Williams College

Date: Jan 18 2009
Major: Political Science (This Major's Salary over time)
I fell in love with Williams College as soon as I visited it. I've been here for two semesters now, and I can honestly say it has surpassed all of my expectations.

Academics: I am challenged in my work, and pushed to do well. I don't feel like I am working the system or doing busy work. At the same time, the attitude here is about working hard in the areas you are motivated to do so. If you want to learn a subject, you will. There won't be any busy work or bullshit (at least in my experience). What I especially like about the college is that the administration goes out of their way to make sure you're not overstressed. They'll have huge stress-busting events during finals, and they organize these little fairs and festivals at random intervals. Plus, there's free psych counseling if you need a little more help. Professors are extremely open to extensions and letting slip ups slide—they seem really sympathetic to students with loaded schedules.

Administration: I remember when I was applying that I read Williams was ranked as one of the top schools in which everything "ran like butter." I wholeheartedly concur. Everything just seems to work properly. The administration is very good at handling situations, and they're very open to student suggestion. The professors themselves are all exactly what you'd want from professors. They're intelligent, prestigious, and absolutely in love with their jobs and the college. They're helpful and understanding.

Social Life: I come from a rural area, so it wasn't a big challenge for me to adopt to the quiet of Williamstown, although I'm sure some city-folk would have difficulties. Despite it being in the middle of the Berkshires, things are never dull here. There are always parties (they're not great parties, admittedly, but you'll have fun), and loads of events all over campus. If you need a break from the usual scene, several small cities are within driving distance, and there are always plays, movies, art galleries, and other things to do there.

As far as alcohol is concerned, drinkers and nondrinkers are fine here. I did not want to drink much in college when I was applying, and I would have been fine if I continued that philosophy. Because of the entry system (freshmen live in groups of 20 or so with two JA's (junior advisers)), you will have access to alcohol through your JA's and a group to go party with from the start.

Aside from that, the people here are some of the best people I've ever met. I'm learning a lot about other people's cultures, I'm meeting people from all over the world, and I'm chilling with people who are very different than me. Everyone here is so friendly, the students, professors, faculty, the janitors even… everyone seems to love being here and, for the most part, are really happy, motivated, enthusiastic people.