Williams College Admits 244 to Class of 2019 in Early Decision Plan

Media contact:  Noelle Lemoine, communications assistant; tele: (413) 597-4277; email: [email protected]

WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass., December 12, 2014—Williams College has offered admission to 244 students under its Early Decision plan. The 112 women and 132 men will comprise 44 percent of the incoming Class of 2019, whose ultimate target size is 550.

Richard Nesbitt, director of admission, said 593 students applied under Early Decision, a seven percent increase from last year. “The increased size and especially strong academic quality of the applicant pool made for intense competition for spaces in the class,” he said.

The admitted students represent 198 secondary schools around the world. Thirty-three states are represented, with the largest numbers coming from New York (39), Massachusetts (33), California (30), New Jersey (20), Connecticut (19), Pennsylvania (14), Maryland (8), Illinois (8), Florida (5), Rhode Island (4) and Minnesota (4). The 16 international students admitted represent 10 countries: Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, China, Ethiopia, France, Kenya, Pakistan, Tunisia and Vietnam.

American students of color comprise 30 percent of the Early Decision group, including 27 African Americans, 25 Asian Americans, 20 Latinos, and one Native American. Twenty-two students are first-generation college students (that is, neither parent has a four-year college degree), almost twice last year’s total,and nearly 20 percent of Early Decision admits come from low-income families. “We are especially gratified by the socioeconomic diversity represented in the Early Decision group, a direct result of the success of two expanded fall fly-in programs for high-ability, low-income students,” Nesbitt said.

Academically, the Class of 2019 Early Decision contingent rivals any in the college’s past. Standardized test score averages are in line with previous Early Decision cohorts: SAT averages of 709 critical reading, 701 math, and 707 writing, and an ACT average of 32. Of those applicants who reported class rank, 95 percent were among the top 10 percent of their high school classes.

Highly rated artists, athletes, musicians, and actors are well-represented in the group. “As gifted as they are academically, these students are far from one-dimensional,” Nesbitt said. “I am constantly astounded by the array of talents, leadership, and accomplishments displayed outside the classroom. We’re excited about the energy they will bring to all aspects of the community.”

Early Decision applicants commit to attend Williams if admitted. Early Decision letters were released at 6 p.m. EST on Thursday, December 11. The Regular Decision application deadline is January 1, with notification in late March. Students admitted via the Regular Decision plan have until May 1 to decide whether or not they will attend.

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Founded in 1793, Williams College is the second-oldest institution of higher learning in Massachusetts. The college’s 2,000 students are taught by a faculty noted for the quality of their teaching and research, and the achievement of academic goals includes active participation of students with faculty in their research. Students’ educational experience is enriched by the residential campus environment in Williamstown, Mass., which provides a host of opportunities for interaction with one another and with faculty beyond the classroom. Admission decisions on U.S. applicants are made regardless of a student’s financial ability, and the college provides grants and other assistance to meet the demonstrated needs of all who are admitted.

Online:
williams.edu
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