johns Hopkins 20k plus students. I have friends who have kids at similar schools and both have said the same things- equally outstanding educations, but at the smaller LACs, the opportunities find their way to the student and at the larger schools they have similar opportunities, but they have to work a bit to find them. The reality is, you will likely do well at both of these schools and come out with an outstanding education, but where will you feel like you got the most out of the experience? Only you can answer that. Best wishes to you!
In terms of a quantitative aspect to consider, Williams, by percentage of students, enrolls more economics majors than the vast majority of other colleges in the country. At 94 recent graduates in economics, Williams — somewhat remarkably — graduated more majors in this field than the much larger JHU (79 in the source linked below):
The atmospheric differences between these schools aren’t trifling in their nature, though, so consider their general characteristics thoroughly before making your decision.
These are two of the very best colleges in the country and you will get a great education at either one. January semester and tutorials are unique features at Williams that you will find at few if any other colleges.
The important question is not which one is better but at which of th two do you feel you are more likely to excel?
If your intended double major was economics & international relations & affairs, then JHU would be the easy choice.
For a double major in economics & poly sci, then it may be a matter of personal preference.
In my opinion, JHU offers the better econ major simply due to its masters degree program in addition to its offerings for those pursuing a bachelor’s degree in economics. Plus, JHU is known & respected worldwide.
There is no meaningful difference in the rankings between JHU and Williams. They are generally ranked in separate categories- JHU is a university and Williams is a college (the main distinction between the two is that a university has both graduate and undergraduate).
Both colleges will offer more than you will be able to take advantage of, both in those fields and as overall experiences, and neither will be a ‘wrong’ choice. You can get an equally good education at either, so what will make it the ‘best’ is where you thrive.
As they are very, very different experiences the most important metric is how the type of environment each offers suits you. So, as you think this through, think about:
In what types of situations do you tend to be most successful - and least - successful?
Maria Montessori believed that education should be 'challenging but achievable: when have challenges felt achievable - and when have the felt overwhelming?
In specific terms: does being in small tutorial-style lessons with your profs, where you can discuss concepts and ideas? (Collegekid 1 loved that approach…Collegekid 2, not so much, Collegekid 3 could take it or leave it). Again, it’s not right or wrong, it’s how you work. Do you like a more diverse environment? do you like to be in the great outdoors? Are you athletic? Spend some time on the virtual tours.
Then, trust your gut, and lean into whatever you decide. If you do both those things, whichever one you choose will turn out to be the ‘best’ one.
OP: Both are great options. Really comes down to your personal preference regarding environment.
Do you have any career objective ?
Do you enjoy research ?
Although there are only about 40 masters degree candidates in residence at JHU for econometrics & quantitative application, it does make a difference. (Most JHUecon masters degree candidates (several hundred) do so through distance learning.) Whether that difference is a positive or a negative depends primarily on your preferences.
my personal choice for myself (everyone is different) would be williams - it’s a super nurturing experience and they really put an emphasis on their undergrads, as they do not have many grad programs. if you crave the small school experience & the intimacy and everything that comes with it, there’s no question abt it! pick williams! it’s an AMAZING school and everyone who knows about it knows that (unfortunately, with LAC’s, bc they are smaller they aren’t as widely known). the prospects for grad school as a williams student are amazing.
if you prefer a larger university w/ perhaps more name brand recognition, then i’d say go with hopkins. it may also lead to a more “traditional” college experience if that’s what you’re looking for.
as a transfer, I feel like it’s really important to feel welcomed and find your place so that your last few years are meaningful. i don’t attend williams or even an LAC, but the vibe I get is that it seems a bit more accepting ~ idk if this is wrong, but a sense of belonging is just so imp. to one’s mental health and happiness and a slightly better “name” isn’t always everything, ESP when considering 2 amazing schools
Thank you for such a thorough comment – I truly appreciate it!
I must say, the idea of being in small tutorial-style lessons really sounds great to me. Although I tend to be confident, it can be a little intimidating speaking in front of 30+ people for me. Being in a classroom with 10 or less students makes it more likely for me to raise my hand and contribute to the discussion. I feel as though this is a huge advantage that only a small college can offer.
@Publisher - I’m just seeing the replies to this thread. As for having opened various threads, I opened them in different sections of the forum so that I could get the most insight possible. Hope that’s not against the rules.
Regarding your request for more information, I am not totally set on a career yet. I am interested in a wild range of careers, such as, lawyer, diplomat, writer, teacher, etc.
As for my interest in research, I am definitely interested in learning more about it. I have written research papers before, but haven’t done any meaningful research. I have no idea how to start, but the folks at Williams seemed very open to helping students interested in research. And the fact that undergrad students do not have to compete with grad students is definitely a plus.
@Fiendfyre2020, As others have pointed out, two great choices, equal in academics and opportunities, but very different in environment and culture.
Williams has a terrific economics department and very strong political science and international relations. While the Center for Development Economics is a graduate program for economists from developing countries, its resources influence Williams undergraduates as well. The nurturing relationships between faculty and students is a gift that keeps on giving in the form of graduate school and job recommendations.
My son is a Williams grad and for him, the insular mountain village setting was a plus. He appreciated the close knit campus community, the access to natural beauty and outdoorsy activities. However, if you’ve visited Williamstown and felt uninspired, then I’d suggest you follow your gut and go with JHU.
If you haven’t had a chance to visit, then I’d agree that you should analyze the style of learning that you respond best to. Try to talk to current students to get a feeling for the atmosphere and stress levels.
My favorite Williams-isn’t-for-everyone story: One of my son’s high school classmates considered Williams, but enroute driving over the country roads encountered a bear emerging from the forest. He told his father to turn the car around and head back to civilization. He eventually ended up at JHU where he felt “safe.”
LOL. That is a funny story! Even funnier when you think that a lot of other people wouldn’t feel safe anywhere in the JHU neighborhood.
I’m with you on Williams. Too many college students change their intended major for me to favor one school over another by the relative merits of a specific department. Williams offers so many special opportunities that it really is a unique learning experience and a great way to spend 4 years. I’m talking about Winter Study during the January semester, tutorials, seminars, opportunities for senior thesis or capstone, etc. I’d choose based on the overall undergraduate experience at the college.
I don’t know as much about JHU, so maybesomeone can make the case for them.
JHU economics has an amazing course taught by Prof Hanke & another prof. I cannot recall the name, but students must apply to take the course. Leads to great career opportunities in IB.
