Chances of Getting Into Williams College
Williamstown, Massachusetts • Private University • #1 National • Founded 1793
Williams Admissions Statistics 2025–2026
Williams SAT & ACT Scores
SAT Scores (Middle 50%)
ACT Scores (Middle 50%)
About Williams College
Williams College, consistently ranked the #1 liberal arts college in the United States, combines intimate class sizes with world-class resources. Nestled in the Berkshire Mountains of northwestern Massachusetts, Williams offers a tutorial system inspired by Oxford where two students work one-on-one with a professor.
Top Programs
What Makes Williams Unique
- #1 ranked liberal arts college for over a decade
- Oxford-style tutorial system — 2 students, 1 professor
- Winter Study Program (January term for exploratory courses)
- $4B+ endowment — one of the richest schools per capita
- Strong Division III athletics (NESCAC)
Williams Cost & Financial Aid
Cost of Attendance
Financial Aid
Williams Application Deadlines
How to Get Into Williams: Admission Tips
Williams tracks demonstrated interest — visit if you can, attend virtual events
ED1 and ED2 both offer significant advantages; use them
Show you'll contribute to the tight-knit campus community
Williams values intellectual curiosity — share what you're passionate about learning
The 'Why Williams' essay is crucial — be specific about tutorials, JanPlan, etc.
The Brutal Truth About Williams Admissions
The numbers are brutal. With a 9% acceptance rate, Williams rejected over 13,650 applicants in the most recent cycle. Many of those rejected students had perfect GPAs and 1550+ SATs.
Stats are table stakes, not differentiators. At Williams, having a 3.94 GPA and 1515 SAT puts you at average — not above average. What separates admitted students from rejected ones is everything else: essays, activities, recommendations, and authentic passion.
The biggest mistake applicants make: Treating their application like a résumé. Williams doesn't want a list of accomplishments — they want to understand who you are as a person and what you'll contribute to their community.
Bottom line: Apply if Williams genuinely excites you — but build a balanced college list. Don't put all your eggs in one 9%-acceptance-rate basket.
Williams Admissions FAQ
What is the acceptance rate at Williams College?
Williams College has an acceptance rate of 9% as of the most recent admissions cycle. Out of 15,000+ applicants, approximately 550 students were admitted to the incoming class.
What GPA do I need to get into Williams?
The average GPA of admitted students at Williams College is 3.94. Most successful applicants have GPAs above 3.79, with many in the top 5-10% of their high school class.
What SAT score do I need for Williams?
The middle 50% SAT range for admitted Williams students is 1460-1560. The average SAT score is 1515. For ACT, the range is 33-35 with an average of 34.
Is Williams hard to get into?
Yes, Williams College is highly selective with an acceptance rate of just 9%. Even students with perfect GPAs and test scores are not guaranteed admission. Holistic review means essays, extracurriculars, and recommendations all play critical roles.
How much does Williams cost?
Tuition at Williams College is $65,480 per year, with total cost of attendance at $84,600. However, 53% of students receive financial aid, with the average aid package exceeding $62,000+.
What are my chances of getting into Williams?
Your chances of getting into Williams College depend on your GPA, test scores, extracurricular activities, essays, and more. With a 9% overall acceptance rate, admissions are highly competitive. Use AdmitOdds to get a personalized assessment of your chances based on your actual profile.
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