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When I began the great college search, I had four main things that I was looking for:

1) Top quality education, not necessarily name
2) Something small
3) Nice student body, and just generally nice atmosphere
4) Diverse student body

Williams seems to meet the first 3 of these criteria perfectly, but what about the 4th, diversity? I know Williams has a reputation for being very homogeneous, but how little diversity is there?

By Interesteddad (Interesteddad) on Thursday, April 29, 2004 - 07:40 pm: Edit

Williams is more racially diverse than most schools. It's about 70% white. Given it's location, it's probably difficult to get much more diversity. They try as hard as anyone.

Among similar schools, Swarthmore is probably the most diverse at 62% white. The big difference is a much larger Asian enrollment. Also, Swat dumped their football team because it's nearly impossible for any small school admissions office to fill a varsity football team, and fully support affirmative action, and have any slots left over for a balanced class.

By Sunshine916 (Sunshine916) on Friday, April 30, 2004 - 12:43 am: Edit

honestly-when i went for Preview Weekend, yes Williams was racially diverse-there were the normal percentages of asians, african americans, etc. however, it seemed that the TYPE of student was for the most part, homogeneous. it didnt seem nearly as diverse as some of the other schools i've visited. nonetheless, its still more diverse than the majority of schools.

By Interesteddad (Interesteddad) on Friday, April 30, 2004 - 03:43 am: Edit

That was my experience many years ago. I would describe the student body as good, solid, friendly, well-rounded, bright suburban kids for the most part. Some kids from very wealthy families, whose names you would recognize. A few from lower economic backgrounds, most of whom didn't really feel like they fit in. Very few jerks. Not at all pretentious. Pretty mellow, easy-going place. Not too many eccentrics and a little too homogenous.

By Haon (Haon) on Saturday, May 01, 2004 - 01:19 am: Edit

I agree with everything previously said (haha)